Crappy situation at work, need advice please...
Discussion
Hoping someone can help me with some solid advice here.
I work for a small, quite well known fashion house and have done for 11 years. Now in that time to company has grown a lot. I handle all the IT, network, day to day IT troubleshooting, I built and maintain the website which is really successful. In addition to all that for about the last 8 years I have taken all the company product shots which, over the years, have appeared in countless trade publications and catalogues worldwide as well as all over the web.
Before I embarked on this the company didn't have any quality product photography. So I took that on because it was clearly a business need. They are the most awful parsimonious lot. They refuse to spend any money on equipment, software etc. So I have found ways round that. Really I have bent over backwards to give them this service which is orders of magnitude better than anyone could reasonably expect given the amount of money they are prepared to throw at it. For a significant period at the beginning I used my own camera and equipment!
Anyway they eventually bought me a Nikon D70 but that was nicked in a robbery before Christmas.
Now it seems the product photography is to be outsourced to someone whose only qualification is, as far as I can see, is that she is a friend of our newest employee who is regarded as a bit of a golden girl.
There isn't any real business argument for doing it but that's not the point. What is doing my head in is that there has been no consultation with me whatsoever. I gave them this, I invented it, I poured my own resources into it. I would have thought, even as a courtesy, the least they could do would be to involve me in any discussion about removing this role and handing it over to a third party. I feel like I've gone from being a stakeholder to an ordinary employee in one fell swoop but that's clearly rubbish because, without me, they would have had to spend tens of thousands on product photography without the convenience of having it turned round in double quick time.
They have not replaced the stolen equipment.
It's doing my head in. It's humiliating as well because for years people have been relying on me to respond at short notice to their photography needs. We have won numerous orders on the basis of my shots. They are used all the time and their is a constant demand for them from PR people, magazines and whatnot.
I know I need to do something about this but I really feel stuck. I don't know what the best way forward is.
Sorry about the long post. I probably haven't got a leg to stand on but I thought it was worth asking in case there's anything about outsourcing or COMMON DECENCY that might apply.
Malc
I work for a small, quite well known fashion house and have done for 11 years. Now in that time to company has grown a lot. I handle all the IT, network, day to day IT troubleshooting, I built and maintain the website which is really successful. In addition to all that for about the last 8 years I have taken all the company product shots which, over the years, have appeared in countless trade publications and catalogues worldwide as well as all over the web.
Before I embarked on this the company didn't have any quality product photography. So I took that on because it was clearly a business need. They are the most awful parsimonious lot. They refuse to spend any money on equipment, software etc. So I have found ways round that. Really I have bent over backwards to give them this service which is orders of magnitude better than anyone could reasonably expect given the amount of money they are prepared to throw at it. For a significant period at the beginning I used my own camera and equipment!
Anyway they eventually bought me a Nikon D70 but that was nicked in a robbery before Christmas.
Now it seems the product photography is to be outsourced to someone whose only qualification is, as far as I can see, is that she is a friend of our newest employee who is regarded as a bit of a golden girl.
There isn't any real business argument for doing it but that's not the point. What is doing my head in is that there has been no consultation with me whatsoever. I gave them this, I invented it, I poured my own resources into it. I would have thought, even as a courtesy, the least they could do would be to involve me in any discussion about removing this role and handing it over to a third party. I feel like I've gone from being a stakeholder to an ordinary employee in one fell swoop but that's clearly rubbish because, without me, they would have had to spend tens of thousands on product photography without the convenience of having it turned round in double quick time.
They have not replaced the stolen equipment.
It's doing my head in. It's humiliating as well because for years people have been relying on me to respond at short notice to their photography needs. We have won numerous orders on the basis of my shots. They are used all the time and their is a constant demand for them from PR people, magazines and whatnot.
I know I need to do something about this but I really feel stuck. I don't know what the best way forward is.
Sorry about the long post. I probably haven't got a leg to stand on but I thought it was worth asking in case there's anything about outsourcing or COMMON DECENCY that might apply.
Malc
Dont think the normal rules of TUPE apply, as the photography is an adjunct to your role in IT, so no use looking to move yourself across to the new lot.
If sensible and rational talking to them hasn't worked (i.e. why are you outsourcing a service that doesnt cost you anything, as its encompassed by me?), then I'd suggest its time to let them learn their own lessons, as turnarond times soar, customer enquiries go unanswered by the outsourced parties, and people generally get more and more unhappy. You might want to polish the CV at the same time, as it cant be long before they outsource more traditional things. Like IT supprt, especially if their IT bloke has been busy snapping things half the day
As far as things like honour go, they are simply going to claim that as it was done during work hours, its all their IP, sorry.
If sensible and rational talking to them hasn't worked (i.e. why are you outsourcing a service that doesnt cost you anything, as its encompassed by me?), then I'd suggest its time to let them learn their own lessons, as turnarond times soar, customer enquiries go unanswered by the outsourced parties, and people generally get more and more unhappy. You might want to polish the CV at the same time, as it cant be long before they outsource more traditional things. Like IT supprt, especially if their IT bloke has been busy snapping things half the day
As far as things like honour go, they are simply going to claim that as it was done during work hours, its all their IP, sorry.
randlemarcus said:
Dont think the normal rules of TUPE apply, as the photography is an adjunct to your role in IT, so no use looking to move yourself across to the new lot.
If sensible and rational talking to them hasn't worked (i.e. why are you outsourcing a service that doesnt cost you anything, as its encompassed by me?), then I'd suggest its time to let them learn their own lessons, as turnarond times soar, customer enquiries go unanswered by the outsourced parties, and people generally get more and more unhappy. You might want to polish the CV at the same time, as it cant be long before they outsource more traditional things. Like IT supprt, especially if their IT bloke has been busy snapping things half the day
As far as things like honour go, they are simply going to claim that as it was done during work hours, its all their IP, sorry.
Thanks mate. Yes you're right. It's just galling that I have played such a big part in where they are now and they treat me like shoyt. Wouldn't surprise me if they got some IT bloke that the MD met down at the croquet club who knows less than one tenth of what I know. CV is being buffed as we speak.If sensible and rational talking to them hasn't worked (i.e. why are you outsourcing a service that doesnt cost you anything, as its encompassed by me?), then I'd suggest its time to let them learn their own lessons, as turnarond times soar, customer enquiries go unanswered by the outsourced parties, and people generally get more and more unhappy. You might want to polish the CV at the same time, as it cant be long before they outsource more traditional things. Like IT supprt, especially if their IT bloke has been busy snapping things half the day
As far as things like honour go, they are simply going to claim that as it was done during work hours, its all their IP, sorry.
Malc
Having employed a few people who didn't even do what they were supposed to I would say your employers are fools. They should appreciate the "extras" you have thrown in and should have rewarded you for them.
Many moons ago I worked for someone who didn't appreciate what I did for them and as a direct result I ended up moving on and working for myself.
Not saying that is what you should do but sometimes we all need a wake up call
Many moons ago I worked for someone who didn't appreciate what I did for them and as a direct result I ended up moving on and working for myself.
Not saying that is what you should do but sometimes we all need a wake up call
randlemarcus said:
Dont think the normal rules of TUPE apply, as the photography is an adjunct to your role in IT, so no use looking to move yourself across to the new lot.
If sensible and rational talking to them hasn't worked (i.e. why are you outsourcing a service that doesnt cost you anything, as its encompassed by me?), then I'd suggest its time to let them learn their own lessons, as turnarond times soar, customer enquiries go unanswered by the outsourced parties, and people generally get more and more unhappy. You might want to polish the CV at the same time, as it cant be long before they outsource more traditional things. Like IT supprt, especially if their IT bloke has been busy snapping things half the day
As far as things like honour go, they are simply going to claim that as it was done during work hours, its all their IP, sorry.
What has TUPE got to do with it? Have I missed the bit where the company has new owners?If sensible and rational talking to them hasn't worked (i.e. why are you outsourcing a service that doesnt cost you anything, as its encompassed by me?), then I'd suggest its time to let them learn their own lessons, as turnarond times soar, customer enquiries go unanswered by the outsourced parties, and people generally get more and more unhappy. You might want to polish the CV at the same time, as it cant be long before they outsource more traditional things. Like IT supprt, especially if their IT bloke has been busy snapping things half the day
As far as things like honour go, they are simply going to claim that as it was done during work hours, its all their IP, sorry.
Deva Link said:
Perhaps they think that, with all your other duties, they're doing you a favour by getting someone else to take the snaps?
Or perhaps they think that, since they already take advantage of you with impunity that they can do what they please and divvy up some of your work to mates/family members in need of a hobby.I suggest you polish up your CV, look elsewhere, and let the s
t hit the fan when the pretty face with no experience can't match the quality and performance provided by yourself.If you haven't already then I'd put some backdoors into the wesite and IT systems and remember that revenge (if required) is much easier if you plan it in advance.
Re the photography I think you would be best to go to the directors and say you're 'disappointed' by the decision but as photography is not in your job description you accept it. And then make it clear that you will never lift a camera to help them again.
Re the photography I think you would be best to go to the directors and say you're 'disappointed' by the decision but as photography is not in your job description you accept it. And then make it clear that you will never lift a camera to help them again.
Ribol said:
Having employed a few people who didn't even do what they were supposed to I would say your employers are fools. They should appreciate the "extras" you have thrown in and should have rewarded you for them.
Many moons ago I worked for someone who didn't appreciate what I did for them and as a direct result I ended up moving on and working for myself.
Not saying that is what you should do but sometimes we all need a wake up call
Tell you what man, I have given 110%, more. In every area not just the fecking photography. There is a weird jealousy problem going on. My md is always chafing at me about the photography - the time it takes etc. Then whenever there is a need to shoot some interior - House of Fraser or whatever he takes it upon himself to do that and the results are awful. The last time it happened: We have a new shop in the West End so he got me to set up the camera for 'point and shoot' and off he went. The shots were so awful that I had to go and redo them myself. Everyone liked mine, they went on the web, the press used them. Go figure. I'm not blowing my own trumpet but I'm a pro. I know photography. I knew photography before I even joined the company. What's his beef?Many moons ago I worked for someone who didn't appreciate what I did for them and as a direct result I ended up moving on and working for myself.
Not saying that is what you should do but sometimes we all need a wake up call
Leave 'em to it.
When they are getting fed up of dealing with the screw ups and come back to you with their cap in hand, ask for a healthy raise as they can now see what a valued member of staff you are, and deserve to be paid accordingly!
In the meantime, as your shots seem to be held in high regard, I would perhaps start sending out some feelers to other firms, etc - people that know your work and might be more grateful to have you on board.
When they are getting fed up of dealing with the screw ups and come back to you with their cap in hand, ask for a healthy raise as they can now see what a valued member of staff you are, and deserve to be paid accordingly!
In the meantime, as your shots seem to be held in high regard, I would perhaps start sending out some feelers to other firms, etc - people that know your work and might be more grateful to have you on board.
malc_di said:
Ribol said:
Having employed a few people who didn't even do what they were supposed to I would say your employers are fools. They should appreciate the "extras" you have thrown in and should have rewarded you for them.
Many moons ago I worked for someone who didn't appreciate what I did for them and as a direct result I ended up moving on and working for myself.
Not saying that is what you should do but sometimes we all need a wake up call
Tell you what man, I have given 110%, more. In every area not just the fecking photography. There is a weird jealousy problem going on. My md is always chafing at me about the photography - the time it takes etc. Then whenever there is a need to shoot some interior - House of Fraser or whatever he takes it upon himself to do that and the results are awful. The last time it happened: We have a new shop in the West End so he got me to set up the camera for 'point and shoot' and off he went. The shots were so awful that I had to go and redo them myself. Everyone liked mine, they went on the web, the press used them. Go figure. I'm not blowing my own trumpet but I'm a pro. I know photography. I knew photography before I even joined the company. What's his beef?Many moons ago I worked for someone who didn't appreciate what I did for them and as a direct result I ended up moving on and working for myself.
Not saying that is what you should do but sometimes we all need a wake up call
I would move on, or at least threaten to so they cough up a bit more for you to humour them
PaulHogan said:
If you haven't already then I'd put some backdoors into the wesite and IT systems and remember that revenge (if required) is much easier if you plan it in advance.
Re the photography I think you would be best to go to the directors and say you're 'disappointed' by the decision but as photography is not in your job description you accept it. And then make it clear that you will never lift a camera to help them again.
I did think about it. A while back I came across something that as far as I can find out is completely undocumented but will shut down a domain controller and would be almost impossible to troubleshoot. Seriously though I have written rather a strong email to the directors explaining my feelings. So this will be an interesting day.Re the photography I think you would be best to go to the directors and say you're 'disappointed' by the decision but as photography is not in your job description you accept it. And then make it clear that you will never lift a camera to help them again.
oldbanger said:
malc_di said:
What's his beef?
Bad managers are generally bad because they can't handle people being better than them (an inevitable fact of life). I suggest that's probably the issue here. Move on as soon as is practical/possible, and let them sink.
So although it may suck now, just remember that you've got loads of useful experiences, realised all bosses are disloyal a
holes and go and jub hunt elsewhere.I'm sure they will produce a case for not continuing using you as the photographer, the cost of the replacement Camera, the time away from your key role, potential additional insurance liabilities etc. A company can always find ways round honouring a none contractual arrangement, if you want to keep doing the photography look else where.
Thanks for all the messages. Top bunch on Pistonheads. I have always said so. Anyway I have had an apology and an invitation to a lunch meeting to discuss the matter. However I saw the patronising message from director 1 to director 2 before that came my way. Fckn idiot. I administer the mail servers. I can see all the mail coing into and going out of the company.
malc_di said:
Thanks for all the messages. Top bunch on Pistonheads. I have always said so. Anyway I have had an apology and an invitation to a lunch meeting to discuss the matter. However I saw the patronising message from director 1 to director 2 before that came my way. Fckn idiot. I administer the mail servers. I can see all the mail coing into and going out of the company.
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