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Not sure if I am happy at the new job
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Not sure if I am happy at the new job
Discuss workforce management, performance management, retention, communication, motivation, contributing to business results and other topics.
So, I started a new job as a Sr. Workforce Engagement Specialist focusing on our Labor Union on June 21, 2010 and for the first month and a half sat at my desk. All I could do was playonthe computer.
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Forums » Topic Forums » General Forum » Not sure if I am happy at the new job
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Not sure if I am happy at the new job
posted at 9/17/2010 3:58 AM EDT
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Posts: 46
First: 9/14/2005 Last: 5/23/2011 |
So, I started a new job as a Sr. Workforce Engagement Specialist focusing on our Labor Union on June 21, 2010 and for the first month and a half sat at my desk. All I could do was playonthe computer. BORED TO DEATH! I received absolutely no training or training plan. My other co-worker was set to go out on maternity (the one who would train me)& I knew she would leave early. The poor thing was having a hard time. In the meantime, I asked for things to do even helped our admin with clerical duties.
So after a month and half passes, my director finally says ok my co-worker can train you now. WHAT! Well my coworker went out on maternity early the next couple days. I mean it was evident that she was struggling. So now I am on my own figuring out things as they come. I told my manager who is just as new as me that I am getting frustrated. He said that he understood and apologize and said I wish I had more direction for you and myself. I feel like I am in limbo. I have started a few things and pretty much never that busy, which maybe a good thing, but still a little bored. I am noticing that this job is kind a step back for me dealing with unions and I don't do what I use to do and in the interview I was told I would. So this Tuesday my director rushes to me while she is in a meeting and asks for a report and leaves. I HAVE NO IDEA WHERE OR WHAT THIS REPORT IS! So after I ask the admin she tells me who to contact. Turns out the contact person is in a meeting and couldn't supply the report in a rush. So, the director in front of my peers just confronts me with a very angry face and a nasty tone of voice saying how she need that report NOW and the meeting was over. I was so embarrassed and mad. My co-worker was uncomfortable and gave me a hug and said how sorry she was for me. It was just unprofessional and unbelieveable. My director even pulled me into her office last week and said I can't read you, whats your deal; I am not sure if you like the job. I just have a bad taste in my mouth. I mean the company is great but there is an upcoming restructure coming and this director's personality is not my cup of tea. I have updated my resume and started to look again. Sorry for the venting but I just needed to get that out. |
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Not sure if I am happy at the new job
posted at 9/17/2010 4:53 AM EDT
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Posts: 544
First: 9/27/2004 Last: 9/13/2011 |
It sounds like you are in a position that the company doesn't take very seriously which means you will be ignored by those who are responsible for giving you direction and then they will deflect the blame onto you. If you have no clear direction or purpose, and haven't been able to gain organizational knowledge you have very little power or currancy in terms of the value you can offer this company.
It's a stupid game and you are being treated like a pawn. Eventually those in charge may have to answer for their neglect, but the powerful pieces always hide behind the pawns and pawns are expendable. What I'm saying is that it may be entirely their fault, but you will be the perfect fall guy - that is how these situations play out. If you don't take some steps to find a better job now, you may find yourself looking for one anyway. |
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Not sure if I am happy at the new job
posted at 9/17/2010 4:57 AM EDT
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Posts: 562
First: 11/12/2009 Last: 9/14/2011 |
Sounds like your boss is a major issue for you. Unless she's taken out in a reorg soon (probably a long shot), I think staying there is a huge mistake. Dust off the resume and get out now! |
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Not sure if I am happy at the new job
posted at 9/17/2010 7:31 AM EDT
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Posts: 1103
First: 3/16/2007 Last: 8/19/2011 |
Well maybe I am missing something but why did you play on the computer for 45 days? Did you ask your boss? Did you ask your "co-worker" Did you take any initiative beyond playing on the computer? |
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Not sure if I am happy at the new job
posted at 9/17/2010 8:32 AM EDT
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Posts: 544
First: 9/27/2004 Last: 9/13/2011 |
You have an excellent point HRpro, I reacted as an HRD advocate. It grieves me to see newcomers not get what they need to be successful. It's wasteful and irresponsible and even a little cruel.
But the position might be ambiguous because of restructuring so the employee has a duty to seek clarity. It's a matter of shifting the question from "what do you want me to do?" to "what are you doing and how can I help?" |
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Not sure if I am happy at the new job
posted at 9/17/2010 1:23 PM EDT
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Posts: 46
First: 9/14/2005 Last: 5/23/2011 |
Of course I asked! I asked my manager, peers, co-workers what can I do to help, assist or learn from others to help me learn my job and the operations. I did clerical duties such as filing, labeling, stuffing mail to help & learn more.
So why was I on the computer for 45 days because no put a plan together. No structure or support to learn. |
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Not sure if I am happy at the new job
posted at 9/17/2010 1:31 PM EDT
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Posts: 46
First: 9/14/2005 Last: 5/23/2011 |
I am not by any means a slacker or lazy but when you keep asking what I can do to support learn and it falls on deaf ears then what more can I do. I have been in HR for over 10 years now and have never seen such a introduction or lack of.
I just wanted to vent out wondering if I made a mistake of taking this job. I want to be challenged and work not sit bored for over a month. Now, today I received a coaching because I am doing things correctly. I have noproblem owning to mistakes my can get trained properly. My rebuttal to the managers were I have had no training! They agreed that I have not received formal training but just to try to do better. HUH! Therefore, I am more confused than ever and believe I need to move on. |
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Not sure if I am happy at the new job
posted at 9/20/2010 8:45 AM EDT
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Posts: 544
First: 9/27/2004 Last: 9/13/2011 |
Then you can feel secure that you have done all you can do, you work for a group of people who don't know what they want and who are having their own difficulties with ambiguity - when managers are freaked out and don't know what to do, they tend to hide from their responsibilities. This is what your situation sounds like to me, they are ignoring your needs and they are blaming you for things that were beyond your control.
I'm sorry you are going through this, like I said, it's a stupid game. But if you decide to stay you need be more assertive for your own sanity and professional growth. Have you tried searching through their archives (past reports and presentations, meeting minutes, etc.)? It may give you some insight into what they value and how they operate. It would give you an avenue to have a conversation about the work they do, what worked and what didn't, etc. and how your talents could fit with what they hope to achieve. |
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