Is this a management style or am I about to lose my job?
November 28th, 2008 | by Anthony |Yousif (Joe) R asked:
This is really tough to explain, but, there has been a change in management and I have a new boss… I have proven my self several times and did well on several projects… they told me that they wanted me to stay and that they were going to let me apply for a higher position by the end of this month…
But now, they keep telling me to wait - I’m really getting mixed messages from my boss… sometimes I get the feeling I’m going to be forced to leave when my contract ends, and other times I am reassured that I will be getting the promotion…
I’m really getting stressed out, and I am scampering to line up another job in case they make me leave…
I am and have been EXTREMELY stressed these past few months… I really don’t know how to explain it, but I’m actually starting to feel jitters and pain from all this stress… do you think I’m going to have to find a new job or am I going to stay? Sometimes I have a feeling they are going to sell me out… other times I feel optimistic…
Is my boss doing this on purpose?
RICO
3 Responses to “Is this a management style or am I about to lose my job?”
By Sweet S on Nov 28, 2008 | Reply
I went through similar situation you are a couple weeks back. The “will they” or “won’t they” game… it is nerve racking! Try not to allow them to stress you like that, though I know that’s easier said then done…
For me, I did put my resume out there and talk to recruiters “just in case” and got some interviews, but the not knowing is still a bummer…
Here’s my advice: If/when they start bringing the potential promotion again, ask them if you can get it in writing. Or perhaps to at least get your contract extended in writing (when exactly does that end?). If they seem hesitant to do that, that my be a red flag. Companies talk the talk, but will they walk the walk. Your boss MAY be doing it on purpose, yes, but it’s probably b/c he/she doesn’t even know what is going on either…. Are you in an industry that is highly affected by the economy? If so and things feel weird, I definitely say continue your search.
I know its a scary thought to lose your job, but it’s far worse when you’re not prepared for it. For me, they ended up giving me 4 weeks severance with a bonus and help to find a new job, which was more than I could have hoped for at time when people are being let go with nothihg. Having said that, the job market is still really rough and find a new job is an involving process that is best to start as soon as you possibly can. In any case, I was glad to at least finally “know” and was relieved I had went ahead and put my resume out there when I had my suspicions so that I had gotten the ball rolling…
You have to think about YOU first! What’s best for you? I don’t think you should quit until you know, but if you do by chance find something better, and even, permanent (since you say you’re on contract), I don’t think you should look back either. No one, ,no company, should make you feel the way you do now. It’s not fair to you.
By camilleyun on Nov 30, 2008 | Reply
I’ve been in a similar situation and know exactly what you mean about the stress level. My best advice to you is to try and put money back and create or update your resume. I’m not suggesting that you may lose your job but if you should, you will at least have these things in place. By reminding yourself you have these things in place, it may help to reduce your stress level a bit. Continue to do your best in your current position so that if you should lose your job you know it’s not because you didn’t exercise your best efforts. As for your manager, it’s hard to say- it’s possible even he doesn’t know what his decision will be..
I really do understand where you are coming from and wish you the best of luck. Like I said continue on but be prepared and then just accept the situation for what it is and have some confidence that whatever the outcome, you have done well to try and move forward. Don’t let the stress overcome you to the point that it affects your health.
By funketybucket on Dec 3, 2008 | Reply
Be straight forward, tell him you would like to know if you should be looking for another job. That way when your contract expires you don’t get booted out with out atleast a good start on finding another job. It sounds like your new manager is a little immature and deceptive. But I don’t know him so I can’t say for sure. Remember to be friendly about it though, not giving ultimatums and etc.