I'm still drained and exhausted and frustrated but it's about time I just sucked it up and gave you an update about what's going on a work that's draining me then hopefully my creative juices will start flowing again. I typically don't like to talk about things that are bothering me; I haven't even really explained to WG2 what's been going on.
Three weeks ago our special events manager quit. Not only was she one of my good work friends, she was also my mentor. I've mentioned before that I am interested in working in events and she was helping me learn the business and gave me the opportunity to get more involved in our event planning for the magazine. I was upset that she was leaving but I also realized that perhaps this could mean something good for my career. I got her blessing and she helped me script a conversation with my boss to ask to be considered for her job. Now, as an assistant, going to manager is a big job and it's not one that happens often.
I spoke to my (female) boss. I told her that my interest is in events, that I'd like to be considered for this position even though I'm just an assistant. My biggest argument is that I've been doing coordinator work from day one and that I know for a fact that I've helped improve our department. We're a big magazine but at the end of the day, we just don't have that many events. I could handle it. She told me that my title would be changing to coordinator soon and that once they post the events position as open, we can discuss further.
Last week I met with both of my bosses for my newly implemented weekly meeting with them. They told me what a great job I have been doing and they said that they want to keep me at the magazine and keep me happy. Then they told me they were changing my title to marketing coordinator. They said this was a step in the direction I want to go and they are right. I was happy about this until I realized I want more.
First, it would have been nice to also get a raise. Second, I want the events job. Third, I'm so over the work I've been doing. I manage monthly programs which was fun when I started because they were mine and I could see the finished product and be proud. Then they became a challenge (in a good way) to improve and master. Now, they are repetitive and boring.
My "promotion" hasn't been announced and that's frustrating me too. Can a Working Girl get a little recognition? But the most frustrating thing about it is that nothing but my title is changing. My job description is the same as it was when I started; I don't even have new projects to get excited about. I'm ready for something new and I'm not getting that. I thought, for a few days, that I was just in a funk. Unfortunately, I can't chalk this up to a funk and hope to wake up feel better about the situation tomorrow. I'm truly frustrated, drained, bored and I don't know what to do about it...
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26 comments:
That just sucks. A "promotion" in title only is just lip service. I think there's nothing wrong with continuing to lobby for the position you truly want- then your bosses will realize that you're onto their BS.
Hi Working Girl One!
Your laments sound familiar--I quit my job as executive assistant extraordinaire because I was just bored silly. Don't you just love workplace politics? Tell that boss lady you're dead serious about the events position and you can bring the same level of dedication and attention to detail that they've seen from you already.
My advice: tell your bosses about your frustrations. Put it to them the same way -- make sure they are aware of your career goals and your interests and let them know what you are looking for in your job. They won't be able to help you unless you make sure you they're aware of exactly what you want. Spell it out. But also be ready to accept that you might not get everything you want down to the detail - but it sounds like even a compromise would be nice.
Good luck. I've been in a similar position myself and it's tough to deal with when new to the working world.
What you're feeling is the need to move on. When I've experienced that feeling in the past, it take a while to recognize it, admit it, and then do something about it. You've grown bored with your job and maybe just a little too comfortable...which makes it hard to get motivated to start looking. We all like the familiar surroundings and our daily routines and it can be difficult to change. But do yourself a favor and start looking. It may be just what you need to get yourself reenergized to move onward...and upward!! :)
Sounds like you need to start job hunting! Either you'll find another amazing job that will recognize your worth...or you'll get another job offer and can at least use it to negotiate a raise, etc. with your current job!
Doesn't hurt to see what else is out there, good luck and I hope things start to improve!
I recently dealt with the same situation at my job...so here's a friendly suggestion, although a little risky.
More often than not, higher ups are more impressed by actions than words. If there is an activity or event that you can be proactive about, and prove to them you can do the job, that is better than all the talking you could do to ecpress your interest. The pitfall is that you may end up doing more without the more money, more title, more respect. You have to stand firm!
I hear you.
My boss just quit, too. While it would be a two-position jump for me to fill his shoes, I would like to be recognized for taking on all the crap he left behind.
And what's worse? Being told by senior management that they consider you a manager in the department already. Um, that's nice and all, but I'd like to actually get the title and PAID for it!
Sheesh.
Greeting WG1; I feel your pain--you're homesick, not growing with the company. But there are pros and cons to climbing the corporate ladder. Take it from me--I worked in marketing and events--it's more work and responsibility. While you earn more,there is less time for you. Based on your outpouring in previous posts, I encourage you to follow your heart--move back to Chicago, be closer to family, and apply for another job. I left a $72K paying job and make almost half of that BUT I have BALANCE--I have a life and time to pursue my passions. But I also know how to manage money and not spend more than I earn. Things are going well. Good luck--Christine http://aboutchristinemichaels@blogspot.com
Wow, that sounds frustrating. They're probably only changing your title to keep you happy for the time being. They should realize that you are smart enough to see right through that. Stick to your guns and fight for what you want, but make sure you don't burn any bridges.
You shouldn't be satisfied with that title, it seems like your bosses are only trying to win some time. Maybe they have a feeling that you will quit, and they want to keep you there this way. I would seriously consider giving up on your job. Always ask yourself what makes you happy, and then decide.
I totally get the funk feeling. I wrote about it myself today.
I'm cheering for you. I'm sure you'll get through it soon.
Wow, that sucks about you job situation. Sounds like your obviously ready for some new challenges. Maybe it's time to put some feelers out and see what is opening up on the job market front.
It's really hard to not get the money or recognition you deserve. I hope your superiors wake up soon and realize what they're doing.
At least you had the guts to go to them in the first place. I'd say wait it out until the opening gets posted and put your name in. If you apply and are remotely qualified, they're required to consider/interview you for the position. You've made it known that you want the job, but the ball is only kind of in their court. You have the next play once they advertise that job as open for the taking. And that's your chance to plead your case and go for what you want. I hate stressful days/weeks/months at the office, so I can totally relate.
Sounds like they are trying to keep you "happy" without giving you anything. Don't let them fool you. If you want a real promotion you need to be strong and address it again. Don't let too much time pass and don't fall for the "title" change that doesn't come with anything!
I know how you are feeling WG1
It seems the way the economy is going many people are overall done with the whole thing! I was going to work today and started to think that damn... everyone walking beside me doe snot have a choice really they have to go to work but most of them didn't look to pleased about it. I felt like a zombie.
I wish you luck on the position, it is usually about who you know and being that you have a nice connect you should be fine keep us posted!
Zanade
Congrats on the sorta-promotion at least. Hope it all works out for the best and at least you have a fancy new title.
oh honey, I really hope that you find what you're looking for ! All the best and I hope you feel better soon xxx
I feel your pain. My situation is a little different though. I found out I was the lowest paid assistant by a lot and for my qualifications. So I gathered up all my courage, made some awesome arguments, and asked for that raise. I got the raise, however because no one in our h.r. dept likes to work, raises only happen at the beginning of the fiscal year, which just passed of course. I now have to wait until next July to get my raise!
It almost sounds to me that WG2 is in the same position as you, just with different aspirations -- Sounds to me like both of you are in what I like to call a "transition time" -- Times in our lives like these cause us to really take step back and reevaluate who, what, where and when we want... what we're actually doing to get there and really evaluate life's next steps -- While it seems like one of the hardest and most frustrating times in life, it's actually creating in you the strength, wisdom and maturity for your next move -- I believe in you :)
It sounds like you're valued at your job - if they don't want to lose you they'll give you that much deserved raise/job and if they don't do that then maybe its time to move on. You're always better off working somewhere in a job that helps you grow.
That sucks! Hang in there. Maybe those clowns will realize how great you are!
i have read a lot of the comments and many seem to tell you it is time to move on or look for another job....
that may be true, but may I suggest you step back a little and look at the bigger picture...
try to look at what you have, not what you don't have....
getting the title before the money is so so so normal it is scary...
....as is something else that has happened to you ...which is you have been given and taken on more work than others.....because mgt gives it to you because they know it will get done right by you...
...yeah, you get the shaft....but be patient!!!
....take it slow and let it come to you.........
take some time, breathe.....and be grateful for what you've got....if you do that.. you will be surprised at things that will just happen good....naturally!
Hi, i love reading your posts. please read my new one called RESPECT. Leave a comment or pass the word along that respect needs to talked about! Thanks and have a great day!
xxoo
adrian
I would definitely keep gunning for the higher up position! And let your bosses know that while you appreciate the "promotion," you'd like to be more challenged and given more responsibility.
If that doesn't work, I'd say get out of there!
i understand what your going through. i fought and fought with my previous supervisor to get up the ladder through that division and it never happened... so i went to another division... sure enough, i got the job which is a promotion and a nice junk of a salary raise -- 99% of the time when these things happen thier is a huge announcement and all kinds of crap congratulations, etc...
yea, i'm the 1% that didn't happen.
and now they act like i don't even matter --bullshit!! --i've been thinking that i want to find a different job, but think i need to stick with this one for a few more years to try and make my job stability look even better
ok! enough with my rantings... good luck to you!!
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