Advice about work

[codiboo]

I have 30 years of work experience that includes 10 years of successfully running my own business. I recently relocated and the reason for the relocation was to be closer to our family and to also give me the opportunity to recharge and redirect what I really wanted to do with the second part of my life.

I started a new job three weeks ago as the corporate administrator for a division that was being revamped.During my first 10 days, the general manager who was supposed to bring me up to speed on everything.

I notice immediately that she ran hot and cold. One day she would be okay towards me and the next I couldn't do anything right. She found fault with the most simplelest of task I performed. I kinda figured her out by the fourth day there. She reallly is an ugly little woman with a bad attitude, overblown ego, control freak with insecurities and is disrespectful to everyone around her. I thought "what have I gotten myself into? and was considering quiting.

On the tenth day she flipped out and got herself fired and escorted out of the building. Then the other sales rep couldn't resolve where her loyalties laid and she quit on day 12. She started a few days after I did.

The president said it had been a long time coming and that everyone there had numerous problems with her and her performance and my treatment was not the deciding factor. He said he didn't like the fact that she had no respect for me and she really didn't want to hire me from the start. He said it was because of my past experience and the fact that I was secure in my abilities, she immediately knew the jig was up and all her misdealings would be discovered. That is why she acted out the way she did.

I am now a department of one---ME. The owner said he isn't hiring anyone until September, if then. Since the firing, I have done nothing but put out fires with customers, unscrambled paperwork and accounting nightmares. All of this on top of the duties outlined when I was hired in which was quite a list.

I am going in early and leaving late. Taking work home so I can catch up. I find that I am getting very exhausted, very quickly. My husband has even pointed out that I would back to working around the clock. He's trying to be supportive, but doesn't like it.

I only went back to work to pay off some small bills and because I was tired of staying home. I thought this position would be interesting. I didn't want a job full of stress and exhaustion. I just got out of that.

I don't know whether to hang in there and look at it as an opportunity or to start looking for something else. My salary has not been increase to make up for all the extra responsibilities. They only give raises on merit and as the president sees fit. Should I approach this subject with him?

Any advice would be welcomed at this point.

[bluepoydras]

Hi Codiboo,

The place sounds absolutely horrible! You say you changed jobs to be closer to family and redirect your goals for the second part of your life. The corporate culture at this job sounds incredibly abusive -- and from what you describe, it isn't bound to change anytime soon. Why focus on a salary increase when money doesn't appear to be a critical issue? Stick to your original goals. With your lengthy job experience, you are bound to find something more suitable to your interests, temperment and lifestyle. Don't waste another minute of your valuable time in a position that saps your energy and spirit. Take the hint from your husband...I think he's onto something!

[codiboo]

Since the dust has settled some I am discovering that the company is not that bad of a place to work. The entire vibe has changed. When I started there was a frantic and very negative feeling. With the removal of those two people there have been more enjoyable days than unpleasant this past couple of weeks. Everyone is more relaxed and are more productive. I have noticed a difference in the clients as well.

The owner called me in and we had a lengthy discussion about everything that has happened and how I felt about it. He says he is truly sorry and says he wants for nothing more than for everyone to enjoy working there and to be fulfilled. He takes the time everyday to have one-on-one time with everyone. He has apologized to each of us personally and to the clients who were mishandled.

Everyday he ask me "What do you like about your job?" I find that I am having more positive replies. He is willing to give me the time needed to get the division back on track with policies and procedures in place. He said he isn't filling the two positions until I give the go ahead and is asking for my constant imput and feedback.

He called me in today and said he feels he made the "right choice" in hiring me and that my performance has been outstanding considering all that has transpired. He also reported that a number of the clients have called just to tell him the I am a "Customer Service Goddess" and confirmed he made the right decisions.

I've decided that I am going to just take it a week at a time and see how it goes for now.

[boltnut55]

Hi. In case you're still reading, I wanted to encourage you to stick it out at least a little bit before you decide to quit. It does look like things are getting better anyway. What sounded encouraging to me was the acknowledgements from the President in the beginning (I can't remember the specifics), which gave the impression that he understood that now the problem employees are gone, we're going to start fresh.

It also sounds like the President is really trying hard to reach out to his employees, always a good thing... even if he isn't truly sincere, if he keeps it up, hopefully he will discover that it's indeed a great thing to be able to connect with your employees.

At some point, if you feel comfortable, you want want to approach him to tell him about your initial goals of returning to work ... again, I can't remember the details, but along the lines of keeping balance between family and work/stress, so that he truly knows and understands and also ask about a possible increase, but be prepared to remind him of the great things you have already done (the C/S Goddess!).

Take care.