Advice needed

Discussion in 'Employment & Jobs' started by Leehaa, Jan 30, 2008.

  1. Leehaa

    Leehaa Gigabyte Poster

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    Hi,

    Having a bit of difficulty at work at the moment. We have been told that we are "not up to scratch"

    There have been some new revisions on SLAs etc - deadlines are much tighter or there will be penalties etc. We have also taken on more work - more sites covered.

    I asked if it was possible to have a one to one meeting (like an appraisal) to discuss the various issues raised, as I would like to show them my performance statistics - for example, I my performance has gone up a lot in terms of call resolution, and the types of calls I am fixing (fixing server issues, more administration - got a lot more technical etc). I wanted to point this out. But it's all kind of been "shunned" not considered important at the moment...yet we keep being told that we are underperforming still.

    I feel really uncomfortable as I know I have come on so well. I am starting to feel like whatever we do isn't good enough - eg there was one issue where I called the boss (Md who used to be an IT manager so helps out with some of the really hard issues), but he said I should have emailed him...so I took that on board, and then emailed him at a later point for another similar issue...he said I should have called....I guess the simple solution would be to do both, but because we are so busy, it's not always possible...

    I know there have been times that I have come here and said I wanted to leave as I was unsure I'd be able to take on so much, plus I had an issue with my salary etc...but I stayed as the company on the whole was good - like the people, like the experience i'm getting...

    ...however it's now come to the point where we (me and my colleague) have taken on a lot more, are performing to our max, but are still being told that the performance is "not as good as it was"...we have lost 2 key members of the support team, and someone who used to jump in when we needed him (due to cutting costs) which doesn't help matters (as the work we are expected to do now is more than it was when the extra members were there)...

    ...It has now come to the point where, due to the extra work taken on, we have been told we need to do a lot more site visits accross the UK. I don't mind this, but I can't afford it. My car is on a finance deal that only allows for a certain amount of mileage each year, and my salary is not enough to support my extra travelling and willl not be changing (as far as I know). We can claim 20p per mile (and I think that tax can be claimed back at end of year, so not so bad), but the main thing is "wear and tare"...I would be out of pocket if I do the extras with my car....I'm not sure where I stand with this though...

    Any ideas on what I should do? I have asked if it is possible to use a hire car for long journeys and am waiting to hear back...but where do I stand? It's such a shame as I don't want to be on bad terms with the bosses, but I need to let them know I will be struggling with the new change...

    Cheers,

    Lee
     
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  2. onoski

    onoski Terabyte Poster

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    Unfortunately, the only way round this type of job related change is exactly what you're thinking of doing sitting with the decision maker and airing you concerns.

    On the other hand you can tidy up your CV and start looking for some where else as you have gained valuable experience and it's very much transferable.

    Best wishes:) and don't stress.
     
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  3. TimoftheC

    TimoftheC Kilobyte Poster

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    Seems a pretty shitty position Lee :(

    If it were me, I would be insisting on a meeting with my boss(es) to find out exactly what is going on. What areas of MY work were they unhappy about and what their intentions are (are they running the entire thing down by not replacing the peeps that have left)? Where do I stand with the company -is there a future for me?

    I suppose it also depends on how desperate you want to remain working there. I've always had the opinion that if I'm not happy at work I do something about it which is either: -

    Talk it out and resolve what’s going on OR
    Sulk and complain until someone listens OR
    Vote with my feet and go elsewhere

    The last one gets a little harder as you get older unfortunately.

    I would certainly recommend arranging a personal chat with whoever is in charge and find out where you stand and try to get some reassurances. If they refuse to talk to you or refuse to give the reassurances your after, maybe its time to look elsewhere.

    Oh and the 20p per mile is a little crap – we get paid 45p per mile here (solicitors office) – well not me personally as I never go anywhere
     
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  4. Sparky
    Highly Decorated Member Award 500 Likes Award

    Sparky Zettabyte Poster Moderator

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    Actually you sound like you are in the same position as what I am, you love the job but you are getting worked into the ground and I guess you are undervalued by your employer.

    Ask for a car allowance if you are going to use your own car, you should get around £2k for this and you can claim your petrol on top of that as well. Hire cars can become expensive. I only use a hire car for our clients that are based around London. I fly to the closest airport and then get a hire car.

    Just to add the site visits can seriously *harm* your SLAs. Is there a reason why you are doing more? Does your boss want you just to maintain a good relationship with the customer? If so then you do need more cover back at the office as if your colleague is working on a difficult problem he\she will easily get overworked. Somebody in first line just to log calls etc and do some basic troubleshooting would make a world of difference.

    As for the phone\email thing to your boss ask him what problems should be emailed to him and what problems merit a phone call. Job done! 8)
     
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  5. JohnBradbury

    JohnBradbury Kilobyte Poster

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    I'd sit down with your manager and make it clear what your concerns are. Whilst I don't want to be negative it's my experience that once this stuff starts happening you're better off prepping the old CV.
     
  6. GiddyG

    GiddyG Terabyte Poster Gold Member

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    Why did the 2 guys leave? Any ideas? Where did they go? Do you still keep in contact, and do they know of any jobs going where they are?

    To be honest, it sounds as though your employer is taking on too much across the spread, presumably maximising income (for them), and putting pressure on you and your colleagues to maintain or exceed existing standards...

    I would do as a number of the others have suggested and ask for a 'one to one'.

    By the way, 20p per mile is naff. I can get 28p and, sometimes 40p, for use of my own car depending on whether other cars are available for use.
     
  7. grim

    grim Gigabyte Poster

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    speak to your manager and see what can be done. they might up the pence per mile or help with servicing etc.

    did they specify you had to have your own transportation when you applied for the job ? if not start getting a lift to work and they'll soon have to supply transport ;)

    Grim
     
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  8. Colin1

    Colin1 Byte Poster

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    Hya Leeha,

    Sounds to me like that you have got some right pieces of work in your place!! I dont know the ins and outs of your situation but I do realise that it must be an extremley stressful time for your and your work colleauges. The only solution is to look at is as an experience, which can only make you stronger and better prepare yourself for the future.

    "The future" is where I beleive you should now be looking towards, its obvious that your MD and the other powers that be have no faith in what your trying to do, so MOVE ON!! make them sorry they treated such an important and obviously talented individual like s**t. Life is tough sometimes (You dont need me to tell you that), but its not the edn of the world, with your experience gained and your knowledge grown you can show them that you dont need them and move on from there. Thats my advice anyway for what it worth.

    Good Luck Leeha - dont let them make you feel inadequte because your not, whenever you feel like you are not "good enough" check your signature on the forums because its pretty impressive!

    Keep Smiling

    C :)
     
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  9. Toadeh

    Toadeh Nibble Poster

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    Sounds like someone is leaning on your manager and he is passing it down to you guys. Possibly from the board. Has he annoyed anyone recently?
     
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  10. Leehaa

    Leehaa Gigabyte Poster

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    It's such a tough one isn't it - sounds like you've been having a bad time of it lately too. Even if there was just one more person to help out... we are just about keeping on top of things, but it is really hard work...and like you say, if someone is out of the office, things build up again. I took two days off recently for bday + interviews, then more than made up for the time in the week after...My colleague is working to his max too.

    I will certainly ask for an allowance or something - the problem is getting time to sit down and talk about it. The big boss is always out and about. We have loads of interest and he's always out at meetings, signing deals etc...

    ...I have been attending interviews and had some offers, but sadly I have had to cancel one of the second interviews for a job I really liked as there was no time left to take off!! I am waiting to hear back on one that would be my "dream" job, but haven't had the time to put my all into even that. Moving house next week - packing in the evenings and have just one day off to do it in (that is my fault cos I took loads off to get married, and for other interviews), but wow - well stressed at the mo!! However, we got a bigger house so we can have one room as a study and I can build PCs, start learning stuff in it - YAY!8) Then when new financial year comes, I can start looking properly if nothing comes of my current role!!
     
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  11. Sparky
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    Sparky Zettabyte Poster Moderator

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    If that happens again perhaps ask for an interview after 5 o’clock? Some companies are willing to do that, one of my workmates had an interview at 5:30pm as he couldn’t get the time off either.
     
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  12. Leehaa

    Leehaa Gigabyte Poster

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    Didn't think of that - lol!! :oops: Cheers :D
     
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  13. BosonMichael
    Honorary Member Highly Decorated Member Award 500 Likes Award

    BosonMichael Yottabyte Poster

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    To be honest, if you aren't allowed an opportunity to discuss this with your boss... it sounds like it's time to move on. You love your job... but your boss is making it difficult. It only takes one bad person in charge to ruin a good job for someone.

    If you truly don't see a situation where you can win, I'd recommend dusting off your CV and giving it some legs. When the right opportunity comes, take it, give notice, and don't look back.
     
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  14. grim

    grim Gigabyte Poster

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    i thought employers had to let you have time off to go to interiews ?

    Grim
     
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  15. Mitzs
    Honorary Member

    Mitzs Ducktape Goddess

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    Lee, get out and get out now. They knew when they went from 4 to 2 people it was only a matter of time before things started falling behind and nothing would be up to scratch. Now they are telling you, you need to do more out of the office when the 2 of you can't keep up with what is coming in now? That is crazy Lee. I know you like the chances, and learning curve your are getting there. But at what price? They certainly are not appreciateing either you or your workmate if they can not even give you the time of day let or the payscale that you are both operating at. You can still leave on good terms with your boss, why you would after all this crap I have no idea but that is your choice. However, I would not let them take advantage of you, and use you like that. They knew exactly what they were doing when they kept the ones with the least exp and I would not stand for being treated like that. Good luck lee.
     
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  16. sunn

    sunn Gigabyte Poster

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    The sad truth is this happens all the time. Probably more apparent in smaller fast-paced organizations than anywhere else (from what I’ve seen). I suggest talking to your manager, iron out your concerns. If that doesn’t do anything, have a word with HR.

    However, during all this 'talking', make arrangements to get out. Find another job that will help you grow, not drown your confidence. The positive might be if they’re down to just 2 people, you’re more valuable. :)
     
  17. Leehaa

    Leehaa Gigabyte Poster

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    Cheers for all the advice on this post guys!!

    don't mean to appear rude - just been unable to reply - moved into new house (YAAAAAY!) on Monday, but working the rest of the week so unpacking in evenings and, even though hubby works for BT we won't have broadband activated for a few days yet (even though they installed the line yesterday and all they need to do is switch it on!!?!)....

    Gonna concentrate on settling in for next week or so, then have a SERIOUS think about what to do!

    Lee x
     
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    WIP: BSc IT & Computing, RHCE
  18. tripwire45
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    tripwire45 Zettabyte Poster

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    No worries, Lee. Glad you've gotten moved in. Come back when you're able. Take care.
     
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  19. Mitzs
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    Mitzs Ducktape Goddess

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    WTG on the new house hun. I say next cf meeting should be at your place. That would be such a nice housewarming party.:twisted:
     
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  20. Leehaa

    Leehaa Gigabyte Poster

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    Thanks. Ha ha - lol NO!!!!! :biggrin
     
    Certifications: MCP, MCDST, ITIL v3, MBCS, others...
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