Not the job I applied for.

59 Comments

1. Kristie WhiteJune 2,2022 at 12:01AM UTC

   Well, this is a pretty poor management practice and there is some monkey business going on here. Essentially, they have hired you for a position that doesn't exist yet and has to be approved. So they have stuck you in a vacancy at a very high rate of pay so they can retain you without making their budget blow up. Finance would be noticing probably if there was an unbudgeted position filled, so they are dodging it. The problem is if this position isn't approved yet, the budget cycle impacts when you can move into the real position. For example, if their fiscal year ends 6/30, they have already gone through the budget cycle and they may be able to move you into the new position as soon as the new fiscal year starts. If it is 12/31, they are in the middle of budgeting and it could be longer than 3 months. And if there is no formal process, it could be anytime. So I would ask your intended manager for the details - what is the status of the position? has it been approved for addition to the budget? What if it isn't approved? If it is, when does the position officially exist? Does she have to post it externally or can you move right in once its approved? If your new manager cannot show you a clear path to getting you onboarded in the correct position, I would be wary. I would not want to do a job that was making me bitter as an introduction to a new company. Even if she can convince you the wait is worth it, she still needs to find a better solution.

2. Cindy LaceyJune 4,2022 at 12:59PM UTC

   It also raises the question why they hired someone for a job they didn't have approved. I had a somewhat different situation. I was hired for a supposedly permanent position and told that there was a waiting period for benefits. They had me take on duties to cover for an employee on maternity leave in addition to my "regular" duties. As the time approached for my probation to end, they gave me bad reviews and told me my probation was extended. The bad reviews were for "mistakes" that I was not told about when they were made so I had no way to correct them and learn. Then it was announced that the company was sold and only a few were invited to move with them. I went to speak with the boss with my hiring letter and asked him if it was ever intended to be a permanent job , or was I a temp to cover for the person on maternity leave but they didn't want to pay temp rates. He hemmed and hawed but the truth was obvious. I quit on the spot.

3. Kristie WhiteJune 5,2022 at 11:43PM UTC

   Yep, you nailed it.

4. AnonymousJune 2,2022 at 12:08AM UTC

   No you definitely need to explain how damaging this is to your career. You need to let her know that it is not ok.

   Then kick your search into high gear.

5. AnonymousJune 2,2022 at 1:25AM UTC

   Put in for bids and leave

6. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJune 2,2022 at 1:42AM UTC

   Not in my opinion.
   They have you doing a job you didn't interview for, aren't qualified for and don't want.

   I'm not sure how you can say "I recently started a great job at an awesome company for a role I was a perfect fit for. " if you're not doing the job you accepted and the company is treating you this way.

   I'd fire that resume back up immediately.

7. Lisa MarieJune 2,2022 at 1:59AM UTC

   Go ahead. Tell the manager you're not doing it anymore and see what he says/do.

   At the same time, go ahead and find another job long before the 3 months go by.

   How is the "vision job" coming along? Has that plan been shelved?

   You said you're getting full pay for the "vison job" while doing a much lesser job. Why not look at this as a learning experience? If you learn nothing else, perhaps you'll learn to appreciate the efforts of the administrative assistant wherever you go to work.

   Yes. You are being a diva.

8. AnonymousJune 4,2022 at 12:42PM UTC

   Please don’t listen to the above reply - you are not a diva. But you have been the victim of bait and switch, or at best, really bad management. You are a professional that applied and went through a hiring process, their hiring process, and ended up doing a job for which you would neither have applied nor interviewed had they been organized or honest.

   Luckily for you, the current market will support you leaving as quickly as you can. So move as quickly as you can.

   If you think they may correct this situation ASAP should you speak up, then give them that chance. If you have seen signs that they may not fix it, take heed and do what you need to do to get your career back on track. When speaking with a potential new employee about this little detour, make lemonade - something brief along the lines of how much you’ve learned about customer service and how valuable it is to know the voice of the customer, etc., followed by your preference and training being on longer term projects, etc. should do it. You can also use this during your discussion with your current manager should you choose to give them the opportunity to fix the situation.

   I had something similar happen to me and, unfortunately, the market was not as it is today. It pretty much derailed my career, and it has taken me five years to get back on track.

   Some employers and their leadership have not caught on to the changes in the market and just don’t understand why people leave. It’s really not your job to enlighten someone who isn’t intuitive enough to see that this wasn’t their best idea. (Insert eye roll here) Many wouldn’t have come back after the first week.

   Best of luck to you!

9. Thalia MoshosJune 4,2022 at 12:43PM UTC

   Yes but this is not the job that she applied for. I've been a receptionist for the past few years and trust me it's not always easy. I've been applying at different positions for the past 2 years but no luck yet.

10. AnonymousJune 4,2022 at 1:15PM UTC

    She’s a diva for having to work a job for which she has no experience, no skills and no desire—in addition yo her actual job?

11. AnonymousJune 3,2022 at 1:18PM UTC

    No you are not a diva. You have potential and skill that cannot go to waste and you shouldn’t allow any one to down play that. In my experience it could be a case where they KNEW what they wanted, sold the role under false pretences as no one internally wanted that role.

    I had a similar incident where I was hired to work for a huge international company. No where was it mentioned in my interview that I would have to stand in for reception everyday during break and sit in on a rooster whilst taking care of my original day to day. I found out that everyone internally felt downplayed and didn’t want to do this. So they used the newbie. I immediately raised my concern as this was going to be a permanent thing. I told them this is not what I signed up for. Not only does it not give me any satisfaction but it’s not adding value to my progression.

    It was instantly removed from my remit and they got in a temp reception/a student.

12. JYJJune 3,2022 at 3:03PM UTC

    This is a huge red flag. It's called bait and switch. Talk to your manager about how your skills are not properly utilized with this role and it's not the job you accepted. Start interviewing. They are a mess.

13. AnonymousJune 4,2022 at 12:16PM UTC

    This is EXACTLY what has happened to me.
    They promised me that after 3 months I would move full time into the role I'm supposed to be in. I'm in my 3rd month and there is absolutely no plan for us to use the studio or for me to manage it. Basically, the role was dangled in front of me as a promise while I temporarily took the receptionist job. Well the receptionist job is permanent and the girl I replaced warned me but I was optimistic that the company wanted to change. Now I'm interviewing for roles that pay $20k more and I couldn't be happier to be doing that.

    There is NOTHING wrong with not being ok with this. You are not being a diva, you've been sidelined into a role that will do very little for your career. Sure, as someone said below, you may appreciate admins more going forward, but really, is that what you want to take away from a job? If that's the only career benefit, I see that as a big fail. Apply, interview, and leave this mess behind.

14. AnonymousJune 4,2022 at 12:21PM UTC

    Speak up and move on.

15. Amy GeffenJune 4,2022 at 12:21PM UTC

    Agree with everyone who has said this is not the job you applied for. Time to cut yourself loose. Send our your resume and get another position that uses your best skills and meets your needs.

16. Mary KerdashaJune 4,2022 at 12:25PM UTC

    Know your worth and find a company that will value you for the skills you have. Polish the resume and move on. Best of luck!!

17. Maureen Flynn BettsJune 4,2022 at 12:39PM UTC

    This exact situation happened to me recently. I was working 50/60 hours a week to keep up. I was highly stressed at work and home. For my mental health, I had to find something else. It took me about 4 weeks, but I found an even better position at almost $20,000 more in salary, more PTO, and better benefits. I start next week. I urge you to find something else while the job market is so hot right now. You will be so happy you did in the end.

18. AnonymousJune 4,2022 at 12:59PM UTC

    It’s a bait and switch.
    Best thing for you to do is to go and find something more suitable. While the manager was developing his vision, the easiest decision would have been to seek temporary to direct staffing for the role. It wreaks of poor planning on their part, what happens at 90-days. It’s quite telling about how they do business and it might not change, you’re worth is not in accepting those working conditions. Smile, keep your joy and find a better position.

19. AnonymousJune 4,2022 at 1:03PM UTC

    Well, the good news is that they are paying you your full salary even though they are asking you to do a task that is below your skill set. So, you are not out any money, just time. You did not share with us how long you've been working at this temporary position but if you are still within the 90-day. I would hang in there. Remember, they are being true to their word and paying you your full salary. You are there to work for a paycheck unless money doesn't matter to you. I highly doubt that they are going to continue paying you your full salary for a position that doesn't require your skill-set so I would be patient on this one. I agree with others that it is not a wise business decision on the part of the company and they are probably overspending to satisfy their staff needs but that's not your problem. Now, if this goes on and on past the 90 days you would need to have a clear conversation with your manager and make a decision about leaving or not. But don't pull the trigger yet

20. AnonymousJune 4,2022 at 1:12PM UTC

    She’s a diva for having to work a job for which she has no experience, no skills and no desire—in addition yo her actual job?

21. Caroline DuffyJune 4,2022 at 1:12PM UTC

    Hmm… I think your response says more about your own low self-opinion and the ways you’ve allowed yourself to be treated by employers in your career than it says about the poster.

22. Bradford McCormickJune 4,2022 at 1:26PM UTC

    You are certainly not being a "diva". You have skills and talents. You offered them to the company. You want to employ them for the company. If they were short an electrical engineer (I am guessing you are not one), would tha have asked you to fill in? But you are an available body -- a piece of meat -- so you meet the need. But you don't.

    Like having a sprts car pull a plow. It can try. But it will break down. You are not able to be the needed piece of meat even though you look the part, so to speak. If it was a small family company, you might be stuck and have to try for the sake of your father or brothers. Good persons languish and become bitter alcoholics that way.

    These people are not even asking how they can help you to help them, are they? You say you can't even manage your time on task to go to the restroom. They've got a monkey off their back. Do you absolutely positive ly have to do it for the paycheck to meet your financial obligations until you can get out? Can you get by if you get out?

    If you are not cornered, then if it was me it would be one of those rare time when honesty is the best policy and let the chips fall where they may. You are being mistreated. Do you have to put up with it? Is there any chance that if you explain the situation, respectfully and calmly but firmly, they may see the light and work with you for the good of both the company and yourself? If it really is only three months and they help you handle it and they show you sincere appreciation (like maybe time off or $$$) could they encourage you to see things differently? If not....

23. Jackie DanielsJune 4,2022 at 1:30PM UTC

    The correct terminology is “person with a substance use disorder.” Alcoholic is an archaic term associated with 12-step programs and is highly stigmatizing.

    thanks for coming to my Ted Talk.

    -Person in long-term recovery and addictions professional.

    ps-good insight!

    • 
      
24. AnonymousJune 4,2022 at 1:41PM UTC

    You’re not being a diva at all. Polish up your resume and start applying for jobs at other companies.

25. AnonymousJune 4,2022 at 1:44PM UTC

    Lots of good advice from all who commented. You’re definitely not being a diva. It might be a good idea to start looking for a new job and then while you’re looking, speak up at your current company to let them know the receptionist role is not what you signed up for and not the best use of your skills, and see what happens. That way, if they react badly, you’ll be ahead of things with your job search already in play, and who knows- maybe your current company will take you off the receptionist role and hire a temp.

26. AnonymousJune 4,2022 at 1:47PM UTC

    I find the situation sexist.
    I don’t know the facts but I doubt they tried to bait and switch any male talent with front desk duties.

27. AnonymousJune 4,2022 at 2:12PM UTC

    THIS! I am in a male-dominated industry and see this happens allll the time and have thought, “if they were a male, they probably never would’ve been asked”.

28. Kimberly WorrickJune 4,2022 at 1:57PM UTC

    As an Administrative Assistant/Receptionist I find your working conditions appalling. I don't have to have someone cover if I run to the restroom, have lunch, or take a break.

    I don't report my productivity to anyone at the end of the day.

    I can see why the position is vacant, I command mid 40K salary for my skills but I will not tolerate being treated like a child who has to ask permission to use the facilities and have my time managed for me.

    Get out now before this infantile controlling culture saps your mental health and strength.

29. Paula Manczuk-HannayJune 4,2022 at 2:11PM UTC

    Not a diva. If you feel comfortable, I encourage you to do a check in with your manager to talk about the job you applied for and to determine if it’s coming. I suspect your gut will help you determine if the response you receive is the truth. I think you already know the answer.

    Start exploring other opportunities. Keep in mind you are not obligated to interview with another company if asked. As far as what you’re doing now: it’s great that they’re paying you what they agreed to, but if it’s at the cost of your career vision, it’s not enough. The job market is strong in favor of job seekers. Leverage that.

30. KJune 4,2022 at 2:15PM UTC

    The conditions are poor and are demeaningly micromanaging, find somewhere else if you can. Not jyst bevause you're unhappy but for two other reasons: one, they won't bother hiring for the receptionist job if they can save money lumping it on you, you are already solving that problem for them. And two, having worked in similar roles the amount ofmicromanaging and lack of support there is a horrible. It's a real red flag suggesting a toxic company. So even if they do hire it won't be long before you get asked to fill in again. Get your running shoes on, sister!!

31. AnonymousJune 4,2022 at 2:20PM UTC

    Really? Admin skills are "easy?" Nope. And doing a job you're NOT skilled to do is not easy, and with high risk that you will not be successful. This particular case sounds beyond "flexible" and sounds a bit demeaning. And, you know as well as everyone else does: they will be extremely slow to develop a new position and work to fill the "lesser" position being filled not if they do not HAVE TO!

32. Julie WozniakJune 4,2022 at 2:25PM UTC

    Leave ASAP. Their attitudes will not change, and they'll get comfortable, and leave you in that job for months, or even a few years. If you were MALE, this would not be happening, or a male would have already left. LEAVE ASAP!!!

33. Rt WlJune 4,2022 at 2:40PM UTC

    I had a similar thing happen - I accepted a job, but the day before signing the official paperwork, I went into the office and found the work I'd be doing for the first three months would be nothing like the job they hired me for, and since I was to be a Senior Manager, I shouldn't do work I have no experience in. I didn't sign the papers.

    However, since you're already there and they're paying you the full salary, as long as the work you've been hired for will indeed be coming soon, you might try to learn the Admin position to learn about the company and that end of the work. Doing a good job would be a plus to you at the company. I got thrown into an Admin job just after college. You cam learn a lot of the operations. You can learn how to answer phones and how you'd get coverage to take breaks and get lunch. It's a temporary thing. They're preparing your position but wanted to grab you before you went to some other company. Don't get bitter. It's temporary.

34. AnonymousJune 4,2022 at 2:43PM UTC

    You're not a "DIVA"

    RUN! Don't look back!

    Bullying will follow next.....

    I am an admin director with specific major deadlines. Just to save $250 a month, I was stuck on reception for a few shifts a month to save on our bottom line!

    I could have easily gave saved it from one of my budget areas as I do that already!

    Had to ask permission to go to the toilet... No one to cover me! As usually I cover my receptionist for her lunch and her breaks.

    Anyone who times you, and doesn't trust you, RUN......

    It eats away at you gradually, you end up in survival mode to keep on going back to pay your mortgage....

    I finally found my next job and handed my notice in. It took a day for it to sink in.... But I feel so relieved and a huge weight of my shoulder.

35. Terra WolfeJune 4,2022 at 2:48PM UTC

    This is a situation you can use as a professional growth tool.
    There’s a difference between being a team player and being taken advantage of. You get what you tolerate and should set more clear boundaries in the future by declining a position that is not what you applied for. If you didn’t get it in writing then it doesn’t mean much. On the other side of things, you committed to this for 3 months. Complete the service and a few weeks before that time is up, have a serious meeting with your manager. Write all of your talking points out ahead of time. Don’t be bitter. Just state the facts and be logical that what you are doing does not match up with the job duties they advertised. Tell them you were happy to help out temporarily but it is time to hire a receptionist so you can do the job you were hired for. Be very clear to them that you do not enjoy the work you are doing, it is not your area of expertise, and it’s not in your professional benefit to continue on that path long-term.

    Again, you get what you tolerate. If they jerk you around after that, find another job. Based on your general treatment, you may want to do that anyway.

36. KathrynJune 4,2022 at 2:57PM UTC

    Please RUN as fast as you can, I never see men having to "cover" admin work I promise the 3 months will roll into a regular part of your job. I had that issue and when I turned in my 2 weeks I was asked why. I said" I am an expert in my field and you wanted me to be an AA" They back pedaled and said no just covering I replied you should have had each of use do it for a day enough coverage for that but they would never pick it up why because they are men? No answer but they said if we implemented that would you stay? Nope going to a place where they understand just because I am female does not make devaluing my expertise works. RUN AWAY they do not respect you. Would they make a man do this?

37. Madam anon663June 4,2022 at 4:56PM UTC

    I agree. Being hired for a professional role, then relegated "temporarily" to an admin role will forever color how you are perceived. I would immediately look for another job, this place does not respect you.

38. Emily DavisJune 4,2022 at 3:28PM UTC

    “Being a team player” usually means “I don’t have boundaries.” You agreed to take a position, and your managers didn’t hold up their end of the bargain. They are testing you to see how much work you’ll take on so they can save money. I would find a new job ASAP, because this situation won’t get better (in my experience).

39. AnonymousJune 4,2022 at 9:03PM UTC

    “Being a team player” usually means “I don’t have boundaries.” I could not have stated it better.

40. Lori Laurito BetzJune 4,2022 at 3:32PM UTC

    It worked for you so it will work for the OP too…ok…very helpful ?
    Just because they gave her an end date doesn’t mean they’ll stick to it! I guess you’ve never heard of an employer who lied before??
    Also, as stated in the reply below mine…if it’s that big of a gap, why didn’t they come up with a plan to spread the coverage out over more of the staff? Why dump it on this new position? What if they didn’t hire anybody or the new person does exactly what the OP is considering (runs!) Then who will cover it?? No, it’s BS.

41. AnonymousJune 4,2022 at 3:46PM UTC

    Did the company make this temporary arrangement clear before you accepted the position, I’m guessing not… what would have happened if you’d said no to the admin work? Just wondering also what the managers attitude is like… if they are a bit like “just suck it up” I think it would ring alarm bells or alternatively they could just be trying to hold on to you until your actual job begins because they want you to stay. I think I’d give them a timescale to start and if it’s not looking likely anytime soon keep your eyes out for other opportunities…

42. JaneJune 4,2022 at 4:04PM UTC

    Hmmm something about this comment doesn’t seem authentic…

43. BeaBoss750792June 4,2022 at 4:50PM UTC

    How large is the company, and is the disrespect that you’re getting indicative of the company culture, the team culture, or both? You say that it’s a great company—would an internal transfer be an option?

    If it’s an otherwise good company, and the team you were hired into is just a bad apple, consider looking for other internal positions. (An internal transfer is usually easier than an external job search.) The situation that your currently in toxic and demeaning, and it sounds like you’ve been set up to fail.

44. Jennifer WehrendJune 4,2022 at 5:00PM UTC

    Keep doing the best you can for the next three months at this job and put money away if this position gets extended. Speak with your boss and look for another job.

45. ChristineJune 4,2022 at 9:56PM UTC

    This sounds a lot like my recent experience. Let’s just said yesterday ended my time with them after 2 1/2 months. Weight your options, be your best advocate, and draft a resignation if needed. You deserve the best!!!

46. AnonymousJune 4,2022 at 10:30PM UTC

    It's time to find out when they are going to hire an AA or hire a temp and let you do the job they hired you for! Let them know that you want to do a job you are qualified for and would have more time to develop your role fully if you were not tied to the reception desk all day.

47. AnonymousJune 4,2022 at 10:35PM UTC

    Absolutely you are not being a Diva. You interviewed for and accepted a specific job. You did NOT accept a job as a receptionist, which is NOT what you are trained to do or were hired to do. I'd start looking for another job, and have a preliminary conversation with your manager to let them know that this is not working for you.

48. AnonymousJune 5,2022 at 7:48AM UTC

    Talk to your manager about your disappointment in the situation and your needs, at a minimum to be able to attend the meetings related to your job and coverage for your breaks. I hope they respond in a way that is professional.

49. Lisa Bracco SpinelliJune 5,2022 at 11:27AM UTC

    The last person in the AA role probably left because of the micromanaging.
    Not trusting an employee to get the work done without this insane level of supervision is a huge red flag. It's probably why they can't fill the position and placed you there...maybe permanently.

    Your career will tank if you stay here. Get your feelers out there and find something else ASAP!

50. VanessaJune 5,2022 at 3:55PM UTC

    This is an unacceptable ask/expectation. Under the present circumstances I would definitely start looking for another job. This appears to be a glimpse of the company culture.

51. Liz MilneJune 5,2022 at 5:25PM UTC

    Write down all your issues, from when and how you can take breaks, to the monitoring software, get in writing that your real position is/ will be waiting for you, and let them know what will make it comfortable for you to do the admin job. Be calm but firm, and make it very clear that as it is, this will not pass.

52. AnonymousJune 6,2022 at 12:19AM UTC

    This happened to me. Very difficult. I had been a director in a previous role and elected to temporarily work as an administrative assistant for for a short time before I could begin the role I was hired as a director. The responsibilities were too difficult to adequately cover because I had no experience in working as an administrative assistant. The CEO informed me That I had better figure it out. I explained my role as a director. explained that I had an administrative assistant in my previous role and how difficult it was for me to transition. You are not a diva. I was terminated because I didn’t have a skill set that transitioned to bring an administrative assistant. The employer lied to the unemployed office about the position I had actually accepted in an effort to disqualify me for benefits. Don’t waste your time. The position I had applied for never came to fruition. Ironically, men don’t seem to have this happen to them. It seems like a women seem to have to prove themselves from an administrative perspective before they are allowed to take the role they have applied and interviewed.

53. AnonymousJune 6,2022 at 12:30PM UTC

    I had this happen to me after being at my position for over 5 years.
    The organization was restructuring and moving people around and part of my new responsibilities were reception a couple of days a week plus get my own work done. I hated it! That day I went and applied for another position and got it and haven't regretted the move. That's my suggestion..get out while you can. You'll be the one covering breaks when/if they do hire some one for the position. Only women in our offices were asked to cover reception, such bull crap.

54. EMILY KIKUE FRANKJune 6,2022 at 3:06PM UTC

    Have a conversation with your manager. Be honest about your struggles and ask for some suggestions. Since they want you to do something different ultimately, they may be able to change up the interim job for you, but you need to let them know what you need.

55. KathyJune 6,2022 at 3:49PM UTC

    This is BS that you should be forced to take on an administrative role instead of the position in which you were hired.

    This company is not treating you with respect and you have only just started working for them.

    There is something going on at this company that you are not being told.

    Flee as fast as you can. Start job hunting immediately.

    Good luck!

56. Karen GongawareJune 6,2022 at 5:25PM UTC

    First why did you ever agree to take that position? Good old Bait and Switch happens again. Never take a position that's a placeholder. There should have been a receptionist/admin hired and there by now, not 3 months from now. Get another job and this time stick with the job you applied for.

57. AnonymousJune 6,2022 at 7:45PM UTC

    This happened to me first job out of college. I agreed to take on admin duties for two weeks after he asked me to take on indefinitely. Realized later the admin thought she could pawn it off on the newbie. Two weeks later I walked into to CEO office with my written offer from an organization that was willing to hire me for a fair wage to do the job I applied for. Thanked for his 1950s indoctrination and bolted.

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59. Violet Cassidy-Maroke (She/her)June 7,2022 at 12:33PM UTC

    Move on - this sounds like a soul crushing place.