I went from managing a direct report to absorbing all of her responsibilities when she left.

Anonymous

April 20,2022 at 9:33PM UTC

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I went from managing a direct report to absorbing all of her responsibilities when she left. I'm glad to be a team player but I was already stretched thin and now it seems I'm taking on permanently all of her workload. I've talked to HR, my manager but it's falling on deaf ears. I feel demoted as previously colleagues are treating me like an admin rather than a coworker. I thought I finally found my career position so how did things go so wrong so fast?

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AnonymousApril 20,2022 at 9:43PM UTC
It's common these days to eliminate positions in favor of having a person absorb those duties. You boss and HR have decided to concentrate their budget and headcount elsewhere.
Many people fail to recognize how much an admin does and the contribution they make
.too bad for you that you were tge natural choice to absorb these responsibilities.
It doesn't look like you'll get a replacement.
AnonymousApril 20,2022 at 9:48PM UTC
The admin was there before I was started at the company so it was a full position. She was amazing and handled so many different tasks that it's impossible to do both jobs. I'm working extra hours without pay and not having time for any breaks including lunch. I've explained that I can't continue this long term as my workload requires travel and being in all-day meetings. It's not realistic to expect someone to absorb a full position when they want to keep my original workload the same. I'm glad to take on projects or tasks but I'm putting my foot down at being forced to do both. I'm brushing up resume and starting to job search.
AnonymousApril 20,2022 at 10:43PM UTC
Well it appears it makes perfect sense to someone since the position is being absorbed by you not replaced.
AnonymousApril 26,2022 at 3:47PM UTC
I'd definitely start looking for a new job. This is your new normal and unfortunately they expect you to take it all on without complaints
AnonymousApril 26,2022 at 12:50PM UTC
I agree with the comments you’ve gotten that it’s not likely to change. The only thing you can do is frame your conversations differently. I just wanted to let you know project X won’t be getting done since I’m still working on Y. How can I support getting this position filled? Aside from job searching. I just left a position where I absorbed 2! Of my FT direct reports roles. I was told they weren’t planning on replacing them and then I gave my notice and boom now they’re posted.
what’s happening is not unusual unfortunately