In need of advice....I received my electronic review today which was a 2.5/4.

Kimberly Carter

December 8,2022 at 8:31PM UTC

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In need of advice....I received my electronic review today which was a 2.5/4.

I asked my immediate supervisor who reviewed me and she said she did, along with 2 others from upper management. I wasn't happy because in the 14 years I've wasted in this company I've never gotten less than a 3/4 on my reviews. Fast forward 2 hours I receive an accidental text from the same immediate supervisor saying "Kimberly is pissed about her review....I think she thinks she does a great job." The problem is, we've been short staffed for over a year now and I'm honestly doing 2 full time jobs (with no extra compensation I might add). The comments on my review basically mention getting assignments done on time but the assignments being referenced are this additional full-time job they dumped on me that's only getting busier by the day. I'm honestly ready to move on anyway. I just finished my undergrad in business administration and I'm working on my MBA. I'm itching to try new things. There is no room for advancement (which is why I used the term wasted) as long is there is someone more senior than me (my immediate supervisor by 6 months).

This review and and the text that followed has left a bad taste in my mouth. I can take criticism but in this case I feel like I'm doing my employer a favor. What do you guys think?

How should I proceed professionally because my thoughts are telling to just walk away immediately but I know that's not the right way to go about it.

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AnonymousDecember 8,2022 at 9:07PM UTC
I’m sorry this is your experience.
Maybe this is the wake up call you need to elevate in your career because God something better for you. Aggressively apply elsewhere, when you find what you want, give 2 weeks notice and don’t feel guilty about it. And when you leave, do so with confidence and pride. They will have a hard time filling your shoes, not that many people can do two jobs at once and still be functional. So they will start to feel the burn when you leave. Use this moment as fuel to rocket to something greater…3…2…1….go after that destiny!
tiffany birchDecember 8,2022 at 9:23PM UTC
Why are you debating to stay? You are doing the work of two people and not being compensated for the extra work load.
Are you ready to open the door to a much better opportunity where you are respected and compensated for your talent?
Kimberly CarterDecember 8,2022 at 9:52PM UTC
Absolutely I'm ready and working on it!
AnonymousDecember 8,2022 at 9:44PM UTC
They clearly don’t respect you and you are obviously talented!
AnonymousDecember 8,2022 at 10:11PM UTC
I went through the same thing a few months ago. I basically did as little as possible and focused on looking for a new job. I didn’t find a new job yet but working as little with possible really helped my mental health
AnonymousDecember 8,2022 at 10:28PM UTC
Your thoughts are guided by your ego. That's not a place to get direction.
I would draft a plan for your professional goals, next steps abd your personal dreams. You have plenty of options but you need to be smart so everything works in your favor.
Lisa OGradyDecember 9,2022 at 4:46AM UTC
Well, I have to say that I wouldn’t be happy with the lower score after taking on more work as long as you’re doing your very best to get it done. If it’s only getting busier and it’s impossible to re-prioritize or do something to work more smoothly then I think they’re wrong.
Aside of all that…I think the comment that was accidentally sent to you was way out of line for a supervisor to be saying to anyone and I’d consider speaking to HR about all of it.
AnonymousDecember 10,2022 at 4:02PM UTC
No.... HR is NOT your friend!
LovemyjobDecember 9,2022 at 1:54PM UTC
Unfortunately they are not going to value how much you were doing until you are gone and not doing it any longer. Be nice, ignore them, stay professional and act as if you want to turn this around and make it better, but secretly spend every free minute getting a new job. Good luck.
Mary PoolDecember 10,2022 at 1:38PM UTC
I would definitely cut back by doing one job, the one you were hired for, and reenergize yourself as you look for another position. You want to go into the next position fresh and ready to jump in, not exhausted. That is your new focus; this job is in the past; take steps to move forward. When it is noticed, don't do the other tasks, just state that it isn't in the position you were hired for and you noticed in your review that there was no appreciation for taking on additional responsibilities, which tells you that the extra effort is not what the company is looking for, therefore, it is best for all involved if you concentrate on what you were hired for. Remember it is easier to get a new job when you have a current job; it makes you look more desirable to recruiters.
Dcre1977December 10,2022 at 2:11PM UTC
Focus the majority of you attention on getting a new position. At work request the additional tasks be reassigned to another person they feel can manage those tasks to their standards so you can focus on on your original tasks which were being completed to their standards until they added the additional tasks to you.
Kris Mertins-ElliottDecember 10,2022 at 2:16PM UTC
It is very common for companies to pile-on responsibilities when employees leave, especially on those "over-achievers" who have shown they are capable, reliable and dedicated. They fail to see the stress and potential "burn-out" that being over-worked, under-valued and unappreciated causes. Does that matter to them? No! They just want to ensure the job gets done and sometimes it doesn't matter if the work is done half-assed. Some of us are not wired to do half-assed work, so we bust our butts to get the work done to the best of our ability, no matter the cost. In today's employment environment, this is to your advantage. There are plenty of other opportunities out there. You just need to start looking. And with your new degree, I'm sure that and your skillset and work ethic will land you a great opportunity for a great company! Good luck!
AnonymousDecember 10,2022 at 2:42PM UTC
Frankly, I would stop doing the additional job and tell your supervisor in order to focus on succeeding in your actual role, you need to prioritize those tasks. Do no more than that. Take on nothing more. Say you are at your capacity. Act your wage until you find something better. And definitely let HR and upper management know about the text. I'm not above shaming unprofessional and unethical behavior, especially in self protection. Best of luck on your job search.
AnonymousDecember 10,2022 at 4:01PM UTC
I agree except about letting HR and upper management about the text. They are probably behind the low-ball rating.
AnonymousDecember 10,2022 at 8:54PM UTC
Oh, I LOVE a paper trail. If I am going down, everyone's getting scratched up on the way out. But that's me.
AnonymousDecember 10,2022 at 3:50PM UTC
When I left my first job after college, I stated, "If I stayed another ten years, I would still be doing the same thing I'm doing today." I would say, do precisely what you're supposed to do while looking for another job, and then leave with your head held high for the same reason I did. Calling out the bad behavior of superiors when you are on your way out the door seldom accomplishes anything.
AnonymousDecember 10,2022 at 4:00PM UTC
Someone above your boss is pulling the strings, and you may not be able to do anything to help yourself.
You can document the workload by emailing your boss, saying you think you could raise your rating by putting more focus on your core job duties and asking if some of the extra stuff could be reassigned to someone else. Then forward that email to a personal email account. It sets my mind at ease just knowing that I've documented my side of the story using the workplace email, which will also show that I have my own copy in another account if they pry or try to take legal action in the future.
AnonymousDecember 10,2022 at 4:26PM UTC
It honestly has nothing to do with you and your performance. When management plays the ranking game to distribute the raise pool of $, it means somebody else in the pool needed a little higher ranking to justify the $ share of the raise pool being distributed. Concentrate on doing a good job like you have been doing and get your resume updated. Consider having it professionally written. Begin by making a list of accomplishments you have been most proud of including those of the person you assumed. It was poor taste for the text to have been sent. Ignore it, HR is not your friend. Don’t burn any bridges and good luck finding a new position where you can be appreciated and compensated for the work you are doing.
GirlBossanova934974December 10,2022 at 4:49PM UTC
So you have been in this position for 14 years. There is little chance for advancement. You just got your Bachelors degree. You are on to your MBA. You are doing 2 people's work. The Management has rewarded you by handing you a subpar review. Why? No one knows but I were Management, I would have to be doing some thinking. The chances of this employee sticking around after she gets her MBA are pretty slim so if anyone is going to be a little short this year when it comes to raise time, it might be this employee. That's my guess. I would be looking for another company that might advance you when you get your MBA. Bigger companies are good candidates for this. You can always transfer to better opportunities within the company when jobs open up.
AnonymousDecember 10,2022 at 5:11PM UTC
First, many HR departments force managers to ratings quotas which means that even if their whole team is doing a "meets expectations" level or higher, they're not allowed to rate the entire team that way and some employees have to be force ranked to a lower rating. It's a horrible system but it totally happens.
Second, did you actually have a discussion with your manager? Was there any actual development feedback in your electronic review? Even if you got a 4/4 there should have been items for growth/development feedback in there as well. If all you got was a rating with no explanation or guidance on what you did well or what you can improve on - well that coupled with the text message you got all speak to a company culture that doesn't care about employee growth. Just sit back and do your job and start looking for a new one in the meantime, then give your 2 weeks' notice.
Crystal HowellDecember 10,2022 at 7:18PM UTC
HR is for the company, first no matter what.
Keep the text, reply yes I deserve better after 14 years and receiving 3/4 and currently working 2 full time jobs, would you like to reconsider my review!
I don't know if eeoc or free consult with employment attorney has anything to say about the text???
AnonymousDecember 11,2022 at 6:25PM UTC
Many times you are allowed to comment on your review. I would do that, so it stays in your HR file. Explain, professionally, that you are stretched because you are doing 2 jobs. List tbe additional responsibilities that you have taken on. Request guidance on how to handle the workload. I’d also print out the text and attach it and note that you found it unethical and unprofessional that it was sent to someone else, and that if they felt you aren’t doing a good job, it should’ve been addressed with you before it got to review time so that a plan to rectify it could’ve been put in place.. . This way if perhaps you apply for another job within the company, the hr person will see the real reason for that rating. And even if this doesn’t accomplish anything, it will be so cathartic for you.
and of course, look for another job that will values you.
Nicolette ThompsonDecember 12,2022 at 12:31PM UTC
This exactly.
timeliness of assignment completion is impacted by additional duties, which were to be temporary and the staffing issue which necessitated these additional duties not having been rectified.
address with the boss that moving forward you want more frequent reviews so you can “fail fast” and make adjustments as appropriate.
Liz MilneDecember 11,2022 at 11:58PM UTC
Oooh! I would be so tempted to blast them! Letting you see that text is so unprofessional for starters, but the ignoring the fact that you've been stepping up competently for so long is a huge problem.
I would immediately start looking for another and in the meantime, begin refusing/ querying the work from the second job (that I assume you're not contracted for?).
You can say things like: 'Oh, I'm so sorry, I won't be able to do [whatever] this week. In fact, I think I should start focusing more on my primary role; I'm sure you recall I took on [x, y and z] when [previous employee] left, and it's *clearly* impacting on my performance. I'm mortified to have received a 2.5 on my review, so I won't be doing any extra work until I'm working at a standard that satisfies my real, contracted job's standards'.
Something like that anyway... :/ I hate, hate, hate it when people take your exceptional input as standard and start expecting it, instead of appreciating the huge effort you're making to do it all...
EMILY KIKUE FRANKDecember 12,2022 at 4:06PM UTC
I'm so sorry you're going through this. This is exactly why I hate annual reviews so much-- feedback should be transparent and frequent, and you should always have the chance to state your case. I definitely recommend you focus on moving on, but in order to protect yourself, also document the work you're doing in your current role. Estimate how long you're spending on each part of the job ("Monday, 9-11, worked on project A because of its deadline," etc.) and schedule time with your immediate manager to discuss. But the truth is, you need to get out of there and into a place where they appreciate you and your contributions. Sending you good thoughts!
AnonymousDecember 12,2022 at 6:34PM UTC
So did she actually sit down and go through the review with you, making it an interactive discussion? Or you received it, it is what it is, and that's that? I would request a meeting to discuss the review, bringing, hearing her out while at the same time bringing your own points (go prepared). I would also call her out on the text.
In the meantime, don't just up and leave (been there done that and while it is rewarding initially, without a backup plan in place it begins to suck), but get your stuff together, resume polished, start networking/start looking.