talk it out or ask for a transfer

Anonymous

May 5,2022 at 11:25PM UTC

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talk it out or ask for a transfer

I've been in my position for less than a year at a large organization. It started off as a good role but now it's starting to turn into something I really don't like with different duties and more micromanagement from two people who were hired months after I was hired. At first, I was thinking there could be a way to salvage this by explaining to my boss that people on the team seem to not understand my role and their work requests are changing it-- basically, I'm being asked to do stuff I have little to no interest in that isn't going to help me grow as a professional. It's lower-level work, a big step backward. They should probably hire an admin to take over that stuff but probably won't. Overall, it's a pleasant place to work and I had hoped to stick it out in this role for two full years before looking for a new role within the same place. Having witnessed workplace abuse in the past, though, I can see where this is headed.

The other option is to just go for one of the job openings available and take the transfer. Another manager had approached me about one of these roles but I told him I was happy overall and still had a lot to learn. Now I'm thinking of asking him about it, see if it may be a good fit.

I am concerned that it may be too soon-- then again, I do know others in our section certainly have moved on to new jobs after a year, year and a half, so I don't think it would be out of the ordinary. I think the managers I am working with would be very surprised, but then again, if this job seems to be going in a bad direction, maybe I should just take care of myself and get out while I can. Thoughts?

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AnonymousMay 6,2022 at 1:15AM UTC
This is going to sound generic, but put yourself first and only you know what that means. Deep down you know what's best for you, you just have to give yourself permission to pursue it.
AnonymousMay 6,2022 at 4:06AM UTC
At my company it’s frowned if not fully disallowed to go after an internal role without letting your manager know. You don’t need their permission but you can’t surprise them.
Maybe say “I’m thinking about applying for X role. With all the change recently it feels like this job has shifted into something different than what was intended but I love the company and this need over here feels like a great fit for my skills and career goals. I want you to know I’m not actively searching or looking to leave Company but iI want to see where this goes and hope you’ll support me. If it works out, I will, of course, make sure there is a good transition.
That was if it doesn’t work out you’ve paved the way to have the “things are changing in the wrong direction” convo.
But you see a ring, grab it!
AnonymousMay 6,2022 at 12:33PM UTC
yes take care if yourself first and foremost.
AnonymousMay 6,2022 at 9:43PM UTC
The question is did you fully understand your job role before stepping into it? If the written job description has anything that alludes to admin duties, even if written in a sophisticated way, it still is an included responsibility. And unfortunately some job bids are creatively written to sound more sophisticated that they really are. This is why it is important to take the time to ask the upfront questions about your job role before you start.
If your written job description is very clear on your job function and if you are being asked to do functions that are outside of that scope, then yes it warrants a discussion with your boss. If your company already has an admin, how come those tasks are not given to them instead? But like I mentioned in the first paragraph, go back to the written job desription you received and do some introspection.
If you do decide to talk to your boss, approach them with a humble attitude and act like you are confused and want to better understand the written job description you agreed to before starting the job. From there inquire what the expectations are. Get a definitive response as to whether or not, those other 2 ees have the right to give you admin level work. If he agrees with it, then you have your answer and should perhaps find another role. If he was unaware of the treatment, you should request that the 4 of you sit down to level set expectations to correct the behaviour.