Conflicted.

17 Comments

1. AnonymousOctober 25,2021 at 11:26AM UTC

   I made the mistake of staying at a place that didn’t respect me or my personal time. I still regret it and I’m still paying the price physically, emotionally, and it almost cost my relationship. The money may look pretty good but it sounds unsustainable if you’re already burnt out. You can try speaking with your manager but it may be that this is the job. I understand the money dilemma. If you were my friend asking for advice I would say 1) try drawing good boundaries and having a talk with your manager about said boundaries. See if there’s any changes 2) if it changes and the scheduling without asking was just a misunderstanding stay and see how it goes. 3) if there’s no change you’ll need to come up with an exit plan before you lose everything…. No job pays enough to take your relationships and health.

2. AnonymousOctober 25,2021 at 12:38PM UTC

   Are you able to have a one-on-one with your supervisor to voice your concerns?

3. Alice GravesOctober 25,2021 at 1:07PM UTC

   It can seem a bit daunting, but you need to sit down and speak to your manager. Before your meeting go back over the job description you applied for. Make sure you know what outcome you want from the meeting. Explain that you were hired for one job, and list off what the job description says that you are not doing. Express that you feel almost burnt out that you are not able to do those hours anymore.

   You may feel like you can't say anything because you don't have a degree and maybe you feel 'lucky' to have that job, but that is not the case. You are still an extremely valuable employee and you need to recognise that. Once you see it in yourself you won't let other people take advantage. I also don't have a degree, and it didn't stop me, so don't let that mindset stop you. Don't let anyone take advantage of your good will.

4. Kristie WhiteOctober 26,2021 at 1:35PM UTC

   First, your experience is worth more than a degree and that is what they are paying you for. It took me 20 years to work full time and complete my bachelor's degree in Business. But my career progressed in spite of it. If you are good and work hard, your degree won't hold you back. For instance, did you know that Brian Williams on MSNBC does not have a college degree? However, it can be used as a filter or a method of manipulation to keep you from advancing or to make you think you have to work harder. And you are the one that needs to set the boundaries.
   Second, you have only been in this job for a month. I have found that in many instances, companies don't have a good onboarding process within a department. HR has all of these typical things they do for new employees, but in the department - they may not know how to train or integrate you. So it is onboarding by fire, throwing the new employee at whatever the crisis is today so they can survive. You have clarified WHO is taking advantage of you? Is it your supervisors or the employees you are supposed to be supervising? Who is throwing you in swing shifts? If it is the employees you are supposed to be supervising, then you need to step into your management role and put a stop to it. Create the structure you would use as a supervisor and implement it. If it is your supervisors, then I would create the structure you want to use as well - but then vet it with your supervisors before you implement. You were hired to improve the workflow and productivity. Prove it.

5. Paulla Fetzek, MSEdOctober 27,2021 at 1:21AM UTC

   Kristie: I agree with you about experience being worth more than a degree. Unfortunately, my 31+ years professional experience has shown otherwise.

   Take my current job for instance. When I started, I didn't have a degree. At about year 10, I decided to go back to school. Graduated with the degree I always wanted (education). Has NOTHING to do with my job.

   Next year, I got a 1% boost to my yearly raise. Simply because I now had a degree. In a field that had NOTHING to do with the industry in which I work.

   Too many companies these days seem to think education is the way to go. Having seen SO MANY "educated" people come and go from my job - I highly disagree with this.

6. Kristie WhiteOctober 27,2021 at 2:30PM UTC

   Paula, I believe education is often used as a filter or gate. That's why your degree in an unrelated field still yielded a increase in pay. I'm not sure whether I agree with the practice or not, but its a fact. Perhaps - with the cost of higher ed these days and a labor shortage - organizations will loosen some of their requirements.

7. VMOctober 27,2021 at 12:32PM UTC

   I’m a believer you set your expectations when you enter a relationship (any capacity). Speak with your manager and outline your concerns, ask for job expectations and duties and then see what this means to you. It sounds like they’re expecting a working manager…

8. Karen GongawareOctober 27,2021 at 12:44PM UTC

   So ask yourself why you let them bully you into taking shifts you didn't want? And, go online and get a degree, if it is that important, in your field. Yes you can afford. If you are in the States you are eligible for student loans. Your credit score does not matter. Just take what you need. If it is a private or religious institute, they do have monthly payment plans.
   I am 65 and still being headhunted, so don't let your perception color your chances. Believe in yourself, start working on the degree (Associate, Bachelor you pick), and get some confidence to stand up for yourself or you will be bullied. Always be prepared to let your feet do the talking! It's your life and your choices.

9. Carli GarciaOctober 27,2021 at 12:57PM UTC

   First some context:
   44% of people 25 and older have a degree.
   Jobs always prioritize experience.
   Next:
   You are the asset. The irony is that a college degree doesn't necessarily mean what everyone thinks it means. If that were the case, we would not have millions of people quitting their jobs (mostly due to bad managers).
   As for school:
   Never let cost be a factor in investing in yourself. If you need a particular skillset, there are a multitude of ways of obtaining it - college is one way. Start working backwards from what your ideal role is. Consider the work environment that works for you. Don't forget to speak up along the way.
   Find a mentor. Set boundaries at work. And continue to learn what you need to be successful in your field.

   All the best!

   ps. congrats on getting married in March (if you're spending any significant amount on that one day, consider using that same strategy for school costs).

10. AnonymousOctober 27,2021 at 12:58PM UTC

    Sounds like they hired you as a salaried manager to avoid paying you overtime. If so, get yourself an employment attorney, because that’s illegal. You are entitled to overtime.

11. Maggie StoneOctober 27,2021 at 1:22PM UTC

    She stated she is an hourly employee.

12. AnonymousOctober 27,2021 at 1:30PM UTC

    The OP stated that the job *is* hourly.

13. AnonymousOctober 27,2021 at 1:30PM UTC

    I agree with expressing your thoughts on the schedule. It matters if the job respects your time. You haven't specified industry, so we don't know if unusual hours are expected within the industry. However, if you find the assigned hours unacceptable you need to express that they are.
    I believe leaders should be able to do most of the jobs they are asking of their employees. Therefore doing the "non-leader tasks" is important to know where leadership and coaching can happen. It is reasonable to ask to meet with your boss regularly for updates and status, but being asked to do tasks which are necessary should not be beneath any leader, and should be an opportunity for you to learn.

14. Maggie StoneOctober 27,2021 at 1:31PM UTC

    First, I am hearing a lot of assumptions that may or may not be true about being stuck or all places requiring a degree. Ask yourself if those are really true. Do some research if you have to.

    Second, most importantly, you mention you want to do your dream which doesn't require a degree. What is preventing you from doing that? Spend your energy taking one small step towards that dream (e.g. networking with someone who is doing something similar, or searching for jobs that fall into your dream and finding out requirements). You found this job in a managerial role without a degree. Doesn't sound like you are stuck. Best of luck.

15. JaimeOctober 27,2021 at 2:12PM UTC

    I have been there! I worked as a supervisor in retail. Luckily, I was promoted into the role and knew what to expect. Essentially, I covered the departments that needed help, I didn't supervise anyone and no one saw my role that way. I didn't last long after I knew nothing was going to change.

    In all honesty, I think you have the unique opportunity being a new hire to frankly say the role wasn't what you expected and explain that you are not supervising currently. You can open the dialogue to take on some supervisor responsibilities while still helping out the company where needed, just on a slightly smaller scale. Keep negotiating, help train people who are not in a supervisor role to take over some of the responsibilities you haven't that aren't part of the job description.

    I would also mention that you need advanced notice on any schedule changes and set those boundaries firmly, there is no wiggle room here.

16. AnonymousOctober 27,2021 at 4:02PM UTC

    My first thought is that the first month or so is all learning. How can you manage/supervise if you are not up to date with all that you need to know at the company/process/procedures? Give it a little time. I am not sure thinking you would be supervising on day 1 or shortly thereafter is reasonable. Wouldn't you want to learn the ropes before you jump in head first?
    How can you supervise if you are not well versed in the role/company/etc.? Also, IMHO, you need to realize a new person will get the grunt work at times and it will change over time - give it more than a couple weeks before you are over the job.

    I agree with others a degree will help. If you are not willing or can't invest time in college, earn a certificate.

17. Joanna PoeOctober 27,2021 at 8:38PM UTC

    The education barrier is often stipulated in job postings out of habit, but not followed in practice. Try applying to your ideal position while emphasizing your experience and performance record.

    This new place sounds like a nightmare, and they have obviously figured out that they can schedule you for hours nobody else wants, so don't expect that to stop. Start looking again, and when you get to the interview process, make inquiries about scheduling and training procedures.