I can't handle the bureaucracy at my company.

13 Comments

1. AnonymousOctober 21,2023 at 5:41PM UTC

   I could have completely written this myself!

   I am also looking for a new job but in the meantime, I am adopting the path of least resistance strategy.

   I have accepted that this workplace is NOT going to change and they do not want my input to make it better.

   So, I do not give my input unless requested. And I don't do extra either, since they are very happy in their mediocrity.

   I simply do my job adequately and keep quiet the best I can. When my nitpicking boss says, "Oh there is a comma on page 42 missing" from a definitely unneeded document (and one that was supposed to be reviewed for content) I just smile and fix it.

   For me, this came after a lot of tears and the realization it is the company's work product, not mine. If they are committed to a subpar performance and a nitpicky review that focuses on commas and not content, that is THEIR problem.

   If focusing on silly stuff means the team misses deadlines, well then I make sure that I can pinpoint the reason the deadline was missed (and make sure it is NOT me).

   And I accept I am not a good fit for that type of environment.

   So, am I giving up? Yes, yes I am.

   Am I quietly quitting in the meantime? Probably.

   Am I getting better rest so I won't look frazzled when that 'just right' job interview comes up. Definitely.

   So, do what works for you but don't let the fact they are mediocre take over your work life. I say this as a person who cried for a month before giving up. It is SO not worth it.

   The workplace will replace you in a second without another thought. You are a cog in THEIR wheel. You are actually much more awesome than whatever cog role you fit in at the moment.

2. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistOctober 21,2023 at 6:31PM UTC

   YOU SAID: So, am I giving up? Yes, yes I am.

   THIS IS NOT GIVING UP! This is deciding what is important to you. This is looking at your company with a realistic eye and saying is this the type of organization that is a fit for me?

   This is being honest with yourself and acknowledging that you work in a poorly run company and that that's not what you prefer.

   THAT'S NOT GIVING UP. That's putting you and your needs first - which is what you should always do. Please know that you deserve to BE HAPPY!

3. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistOctober 21,2023 at 6:32PM UTC

   My advice is what you're already doing - find another job in a better run company.

   You won't change your current company because they are not interested in improving things.

   GOOD LUCK IN YOUR JOB SEARCH!!!

4. AnonymousOctober 23,2023 at 12:19AM UTC

   I have seen some beautiful replies to your dilemma, but I thought I would give you a different perspective. First, there is no reasonable explanation for why you were never given a REASON that these seemingly unnecessary tasks must be done. Trust me, no company wants to pay employees for "busy work." When I have run into this situation with employees, I always explain why the task was necessary and never brushed them off. So you are right. Your company does not communicate well. Many of these mundane tasks may be for a myriad of reasons. Some organizations funded with grants (especially) must gather data for their funding sources. While you may not see directly how this may improve your services (because they don't), they DO help provide the funding that allows you to offer them. Second, there is no harm in asking the "why" question. "You get paid the same.... " is no answer (at least not a legitimate one.)

5. Tricia BurroughsOctober 23,2023 at 12:45PM UTC

   Are you brining solutions or problems? If you are bringing solutions and getting blown off, this is a difficult situation and may not get better. If you are just bringing problems, you may always get a push back.

6. AnonymousOctober 24,2023 at 1:44PM UTC

   Something I've learned to keep in mind is that often there's a lot one doesn't know in any given situation. You say, "These are bureaucratic tasks, that could be made easier or eliminated. However, when I bring this up, I'm always shot down." You're pretty sure you're right here, however I've often had situation where team members don't fully understand everything going on in the background in terms of company priorities and/or system development. I agree with the commenter who said that you should be some explanation around tasks and why they are necessary, but I wonder if you simply didn't like or dismissed reasons given? It may be that your current position is truly not a great fit for you, but leaving a job with above average pay and great benefits because *you* believe that tasks requested of you are unnecessary and don't contribute to company goals or the bottom line seems like a big choice.

7. AnonymousOctober 26,2023 at 1:32PM UTC

   Why would you assume they dismissed those reasons?

   sounds like a reach

8. AnonymousOctober 31,2023 at 5:06PM UTC

   I didn't assume; I asked.

9. AnonymousOctober 25,2023 at 4:42PM UTC

   It sounds like if this bothers you that much that you have outgrown this place. Time to look around for a more progressive organization where process improvement is revered.

10. AnonymousOctober 26,2023 at 1:32PM UTC

    Can you re-phrase this in a more inspiring tone? You sound angry with the OP

11. AnonymousOctober 26,2023 at 1:24PM UTC

    There’s a lot going on here:

    1.You are overqualified for that position

    2 They probably knew that

    3 Likely they are under qualified

    4 Sounds like the classic bait & switch

    5 You might be the smartest person in the room.

    Is this a remote, hybrid, or on-site position?

    Not a lot of information to give proper advice.

12. AnonymousOctober 26,2023 at 1:31PM UTC

    Well it sounds like to me that although you’re paid above average, you’re definitely an above average employee at that company.

    You’re a leader when they want to fit you in the mold of a follower. Unfortunately your managers are just plain managers, not leaders. They’re under qualified which is probably why they’re so stuck in doing things the same way.

13. AnonymousOctober 26,2023 at 1:36PM UTC

    You are dealing with mediocre managers, and you are probably doing their work for them.