Ive been at my current job for 2 years, I have not received a raise despite my great reviews from the VP, I am an account manager. The dynamic here is pretty toxic as everyone claims to be family but theyre ready to fire everyone in a drop of a dime. Which has happened to my team, and no one communicated to me that this would happen. I came in one day and they were all gone, VP popped into my room told me they were fired and thats it. I know the company is not doing well, however, I thought a little more communication would have been nice. Fast forward, the VP has really been on my case and asking for weekly friday updates of the work that I am doing all week. So because of the paranoia since all of the lay offs and firing, I decided to text her and ask her if I was being observed to see if I was still a good fit here. I guess I did feel comfortable asking given that she shares very personal stories with me and says she considers me "family". We spoke over the phone and she told me, everyone is being watched and its a tough time at the company. Anyway, a couple days later, she emailed the executive team about our conversation and accidently added me to the email. I read it and saved it before she was able to get IT to delete it from my inbox. There were a lot of lies on there especially about the conversation we had, not only that but she called me lazy lol. And I havent been able to get over it since, because yes I have been discouraged lately because the VP can be extremely into your everyday things, pretty much micromanaging, and before this job I was never micromanaged. She gets involved with my team, when she should be using me to do that and also is in every client meeting and leading it. So, did i fall back a little due to discouragement? Yes.. but lazy? I just brought in the most money one of our clients have seen in a couple years, i think that should speak of my work ethic. I am currently looking for other jobs, I guess im just looking for validation here.

6 Comments

1. AnonymousJuly 22,2024 at 4:38PM UTC

   Unfortunately you have a leader undermining you and working against you.

   You clearly have delivered on your goals but it's hard to fight a secret agenda.

   Hang in there. Hopefully you'll be able to leave on your own terms.

2. Jackie RukaJuly 22,2024 at 5:35PM UTC

   Unfortunately, when a company is not doing well, the blame game starts to happen and heads to start to roll. So sorry you are under this situation. Usually when a VP is micr-managing, she is being scrutinized as well. So try not to take it personally, although I know it's hard not to... it sounds like you are perfectly capable of doing your job, however, it's always notable to leave when you are on top! Which is now. You just brought in a big piece of revenue, add that to your resume and start networking. Stay in confidence mode and again, don't let her insecurities to get to you. Those who are good at their jobs , work in flow, not in hustle and grind. You don't need to work/sweat your butt off to maintain solid relationships and book business. IMO.

3. AnonymousJuly 22,2024 at 5:39PM UTC

   The train has left the station, this job is coming to an end. You've said yourself that this employer very easily lets go of its workers. unless what you bring to this organization is so special, you are at risk, too. Sounds to me like you're now the person with a target on their back. Your VP is asking for excessive weekly updates despite good performance, she's emailing other leaders and disparaging you...how much more proof do you need? Update your resume and aggressively start to look for new jobs. Best wishes.

4. Stephanie BaileyJuly 22,2024 at 6:03PM UTC

   You work in a toxic environment and have caught your leader lying on you to superiors which has damaged your earning potential, mental health, and possibly professional reputation. I'm not sure how much more validation you need to be okay with leaving this situation, but it's never the employee's responsibility to fix a toxic work environment.

5. AnonymousJuly 22,2024 at 6:38PM UTC

   Wow, that's really crappy of her. Good call in job searching. That's really toxic talk. Sorry you're dealing with that. Truly, whenever there’s layoffs, and I've experienced a few, I lay low with ANY conversation about it, even to my direct boss. I update my resume and get out asap!

6. AnonymousJuly 26,2024 at 4:25PM UTC

   What you're experiencing is awful. It's not normal in the sense of humanly compassionate or even remotely tolerable (it may be their normal or normalized toxicity- possibly compounded by financial woes- but no excuse).

   Everything you described suggests that you are a compassionate person seeking answers (and validation). Also, top performers are not always promoted, saved, or brought into leadership. They're brought on to fill a purpose and sent away once replaced (for skills or demeanor). From what you described, that place is a rotten sinking ship (and I don't speak like that normally). Don't even try to impress them or fit your work ethic in their mold. They don't care if you're there or not and you're likely on a chopping block due to the financial decisions- it's just a matter of when (it is not about you- though I bet they'll try to squeeze every last ounce out of you).

   Play whatever "yes" game that keeps them off your back, but do not over extend your energy. Counter them only if challenged, don't try to sniff things out. Find a new job, disassociate from current company behaviors as much as you can that is within your capacity (quiet quit, lay low, say things like "I'll do my best"- whether you do anything or not), etc. Don't try to find out the answer to why they are the way they are anymore. They are not a family, colleagues/HR are not friends.

   Here's great advice on what to do to prepare to leave (it includes benefits, documentation, etc.). Consider it a checklist of things to think about rather than things you must do- esp. if it's things for the company.
   https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/starting-new-job/what-to-do-before-quitting-your-job

   I'm all for staying professional, but you have boundaries too. Don't complain or gossip to anyone at work now (not that you did). Consider that no one is a friend (they may not be enemies, but they're not thinking of you.)

   If you find a way out, great. If you don't, protect your health/boundaries. If they fire you, don't sign any paperwork with out reviewing it with a lawyer or someone you trust. Apply for unemployment and fly.

   Good luck!