Advice Request: Transitions, Promotions and Boundaries.

Advice Request: Transitions, Promotions and Boundaries.

Hi FGB Community,

My employer, like many, lost several talented folks during the pandemic. Getting their replacements up to speed during the remote-work time has been challenging.

My supervisor has been dangling the promotion carrot for the last year or so and they’ve been candid that I’m already performing at that level. I would agree. I know these things take time and it’s frustrating but par-for-the-course.

Now into the current challenge/opportunity. My supervisor has stepped up, leaving the position between myself and them vacant. I’ve been clear that I do not want that position, for job satisfaction and personal reasons. That position is one step above the promised-promotion. I want an outsider to come in because I think that would be best for dismantling some entrenched patterns.

But we’re constantly onboarding new staff, and I find myself covering some of the responsibilities of that 2-up position due to leadership vacuum and my own tendencies to not tolerate dysfunction.

Recently, my supervisor began dumping further tasks on my plate, and I said “Listen, you can’t keep doing this. I’m already burnt out. Please come up with a plan that involves developing more skills in some of the under-engaged or newly hired staff.” Their response was tired/cranky/retaliatory and in the vein of “Listen, we’re all in the sh*t, get in here with me”.

Wasn't their best moment. They made their own choice to step up. I’m uncompensated for the work I’m already doing.

So, any advice/thoughts on whom to involve if this gets worse or how to hold boundaries? I’m a little wary of my organization’s HR solely based on some of the outdated or disorganized trainings we webinar in to. I do belong to a union but have never considered trying to find an omansbud. At present we’re onboarding new staff without the position of their supervisor filled, so several people are covering it partially, and I anticipate a bumpy several months.