I think I am about to lose my job and in the tackiest way. Feedback Please?

21 Comments

1. AnonymousSeptember 6,2024 at 5:32PM UTC

   Your employer might have a new role for you or given the fact that they know you're burned out they might offer you severance so hang in there.

   My advice would be to start looking for a new job now asap. Don't wait for someone to show you the door.

2. AnonymousSeptember 6,2024 at 5:55PM UTC

   I've been thinking the same. It's a shame though. I've been here for 3 1/2 years.

3. AnonymousSeptember 6,2024 at 7:46PM UTC

   I doubt asking HR why you were not included in the meeting will help. HR may say that inclusion in such a meeting was at manager discretion. They my feel that the manager would fill you in on any information needed. I was left out of some meetings that focused on testing that I ran until management realized that they did not get the information they needed when I was not there. I agree with the other poster to get resume ready and start looking for other employment. It could be that it was an oversight by the manager and they really want you to continue your work. It is better to take precautions if things do not work out that way.

4. AnonymousSeptember 6,2024 at 8:11PM UTC

   HR might not be able to offer much explaination unless you’re managed through HR. My support team was responsible for our hotline and even though we could forward calls to our cell it was easier to have one person to stay behind during meetings to just run the support line. I would ask your manager if you’re worried about it, it’s possible they are overwhelmed coordinating the office move/logistics of going remote that it slipped their mind. You could just ask for a general one on one and ask him to fill you in on anything you missed in the meeting and what you can do to moving forward (If you’re comfortable being direct, you can ask “what can I expect my role to look like after the move on Oct 1?” )

5. AnonymousSeptember 6,2024 at 9:09PM UTC

   Excellent response!

6. AnonymousSeptember 6,2024 at 9:48PM UTC

   yes! I like that one as well! Thank you for the great reply! That helps a lot!

7. AnonymousSeptember 6,2024 at 8:50PM UTC

   I would ask your manager and to express concern over not being up to date on the move. If you are feeling burn out or have had issues in the past, address it with your direct supervisor or manager. But may I guide you a moment on asking questions... be sure not to start the questions with "why". It immediately puts others on the defense. Understanding you are burned out and it sounds like you are quite frustrated, be sure your tone is calm and comes from a place of curiosity and team spirit. That goes a long way in getting the help that you need. I do hope they keep you in the loop and that things get better for you there.

8. AnonymousSeptember 7,2024 at 12:40PM UTC

   I recommend helper-oriented “how” questions to shake loose some information. “How would you like me to prepare the physical files for going remote on 10/1?”

9. AnonymousSeptember 8,2024 at 9:18PM UTC

   This is very clever.

10. GirlBossanova934974September 7,2024 at 1:34PM UTC

    I don't get it. The company wants to save some money by moving out of the building and subletting. The office staff is going to be working out of their home until a new lease is signed. This can save a lot of money! You know that your company can just as easily set up a VIRTUAL telephone exchange and route all the calls through it to your remote workers. Smart companies put a HUMAN operator in the middle so the caller can press ONE for example to speak to someone right away. That human operator then takes the message and routes it to the remote worker via email. I run a small business and we have used that system for 6 years! We NEVER lose a message and I know the messages that are coming in whenever I want to pull a report.

11. AnonymousSeptember 7,2024 at 1:55PM UTC

    Are you the admin or receptionist - is that your concern about job security?

12. AnonymousSeptember 7,2024 at 3:20PM UTC

    I would urge you to breathe and take a moment before you move forward. Yes, it shows poor management and communication skills that you were uninformed. It's also possible that there are many assumptions at play (namely, people assuming you know). It may not necessarily mean you'll lose your job. Also, if they are preparing for everyone (and everything) to be gone by Oct. 1st, it's possible some folks are busy doing their jobs and planning the move. Sadly, some companies forget to tell everyone. I don't know if it's a question of honesty, rather it's more about responsibility.

    I agree with the other comments here that suggest the new Remote work until there's a new place of business could be a welcome break for you (if working from home or working remotely does in fact work for you). If you are at a burnout phase, it could take time and intention to shift to a healthier state of being. Instead of trying to fix your current job scenario (which led you to burnout), perhaps ride the wave of Remote work - and also search for another job - then by the time they find a new building to lease, you may have options to consider (remote, a new space, or a new job). Do what you can. You may just decide to rest. (FWIW, when I was in a work/burnout situation, my brain needed a rest from autopilot and overthinking. When you finally get the recovery - things feel different. I'm glad you're seeking support and double checking before a big decision).

    Other commenters suggested talking with your manager, not HR. I agree, start with manager first. You could ask HR what the moving plan is and when will it be distributed to the company. I also like the commenter suggestion about asking How questions? Rather than making it about you. It will come off better for you. Lastly, if you do lose your job (and from what I read, I'm not sure you will), make them terminate you, don't sign anything immediately, and take the unemployment (and hopefully severance).

    Good luck!

13. AnonymousSeptember 8,2024 at 1:20PM UTC

    Id keep my mouth shut and look for another job.

14. AnonymousSeptember 9,2024 at 12:25PM UTC

    I've read your post above ^^ twice, trying to put all the pieces of this together. I had to read it twice because your thought process seems unorganized. To be honest, in a kind way, you sound very anxious. It does feel sketchy to be left out of a meeting, and perhaps that's a warning sign- After all, you mentioned that "my work knows that I'm at burnout". How does your manager know this? Have you voiced complaints, concerns to others? Perhaps the universe is telling you something here. You are at "burn out", your "work knows this" (how??), and now you've not been included in a meeting with others. And, you've also discovered that your work peers have known about this move "since Monday". Again, maybe the universe is telling you something. But, you "still need this job though"- To be fair, I don't think running to HR will change anything. There might be some truth to what you are sensing. If it were me, I would buckle down and do my very best work over the next few weeks. Be EXTREMELY valuable and irreplaceable. Things can change. If you run to HR now (for what? not being on a zoom meeting?)- HR can do nothing if your manager chose to not include you. So, be your best and also be looking for another job. I am sorry. But I'm being honest.

15. Doris NwanneSeptember 9,2024 at 1:54PM UTC

    Don't meet HR for anything. Work as you have been working before and don't stress your brain.

    As long as they have not terminated your appointment, keep doing what you are doing.

16. AnonymousSeptember 9,2024 at 2:23PM UTC

    I would not go to HR, keep working but since you are burnt out I would also start looking for a new job

17. Maggie StoneSeptember 9,2024 at 3:24PM UTC

    Definitely some changes that are bigger than you going on. If they are subletting without a place to go, it sounds like the company/office is at risk. Anxiety about the unknown seems to be at the root of this, which is understandable. First, there are alternative explanations for being left out the loop that don’t involve being fired. Maybe being excluded from the meeting was an oversight or it was decided that it wasn’t relevant to you. If you are hearing about things last, it may be because others asked first or are better positioned politically or socially. Question your assumptions and look for alternative explanations. Second, I would focus on delivering the best work product possible. Third, I would probably have a conversation with my manager that begins with “I have heard about some changes going on. What does this mean for my role?” Good luck and I have found that most times in life, I am where I need to be.

18. AnonymousSeptember 12,2024 at 12:17PM UTC

    They may be trialing an all-remote workplace too to see IF they need the office space or how much they really need. Better to cut real estate costs than people if they are in cost-cutting mode.

19. LORI-ANN BURLINGAMESeptember 9,2024 at 11:00PM UTC

    Let your manager know that you keep hearing office chatter and would like some clarification on the company's relocation and the role you will play in the new offices.

    Stay calm and keep it on a more conversational level.

    Wishing you the best!

20. Stephanie DudleySeptember 11,2024 at 12:27PM UTC

    It sounds to me like this job is no longer a good fit for you. Perhaps it was a good job for you in the past but it is no longer serving you.

    Whether they are phasing you out or not, you don’t like how you are being treated. Why stay? Personally I would look for another job because they are no longer meeting your standards, and you deserve better.

21. AnonymousSeptember 12,2024 at 12:15PM UTC

    If you answer the phone most of the time, maybe they didn't feel it was worth pulling you into a meeting and making someone else cover the phone for it.

    I'd be suspicious too, but as others have said, you might be able to get some more useful info by asking about how to make sure you're better included in communication.

    Do you have duties beyond answering the phone?