It’s time for me to go

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Anonymous

12/04/20 at 3:35AM UTC

Career

It’s time for me to go

A few months ago the company I work for got acquired by another one. As you can imagine lots of things have changed since the merger took place. I used to report to a C-level. The new leadership decided that a colleague who was coordinating some sales process, to become the leader of the Sales and Marketing team, even though we are both “directors” and that I was much more involved in all the initiatives... but beyond the title, I feel frustrated because I have much more experience in the area, managing people, knowledge about the region, and while all the changes were being made, I took the initiative to bring the team together. He is not a bad guy, but I’m so frustrated because A. For the first time in my career I find myself reporting to someone I have nothing meaningful to learn from, if anything I already know most of the things he is now learning. B. My role wasn’t supposed to shrink, that was not what I was told, but it has, because he took some of my responsibilities (but at the same time he expects for me to lead - mixed signals) I don’t think I have the strength to prove myself again (for any period of time) to be considered for a promotion. On the bright side, this situation has helped me to remember my value, what I can bring to the table, and I know is time for me to go. But in days like today I feel soo undervalued - every time someone says “oh you’re part of [his name] team” I cringe Additional background: I’ve been with this company for 12 years, I have had many roles. Vertical and horizontal promotions every 2/3 years except for my current role that I’ve been doing for almost 5 years now. Have you ever been in this situation? Do you have any tips on how to hang up while I look for another job? Thank you!

10 Comments

Anonymous

12/04/20 at 7:25AM UTC

This is the exact scenario I’m going through at the very moment. Will post a follow-up comment in the next couple of days on how I’ve handled (on most days) the situation.

1 Reply

Anonymous

12/04/20 at 1:28PM UTC

I’ll be looking for it :) thank you!!!

User edited comment on 12/04/20 at 1:42PM UTC

1 Reply

Anonymous

12/05/20 at 5:29AM UTC

I was hired three years ago at a company to build out a centralized risk program. It involved integrating over ten separate risk programs in various departments within the company into mine. Additionally, we had to build out the program to account for future workloads and initiatives. In the course of 1.5 years, I traveled 1-2 times per month to visit my teams in the U.S. and internationally, worked nights and weekends, assisted other areas with their initiatives and stood up a program with a team size of 600. I was even recognized with an award that only the top 3% of the company achieve. We were then informed that our organization was going to be realigned into another division and that my manager (the risk COO) would not be moving over with us. In the course of six months, a new head was hired and we were realigned under him. To all of our surprise, my manager was moved as well and given my role. I ended up getting layered under him and he took over the role I had for the past three years. One month later, my manager announced he found another role within the company and was leaving. Naturally, I assumed I would resume my former role. The new head had another idea in mind. He not only placed someone in the role without even posting the requisition for all interested and qualified candidates, but placed a person who has four years of professional work experience and two years of management experience. This doesn’t even meet the minimum requirements for a leadership role such as this one. I was informed that there is nothing I need to improve on and that there is a bright future for me in this org; however, this new leader is just such a genius that no one can compare. I am literally at a loss for words. I have no idea how our HR department would have even allowed for this what is seemingly an unfair hiring practice. I have lost self-confidence, pride and trust in the company I have committed the last three years to. I, like you, have realized, this is a sign that I need to move on. I look at the words of Les Brown, “Don’t let one person’s opinion become a reality for you” and the solid career I have built over the past 15+ years and know that this is not a failure on my part. I am very much qualified for the role just as you are. Anyone who can’t see that doesn’t deserve my loyalty, commitment and hard work. For now, I take one day at a time. I look at the positive, which is I am responsible for much less than I used to be, but am still making the same salary. My family is finally beginning to remember who I am again as I now don’t travel or work on the weekends anymore and am able to devote my time to the people who truly mean something to me. Sure my pride is in the toilet and I have to pick my ego off the floor on some days, but I know it is not my fault. I am looking forward to going to a place where I am valued and recognized for the work I put in. I hope you will find a place like that, too. Best of luck to you.

User edited comment on 12/05/20 at 5:29AM UTC

1 Reply

Anonymous

12/07/20 at 12:45AM UTC

Thank you for sharing, it shouldn't happen but at least I'm not alone. I have had days where I want to speak up to my current 'boss' about my responsibilities and his expectations, just to say that I at least tried to make it work for the time I have left. But I know I should focus my energy in looking for another job, and like Natasha advised -> revamp my personal brand. I am going to need it to leverage my network. Best of luck to you too!

Natasha Bjoerndal

12/04/20 at 9:23AM UTC

First of all, I'm sorry to hear you're both going through this. I've seen it happen many times to my clients, both during my consulting days and a coach. I'm going to give you the cut + dry here - you didn't get the promotion because leadership don't believe you have what it takes. It's absolutely NOT a reflection of your strengths or your skills by any means. Sit with your feelings - feel the anger, frustration, hypocrisy of the situation and harness those emotions. Decide what you what to do. The way I see it, you have two clear options: 1 - Know your worth + you're more than reporting to someone who's your peer. In the long-run, there is no good 'ending' to this. You'll regret staying. So take your time but start posturing yourself digitally and activating your networks for your next role. 2 - Ask for a feedback session with someone you trust as a champion for you at work. Level up and share your disappointment but that you're still a team player. Enquire if there are any other lateral opportunities for you. Lastly, invest your time + energy in your brand - it clearly needs a revamp. I have a free mini-course which can help you figure out your next steps if you'd like.

1 Reply

Anonymous

12/04/20 at 1:42PM UTC

I understand exactly what you mean, and I’ve been revamping my brand without knowing. As soon as I started to recognize my value, everything shifted, my actions were more empowered, y speak out even more, more confident. I rather start new somewhere else. But I’m still going to follow your advice. I will find a champion and I will invest my energy to revamp my brand... looking at the mini course now. And thank you!!!

User edited comment on 12/04/20 at 1:42PM UTC

Monica Rattigan

Executive Director in Pittsburgh

12/04/20 at 2:36PM UTC

I am also in a similar situation. I have been clear with my supervisor that I am looking for additional opportunities. He has asked me to be patient and I understand, to some extent, that this is a difficult time to make additional changes when things around us are changing so rapidly. I am being patient in my current role while taking the opportunity to ask for more professional development opportunities while I look for another job. It’s hard to to patient and not get frustrated when I feel like my full potential and talents aren’t being utilized but I don’t want that frustration to impact my work. My thought is continue to do excellent work, seek out every opportunity, and eventually a great opportunity will present itself.

D Serke

12/09/20 at 2:22AM UTC

It's difficult to lose out on a promotion that you feel should be yours. If you don't see any other opportunities in this new organization structure, I'd suggest putting feelers out to former colleagues and friends to see if there are any potential opportunities for someone with your skillset. You'd be surprised that just mentioning to people you trust your interest in a new opportunity could ultimately become a new job. I do not recommend leaving prior to finding a new position. Rather, continue building your brand and do your best work where you are, knowing that you will eventually find a company that deserves you.

1 Reply

Anonymous

12/09/20 at 3:35PM UTC

Thank you for the advice! My plan is to find something first... I think what hit me the most was that it doesn't seem I wasn't even considered.

Limor Bergman

12/09/20 at 9:19AM UTC

My recommendations: 1) Polish you LinkedIn profile 2) get recommendations on LinkedIn 3) Do the best job you can do and help you boss, teaching others and helping others will contribute to you as well. Do not dwell in negativity, just decide it is time to move on.