Opinions..

20 Comments

1. AnonymousMarch 11,2022 at 5:47PM UTC

   NOPE! You shouldn't just take your paycheck. I'm going to get on a soapbox a little here, but value in your position or organization makes a HUGE difference. I have been in the same boat where all my work was taken away and I had to sit there and fake smile for everyone. It sucked. I hated my life and I hated my job. I did the same, spoke with my boss, HR, and the owner of the company and got nowhere. I was actively searching for a job for 3 months before I landed a new job. That job was also openly hostile and I made the last month reeeeeeally interesting for them with an extreme happy and chipperness, I became that overly annoying customer service rep because it was the only way to have some sort of a 'win' when I left.

   Really, what I'm saying is, it's hard and absolutely sucks. Don't lose hope. It helped me to note literally everything going on and then in all that downtime I managed to read over 100 books in a year! Do your job search, find a much better place for you and in the meantime find the little things to make your current place bearable until you can move on!

2. AnonymousMarch 11,2022 at 7:15PM UTC

   Why live this way? Clearly he doesn't need or know how to use an assistant but he also doesn't want to lose the headcount or the illusion of needing an assistant. He likes the image it brings.

   So again, Why would his image issues be your problem?

3. AnonymousMarch 11,2022 at 8:30PM UTC

   "he also doesn't want to lose the headcount or the illusion of needing an assistant. He likes the image it brings." this is spot on! I am currently looking I hate to leave without something lined up.

4. AnonymousMarch 13,2022 at 12:28PM UTC

   Use this time to further your skills. While looking for another job. If everyone is aware of the downtime you have, use it to your advantage until you’re able to get out.

5. AnonymousMarch 13,2022 at 12:43PM UTC

   You were gifted with the person who hired you...what a great mentor! It sounds like that person valued you as more than an ad min and I don't blame you for feeling this way (I have been in similar!). Don't feel defeated; feel worthwhile! It sucks to look for a job but don't spend your precious time and worth selling yourself short in a boring, unfulfilling position!

6. Lisa Bracco SpinelliMarch 13,2022 at 1:28PM UTC

   I was in this same position years ago, before Google and the tools job searchers have now.

   My mental state (I want to stay busy and learn) slowly tanked at that job until I got out.

   That was 25 years ago. Thought this "enhancing my image" attitude about assistants would have disappeared by now. Sorry to see it hasn't. But the boss's refusal to develop your job isn't your problem. Use your downtime to find another job and get out of there.

7. GirlBossanova934974March 13,2022 at 1:33PM UTC

   To be candid, it's not being called 'The Great Resignation' for no reason. 'The Great Resignation' has been and continues to be the mass 'migration' of people like yourself from unfulfilling jobs and/or underpaid positions. There is no reason to take any negative feelings from your current role. Some managers simply treat their subordinates like the office coffee machine or office water cooler. The subordinate is supposed to be there when they are needed and that is it. In many cases, the manager is scared of go getters. If you want to work for a 'leader type', then go find one on the outside. There are tons of companies with all sorts of open roles open. It's never been a better time to go elsewhere. You will probably get a nice raise to go with it.

8. sandmanstoneMarch 13,2022 at 2:38PM UTC

   Don't leave without something else lined up. There are too many opportunities now to do that.

   Some suggestions for you - when you write your resume, write it including the functions you did for the first person. That way, when the interviewer asks you to them them more, you will be excited to talk about your function. If they ask you why you are looking, don't talk badly about your current boss (then they will worry about what you might say about them in the future). Just say you are looking to grow in your career and do more of what you are good at. You are going to be fine. There are a lot of roles out there open, and waiting for you.

9. Melanie MitchellMarch 13,2022 at 2:53PM UTC

   You have two options, the one you are doing, and feeling defeated or undervalued, or you can devote that time and energy to staying focused on finding something new. Express gratitude for hainvg this job and that it will open to the doors to a new opportunity. Changing your mindset will help you navigate the job search. This is just a stop along the journey, so place your focus on moving forward to something better.

10. AnonymousMarch 13,2022 at 2:59PM UTC

    I recently left a well paying job with a good stable staff & company because my skills were not being properly utilized and I just ended feeling like crud all the time. If you have told your employer your needs to be successful and nothing is changing then it might be time to find a new job. I would write down all of your skills and the tasks you used to do that you enjoy and search for something that fits you better. Good luck!

11. Vanda LeeMarch 13,2022 at 3:16PM UTC

    Do you have the means to re-connect with the 1st consultant? I'd put effort into tracking them down & reaching out to see if there was another opportunity with them expressing both your positive & skill challenging experience while working for them

12. Diana SchneidmanMarch 13,2022 at 3:58PM UTC

    Yes! Reconnect with the consultant!!! They may be the link to your next good job. They'll understand the situation--you won't have to invent a happy story for them. And they can be your reference.

13. Bonnie Low-KramenMarch 13,2022 at 3:38PM UTC

    Here's the thing. It's not you and this is not personal. The reality is that your new executive does not know how to utilize an EA. It's very common. The picture you paint is happening all over the U.S. It's a shame that the other leaders you told are unwilling to act. Given the strong job market, you should have no issue finding something new. If you feel like you want to try to stay, you might create a proposal with the top 3 things that you would like to take on for your exec. He doesn't know what he doesn't know. Here's a new article I wrote about this; https://ceoworld.biz/2022/03/09/executives-its-time-to-lose-the-guilt/ Good luck!

14. Paulla Fetzek, MSEdMarch 13,2022 at 6:18PM UTC

    I'll start by saying I'm sorry you feel this way. Next, I'll state that I understand. I've felt like just a "person in a cubicle" for quite some time now. It's frustrating and can be demeaning.

    I've also been passed by for opportunities because my current supervisor and others I work with don't want to lose the work I do for them. I'll take it that they value me in this respect. But it's also extremely unfair.

    From your post, you have approached those who you need to. I saw that Bonnie posted a great idea about presenting everyone with the projects or processes that are perfect for you as an EA.

    If you go this route, and still don't receive feedback, then it's time to consider your next move. I've been at my company for almost 20 years. For the past 10, I've also cultivated my talents for my true love: teaching.

    There will come a point when my frustration will overpower my willingness to "stick things out". There are several changes coming in 2022. If these changes don't include me and utilizing the unbelievable amount of work and skill I've given my company... I then really have to take stock and what I'm doing there.

    I wish you all the best!

15. Maureen B. WeisnerMarch 14,2022 at 12:34AM UTC

    How fortunate to have worked with the consultant and step right into learning mode for what this position should/could be. You have taken the steps in-house as well. Whether your boss doesn't understand how to use you effectively or you're being stonewalled for some reason, it's a good time to job search.

16. Karen Annette DossMarch 14,2022 at 1:06PM UTC

    I agree with those who have suggested that you create a work plan for yourself. I was hired as an EA for a start up and over the past decade, as the staffing has grown and my duties have changed I have gradually "rewritten" my position description by taking on projects that interested me and that I felt would benefit the organization. If nothing else, you will be able to talk passionately about those projects when you interview for a better fit.

    One thing that I haven't seen mentioned involves the actual details of your hiring. It's interesting that you note that the person who hired you was a consultant. I'm just guessing here, but it sounds to me like the department you are in (and the manager - and possibly the manager's manager ) may have been underperforming, thus leading the organization to bring in a consultant to help fix whatever was wrong. The consultant was likely modeling appropriate supervision tactics for your boss and showing them how to utilize an EA to improve their performance. However, if that is the case, it is also highly likely that your manager - and possibly your manager's manager ;) may feel some resentment regarding the consultant and may be rebelling by refusing to implement the consultant's solutions. Basically this sounds like two under performers who are throwing a temper tantrum and you are caught in the middle.

    There are two reasons that I can think of that HR may not have stepped in yet. 1. They know that your boss, and others, are likely on their way out and are biding their time. 2. They are frustrated with your boss and have basically given up on trying to deal with them.

    Either way, it sounds to me like you are in a highly political situation and you have a couple of choices. If you like the company and want to stay, then I would reiterate my suggestion to develop a work plan of your own. Show your value to the organization, not your boss, and they will be more likely to keep you on once your leadership (hopefully) changes.

    Equally as important, sit tight, keep your head down, and your mouth shut (about your bosses). Seriously, don't talk to anyone (I wish I could capitalize, bold, and put exclamation points at the end of that, lol) at your workplace about anything that you think or hear. You'll need to have an external support system that you can vent to, but to your colleagues you smile and present a positive face. If they ask you questions about your bosses, you demure and redirect the conversation to work matters. I went through the same situation about 15 years ago and it was my reputation as discreet and a couple of projects that I developed that kept me employed. If you decide to leave, those traits (discretion and initiative) will be something that you can present to interviewers to set you apart from other candidates.

    Best of luck to you!

17. AnonymousMarch 14,2022 at 10:50PM UTC

    Thanks Karen for this advise not to vent to colleagues even when they vent to you. This has been a lesson I've learnt the hard way.

    After being bullied into a medical leave, that's fast coming to an end, am now job searching and it's a very difficult position to be in.

18. AnonymousMarch 14,2022 at 2:43PM UTC

    I am a seasoned EA as well and in similar situation. I do

    nothing.

19. Maegan MMarch 15,2022 at 12:48PM UTC

    Hey Anonymous, See above. My process may help you too if you would like to chat!

20. Maegan MMarch 15,2022 at 12:46PM UTC

    Hey Anonymous , I can totally help you !
    I help professionals build their career capital by creating an entire ecosystem of support, so you can feel in control, valued by others, and appropriately paid. To take you through the 3 steps would take about 45 mins, but I can briefly share how its worked for me/my clients.:

    Andrea discovered answers she needed by finally having difficult conversations with her manager, increased her visibility and confidence by tracking meaningful work and preparing wins for her resume. She pivoted into a new company/role making $14k more and negotiated her offer.

    I created this strategy to land a job I really wanted, helped them see my value and felt so confident in my capabilities that I negotiated my salary for the first time.

    If you feel curious at all, I'd be happy to gift you a session where I take you through my Career Capital Roadmap Call which will help you identify what you can start doing to become valued for your amazing work. Here is my link : https://maeganmillercoaching.as.me/consultcall