I need advice in something that maybe very common (or maybe not?) and how to deal with the situation.

June 23,2022 at 5:31AM UTC

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I need advice in something that maybe very common (or maybe not?) and how to deal with the situation.

I was hired in a senior lead role as an SME for a specific area, at that time - they were trying to fill a manager position for the group that manages the analysts and the testing. I turned it down because for the same salary - I did not want to essentially do my job plus manage a team. (Which I was sort of doing anyways once I started in December)

in March - they finally filled this role - it is June now, and most of the work gets funneled at me anyways.

When asked, this person states she doesn’t know how to do this, her roll is to schedule and manage personnel and as the scientist - X, Y and Z are my job. Or she ignored my emails or requests from others to get supports from our subject area.

We are a client facing business so if I don’t pick up her slack, critical deadlines get missed.

I finally escalated this to my senior manager and our director and was told that her role is not a technical one because this was not “how she understand it when she was hired” and I should not expect this.

1) This was not how the role was explained to me when I was hired.

2) Her stating ‘this is not my job’ reached my limits

3) we are having a meeting with my boss to define our roles better.

Problem 1: few weeks ago our director asked if I would be interested in that job and I said I would (in general) - so now I feel like bo matter what I say it looks like I am doing this on purpose.

probkem 2: how do I even proceed??

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AnonymousJune 23,2022 at 1:02PM UTC
I would make it clear what your understanding was when you were hired and how they did not give you the opportunity to renegotiate your agreement when she came on.
In addition, it's adding more strain on your role to do your work, assist with her work, and deal with the stress and tension.
If they would like to move you to this different role you can certainly express your interest but if they show intent to do this, I would firmly request a sit down meeting to discuss your new job description and expectations, how this situation will be avoided in the future (you bearing the fallout from their lack of communication with prospective employees), and then you need to ask for a salary that you feel is commensurate with your experience and the new role.
They want you. Don't feel backed into a corner.
LJune 23,2022 at 2:12PM UTC
I am having a sit down with my manager and her per our director to define who is responsible for what - each person was asked to make a list.
I feel like this isn’t going to accomplish anything - because based on this new information that her role isn’t a ‘scientific’ one. I feel like it’s all going to fall to me anyways.
AnonymousJune 23,2022 at 7:47PM UTC
Don't be afraid to say what you won't do, just frame it as to why it is best for you to do X and not Y and that given the other person's skills you are sure she would be a better fit for those responsibilities.
AnonymousJuly 1,2022 at 4:55PM UTC
While it might not accomplish anything in the day to day, what it will accomplish is all three of you knowing who is supposed to be responsible for what.
If the meeting hasn't happened yet, go into it with an open mind. I suspect that there is going to have to be a compromise on both sides about who is responsible for what. Whatever you do, resist the urge to have a snarky response to her saying "that's not my job". It might also be good to come in with the posted job description for your job and her job as well.
If the meeting has happened, I hope it went well and you are starting to get the support you need.
Stephanie F, MSHRMJuly 3,2022 at 7:41PM UTC
Do you have a position description or the job you applied to for reference?