I had a frank conversation with one of my supervisors today after I was asked for my thoughts and feelings about my current role as a contractor.

Anonymous

July 19,2022 at 8:50PM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

I had a frank conversation with one of my supervisors today after I was asked for my thoughts and feelings about my current role as a contractor. I was honest. I am not doing anything I was hired for nor am I a fan of my current duties. I also mentioned how I was blindsided by my current duties. He was surprised but thanked me for my honesty.

Have any of you had a frank conversation with your manager? What was your experience? I am not looking for advice. Just sharing experiences.

Why women love us:

Daily articles on career topics
Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
Advice and support from an authentic community
Events that help you level up in your career
Free membership, always

5 comments

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

5 Comments

Join the conversation

AnonymousJuly 19,2022 at 9:11PM UTC
I have had this discussion with several followup conversations.
It's a good way to get on the same page and to clearly lay out you expectations vs your experience. Your supervisor can no longer hide behind that they didn't know.
I followed up with a recap and requested another meeting to discuss changes and timing.
All of this resulted in a revamp of our department and how the organization worked since it turns out several others on my team had similar comments.
AnonymousJuly 20,2022 at 12:46AM UTC
Yes, I've had frank convos with my supervisors (in the past and present) when I didn't think a role or certain project wasn't aligned to my job responsibilities. I agree that these types of talks are healthy and necessary to ensure the value of your time & talent is being utilized. There's nothing worse than staying in a role and feeling underutilized, frustrated and defeated. Outside of the frank convos, I agree that an action plan to remedy the situation is necessary. When those items have been outlined and aren't being upheld then you have every right to "be the change you want to see," even if it means it may be time for you separate from the org. "Go where you are valued and appreciated!"
AnonymousJuly 20,2022 at 1:54AM UTC
I couldn't agree more! Been there!
Elena CirilloJuly 21,2022 at 12:30PM UTC
Yes, men do it all the time. Haha. As long as what you’re saying isn’t completely rude, being “frank” = clarity.
AnonymousJuly 29,2022 at 3:09PM UTC
Update: My boss called my recruiter (while he is on vacay) and told them I didn't like the duties.
The recruiter called me to see what was going on. I told the recruiter I am not doing what I was hired to do. Someone else's work was dumped on me that left the department. This is in addition to new work. None of the work matches what is on the JD. My boss at the client company conveniently left that out. I told the recruiter that an additional person needs to be hired. There is enough work for 2 people to fill a day.
No red flags during the interview. There was no mention of anyone leaving. The recruiter was surprised and probably a little irritated at the possibility of having to backfill this position.