Advice on the best course of action.

Anonymous

August 3,2023 at 1:10PM UTC

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Advice on the best course of action.

I'm currently experiencing a problem with my employer, who I have worked for for the past 17 years. My role is an office manager and revenue cycle manager for a small medical practice.

A year ago, my boss hired an ex-employee whom he is friends with, for the administrative supervisor position. Its a newly created position to take some off my plate. Over the months things started to change where I have been excluded from certain things such as interviewing and hiring of a new staff, and information is just being withheld; a lot of secrecy. It seems like appointments for the interviews were deliberately scheduled for after I left the office. Previously, it was me and my boss that would conduct interviews and hiring. Might I add, since I do payroll, I realized the supervisor was initially offered a higher base pay and benefits than me. Yesterday, right before my boss joined a call with me, the supervisor and the host of a potential 3rd party, the host asked us both what is our role...her answer was "office manager". The last I checked I am the office manager so I was lost for words, and one thing I know is this woman would not just go around saying she's the office manager without discussing this with the boss. Since its a small practice (14 employees including the boss), I am the HR, so there is no one within the organization that I can go to for guidance. I know this is an issue I need to address but from my past experience of bringing up any issues about this supervisor, my boss gets defensive, dismissive and flips it on me.

I don't know if its against NYS laws but its definitely unfair and makes me feel undervalued, and I feel humiliated. BTW, this woman has no responsibilities...she sends out emails to a handful of patients daily, and helps the front desk staff (to a minimum) in answering calls. Meanwhile, I am spearheading the revenue cycle process, I'm still handling all managerial matters, and what seems like everything else.

Additional information: He asked me to work remotely 4/5 days per week which I feel was an effort to push me out so this supervisor can take control of the administrative staff. The issue is, they are still contact me for management issues. And BTW, it has not been announced this woman is the office manager. I'm so confused because Management has been one of my titles for at least 10 years. I should mention, I am looking for other opportunities where my future employer will value my work.

I would appreciate any advice you can provide on how to best navigate this situation.

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AnonymousAugust 3,2023 at 2:16PM UTC
Your instincts are correct. You are being pushed out. So, while delivering excellent work, start using your work from home to your advantage and update your resume and get networking for a new job. That way you have options and a plan B if he lets you go.
Nothing he's doing is illegal. It's his business and he's running it as he sees fit. You're bright and talented so don't let this lower your confidence.
Taylor StewartAugust 3,2023 at 3:17PM UTC
Your boss made a mistake, hiring an old friend that was probably in need.
Now he/she don’t know what to do or say. I have dealt with this for years. The lady I work with has an air conditioned office and just sits and scrolls Facebook all day when she should be QUALITY MANAGER! That’s a big role. But the boss was the one that brought her on and said that she was proficient… So now they both just look like jackasses.
edit: I think you should ride it out if you enjoy your job. But if not, you absolutely should let it be known, you know your worth and you will not accept anything less than. Lots of love
AnonymousAugust 3,2023 at 4:44PM UTC
If your boss hired the ex-employee/friend for the administrative supervisor position, shouldn't this person supervise the administrative staff?
Seems like you've been the "Jack of all Trades," which happens a lot in a small practice, especially after being there for so long.
Your boss would be wise to establish clarity and definition with internal roles. If it were me, I would offer to help the boss do that, especially if one of my hats was an HR one. Good luck to you.
AnonymousAugust 4,2023 at 2:26AM UTC
Why remain confused?
This is your life. You should not remain passive and wait for your boss to hand you your answers. Start the conversation and put in writing all your questions and keep asking until it's clear what their plan is.
AnonymousAugust 4,2023 at 12:47PM UTC
Update your resume get a better job with a better boss don’t waste anymore time on it , it’s unfair and it sucks but it’s not going to change your boss likes this other woman and your on your way out , I am sorry I am being blunt but no amount of talking to is going to change the tide , get out and find something you really like life is to short to put yourself through all this,
good luck !!
AnonymousAugust 4,2023 at 2:23PM UTC
You need to talk to your boss ASAP about the "office manager" and put together your resume. You are undervalued and being taken advantage of.
AnonymousAugust 4,2023 at 4:50PM UTC
Well, clearly you are being replaced by a friend of the boss. No matter what they call you they just don't value you the way you want to be valued. After being there for 17 years you deserve more. Wrap up your skills and find a new employer who will....as for them they will quickly realize your value when you are gone. Don't let the minutae of what you leave behind bother you, someone will want your expertise and talent and be glad you are on their team.
Liz MilneAugust 5,2023 at 1:29AM UTC
Dig out your employment contract and see what it says?
AnonymousAugust 6,2023 at 4:02AM UTC
Most people don't have employment contracts
Liz MilneAugust 7,2023 at 12:34AM UTC
Good lord. I wouldn't work without one! UK seems to still do them - every job I've had in the UK I've had to sign an employment contract, prove I'm allowed to work in the UK by showing NI number, and sign a job description - it's is pretty standard here. Are you US based?
AnonymousAugust 7,2023 at 1:09AM UTC
Yes. Most US based jobs don't have employment contracts.
Liz MilneAugust 7,2023 at 11:16PM UTC
Omg, that's horrifying :O
Keshri TewariAugust 8,2023 at 9:00AM UTC
Particularly for small businesses, it’s not common practice to give employee contracts. During my tenure, I've successfully expanded the business, increasing the number of physicians from 1 to 6. With the evolving landscape, I consider employment contracts essential so I have consistently provided employment contracts to the staff I oversee, ensuring protection and clarity for all parties involved.
AnonymousAugust 5,2023 at 1:46PM UTC
Hiring friends is not a good practice but it happens often. I went through nine months of hell recently when my supervisor hired her friend. The friend was not qualified to do the work and her attendance was poor. My supervisor made excuses for her performance and gave me the tasks her friend couldn’t handle. I finally accepted another position and resigned. When I gave my notice, they fired my supervisor. The entire time leadership was watching the situation and did nothing until I gave notice. They offered me the supervisor position. Hiring a friend cost my supervisor her job! I love my friends but would NEVER hire them. It’s unprofessional and not good for morale.
CJB62August 5,2023 at 4:50PM UTC
Curious if the hired friend is romantically involved with your boss?
Only asking because I have worked with medical practices as a vendor and and have seen medical practitioners often hire their significant others to be the office manager or admin, regardless of background.
Short term - need to have a conversation with your boss and get clarity on roles and responsibilities.
long term - while I don’t think you are explicitly being pushed out I do think your responsibilities and influence are being reduced. It sounds like you may need to start the job search process. And, yes, it stinks.
Keshri TewariAugust 6,2023 at 2:30PM UTC
i have heard rumors going around the office that the woman and the boss (owner) might be having an affair).
RiaAugust 6,2023 at 4:05AM UTC
It is clear they are edging you out. This is why they have meetings when you're out of office. You have been shut out of the hiring process and your manager has given this person the confidence that she will assume your position which is why she so boldly announced her title as "office manager." I'm glad you're looking for new opportunities.
AnonymousAugust 6,2023 at 12:28PM UTC
It is clear you are being replaced without being fired. New person riding on your coattails. Meaning you are doing all the work and they are getting all the credit. Big signal to move on. And yes it stinks but happens all the time in small companies.
Grisel Scarantino, Career and Work-Life Fulfillment CoachAugust 6,2023 at 3:06PM UTC
There is a question you might want to ask yourself: if there were clear communication between the three of you on role responsibilities and how the work is divided between you and the new person, would you want to stay? Why or why not?
It sounds like you’ve been managing a lot of responsibilities there for a long time (17 years, wow!) and so you’ve accumulated a great deal of skills and experience. Yet you’re in an environment where you can’t voice your concerns without things getting turned around on you. That tells me that you or your concerns aren’t valued and if something is happening that you don’t like, their attitude is: “well, tough.”
It sounds like you’ve outgrown this role and this employer. You and your work there is highly valuable, because what would it be like if you weren’t handling all of these things daily? Probably not so good, right? But do they see it that way? From what you wrote here, it doesn’t sound like it. They don’t deserve you. Good that you’re looking at other opportunities, and I encourage you to really own the wealth of experience you’ve amassed. Update your professional story on LinkedIn and your resume. Really showcase your talents and accomplishments as you’re out there applying. Choose an employer with a reputation for respecting and valuing their team members. One that ensures people feel safe to bring their concerns to the table. I’m a career advancement strategist so I see situations like this all the time. Let me know if you’d like to chat more.
Kristie WhiteAugust 6,2023 at 5:02PM UTC
IMO, your boss has hired a friend who is manipulating the boss now to gain favoritism and take over your job. You cannot win. And your boss is either blind or gullible to the case this new person is making against you. She knows she has the boss’s ear and can act with impunity. And you give her too much credit for ethics by thinking she is getting your boss’s permission. The boss doesn’t know anything about the sabotage. Those interviews scheduled after hours? She told the boss you were too tied up during the day and you asked her to handle it. Make no mistake - your days are numbered.