Advice requested.
I recently began a new job with a company I like. During interviews, I was told the team had experienced high attrition & significant leadership exits, eg; the team was completely rebuilding. It sounded just like the high impact role I was looking for. When I accepted an offer, my understanding was that I would be a people manager - something I was looking to continue doing, as had been doing it in former roles.
However, upon starting, it became clear that I did not have a team and was in fact an individual contributor. When I asked about this, I was told that new leadership was coming in and that they wanted to see what I could do, and were probably going to be bringing in their own people managers. Now I feel stuck, as I turned down several leadership roles to join this company, and am in a role that feels like I was doing 8 yrs ago. Zero growth. I feel a bit resentful also, like a bait and switch.
Can someone recommend how to approach this situation, and what exactly to say, and to whom?
If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it's a duck. This was definitely a bait and switch and is happening to a gazillion people in this job market. At the end of the day, this is going to stick with you - they have damaged your trust right up front. You shouldn't believe any promises they make or any excuses they give you. The longer you wait to jump, the more presence this job has on your career path and looks like a decision you made to stay. I wouldn't let the door hit you on your way out.
This situation has a lot of red flags! I'm happy to have a call with you to discuss in further detail - just DM me to connect. For now, is the person who told you during the interview process that this position was a people leader role and the person who told you the new leadership wanted to see what you could do - are those the same person? If not, I'd go back to the person during the interview process and inquire with them.
Reflect back on the conversation that you've had. What exactly was said? Was it said explicitly or did you interpret things that created a misunderstanding?
The fact that you were led to believe that you would be a people manager and then once you are hired you are an IC is a big difference in position.
If that doesn't get you anywhere, request to speak to the new leader.
Unfortunately, you may need to bail out of this no-growth job. Learn the lessons that you can in the process. Sorry, this kinda sucks.