Today is my manager's last day.
Most of his responsibilities have fallen on me. I was promoted from IC to manager in spring, but upper management did not approve the budget for a backfill for my old position when I was promoted. So for about 6 months I've been managing my small team and doing the work I used to do in an IC role.
My manager is an amazing mentor and has done just as amazing a job transitioning out of his role smoothly (mostly by giving a lot of his responsibility, and one more direct report to me).
I was planning to look for a job soon because before all this I'm working >70 hours a week. I just didn't have time to look because of all the work I was doing. I was tired before and now I'm doing 3 jobs.
Thing is, I've been left this responsibility in our org and have now 4 direct reports relying on my leadership. The environment in the company is not supportive of getting me more resources in the long or short term and there's been a shift in management in a direction I don't like.
Feeling like I'll burn a lot more bridges than my boss did if I leave the department with no one leading it. Is it professional to leave in this situation, or stick it out until my manager's replacement is found?
I have companies pursuing me and lots of opportunities in my field, just don't know how much this will hurt me in the long run career-wise.
Any advice/support would be appreciated.
Anonymous
09/03/21 at 7:51PM UTC
Thank you everyone for your thoughtful replies!! Working on that resume and exit plan! The support means a lot.
Anonymous
09/03/21 at 6:46PM UTC
I cannot respond to what it would do to your career, but if other companies are pursuing you, it can't be too bad.
A lot of the old rules and conventions have disappeared anyway. Switching between business units several years ago I encountered completely different cultures - and that was in the very same company.
But I have learned one thing - never worry about what it does to the company, they will manage. Your colleagues have the same options you have. Management will overload people all the way up to their breaking point, because it works at least for a while. You do the job of 3 people now, but they pay only one salary. And if something falls through the cracks it will be your fault.
The only people you need to worry about is yourself and only you. I have seen corporate politics too often in action, but not once have I seen that they listen to someone who was overworked and underpaid (without any irony). People make it to upper leadership roles too often because they are greedy and driven for power, not because of their competence or humanity. Extremely high turnover under specific managers is recorded, but will always be tolerated because they bring in the money, because their underlings are still being "professionals" and try to do their job. There will only be action if it becoems a legal risk to the company, that is when HR may get involved. In the corporate world you are a human resource, not a human being.
As long as you stay professional and follow proper procedures by giving notice (and you don't do anything illegal or immoral), there is really nothing unprofessional about it.
You have to take care of yourself. They will never say thank you or be grateful.
User deleted comment on 09/03/21 at 3:23AM UTC
Nicole
HR Administrator looking for my next step
51
09/03/21 at 2:01AM UTC
This is a hard question.
In my last 4 consecutive positions without fail within 2- 4 months of my hire my direct supervisor gets a job offer they cant refuse. This is my curse.
As some one that now jokes about how I am cursed but good luck for my direct supervisors that hire me, I can relate to being left with no direction and being the one feeling some resentment.
Coming from that perspective, I still advocate for doing and following what is best for you the individual.
If you keep at it and get more and more burnout, you may become a poor mentor / leader for those that rely on you and that would be worse than leaving.
I have been in situations where my direct department just bled talent. I am facing that now and even when the replacements have arrived its not magically better. So waiting for a new hire, could be more of your time wasted.
If you must, leave as respectably as you can and in a manner that still shows your professionalism to your direct reports and coworkers.
Emmy Bemmy
470
09/03/21 at 12:45AM UTC
If, other than being overworked and underappreciated you like your company/work, before you look for a new job you should schedule a meeting with "the decision maker" and outline why you deserve a raise/title change based on all of your increased responsibilities. Also, provide a staffing model for your team, in terms of what you will need to keep a high-functioning team (show job divisions/responsibilities in your model). As a coach I work with told me, stand up for what you want. Don't ask. Doing this will change your tone.
It is possible they will say no to everything, at which point you should definitely look for a new job. You shouldn't burn bridges, as you will have basically put them on notice, with your comp/staffing request. If they don't step up, that is their issue. Pick a day-or-two a week where you don't work late, and work on your resume/apply for jobs. Take PTO when you need to interview. Good luck!
Rene LetendreBuilding bridges to get across the finish line!
292
09/02/21 at 11:12PM UTC
Voice your concerns to your supervisor. Seek ways for you AND your team to be successful.
But…be prepared to make a change if you do not receive the resources and support you need to be successful. You will NEVER look back and wish you would have worked more hours at a role where you were under supported. Especially if your skills are in demand and there are ample opportunities to flourish elsewhere.
Anonymous
09/02/21 at 8:38PM UTC
If your company doesn’t get you the assistance and the resources you need to continue their success, then why continue killing yourself to meet their needs? They do not care if you burn out, and if that happens you’d be just as useless to them than as if you had left. Make the jump, and good luck!
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist
21.95k
09/02/21 at 7:51PM UTC
Your only responsibility is to yourself and your own career.
I guarantee you, none of those team members have ever, will ever say "gee, I'd really like to take this much better job but I'd feel sooo baddd leaving anonymous."
Why are you so worried about "burning bridges"? You're doing three jobs - I'd be more worried about dropping from exhaustion.
Fire up that resume, get it posted everywhere appropriate, update that LinkedIn profile and start looking before they give you a fourth job.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anonymous
09/02/21 at 7:36PM UTC
You didn't mention 2 things that I would want to understand. 1) how long have you been there and 2) Can you ask for a raise and even bigger promotion because clearly you are performing above and beyond your pay grade and job description. Before you leave, if you like the company you should be able to go to a higher-up and point out the facts here. I can't imagine a reasonable person being resistant to at least considering a promotion.
Anonymous
09/02/21 at 7:22PM UTC
You've done and continue to do a great job juggling responsibilities and your team supervision.
You cannot worry about leaving the company. They have worried about your comfort or resources so clearly people leaving doesn't concern them in the least.
I know it's sometimes easier to stay put in the name of not burning bridges, but it will never be ideal and you don't want to get so burned out that you have nothing left to offer a new company.
I would seriously start considering some of those new pursuits. Don't left fear and comfort of the familiar keep you stuck.
