OT: Job has made me very sad. This could change everything (long). - YouLookFab Forum

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OT: Job has made me very sad. This could change everything (long).

rae

(website)

Veteran

I've been temping with a company which must remain nameless for a good three years now. Although I was told there is a hiring freeze on my level of employees, I have stayed this long because I love my co-workers and managers, plus the management team has continuously promised to hire me as soon as possible -- even showing good faith by getting me study materials for a certain test (which I cannot take without sponsorship), raising my pay twice, inviting me to the company holiday party, and getting me extra experience above my job title. I was very loyal and my mind was set on waiting out the freeze so I could join the team officially.

But I just learned that another temp, who has been here less than half as long as I have, was just hired on, while I was clearly not. Granted, his temp assignment happened to place him working closely with a high level employee who makes the company a lot of money -- basically, his boss has a lot of clout, and was able to work around the hiring freeze while my bosses were not. I understand that this is part of corporate reality, but it really, really bothers me.

1) I really don't think that my direct supervisors have any say in this -- that is, I don't think I was purposefully lied to. However, I do feel that the Powers That Be... the bigwigs pulling the strings up on the corporate end of things... have probably been taking advantage of me and may have no intention of hiring me. 2) I found out a while ago that my direct supervisor will soon be transferred to another office. This woman really has my back and goes to bat for me... but she won't be here that much longer. I feel less safe re: my own position with her leaving. 3) Part of why my boss is leaving is that they are phasing out Admin. positions. This sort of suggests to me that there is going to be less opportunity for myself - they're more likely to shift their current admin. assistants into different roles rather than hire me for anything. 4) The economy has really humbled me and made me grateful for the position I have... but I do still have *some* self respect. If I woke up a year from now and was still temping, I definitely would not respect myself.

Anyway... I may have to just return my boots just based on the fact that I sorta kinda want to switch jobs and, therefore, shouldn't spend the money. I owe it to my manager to ask her opinion, but I kind of feel like I've gotten a bad deal here. A friend said seemed very sure she could help me get a position with her company, too, if I wanted that.

Do any of you have insight or advice??

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40 replies

Latest reply was from celia

Polly (thunalata)

Veteran

What a miserable thing to happen. So sorry. No advice or experience here, except to say that I think you're wise to look at the bigger picture rather than thinking this is all aimed personally at you.

Stay openminded for now and keep thinking about what you'd really love to be doing in the short/medium/long term, if you can/if you know. It might help you decide what to do now.

As regards the boots - are they a luxury or will they really be useful in the years to come? Things to think about include whether you will always feel that they were an unnecessary expense when things started to feel tough, or whether they will be something that will make you smile every time you wear them and keep you going when times are tough.

I'm sure you'll find the right way through this!

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Unfortunately, I have way too much insight. I just logged in to say I know how you feel and I know it's not easy, I'll chime in later with something sensible hopefully (once I collect my own thoughts, as this had brought back quite a few bad memories).

I guess for now I can say - it happens and this has nothing - * nothing * - to do with how you do your job, because deep down you know you deserve that position otherwise you would not be upset like this.

Big hug.

ETA: And don't think twice about leaving if you have a chance. For 4 weeks of my notice period I've cried every day on the way to and from work, before leaving my last job. (Which, btw, I could have done for free if they had wanted me to, I love dit so much.) But I am so glad I left although I was repeatedly offered to stay - it hurts, but makes you tougher and you'll know better next time. Because, the way these jobs work, there will always be next time I'm afraid.

morethanbeige

Veteran

Rae I'm sorry this is happening to you. I have had situations where my managers *indicated* promising things were coming and ultimately they didn't. Their intentions were good, but business situations change. My take away from those experiences is to focus on what is best for me. It's not personal (like you mentioned.) Sounds like you have made some great business connections with people who admire your work. Keep them all, continue to be a good contractor, and make decisions that are in your best interest.

taylor

Veteran

I like the advice you have gotten this far.
I am really sorry this has happened. I am sure you would be a wonderful choice and should receive a permanent position. Companies often make decisions that baffle me...actually make no sense or are often the worst choice. Often it is who you know not what you know especially in today's market

Hold your pretty head high and sta in touch with other leads and prospects, and continue to be the super employee that you already are...things may change for the better!

bella

(website)

Veteran

My advice is to start looking into new employment opportunities without revealing to your current company that you are planning to leave. If this is the company that you really want to stay at, once you have another job offer, you can renegotiate the hiring. If they still don't want to hire you permanently at that point, then at least you have a new job. If you have a good relationship with your direct supervisor a) she will understand that you feel less secure about your position once she leaves with the current restructuring going on and b) she will be willing to give you a good reference letter.

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

Rae I don't feel I'm in much of a position to advise you on what to do here...sounds like you have a very solid head on your shoulders and a few options here. Agree talking to your boss about it is a great first step. Also not to take it personally. Businesses are just that....businesses. And definitely not logical or fair, even at the best of times. I desperately hope that things work out for you though!!

marianna

Veteran

Rae, I'm so sorry. I have been in this exact situation and it is extremely hurtful. I don't really have any sage advice, but wanted to send hugs! Good luck.

Gaylene

Veteran

Situations are always different, but your situation reminded me of a colleague who was hired on a temporary contract with the implied promise that this status could eventually lead to a permanent, full-time position. Her enthusiasm and willingness to volunteer made her very valuable to the organization, but the promised promotion never materialized.

As a senior member of the organization, it really bothered me when I kept seeing her passed over, but, as I was not in charge of hiring, I couldn't really do anything to change the situation. Basically, she was valuable to the organization where she was-- a cheap resource that could be exploited because she wanted that permanent position. She was well-liked by her supervisor who kept encouraging her to "hang in there".

To make a long story short, she eventually ended up in my office asking me the same question that you've posted. When I told her that I didn't think that her chances of getting the position she wanted were very good, she was upset but thanked me for being honest with her. A year later she was working for another company in a full-time position. Her new company saw her as a valuable addition, not as a disposable asset.

Maybe you could find someone in your company who knows both you and the company culture and ask for a realistic assessment of your future opportunities? Pick the person carefully because it is not easy for a senior level person to tell someone who is still valuable to the organization that his or her opportunities within that organization are limited. It's even harder if that person likes you and wants you to stay around. If that option is not available, then go with your instincts; you may already know the answer to your question.

Lynne

Veteran

Rae, you've done the right thing not to take this personally, and to look at the big picture. A part of that picture includes you getting what you deserve - from this company, or potentially someone else. You sound highly marketable, and an offer from elsewhere might be the prod your managers need to take you on.....your manager would most likely help you if you needed references, referals. And like others have said, you have a great head on your shoulders...good luck! We're here for you.

rute

Veteran

So sorry! I would start looking for another job (while still working there) and when you find better conditions tell them and see what they have to offer! I'm sure you'll find something better!

Diana

Veteran

Oh dear... how annoying! I'm so sorry you have to deal with this. I agree with Bella - don't quit without having something else lined up, but definitely start looking around for new jobs. (That way, you won't be unemployed and you can keep the boots!) If you trust your current supervisor enough to keep her mouth shut that you are looking for new jobs, you should definitely enlist her help re: recommendations, suggestions, etc.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

(((HUGS)))

Rae, they don't deserve you. Rotten luck and I am sorry

You've received the best advice and I can't add to it. But I will say that you need extra TLC right now so keep the boots.

Heather

Veteran

Oh dear Rae! Many hugs to you.

Bella had some wonderful advice.

Things will work out well for you, I just know it.

And agreeing with Angie on the boots: Keep them. You deserve them. <3

thimblelina

(website)

Veteran

Hey Rae... you are in my thoughts... Very shabby situation all around. Know you will rise to the top after this swirling around -- you are pure unadulterated cream as far as I have seen... L

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Bella already gave the advice I was going to offer, but I still just want to chime in with another voice of support and encouragement. It certainly sounds like you've been doing everything right, but circumstances often don't pan out the way we'd like.

However, as someone who was laid off from my last full-time employment over 11 years ago, I must say in retrospect that the change was just the kick in the pants I needed. I had gotten comfortable in a place that was doomed, and after being let go, I made the leap to start my own business, which in turn has led me down some wonderful and unexpected paths.

This may be the beginning of something new and great for you. Investigate new options!

MsMary

Veteran

Oh, boy! That sucks! I'm so sorry this is happening -- it really stings, doesn't it? Those people are nuts because you are a treasure!!

I think all the advice is great, especially Bella's. And I think you should keep the boots because in the scheme of things the money you paid for them won't make all that much difference, and the boots make you happy.

RandomThoughts (Andrea)

Veteran

I'm so sorry, Rae. I have no advice for you, just a big virtual hug.

Linn

Hang in there Rae - best wishes!

rae

(website)

Veteran

Thank you all for your input and positive thoughts! I am so grateful to have so many wise, compassionate people to talk to at a time like this. I have an appointment to speak with my supervisor tomorrow... I am sort of starting to think along the lines of Janet's comment... about this possibly being a kick in the pants to try a new path. I am definitely not married to my current industry, so it could be an opportunity to try looking for something more rewarding. [forcing positive thoughts].

Niki Lea

Veteran

Rae, I'm so sorry. My sister went through something very similar and she found it very frustrating to watch others excel, some who were not as talented but fell into opportunities thanks to luck.

Loyalty should be a two way street.

cloud9

Veteran

Hi Rae.. I can totally relate to what you are feeling right now, as I recently went thru similar situation (a veteran being passed over for a promotion to a newbie). So terrible you have to go thru this. Hugs to you! After some introspection, I've decided that this was a kick-in-the-pants for me to move on. You have to look after yourself as no one would do as much as you yourself. Our company is hiring. If you are interested, PM me and let me know what type of positions you are interested, there are definitely admin ones... Hang in there..

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

That's the spirit, Rae. I am proud of your maturity and positive outlook. You found a silver lining. Not easy!

Kappy

Veteran

Sorry this is happening to you. Unfortunately, companies don't always hand out money, promotions and/or jobs to the best but quiet hard-workers. Sometimes it's the squeaky cog that gets the grease!!! The other temp may very well have threatened to leave or already had another offer from a different company which gave your company the impetus to offer him a full-time position.

I think Bella's advice is sound. Do NOT take it personally or get mad about it. Just use it as an opportunity to decide what you really want and go after it. It also sounds like your current supervisor doesn't have a lot of "clout" in your company which may be negatively affecting your chances.

rosee

Veteran

you have received great advice already. So a big virtual hug!

I guess what I would do, is keep working hard as long as you remain at this company. Definitely start looking elsewhere, and once you see what opportunities show up, you can decide better how you are going to handle the situation. You are wise to not take it that personally (though it stings) and to look at the bigger picture. Something good will pop up soon enough.

Debbie

Veteran

Hopefully you will find some answers tomorrow. Sometimes we need motivation to move on. You will find something better with more opportunity for growth.

Aida

Veteran

Rae I can't offer any advice, but I offer lots of hugs! You are wise for looking at this in light of the big picture, and I hope your meeting with your supervisor can shed some insight for you. I like Bella's advice, it's what I would do in this situation. I would also keep the boots because I know they make you happy

catgirl

Veteran

Rae, sorry to hear this and sorry I didn't post earlier. I temped for 2 years before going to law school, when I finally realized temping was the easiest way for employers to avoid providing benefits or job security and still get high quality work. I think you will ultimately be better off by moving on, and you have gotten some great advice already. Just sending lots of hugs and reassurance - you are obviously a stellar employee to have been "temping" for so long in the same position.

crwilson

Veteran

Rae - my sympathy goes out to you, as I'm in a not dissimilar situation, and I know how stressful and trying it can be. I think the advice to look for another job is good, and I second Gaylene's advice about trying to find someone who will be honest with you about what your chances of getting a permanent job actually are. A lot of times it does seem like employers are happy to exploit workers who do a fantastic job, without actually giving them compensation for that job, but there's my negative perspective coming through.

I do think these situations, though, offer the opportunity to question if you're really on your dream path and, if not, how you can make the necessary changes in your life.

What I'm doing in the meantime - since I'm in a field where there are very, very few jobs and I'm geographically stuck - is trying to cultivate passions outside of work so that it doesn't feel so devastating that I'm not advancing the way I would like to be. Easier said than done, I know.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Crwilson, I am so sorry you are going through a similar situation, though I thank you for the solidarity.

A few of you have mentioned the "dream path" or a similar concept... I suppose one thing that has kept me in this job so long is that I have no dream path. It may sound strange, but I seriously have no passion in life that I can point to and say, "Yeah, I'd love a career doing that!" If asked the famous Office Space question (if you could do anything, what would you do?) I'd shop for clothes and play with the cats all day. o_0

But I'm NOT being negative here... this just means I'll be equally satisfied with most jobs, as long as I'm treated well and the people around me are nice.

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