When to leave?

[APhi Sailorgirl]

Without going into way too much detail, here is the gist of a situation at work that is causing a great deal of problems and could potentially jeopardize our ability to do any productive work.

Recently we've had some organizational changes to my job and a couple of personnel leaving. As a result my boss (but not really boss, will explain below) has decided to change the org chart within his dept. The dept announced two jobs, promotions for most of those working in the dept and a lot more work and responsibility/supervisory for the hiree. Long story short, it was known that the two boss "pets" would probably get the job. Unfortunately, another employee, with more overall experience w/in the dept also applied for one.

Of course the two "pets" got the jobs and my boss tells the applicant who did not get the job "well there were a lot of variables and we're not sure how much longer you will be here." Well she is a military spouse, so right away we already know EEO complaint, discrimination.

So my role in all of this. I run the marketing dept. Presently I have no boss and am supposed to report directly to the overall director. He doesn't do much except nap and walk around all day, so the rec director has at least taken me under his wing to teach me about the program, etc. Presently the marketing office is undergoing change to where I will have a new boss, who bigger than our overall director.

Since I am seen as a third party to many, since I technically do not work in the same area as they, I get a lot of people asking advice. Also I have two parents who have worked in the govt my whole life and a father with more than 30 years of personnel experience under his belt.

Long story short, upon giving advice to a coworker, another coworker tells my boss. On Monday, my boss proceeds to yell at me for about an hour and a half about why I think I have a right to advise my coworkers. It eventually boils down to me having to tell him everything that is going on, how unhappy everyone is, and why he can't see he favors certain employees. He of course says he had no idea things were this way and blah blah blah. Basically in the end I had to tell my boss that I did not and would not support his hiring decision in this matter.

So now it's like everyone is ready to hurt everyone else. You can cut the tension with a knife. We all act ok, but I know that everyone is either hoping our boss' new hires fall on their ass or that they get a new job and get out of this place.

What do I do? Should I stick it out since I'm going to get a new boss and not even work for the local dept or is it time to polish off the resume? I've only been there 7 months, this is my first job after grad school, but I'm not sure how much more I can take.

BTW-sorry this is so long.

[Greekopedia]

thats a rough one.

Have you seen other job opportunities?

Honestly, I wouldn't want to work in a place where I am not happy. Since it sounds like you're relatively young, taking the risk to find another job is minimized. You never know, you might find something you like even more.

I've had the opportunity to meet several successful people in state government. All of them worked many positions, in different departments, sectors, fields.. etc... before they got to where they are. Having a range of experiences only adds to your resume. And it always looks better to "resign" than to get fired.

[CarolinaDG]

Wow...

FYI-Next time look for a place with HR. I am going to PM you now. ;-)

[APhi Sailorgirl]

Originally Posted by CarolinaDG

Wow...

FYI-Next time look for a place with HR. I am going to PM you now. ;-)

Oh we have an "HR" but it's regional, so there really isn't anyone at our particular base, people are on an as needed basis.

It's actually gotten better on my part since I am loving working with my new boss and she is well aware of the situation with the dept presently. She is working hard to draw the lines once the personnel changes happen and to make sure I am no longer part of the "bimbo brigade" as many refer to my present boss' staff.

This week another two employees received the "talk" in regard to the personnel changes and they voiced the same issues I did, to no avail of course. Worse part was my boss, referenced our conversation to one and said "that i am now a model employee afterward." Poor guy doesn't realize i'm just playing the game till he no longer signs my paperwork.

And I would leave and I have been looking, but I'm about to get a promotion with a hefty raise and with a new office and new boss, I figure I can afford to look more carefully for another position.

[adpiucf]

Hold it out. This stuff happens at every place I have ever worked-- from locations with 3000+ employees to those with only 20 employees. Some have onsite HR, others have a CFO handling medical claims-- you're subject to office drama everywhere.

If it is really intolerable, quit, but it seems like you're about to be lifted out of the situation. You are doing the right thing by keeping your nose clean. Keep repeating to yourself: It's just a job.

I've also found that it helps to go to lunch with co-workers and share photos of your dogs... but don't socialize outside of work-- keep the two separate. They're great co-workers, but when they become your friends, your life revolves around work. It causes ulcers.

[CarolinaDG]

Originally Posted by adpiucf

Hold it out. This stuff happens at every place I have ever worked-- from locations with 3000+ employees to those with only 20 employees. Some have onsite HR, others have a CFO handling medical claims-- you're subject to office drama everywhere.

If it is really intolerable, quit, but it seems like you're about to be lifted out of the situation. You are doing the right thing by keeping your nose clean. Keep repeating to yourself: It's just a job.

I've also found that it helps to go to lunch with co-workers and share photos of your dogs... but don't socialize outside of work-- keep the two separate. They're great co-workers, but when they become your friends, your life revolves around work. It causes ulcers.

What do you do when you believe in that philosophy, but other coworkers do not? In other words, they all spend massive amounts of time together, date inside the company, buy stuff from each other, etc... when you just would rather do your job, maybe have lunch and talk, and go home... at best, have a few drinks after work?