Being thrown under the bus at work

[fatpatsthong]

Having been worked beyond capacity and basically burning out in my role, I am in the process of transitioning to a different team at my own request.

My current team have been pretty good - they admitted they didn't support me, didn't want me to go but accepted it was their fault and made it easy for me to hand over (cynics may say they are keen to see the back of me as what they did or didn't do hasn't reflected well on them as I'm generally seen as quite capable).

The teams work together a bit but are definitely separate. The plan was that part of my new role would have a small liaison role to build on this.

Found out today that one of the people immediately above me has been telling the people taking my old work over from me that I've been a bit crap and am leaving things in a mess.

Now, there are undoubtedly some things where I've not been great - see breakdown/overload for the reason. BUT a, the things she's said aren't the ones I've messed up on and b, she's said this to someone more junior than me and we work in a hierarchy so this is fairly unprofessional.

This person is notorious for this kind of thing and does it to others. She has been a support to me previously but I've always been a bit wary of her due to this. The person she said this to hates her and likes me which is why she told me.

So would you say anything? My concern is my internal reputation but she has little influence in my new team (they don't like her either) and I run the risk of looking petulant to the higher ups.

Also this always happens where I've worked - even if they love you the second you leave they blame you for everything. Commonplace or do I just work in a bitchy industry.

I would say commonplace. And all you can do is come clean where you’ve underperformed and move on to your new role with a clean slate. ‘When they go low, we go high!’ Congratulations on your transfer!

Thanks mini - yep, cock ups all clearly communicated (less cock ups and not getting round to things as well as I should).

I shall let it go. And possibly be less helpful to her or maybe volunteer her for a few things to the boss ;)

No matter who leaves a department or company they will always be the easiest one to blame for whatever mistakes are found after they have left. Mind you they could have at least waited until you were gone but I'm afraid it is quite normal.

If the new team don't like her much and she is known for this sort of behaviour then leave it. Your new team will soon work out what is true/untrue from your performance with them. They'll use recent experience to judge you.

I think part of what has annoyed me is that she lied. If it was the not so great stuff then fair play. Oh and yes, the fact I'm still there.

She's also blamed one of my other bosses (I have 3) for me leaving and told his boss that's what I said. I didn't and I've said as much.

And yes, most people definitely prefer me to her. I shall retreat to smugness.

All you can hope for OP is that they will all see through her and if she is as bad as you say that shouldn't be too difficult. I would keep my head down and wait for it all to blow over. Best of luck with the new job.