Dreading work tomorrow

[Imnotanewbie]

We have had some changes at work. I need to be careful not to out myself. My manager was diagnosed with a condition that could impact her a lot. At the moment there are signs of it, but she is still more than capable of her job. She told management that she would like to reduce her hours and was talking about retirement but had not set a timeframe. Management hire a lady at the same level as me. The view was that when my manager is ready the lady might be given the option to step up. This caused issues because there is not enough work or enough space. I was ousted from my desk and have to move about with a laptop. My manager told me she was reducing her hours which I expected. She keeps telling me she doesn’t know if she is ready for retirement, but she doesn’t want to be sat twiddling her fingers at work. She has been emotional about it. Out of the blue, she announced she would be leaving in 8 months time. She was crying when she told me. I think she feels pushed out. She has told me as much. It has really impacted me. I feel angry and resentful. I have been told the new lady will manage the department after my manager leaves. She doesn’t have a lot of experience. She seems switched on, but I don’t think it’s right what has happened. She hasn’t even passed her probation.

I told one of the managers on Friday that I want to hand my notice in. She doesn’t want me to and told me to think about what I want. She said not to worry about my manager. It’s changed how I feel about the company. I really don’t want to work there anymore.

I spent last week applying for jobs. It could take me a few weeks to find something. I have quit jobs before with nothing to go to and have always managed to find something. However those jobs haven’t been much better. I guess what I need right now is a strategy to keep myself out of trouble until I hand my notice in. I worry what I will say if asked how I’m feeling. I can’t lie, so I need to have something ready to say that is honest but acceptable. I also don’t want to show the new lady any emotion that I’m feeling. I have felt heavy and low the last few days.

How long have you been there? It's a good strategy to switch jobs every few years anyway, it moves you up quicker, gets you learning new things and hopefully increases your pay too.

I'd be very clear with work that no longer having a desk even though this other person is the same level as you had clearly shown you that you are not a priority. there is at some point a promotion available and you've not even been considered for it, even though there is plenty of time for a hand over from your current manager.
They've shown that they are not interested in developing you, therefore you understand there isn't a future for you with them and will be looking for a new job.

Then get job hunting. Think about what you actually want, be deliberate and strategic about the jobs you go for. What do you want to be doing in five or ten years time? Set yourself on the path to that.

@Smallorveryfaraway I have worked there for 4.5 years. They asked if I would be interested in my manager’s role. However I’m part time, so they would want me to increase my hours. They told me I can’t work from home, so I said I can’t increase my hours. There was talk about me being responsible for half of the work. That idea has been quietly dropped. They suggested training to become a specialist for part of my role. However I hate that part of my job, so there is no personal benefit to me having training. I would not want to work full time in that sort of role going forward. Some of this is my problem as I don’t know what I want. I don’t want to do what I’m currently doing. I also have confidence issues that I’m working on.

I don’t think long term the role is for me so I have been thinking about changing career path and retraining. Perhaps this has given me the kick I needed to move on. I really hope I can move on soon.