New manager told role is now a job share after 10 days

[JobSharingNitemare]

I'm 10 days into a new role as a manager in a new start up.

Today the owner informed me that my role was now a job share with a person that has no management experience and very little experience in what the start up specialises in.

It caught me by surprise and I'm really disappointed.

I've been pulling 12-14 hour days for the past 10 days to get them up and running and now I'm thinking why on earth did I bother?

I don't know if I should make it work or if I should just jump ship now.

Seems a bit strange as to why they want someone with a totally different skill set to do the same job as you

As long as your pay isn’t affected, I.e. you're still FT I would grab the bull by the horns and set up a meeting about it with the hirer, be firm on expectations and job description, if you are canny you could palm off some annoying jobs onto the other person. Work with the other person, it’s a chance to shine. Then if it doesn’t work out look for at one thing else, use getting the business started as a way for a better role with higher salary

Urgh. So. Play your cards very close to your chest.

1st priority is getting your contract.

Don't give away your hard-won expertise to anyone for free. Assume that in a senior position they know how to do the job. Let them fail. Visibly repair their messes.

My experience of start-ups has not been great.

By all means hear them out, but the fact this person was able to go the owner and effectively ask for, and be given, your job, shows where their priorities are. If you need the money then stay whilst you look for something else, but I wouldn’t be surprised if you are let go in favour of this person.

This sounds similar to a start up I worked for a few years ago. They shoe horned family members and friends into any old role to make up the numbers. None had any relevant experience of course which added greatly to the stress of those of us with the skills.

I certainly wouldn't be working 10-12hr days OP! You'll be burnt out and for what? You can't do much till you know exactly what hours they are expecting you and them to do. Ideally, I'd share out what you can to the other person and look for something else asap. My sympathies.

I'm sorry for you

I have to say, never ever start work without a contract

How do you even know they're going to pay you? Especially a start-up.
If there was some kind of share option as part of the negotiation, you won't even have had the paperwork for that so how are you going to prove it?

Its illegal not to give you a written statement if particulars on or befire day 1 (contract). Do half the working hours and spend the rest of the time job hunting.

They can't unilaterally change your terms and conditions without your consent so level of seniority and main responsibilities and pay cant be changed unless you agree. There might be provisions for termination though so take care before rocking the boat until you have sorted out a life jacket.
However if they have just created an additional role at the same level then there not much you can do. It seems to me the employer favours the other person and when you've trained the up, surprise, surprise, they only need one of you. I'd be looking for another job soonest and not going along with shenanigans . Do it to them before the do it you. It is easier to find d a new job when currently employed then when not.

How did it go op?

I asked for an outline of what our roles would look like etc. and it wasn't acceptable to me, they wouldn't compromise or even discuss, so I walked away.

Disappointed but also relieved.

Thanks for the advice everyone.

that is their loss
good luck op

Luck escape!

Goodness me but you’re a strong and brave woman. A very hardworking one too. Their loss. Of course it’s disappointing. But you did the right thing. Were they shocked when you walked? They have now lost a dedicated knowledgeable manager, and are left with an inexperienced new hire. A person who went behind your back. That shall not go well. New hire may walk as well as they don’t have the skill set to do your role.

Absolutely bizarre.

Sorry this happened OP hope you gind a new role soon

I was afraid they would keep you in the job share role as you "taught" the newcomer the ropes. Then, when thy understood them enough, they'd downgrade you or let you go.

Sorry you had to walk away but WTG on not letting them feed you a shite sandwich and expect you to thank them for it.

I have to wonder if it was a friend, family member or what to make the PTB put them in a senior role with no experience. Screams either nepotism or a "favor".

They sound like a very unprofessional bunch but you’ve most likely done the right thing for you in walking away so I can understand the relief but also the disappointment. I hope you get all payment due to you now as those were very long days you put in. Sending you every good wish in finding a new position.

I think you have done the right thing.

I only wish such behaviour and things like advertising hybrid working when there is none could come under the criminal offence of obtaining services by deception.

Don’t forget to bill them for the 10 days you worked for them!! Including the overtime!!!

Well done OP. They've lost out by trading you in for someone with no experience or skills in management!

They will pay you for your days worked, won't they? Despite no contract?

I’m sorry this hasn’t worked out for you but it sounds like you’ve dodged a massive bullet.

I hope you can find a new job soon 💐

I think they will come to regret this very quickly!

Sounds like they want you to train your (cheaper) replacement.

It is probably not going to end well for you or the company with management styles like that. Move on ASAP.

Edit

Had not read all the way down , well done for kicking them into touch, hope you find something new soon

I'm sorry it worked out as it did but well done you for standing firm. I hope you can bill them at consultancy rates and get paid. Hope you find a lovely new job very soon