...and that I need to look for something new?
I’m fully prepared to be told that I’ve been daft, but I don’t think iabu. Quite complicated but will try to keep it brief.
Had a baby on 1st July. For around a year prior to mat leave, I had been really struggling with my manager (stepping on my toes, taking credit for my work, micromanaging etc), who coincidentally went off on mat leave 6 weeks before me. After she went it was like a weight was lifted. Fell back in love with my job, new COO was impressed with my work.
My team was under-resourced and struggled while I was away. My husband earns more than me, but works long and antisocial hours and we discussed doing shard parental leave, taking 4 months each.
When my baby was about 6 weeks old, I went in for a brief meeting with my COO, and raised the possibility of an early return with him. To say he jumped at the chance would be an understatement. He was effusive, talking about how excellent he thought I was at my job and how I was the life and soul of the team.
I explained to him about my previous difficulties with my manager and told him that in order to return early, I would need to feel like there was a solution to this, and that I would able to progress in my career. He said no problem, immediately granted a new job title and more responsibility and told to report directly to him. I also asked for a review of my salary, as my husband earns more than me and to return on my current salary would not be financially viable. He said yes immediately.
Some weeks went by and we had another couple of catch ups, agreed I would return at the beginning of Nov. During this time w I found out that our MD had taken seriously ill and would be out of the business for a while. I went in for a meeting at the end of September. And happened to mention to a colleague that I was excited to return in the new role, with a brief description of changes.
Two days later, I receive an email from COO stating that I have apparently been ‘going round’ boasting of a promotion along with a lot of details that are either embellished or entirely fabricated. That I have caused ‘ructions’. Opposite in tone to all our precious contact. Backtracking on a lot of what was promised.
He then evades my calls for 2 days, I am a nervous wreck. I send a long, detailed email complete with dates, details of exactly what I said and what was promised. Express concern and anxiety.
He emails back in a very conciliatory manner saying he’s ‘sure it will be fine’. I feel shaken and humiliated by the whole thing and want to move past it. Make an effort to be professional and act as normal.
I returned at the beginning of Nov. My new title has been referred to, but not pay rise, and still being treated like a junior. I’m working hard, making differences already and am being paid around £10k p/a below market rate for the now role. I have asked once about the pay rise but been fobbed off, promised a review in the NY. Things are generally ok but I do sometimes feel a couple of people are frosty with me.
I love the job, the subject matter and really like a lot of my colleagues. I want to stay. But I can’t afford to at my current salary and feel I’ve been taken for a mug.
AIBU to think I need to put my attachment to the job aside and look for something new?