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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to ask "what about me? Will I still have a job?" and be freaked out as to what the answer might be?

42 replies

JobNoMore · 26/02/2019 09:45

Name changed!

I work for a medium sized company and I run the boss's office. He is Chief Exec and I am his assistant. I report into him alone. He is about to leave under unusual circumstances. No one else in the company knows about this, apart from me.

So, what happens to me when he goes? Who do I work for? Will I still have a job? I am crapping my pants just a bit, as I have no idea what will happen. Could I be made redundant?

Anyone with any HR or employment law knowledge offer any thoughts?

OP posts:
DanielRicciardosSmile · 26/02/2019 09:58

Won't they need a new Chief Exec when he leaves? So presumably you would be the new one's assistant?

RiddleyW · 26/02/2019 10:03

Normally you would remain and run the office for the new boss. Did you arrive with him?

Original poster
JobNoMore · 26/02/2019 10:03

Ultimately, yes but that could take the best part of a year to happen. I suspect it will be chaotic in the intervening period with different people trying to stand in. Also, what if the new CE decides he doesn't want an assistant?

OP posts:
Sparklesocks · 26/02/2019 10:04

Surely they’d employ a new CEO (or maybe an interim one on a temp basis as it can take time to recruit someone of that level) and that person would still need an EA?

Original poster
JobNoMore · 26/02/2019 10:04

No, RiddleyW, I was specifically recruited by the CE who is leaving.

OP posts:
Sparklesocks · 26/02/2019 10:06

Do you have a leaving date for your boss yet?
It might be worth speaking to HR once the news is a bit more widely known (they must already know though, if he's being pushed out).
I can’t imagine any CEO wouldn’t need an assistant (unless they don’t do much!).
Unfortunately it’s impossible for us to speculate, you need to have these conversations internally.

Whisky2014 · 26/02/2019 10:07

Yeh but you work for a company, yes? So he will be replaced and so you work for the replacement . Or you work for the stand in. Etc etc

PosiePerkinandPootle · 26/02/2019 10:09

Who is your contract with? What are the terms in that. I can't imagine it says you work for x, if he goes you go.

Original poster
JobNoMore · 26/02/2019 10:10

Thanks all. It is a nightmare at the moment, because I can't have any conversations internally, as I'm the only person who knows within the company itself - at shareholder level others do know but there is no one I can talk to, or who could give me a sensible answer. There are lawyers all over things, hence posting on here, because I just wasn't sure what to do or what position I had!

OP posts:
Sparklesocks · 26/02/2019 10:13

Have a look at the terms of your contract as PP have said, he may have hired you and you may report to him but it unless you are a contractor then most likely you work for your company rather than an individual.

I’m a PA and support my boss who hired me, but I’m an employee of the company and if he left I would still work here - most likely I’d report to his replacement/interim cover or they’d reallocate me to another director.

Original poster
JobNoMore · 26/02/2019 10:15

I am employed by the company but my contract says that I report specifically to him, named as him, rather than his role.

OP posts:
TheFaerieQueene · 26/02/2019 10:17

Can you speak with the ceo? He could advise I’m sure.

IncrediblySadToo · 26/02/2019 10:18

I would start job hunting.

In reality, they’ll probably want a drag start if he’s leaving under ‘unusual circumstances’ and will find a way to manage you out or make you redundant. Yes the new CEO will need an assistant, but that could be a year away.

IF the circumstances aren’t if a dodgy nature you stand slightly more if a chance if keeping your job. But depending on what has happened, that might not be a very nice experience anyway.

Whisky2014 · 26/02/2019 10:18

Yeh so does mine but if my manager left, I'd still be employed

Original poster
JobNoMore · 26/02/2019 10:18

Spoke to him FairieQueene and he thinks that I will be much needed - but I'm not sure that's worth the air it took to say! He'll be gone!

OP posts:
FleeceDetective · 26/02/2019 10:20

I imagine if he’s leaving under a cloud they may want a fresh regime. I wonder if there’s any implication that they think you might be aware/complicit in whatever has lead to his demise?

Original poster
JobNoMore · 26/02/2019 10:23

Fleece, this is what worries me!!!!! I should point out, I have done nothing wrong, nor been involved in any wrong doing, nor even been aware of any wrong doing BUT...... I wonder if that is how it will be perceived?

Fuck me - so stressed.

OP posts:
TheFaerieQueene · 26/02/2019 10:25

I agree you will probably be important to the business as you will have a working knowledge of all he has been doing.
That said, it would be unreasonable to consider the sort of package you would consider if your role is not tenable. Not just notice but compensation for loss of office for example.

ChakiraChakra · 26/02/2019 10:27

Could you grey your contract strengthened before the shit his the fan so to speak? Get it to say reports to [position] and get a decent notice period - 6 months if poss.

If he IS being chucked out due to misconduct or anything less than squeaky clean, do what you can to cover your ass to prevent anything from sticking to you.

No harm in looking for another role as well, as you may just prefer to be out of there when it becomes chaos in the interim.

Crankybitch · 26/02/2019 10:32

The new CEO may have a good working relationship with his current assistant and bring them with him

PyongyangKipperbang · 26/02/2019 10:32

I would think that you would be more in demand after he leaves as you will be one of the few people who knows how his office runs. You may well find that you will be needing an assistant yourself in a few months!

Cautionsharpblade · 26/02/2019 10:32

This happened to me - I was assured I’d still have a job then a week later they started redundancy proceedings.

If there’s anything you need from the office - info, emails etc - start gathering it now.

Original poster
JobNoMore · 26/02/2019 10:32

Chakira, that is a good thought about my contract. I might see if I could get an amendment to that, so that it is the role I report to, rather than him.

OP posts:
thecutecouple · 26/02/2019 10:35

What does your contract say? How long have you been an employee?

RB68 · 26/02/2019 10:36

OK my advice would be you need to stop stressing and get all bases covered. Do CV, get it in to recruiters and head hunters. Get an amazing reference of him and get his contact details - he may be leaving under a cloud but that is unlikely to be touted about so its still going to be worth something. Start working out what the interim solution will be, network (butter up) those members of staff. For your own sake make sure all paperwork and filing is straight and make sure any butt covering is sorted to avoid any linkage with what he has been up to.

Get signed up to some job sites and get a handle on what is going on in the market place.