To hate this new employee stepping on my toes at work?

[Lizzie523]

In my line of work I have clients and work as part of a team. I manage all of one particular client's online presence, that is until lockdown when they could no longer afford us and decided to do it themselves. A new employee came on board 2 months ago at their company doing some of my former duties (but with no training in it). But now that we are back on board this colleague who was doing things themselves has continued managing the online presence. So we are now effectively sharing this responsibility.

Yesterday I introduced myself in a friendly email saying I understood we would be working together (ie trying to make the best of it). I sent him instructions for a project and welcomed his input. He then relayed to my main client, his boss, that he 'didn't like' what I had proposed and was going to do the project himself from scratch! And my client/his boss is allowing this! I feel all my autonomy is being taken away.

All I can imagine is that they are trying to undermine or replace me and show they are indispensable during a difficult economic time. I HATE this new way of working, which I have mentioned to my line manager. She agrees it is annoying and says we will broach it in a future meeting but it will be too late by then. Any advice?

[quote Lizzie523]@lockdownalli how is it childish? I have been employed to do a job. Someone else is now doing my job. I have tried to work with this person but been ignored. What do you suggest?[/quote]
Stop contacting him, let him drop his company in the mire if you think that will happen. Otherwise move on graciously.

You sound a bit childish In this approach. It’s business don’t take it so personally. Sometimes things like this will happen and sometimes it will go your way. You can’t let it affect you so much. Try and be more resilient.

@Lizzie523

It is not an opinion it is a fact. There are grammatical and spelling errors all over the articles and content. Also things that are simply incorrect are being posted on the platforms. I care about this because it is my job to do so. It is not about being 'catty'.

I ultimately answer to my agency and my line manager. I have been told I remain in charge of the content which is why I am sending on the projects/tasks but still asking the nee employee for input. This is what my line manager advised me to do.

You are far too over invested in this.

Even if they pepper it with 101 typo's it's not your circus, not your monkeys. Their cock-up, their choice.

You would be better off focusing on where your efforts are needed, because the client pays the bill and gets to say if they want their work done by their internal staff. If there's a breach of contract because they aren't prepared to pay to the end of the contract then you can highlight the fact to your boss, but unless your job is to enforce contracts, it's out of your hands.

LEt him get on with it. When he royally fucks up and they compare the stats from when you did it, to now, they will be back and he will be getting your coffee.

"I miss cultivating the in person relationship with the clients too"

Me too mate, no freebie long lunches with loads of wine. It's gutting. A cheese and pickle sandwich,whilst reading the daily mail on me phone, it ain't the same. I feel you ! --

Bloody clients don't know what's good or them. I've even had to start buying me own clothes pyjamas for working at home.

@gobananasgo made me laugh, thanks for that 😄

I reckon I've had loads of good advice here. I can only do my best within the new limitations, continue to add value as much as I can and a review with LM and client would likely be helpful. Thanks for helping.

I would be annoyed too
But ultimately the client always calls the shots

Let this new person fu-- it up. Just make sure everyone is aware what your proposals are that have been turned down. People who think they can create a successful online presence with no experience are as bad as people with a few LED lights thinking they're a lighting designer or someone using Wix thinking they're a web developer. Try not to let it get to you OP. I do genuinely believe that the client will eventually realise that they're suffering. Also, why pay someone to do something if they won't take the advice?! Crazy.