AIBU about work

[Winterisc0ming]

AIBU about work? I used to think it was terrible. Now I'm starting to think its me and I just cant cope. Sorry its long but not to drip feed..

To give the structure, each team usually has a manager. Under that manager you have 2 supervisors. Those 2 supervisors have 2 to 3 direct reports each.

We have constant deadlines, its fast paced and theres a lot of pressure.

Our team has changed completely over the last 18 months. Everyone has left except for me. The new recruits have been a mixed bag. One didnt pass probation. One is a poor performer, misses a lot of small things and is under performance reviews. One has been very good, another that joined earlier this year seems good too. Im not involved in the hiring process.

Heres the issue. Im a supervisor and the other supervisor left late last year. We still dont have a replacement so all four workers need constant help and direction from me - so thats doubled my responsibility and workload in that respect.

The manager then left in early 2022 and was recently replaced. New manager is now also heavily relying on me and I'm having to take her through everything. Even though we now have a new manager, I still have all the responsibility because new manager is unable to solve issues.

New supervisor will hopefully start in a few months but I'll then be helping them too!

I've raised issues twice already with senior manager. Its a big company and I dont want to leave, I want to move to another department and need to inform senior manager before I do that. Twice I have done this and she has persuaded me to stay.

I returned from annual leave this week and things are a mess. I couldnt take a lunch break yesterday or today as I was too busy sorting out other peoples mess. I actually cried this evening cos I hate it.

If I go back to senior manager it will be the third time and I feel like Im just a whining at this point. Im wondering if maybe Im the problem and I should be able to deal with this.

So YABU and I need to just grown up and get on with it

Or YANBU - you would be trying to leave too.

The fact so many people have left, they struggle to recruit, they are persuading you to stay and people can't get past probation suggests that it's the job that's the problem.

Why would you just want to "get on with" a job you hate and can't cope with?

Definitely look for a new role. I imagine they would rather transfer you than lose you completely so I would say that to them.

And don't let them persuade you into staying!

I'd be torn between thinking just weather the storm and heading for the exit! But it sounds awful.

Depends what else is out there i guess, how long you've been there, whether there's a way out...
Just wondering what the downside of going to your manager again is, would it really matter if they think you're whining?

what is the time scale for it to get better?

Thanks. I dont want to leave the company altogether because I dont think the company is the problem, just the department.

True, I have nothing to lose by going back to manager again.

Realistically, its a good year to 18 months before you get to grips with everything so new manager and new supervisor will need a lot of help and not be able to support others for a while.

YADNBU they are getting you to do three people's jobs with no increase in pay. No wonder your senior manager wants you to stay. Yes, press for a move to somewhere with a reasonable workload- or ask for a promotion (or both).