Annoyed with work

[mrspixie1]

Okay so this is a bit of a long one. I am going to be covering a role (higher above) at work for the next few months, its our busiest time of year (retail marketing) and it has been an opportunity that I have jumped at as I want the progression and exposure. The person in the role has said they will likely return after time off.
I have already started integrating myself more in their duties, already starting to plan strategies and semi manage their team so I have gotten a feel for it and am enjoying the challenge. I have voiced to work that this is something I would like to pursue, work has said they don’t think the current person is very good but haven’t really elaborated to say if you do well its yours. I also don’t have anything concretely in writing. I am not getting any compensation for doing a new role, I know its only a few months but still. Ultimately I don’t know where I stand at the beginning of next year and am annoyed that work have just got someone internal to cover and I am doing them a favour but no mention of what the future holds after this. I have been at the company for a year and a half and my current role is not stimulating me enough - which I have voiced.

You are overstepping. The person is going off for a few months and is planning to return. I wouldn’t expect additional payment for a short period of time. Do it brilliantly and see what happens.

Is your manager reasonable? Could you request a meeting to formalise the situation/discuss pay raise etc?

work has said they don’t think the current person is very good

they will stab you in the back in a heartbeat too.
The person doing the role has already told you they will likely return after time off. You’ve been offered the chance to step up and the business are using your eagerness to get the job done for no extra pay. Doesn’t sound all that great to me, apart from looking good on your CV.

You want them to just give you someone else's job? They must have a contract though.

If they did that, it would be a really shitty way to treat someone, and you'd be helping them do it. You sound overeager to see them out of the door so you can get your hands on their job tbh.

No not at all. I don’t want to be the reason someone loses their job. I am only going off what work have said. I would like progression but not at the expense of someone else, my gripe is with the employer because the person is more than right to come back to their role but where does that leave me?

It leaves you having proved you can do the higher role with lots of evidence you can use in a job application or interview. It leaves you in a great position to get you promoted where you are. Or if they don’t promote you, to find a more senior job elsewhere. You’ve been offered a great opportunity here. Make the most of it. Covering for a couple of months is a reasonable ask.

I wouldn’t expect additional payment for a short period of time

I would!

Have you asked for any additional responsibility pay?

I mentioned it, but didn’t really ask. They said it would be looked into and then never got back to me. I don’t want to push and seem I am being cheeky but also if they had gotten external cover they would have had to pay!

Take the opportunity and excel in the temporary role so you will be first in line for any promotions.

Also bear in mind that you have very few employment rights after only 18 months in the role so be careful about being so vocal about the lack of stimulation and clarity about progression.

where does that leave me?

back in your old role I imagine, unless someone leaves and another position opens up.

So would I!

The OP's not a charity.

You know exactly where you stand when the postholder returns - back in your original job.

Because you were keen, they're getting away without paying you extra to "act up", but you are at least getting the experience. You possibly should have held out for a bit more money temporarily before agreeing.

If it's a small company, then unfortunately it might be a while before they can offer you a longer-term promotion. However you can use the extra experience to strengthen your cv to apply elsewhere.

I would ask for a formal secondment agreement with enhanced pay.

Where I work, you are expected to prove yourself before you get a pay rise. It appears that's how your work is too

I'd use it as a CV enhancing opportunity, and once your colleague is back, look around for promotion elsewhere (if your current employer doesn't promote you)

If the person is going on maternity leave or sick leave, the company can’t make their role untenable. And they should be careful with their words. They may not be in a position to enhance your position without getting into trouble, so don’t raise your expectations too much.