To tell my manager I hate my job?

[thanksroyalmail]

I’m in a new middle management role - out of 6 levels of seniority, I am #4.

My own manager is due to leave so isn’t acting on issues raised - there has been delays in getting things signed off by him. My team think I’m eg letting resourcing issues lie cause I don’t have the update they want ie I look like the bad guy when in reality I have been chasing, with zero support or anything at all from my manager.

Now my team tend to undermine me with an “us vs them” mentality.

I feel on the peripheral of everything.

I’m at the point where I’m getting nothing out of this job, the nice bits aren’t worth staying for. the environment is so tense that sticking around is impacting my own life. Aibu to tell my manager how I really feel? I doubt anything good will come of it.

Why bother if they're leaving anyway. It's highly unlikely they'll either care or do anything by the sounds of it. I'd wait to see if things improve when the Manager leaves as things might calm down in the wider team.

Can you go above your managers head to the next in command?

In some places that'd be an absolute no no, but what have you got to lose?

I wouldn't. I would try and sort the issue of them sitting on things though. And probably look for another job.

So how do I keep my head up during what is a challenging time? I have so much on my mind and nowhere to offload it. I have zero support

If your manager isn't doing his job, escalate it. Simple. I wouldn't worry about upsetting him, he's leaving anyway

Embarrassed to admit but I tried and it fell on deaf ears!!

I think it all depends on how you put it. No one is going to be impressed at someone who’s a manager just having a moan or bringing them a long list of complaints.

You need to be specific about the issues, the impact they’re having on the work, what action needs to be taken and what you want senior people to do to support you.

Read up on ‘managing up’

Life is too short for this sort of thing. Start job hunting.

What have you explained to your team? Do they just think you're a shit manager? Is that why there's a you vs them atmosphere?

Get a list if problems and a list of solutions. Book in time with your managers manager and present you list to him / her. If your manager is leaving anyway don't worry about pussyfooting round them?

in response to your first paragraph, some of the team applied for my job and didn’t get it which breeds resentment. I haven’t had negative feedback from anyone, it’s more how they treat me - I’m not invited to things or sighted on the right things. I wouldn’t say I’ve been given a fair chance to be shit or not - those people who didn’t get the job judge me harshly regardless of what I do.

How big are your team?

If it's not too big, I'd be tempted to grab some treats (drinks on you at the pub after work friday/ donuts and starbucks run etc) and have a bit of a 'check in' meeting where you are professional but transparent. You don't have to cover up for the manager that is leaving. I'd tell them that there is a current chain of command issue that has caused some issues but they are out of your control and that you are listening to their concerns and trying your hardest to address them.

Things should improve once your manager has moved on, right? They may have checked out but their replacement will need to impress in their new role.

If, in the meantime, the actions of your current manager is causing serious issues, raise a complaint. Go above them and state what the issues are.

The size isn’t the issue but we don’t work in same office which doesn’t help