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Original poster

Dreading meeting with manager in morn

20 replies

spanieleyes22 · 06/02/2025 23:15

So about a month ago I was moved onto a different team following a restructure. I didn't want to move but had no choice. I just don't have much to do in this role. I've mentioned it before but she has fobbed me off saying oh it takes time bla bla. Ive tried to be proactive offering to help with tasks or pre-empting what needs to be done but every single time the rest of the team say no no we got this covered. They all work overtime nearly every day. So today I was doing some work for my old team as they are snowed under- it was just a few things I used to do and I offered to help out and I happened to mention it to my manager and said it was fine as I didn't have much to do anyway. So now she wants a meeting. And I just heard the rest of the team talking about this huge photocopying task that has to be done next week. I just know she's going to tell me to do it. If she does I feel it's very unfair. I just want a proper role. My friend said I should just suck it up and say nothing though. I find that hard to do 🙈my face will betray me. Wwyd

OP posts:
FallOfTheHouseOfUtterlyButterly · 06/02/2025 23:18

Wait and see
Maybe she wants to move you back to your old team because they need you.
Maybe you can suggest that if she's not.

HolyMoly24 · 06/02/2025 23:18

You're getting paid so if you don't have much work on you should just accept the task in my opinion.

And also look for another job that is more fulfilling.

Original poster
spanieleyes22 · 06/02/2025 23:22

HolyMoly24 · 06/02/2025 23:18

You're getting paid so if you don't have much work on you should just accept the task in my opinion.

And also look for another job that is more fulfilling.

Yeh I find this soul destroying. She had me photocopying for 2 solid days when I started. I just feel it's a poor use of my expertise and time . But maybe that's the wrong attitude. I had another friend who used to say who cares ur still getting paid the same. Maybe I can turn off my camera. It will be on teams. I know my face always betrays me it shows what I'm thinking!

OP posts:
MrsJHernandez · 07/02/2025 03:19

I think I commented on your previous post!

I wouldn't be happy photocopying for days on end either. It's mind numbingly boring and makes you lose the will to live.

If she wants you to do that again, I don't think you have much choice.

But I would arrange my own meeting with her to address the situation of not feeling like part of the team because you're not being trained and therefore don't have an actual role there.

Unless they're really stupid, they must know that people who don't feel useful and productive are not going to be happy employees.

How much longer do they really expect you to sit there for 8.5hrs (?) a day and twiddle your thumbs?! It's really unreasonable.

k1233 · 07/02/2025 03:55

Listen to what she says and then ask how you can be given more to do on the team. People are working overtime and you are underutilised. Are there tasks she can move your way so the workload is more evenly distributed?

Madgirl25 · 07/02/2025 04:21

What does your job description say ?

RawBloomers · 07/02/2025 04:22

You're in a difficult position, OP. I understand the "If you're still getting paid..." line you're hearing from some. But if you're a skilled worker then, as well as the immediate job satisfaction issue, you have a problem with career development (or even skill atrophy) if you aren't given any work suitable for your skill set.

If your manager tries to give you the photocopying job I would protest. Point out that you're a skilled worker. That your job description covers you doing X, Y and Z and that she isn't using your skill set. That your colleagues are doing overtime but you aren't being given any skilled work and that photocopying does nothing to integrate you into the team so that you can do the work you are supposed to be doing. Ask her what her plan is to get you working at your level.

I wouldn't refuse to do the photocopying, but if she doesn't come back with a plan for integrating you properly I would look into legal advice about constructive dismissal or getting signed off with stress while job hunting.

Happyinarcon · 07/02/2025 04:54

Pretend that you are the one calling the meeting and you want to discuss how the team can make best use of your skills. In the meantime do the photocopying and take pride in it, a positive attitude when doing shit jobs shows people you are a professional and enjoyable to work alongside.

whatisforteamum · 07/02/2025 05:08

How long have you worked there OP.?
I say this as it sounds like you are being managed out.
A restructure and taking away tasks sounds like classic moves to make you leave of your own accord.

rainbowstardrops · 07/02/2025 06:12

I don't really understand the reasoning behind moving you to a different team when your previous one is absolutely snowed under with work?
Also, there must be a reason why your current team are working their arses off and yet they don't want to delegate to you?
I'm not intending to be unkind but are your skills up for the job, or are you just simply not being trained in the new role and it's therefore easier for the others to just crack on as it'll be quicker?
I'd do the photocopying (someone's got to do it!) but I'd definitely be having my say at the meeting this morning.

Fuzziduck · 07/02/2025 06:48

If I was the manager, I'd be wondering now whether your role is needed so perhaps prepare yourself for that conversation.

TriathlonTriathlonTriathlon · 07/02/2025 08:02

What needs photocopying for 2 days?! Can you suggest a digital solution? I find Very few things actually need to be copied.

PuppyMonkey · 07/02/2025 08:29

I work at a professional printing company and am baffled at WTF could possibly require photocopying for two days. Grin

I have to say, PP’s point about being managed out sounds pretty feasible?

MulberryPeony · 07/02/2025 08:44

rainbowstardrops · 07/02/2025 06:12

I don't really understand the reasoning behind moving you to a different team when your previous one is absolutely snowed under with work?
Also, there must be a reason why your current team are working their arses off and yet they don't want to delegate to you?
I'm not intending to be unkind but are your skills up for the job, or are you just simply not being trained in the new role and it's therefore easier for the others to just crack on as it'll be quicker?
I'd do the photocopying (someone's got to do it!) but I'd definitely be having my say at the meeting this morning.

Holy fuck, MN takes the biscuit with these kinds of response. How on earth did you make that leap?

whatisforteamum · 07/02/2025 12:50

What happened OP.I hope it went in your favour.

rainbowstardrops · 07/02/2025 13:22

Holy fuck, MN takes the biscuit with these kinds of response. How on earth did you make that leap?

A leap? Well there's clearly a reason why the OP was moved to a new team in the first place when her original team are rushed off their feet and is now not being given enough tasks to do that the new team are having to work late to complete!
Maybe they're managing her out but there's clearly a reason for their actions.
Anyway, how did you get on at the meeting @spanieleyes22?

Viviennemary · 07/02/2025 13:24

TriathlonTriathlonTriathlon · 07/02/2025 08:02

What needs photocopying for 2 days?! Can you suggest a digital solution? I find Very few things actually need to be copied.

Civil Service I would imagine.

Twaddlepip · 07/02/2025 13:31

spanieleyes22 · 06/02/2025 23:22

Yeh I find this soul destroying. She had me photocopying for 2 solid days when I started. I just feel it's a poor use of my expertise and time . But maybe that's the wrong attitude. I had another friend who used to say who cares ur still getting paid the same. Maybe I can turn off my camera. It will be on teams. I know my face always betrays me it shows what I'm thinking!

Show quote history

Photocopying?! Who photocopies anything these days?! 😱

It would be soul destroying, not to mention utterly old fashioned.

Begin the job hunt.

Twaddlepip · 07/02/2025 13:33

Fuzziduck · 07/02/2025 06:48

If I was the manager, I'd be wondering now whether your role is needed so perhaps prepare yourself for that conversation.

I agree. I think the OP better brace for being surprise to requirements.

TheyCallMeMrsBug · 07/02/2025 13:38

I hope the meeting went well OP, sounds like you were better utilised in the old team!

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