I know I am, but think I'll probably still do it.

[Binding]

I do some part time work. Occasionally I take on some extra. I don't especially want the extra hours or money, but if I'm free I'll do it to help out.

Last time, I took on something outside of my normal role and, imo, was unfairly critised. It wasn't perfect, but it was a decent first attempt imo. It wasn't constructive feedback, it was "having a go" criticism.

So, I've been asked to do another one. This is also outside my usual role, but closer to what I usually do. I could do it, but I'm not inclined to help out after what happened last time.

But, the person who gets the headache if I don't, isn't the person who criticised my last effort. That person will, however, overview it again.

Could you ask the critical senior person what they'd want you to do differently if you were to do it again? also have they any oversight of resourcing- if peers are sharing out the work but it's not going to people with the right skills that's hardly your fault.

Everyone (including her) knew I wasn't qualified or experienced in that task, but they were desperate and I agreed to give it a go.

I know now what I should have done differently, and if it had been handled differently, would have been glad to have the coaching and development, but that's not how feedback was delivered.

I’d say ‘after the criticism I got last time from
x I’m not inclined to do it again, sorry’ that way the person who gets the headache knows exactly who to blame and doesn’t think you’re just being awkward.

No I wouldnt be doing it again. Not because I cant take criticism etc but the person who “had a go” didnt appreciate my time and effort

Explain that you are really reluctant because of what happened last time

Yes exactly. If they'd said, really appreciate your efforts, but it could be improved by xyz, I'd have been happy.

What they did was send an aggressive email about how disappointing it was, and copy in 4 other people, both senior and junior to me.

It really wasn't that bad either. The changes were minor and easily fixed.

But, the person who gets the headache if I don't, isn't the person who criticised my last effort.

Did they in anyway make comments in your defence when you were being criticised?

That’s really bad. I’d be quite hurt by that

I would say I don't feel comfortable taking on that role as I am not qualified, You have put it out there then so if hey pressure you they can't be too surprised or critical if the result is less than perfect

No, not really, apart from a supportive eyeroll, but they're significantly junior to the critisiser and it wouldn't have gone down well, so I don't blame them.

I wouldn't do it.

1. I wouldn't want to get a reputation for substandard work. People won't remember the reason.

1. I wouldn't want to be seen as a pushover/doormat, as I don't think it's helpful for one's career.

Last time, I took on something outside of my normal role and, imo, was unfairly critised

”IMO”

well sure, but…. Your opinion of your own work is irrelevant

YANBU. Apologise to the person who will get the headache but tell them that the unnecessary attack you received from (name) last time you went the extra mile to do something outside your usual area of expertise means that you will not be doing anything similar where that person is involved - Clarify that while constructive feedback is always welcome in a spirit of constant improvement, you don't have to take people having a go at you and being insulting when you go out of your way to help.

Yes, but even if the critisim was justified there are ways to deliver it.

And in any case, if I'm rubbish maybe it's best I say no anyway.

Would this be to help your colleague with a heavy load while they're doing another task?
If so I'd tell them you're happy to help if they're snowed under but not with this particular project as it's not something you normally or really want to do.

Be honest with them, maybe they dread doing it to so are passing it on.

So this is just a voluntary piece of work that you are entirely free to say “nope, don’t fancy doing that” with no repercussions?

No. Don't do it unless you want more of the same.

Yes, it's something I'd do on my non working day (with appropriate pay) to help them out. Not part of my contracted hours or job description.

Eta, officially no repercussions, but I guess they could have the hump over it.

So overtime? In that case, if you don’t need the money, just pass on it.

It's a one off thing that doesn't really fall on anyone's shoulders. Colleague is FT and will just have to find a way if I don't, but it's quite a big thing, at least a full day's work, to fit into an already busy job.

Based on that I'd give this one a pass, chances are the minute you accept and help out it'll be playing on your mind from start to finish.

Do you need the money? If not, pass

"What they did was send an aggressive email about how disappointing it was, and copy in 4 other people, both senior and junior to me."

I would turn it down, making it absolutely clear that my reason for turning it down was due to the unwarranted criticism received last time. If there was a chance to turn it down in writing, I'd do that, attaching the aggressive email. And CC the fucker in.

Find that email.

Do a "reply all" and add in anyone new that is involved this time round. Change the subject line to reflect the new project.

Say "thank you for considering me, but after the unnecessary criticism I received last time, I don't think it would be appropriate"

Nah. Don’t sink to their level. Just say no, without an explanation or an apology. You have more important things to do.