Colleague wants her job back

[PrincessHoneysuckle]

I started with a new employer two years ago and got promoted to my dream position a year ago.
I get on brilliantly with my team and im loving it.
The only fly in the ointment is that the person who used to do my job is on the team in a role with more responsibility and she hates it,finds it hard and stressful and wishes she'd never applied.
She actually told me yesterday that she wants her old job back and could we swap if allowed?
This is putting me in an awkward position as im sympathetic towards the fact that shes regretting her decision but at the same time this is MY job we're talking about.
AIBU to think for the love of God tell other people this if you need to vent not me.

Bet when shes suggesting the swap she isnt suggesting you get paid more and she gets paid her old salary

This happens often.

i worked in a bank as a cashier.

Chief cashier left. I was told it was now my job.

no more money and OMG the extra work! Responsible for ATM, bullion, everyone else’s tills, key holder.

Cheeky madam! It’s not up to her (or you) to decide on swapping roles and her getting her old job back. She is nuts even asking you this. Do what others have said and speak with your manager / HR.

Tell her to get another job elsewhere if she's unhappy, as you are going nowhere.

Big fat no.

Just say sorry, you don’t want any more responsibility at the moment. You needn’t feel guilty - it’s not your problem.

She is being silly. She certainly isn’t in a position to offer her job to you! Your employer will do a normal recruitment process if she chooses to leave her current job. She definitely can’t just take her old job back either, it is yours and after two years you are secure in it. If she wants to leave her current job she needs to job hunt like anyone else.

No, she just wants your job to escape hers. If she’s having a problem with the level or work or responsibility it’s her job to go to her manager and discuss it, including whether her workload is reasonable and whether any adjustments need to be made.

And this is what you need to tell her - ‘No, that’s not an option. I understand you’re unhappy with your role and you need to discuss that with your manager with a view to improving it, but you can’t just decide to switch roles because you don’t like yours’.

Yes, nip it in the bud. ‘No, I’m not interested.’ No need to go into the whys and wherefores or give her reasons. Give someone a reason and they will try and give you a solution in order to get their way.

’This job is truly horrible and I am miserable. Wouldn’t it be much better if we move heaven and earth so that you were miserable instead of me?’ This is the gist of what she wants you to agree to. Is she a bit unaware of how others can see and hear what she says?

What did you say to her, I missed that bit?

I would knock that idea on the head firmly (just a firm "that's not going to happen") but I would encourage her to go to HR/boss whoever to ask about being properly remunerated for her increased responsibility. It does sound as if she hasn't thought it through but then that's on her.

Some good advice there from @AbzMoz to have a quiet word with your boss but pitch it carefully. Emphasise how much you are enjoying your current role and making a contribution to the company at your current level. You have no immediate wish to consider progression at this time.

Just say no sorry it's a really difficult job you have and not something I want to take on. Sympathise and encourage her to apply for something else.

@PrincessHoneysuckle I would be tempted to respond as if this is coffee break chat - in the same way someone might talk about wondering if they could "WFH" on a beach in Thailand.

What reason would you have to exchange roles??? She has shared with you that her job is not so great. You know that the extra few pounds in your pocket is not worth it. If management should get wind of what she wants and approach you, just say how happy you are in your post. Her problem not yours

Not sure if this is the case here, but this can be one of the unforeseen consequences of increasing the national minimum wage.

As the NMW increases then the differential between those on the NWM and those in more senior or responsible roles often shrinks.

This leads to people being reluctant to take in more responsibility. While the obvious answer is to increase wages proportionally for everyone many businesses can't do this.

And even when they can this feeds through into higher prices for consumers.

I've just looked at the most recent posts. I love this from @ItsmeMargo . It could be a reply to multiple threads on Mumsnet. Sometimes we get so wound up in our thought process that we forget that saying nothing is the best way forward.

Good luck @PrincessHoneysuckle

Surely the purpose of increasing the NMW is so that people can pay their bills and feed their families? The cost of living has skyrocketed. If people do a job they should at least be able to pay their rent.

I would say a clear “no, I am really enjoying this role and I don’t think I’ll be looking for a bigger role for several years. I will let you know if something changes!”

well if you're not up for leaving your job - thats that. No need to feel awkward, she is the one that is floundering around, not you.

School

@AImportantMermaid It is relevant for pay differentials in a company. They have to pay more at the bottom end and this means a lot more at the top to maintain differentials. Some employers have struggled with this and it leads to inconsistencies in job descriptions and pay. Although in this case, the money seems to outweigh responsibility which should be reviewed but some companies don’t understand job design, comparisons and evaluation and then rewards.

Neither of us is on nmw.We are both managers in a school.I have less responsibility.

What is your job?

“I’m really happy in my role and wouldn’t want to change, I’m afraid”

That’s all there is to it.

She has no right to your job just because she once did it before choosing to leave it.