Secondment - Worth It?

[HisSunshine]

I wanted to post in chat but think the information is too identifying.

I have been on a 'secondment' (i.e. a promoted role, but still on my old salary) for the last year. I have had no training, feedback, support, anything at all in this time. I was dropped in at the deep end and expected to get on with it (doing a job I was not trained to do - assuming they were going to train me!!)

Add to this that I (and the other couple of team members) are treated very badly (at times bullied) by management, we have internal power struggle politics going on and are dislike generally within the office (because of the nature of our roles).

I am feeling so stressed that I had a panic attack in a meeting the other day which is the first time in several years that has happened. I have given my absolute all to the role - and I only work part time!

I can't work full time until next year when my eldest starts school. At this point a friend is going to arrange an interview for me with her organisation for a job I would absolutely love (and feel I have a fairly good chance of getting).

My dilemma is this. Should I continue with the secondment for the intervening year, even though I am miserable, as it would keep my CV relevant and cover all my bases? Or should I return to my stress free previous job - for which I am only being paid anyway (but which is a bit boring to be honest!)

I am so torn about this and have agonised for so long that I would love to hear how other people would approach this.

Sorry for the long post

I would be tempted to go back to my old job. Saying that will you be able to do that as surely someone will currently be covering your job until the secondment ends? I think they are taking the piss though. You are seconded to a promotion yet they are paying the same wage as your old role.

Thanks Crinkle. I have was told that I could go back to my old job at any point and they would accommodate me.

I did know at the start that I wouldn't be being paid for the role. I just didn't realise that I also wouldn't be trained etc. either. It was sold to me as an opportunity to develop - not cheap labour, which is what it has begun to feel like.

My main concern about going back to my old role is that it would mean my CV would be much less relevant when I do go to look for another job in a year's time.

Have you talked to your old job, and told them the basics, of what you have told us , about what the secondment is ACTUALLY like? What do you think they would say, if they actually knew?

I would be tempted to either apply for job and I really wanted. and stick secondment out. How many months do you think new job will take, to come to fruitation?
Or ask to go back to old job and start applying.

Thanks oblomov. The job I want is full time so I can't do it for another year. I can't really apply for anything else until I can afford to do more hours next year (so frustrating).

I have spoken a lot with my old boss and she is aware of my situation. She says she would be happy to have me back.

I think I just need to learn to take a step back an try my best to coast through the next year. Much easier said than done though!