Overworked and underpaid

[Warbride]

I have been at current workplace for 10 months. Worked their previously and have gone back. Report to a Director. I am a buyer. Recently been given all the Company export plus ordering and export for our Middle East factory.

We have a trainee who is currently off sick and a part time person who has just gone on holiday for 2 weeks. I can't cope running the entire department solely. Went to Director this morning who has taken a small amount of work off me but is now being arsey about it. He has just gotten rid of 4 employees and admits it is because they didn't contribute enough. Plus he didn't like them either.

Scared he will try and get rid of me due to this.

If it was me I'd put my concerns in writing (e-mail/letter/memo) in order to create a paper trail. What you don't want happening is a mistake to be made and the Director saying you didn't inform him of your concerns. Make a note of any additional hours worked in order to keep up with the workload and keep a diary of events as they happen. I'm afraid you're going to have to "suck it and see" for a period of time so you at least look like your trying but if in say one month you still feel the same way and it is jeopardising the company's reputation then make another appointment to see the Director and put the discussion/outcome in writing after that meeting. When talking to your Director don't use the terms "I feel, I want, etc.", turn it around and talk about the impact on the Company or how it reflects back on him/her. Good luck.

Had a talk today. In one ear out the other. Been given extra responsibility but no official title or pay rise to go with it. He is making out that I am just overreacting. I cannot run an entire purchasing dept plus export single handed while a colleague is on leave for two weeks. The guy is a complete arse. To be polite. Looking for other jobs. Sigh! Real pity as happy there otherwise.