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Seconded & stressed

6 replies

Lcca60 · 19/11/2017 17:34

Apologies in advance for lenghty post!
I've worked in same organisation for almost 20 years. 8 months ago i took a post in different department as it was more hours & i wanted to learn something new. A month ago, my new manager was asked for someone with front-line customer service experience to go for 6 months to new project. There was no job description & it was all a bit vague, except that it was just doing what i do already as they had no one on site who knew it.I was chosen & felt it was chance to show willing & develop further. A month in & it is a disaster! The job i thought i'd be doing isn't even set up yet, so i've been just 'tagging along' while they try to get the department up and running. The boss at new place is off on long term leave & not replaced. I have been asked to help/give advice on things above my band (i'm basically entry level). I said i didn't even have IT access permissions for some stuff they want - i was then given this & am having to trawl round on-line, internal guides for info on how to do things as they don't know either. They are very nice/apologetic, and try to include me, but it's totally outwith my training - i'm a clerk who uses systems, not helps set them up!
My boss (i still report to my old department head) was in the office i am 'loaned' to last week, and when i saw him i said i was unhappy. We didn't have time to talk, but he said it's OK, none of us knew what would be involved & to keep chin up! He had also started new post & i have yet to meet his replacement - my 'new' manager. So, i don't know what to do. I am being asked to do things i have no skill or training in. I don't know what the staff here thought they were getting & feel like i am letting them down & holding them back, although they are too nice/busy to say so. I ask for things to do, but as it's not anything in my field, i have to then self teach & it takes forever to do even the simplest task which makes me feel like an incompetent time waster.
My DH is now sick of me stressing & crying and won't discuss it anymore - except to tell me to resign as we don't need it (but why should i after 19+ years)My DC just want 'fun' Mum again & not tired, upset & anxious me! My substantive post is being backfilled for 6 months (& person in it has - apparantly - said they love it & will make a stink if it is cut short). I feel like i will be part responsible if things fsil & department doesn't happen or is pulled.So, what now? I feel trapped. My DH says demand a proper review & say i'm in situation i'm not trained for & it's up to them to fix it as i'm the bottom rung & was pulled over to 'try out' a system, not create it!
Do i suck it up for next 5 months & chalk it to very bad experience, do i start looking for new jobs, do i kick a fuss & demand a move, do i insist on formal meeting & show boss just how upsetting i find this? I fear being judged a failure, of making my manager look bad, of facing colleagues as a quitter, looking weak & whiney to new team - or all of these- all i do is cry over what is barely above minimum wage job! I am not sleeping, have lost weight & dread going in - never in 19+ years have i cried/felt sick driving to work.
Thanks for reading - just writing it had helped! Any/all advicd or experiences welcomed.

OP posts:
Itsjustaphase84 · 19/11/2017 17:44

Hmm this sounds like something that would happen at my company. I've been on many secondments for experience. Do you have a HR policy and advice line?

I'd document EVERYTHING you do for when it comes to appraisals.

Did you sign a secondment contract?

Lcca60 · 19/11/2017 19:45

Hi, nothing signed - it was basically 'would anyone like to go to this project for 6 months - they want someone who uses our system, you'll still be my staff & will come back here, that's as much as we know'. I said i'd be interested (as did one other person) & i was sent. I've never taken any sort of risk before - hence 19 years in 'starter' post! This had totally knocked my confidence - always had great reviews, seen as 'go to' person, etc. Worried about causing a fuss, but can't make myself ill over this! Thanks for listening/advice.

OP posts:
daisychain01 · 19/11/2017 21:12

It sounds like your old manager is supportive of you. I'd request a meeting with him and HR and run through all the problems you've described on here, but more formally than your previous meetings. Say you need to request training on things you haven't any experience of, and also ask if there is anyone available in the new team who can give you some support for the next couple of weeks to help you find your feet.

Also make it absolutely crystal clear in the same meeting that you want your old job back in 5 months and get it confirmed in writing from HR.

Sounds like they've thrown you in at the deep end, and not in a nice way.

Itsjustaphase84 · 19/11/2017 21:22

I know you're really stressed but what's the worse that can happen? You shouldn't be seen as an under performer as I'm assuming no role profile so they couldn't penalise you... You'd be 'satisfactory' at the 'worst'. This will help in documenting everything you do.
Remember it's just a secondment. And as pp said, get confirmation of when you are returning to old role in writing.

I've been in similar situations, I've just come from a secondment with no contract or official role profile and luckily it wasn't too bad. You're doing the best you can but don't bottle it up.

Lcca60 · 20/11/2017 07:48

After another sleepless night i am going in & will email my manager to ask for a meeting. I am amazed/annoyed at myself for being so flipped out by all this - i'm actually a very level headed person normally! Just need to take time to 'word' it well as i must be sure not to appear needy, incapable, demanding or to be disrespectful of host department!
As you say 'justaphase' it's only a secondment - i have nearly 20 years excellent record, with only 2 weeks sick in all that time (when parent & sibling died), no disciplines, no complaints - not that it's relevant - just wanted to show i'm not prone to throwing in towel!

OP posts:
Itsjustaphase84 · 21/11/2017 06:12

Good luck op

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