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Original poster

How do I get out of this job :(

12 replies

Enni2S · 08/01/2018 12:06

I work for a large Civil Service department at HEO level. It's coming up to a year in the role (nearly 2 years in the Civil Service in total) and I absolutely hate my job. It was meant to be a promotion, but red tape, a terrible atmosphere and bad management have made me feel like a glorified admin assistant on community service.

I have been applying for other roles within the service, but because I haven't gained any new skills in the last year, getting the right competencies is proving difficult. I have an interview for a role on loan in a different department on Wednesday.

It is at my current grade on loan, which is where the issue lies. Most departments have some sort of ban on level transfers for the first 2 years, and this being on loan potentially makes it even less likely they'd release me (which is why I feel even more like I'm in prison). Should I even go to this interview? Has anyone on here got any experience with level transfers and loans in the Civil Service?

I feel like I have about 6 months before I simply self-destruct Sad guess I just need a handhold as well.

OP posts:
Polarbearflavour · 08/01/2018 13:21

Hello, I’m civil service too, been here 9 months and applied and got a new role on level transfer recently.

I presumed as long as you pass your 6 month probation you are able to apply for what you want?

I would go to the interview and see if you get offered the job first. Can you look outside the civil service for jobs as I don’t think it’s the best place to work!

Original poster
Enni2S · 08/01/2018 14:32

Because it's a loan I'd be worried they'd just say that there is no need for me to go (it's 3 years). I have thought about leaving, but I feel I don't have the required skills and experience atm to net myself a 28k - 32k job, which is what I currently earn. + I'd be losing my flexible hours and benefits, with no guarantee the new job will be better.

Ideally I would like to work in policy, but so far I've been stuck in operational roles without any scope for project work or management, leaving me with not much to talk about in my competencies Sad

OP posts:
Polarbearflavour · 08/01/2018 20:29

I would deffo go for the loan job and see what happens! Do they pay your salary on loan or do you current department?

ArnoldBee · 08/01/2018 20:34

Before you applied for the loan job you should have spoken to your manager to see if they would release you. My friend has been denied being able to apply for a job on loan twice due to business needs yet another friend on my team has been gone for a year. It seems you're more likely to be let go of you go a grade above.

Original poster
Enni2S · 10/01/2018 19:46

My manager would release me, but it's not his decision. Also I don't really want to have that kind of conversation with management until I've actually been offered a job.

I have thought about leaving the Civil Service, but I'd lose my benefits and feel I'd given up on a career I've wanted for years sigh

OP posts:
ArnoldBee · 10/01/2018 20:05

That's your decision but in my department that would be a sure fire way not to get released!

HappyAsASandboy · 10/01/2018 20:15

I'm 15 years in and have worked my way up to a level that does a lot of management!

If you worked for me I'd release you. All posts carry an expectation that you'll stick around for at least 18 months - 2 years just because it's disruptive to have to keep recruiting/training, but if you're unhappy then they'd be made to try to keep you (because you'll be ineffective, despondent and then leave!).

If I was in your position I would go to the interview and then take it from there. If you're offered the role then speak to your manager about it; if you're not offered it then speak to your manager about how you might adapt your role to be more challenging/interesting/stimulating. Most of us want to help, I promise!

Original poster
Enni2S · 10/01/2018 20:29

@Happy: thanks Smile I do talk to my manager about how I feel and ways to improve my situation. As I said before, my manager knows about my career aspirations and has previously encouraged me to apply for a role they saw advertised that they thought would suit me. Unfortunately, whether I'd get released or not is not up to them, it's up to their manager.

It's just a shitty situation to be in. I want to stay in the Civil Service, but I can't stay where I am for another 6 months as I will have a mental breakdown. At the same time I don't have the experience to move up, so I have to move sideways... Sad

Regardless of whether I'd get released, interviews are good practice. It's just so frustrating that I feel so trapped. Previously I might have chanced just resigning, but I have a mortgage now so that's not really an option.

OP posts:
LadyLapsang · 10/01/2018 21:45

Would your LM be open to supporting a managed move?

Original poster
Enni2S · 10/01/2018 22:00

What is a managed move?

OP posts:
LadyLapsang · 10/01/2018 23:30

Just an internal transfer that your team will organise with another team. Usually happens if someone is unhappy or if there is a personality clash etc.and they don't want to lose your skills and experience from the organisation. Not appropriate if there is any issue with performance, behaviour or attendance and you would only get moved at your current grade.

Polarbearflavour · 11/01/2018 13:21

I’ve been trying to get a managed move as DP is military and the policy says in my department that if your partner is military and moves outside of commutable area, they should be considering you for a managed / compassionate move. Is anybody at work willing to help me? No.

Frankly I’ve had enough of the civil service! Quite happy to leave and go back to the private sector...

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