I started a new job a week ago. Keeping it vague but it's a senior, quite niche position so there are only a few posts in each geographical area (ie not easy to move jobs).
I am full time. The bulk of my job was supposed to be in area A (80%) and area B (20%).
Just before I started, I was asked to do A plus area C instead, because C needed urgent cover. On the surface it seemed quite reasonable, less commuting in fact, and I wanted to be helpful, so I said sure why not.
Big mistake. C is TERRIBLE. It's a full-time job in itself. They have found it impossible to recruit to. It is absolutely not equivalent to B. It turns out everyone who works there knows this, and also knows this is why it was dumped on me.
A week in, I've asked to revert to doing the job that was advertised, that I applied for, was interviewed for and was offered and accepted. But oh no, they can't leave C uncovered, they need me to carry on with it until they recruit someone (which they might not for years).
My contract is very general and does not specify which area I work in so is no help here. No unions. I can wave the job advert at them but it feels like I am powerless to get them to honour it.
I feel so frustrated. I am angry with myself for agreeing as they are now using this against me "oh you were the one who said it was fine! You didn't have to!" (true, but there's no way I could have known what it was really like from outside). "We can't change you now, it would be too destabilising for the service" (it's been a week ffs). "Let's wait until we recruit, I'm sure we will very soon" (they won't). I am being guilt-tripped and made to feel like a flake.
I could quit but I actually really like A and I just can't face the whole recruitment process again. But I am exhausted, can't sleep, and the stress of the workload is already making me ill. I feel between a rock and a hard place.
Just wondering if anyone can relate :(