WWYD-stick it out or make the break?

[Switchy111]

For context, I joined my company 3 years ago as a maternity cover. My role was basically working as a specialist covering one part of business and supporting multiple teams. I did well in my first year but felt leaders not completely sure what I was doing…but feedback was positive etc.

i was made permanent and given some extra responsibility after first 12 months.

Fast forward to this year, 6 month ago there was a massive restructure - with about 25% of total team of 200+ being cut.

On my team, All those that were retained were promoted - apart from me. I was retained but at the same grade.

my role was change from specialist to generalist. Basically, I was now a sales manager and my performance is measured as any other sales manager.

i have not received a new job description, despite my boss saying my old role has gone. We use a competency framework - so basically I had 3 before, I now have 5, 2 have transferred over but there are 3 new ones.

the problem is, I’m rubbish at this ‘new’ role and underperforming.

i feel like crap and want to leave, just because of my pride really - but also because my career is stalling - I won’t be promoted or developed in this role as I’m simply not good at it!

so I should just leave, but I am struggling to find something as favourable - currently I have a remote contract and company car I don’t want to give back (currently I wouldn’t want to take on car loan or finance).

I also have a great pension that I am loathed to leave.

and a large bonus in April.

so my question is what should I do!!

grit my teeth and stick it out? Even though it’s awful??

if they were prepared to pay me for 3 months notice and honour my bonus I would happily go!

I don’t really know if they’ve strictly done anything wrong - but ultimately the role I applied for is gone and I’m left with something I don’t enjoy and don’t excel in. Through no fault of my own.

You definitely need to find something else eventually. The timing depends on how important car and bonus are to you versus how awful the job is, and how long you can bridge without having a next job lined up.

One other option is:

You can have a conversation without prejudice.

Basically a fancy version of " I dont like you you dont like me... can we agree a settlement and I'll go" this can be tax free depending on what's agreed

Given you are in role 3 years you have rights... but you wont get a £££ payout.

April is a long time away.
If you can grin amd bear it id start aggressively looking and stay while you hunt.
There are jobs but the market is weird right now.

Thank you, I did have a frank convo at my mid year - were I said I was very away this wasn’t the right fit, but wasn’t going to leave unless it was favourable to me.

i do t know whether to approach hr - and whether this totally burns bridges with my manager?

they are already in the loop as there’s been back and forth about my competencies changing.

maybe I pursue the conversation on that thread.

I think so.
I'd advise documenting things.
Remember HR arent your friend or your line managers necessarily they are the friend of the business.

As a line manager I've helped people exit if you get on well/ are on good terms and are cute your line manager may help you

Be careful about leaving the market is quite brutal.
Your company should also pay for sone time with an employment lawyer to review any offer they make.

Good luck.

One other option is to proactively create JD / skills for the job you want and propose it...