Work Advice

"Enginerrrrrrrrr" (Enginerrrrrrrrr) 03/21/2018 at 18:09 • Filed to: None

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Alright oppo I need help. My job is killing my soul. M8 Gran coupe pic for your time.

So as you can probably guess, I’m an engineer. Back in october we fired a guy that was terrible so I then was mainly doing his job while mine sat on the back burner. Our company could still function, so things were sorta fine. We had also recently hired a new engineer that was taking on a role that didn’t really exist before. Whatever, I never had time for it anyways.

Fast forward 4 months. We finally fill the fucking position because our leadership is terrible. Now all of a sudden I found out that new guy has taken on things that I would have normally done. He has also somehow removed all the red tape while I was “away” and is freely working on projects I had asked to, but leadership always said “nah that’s fine”.

Now he’s taken a substantial portion of what I used to do and I’m bored as fuck most of the time because I’ve fixed all of the issues on my side.

Also note that the guy is a good guy and I have zero beef with him, but he somehow keeps getting projects from our president who isn’t even our actual manager. I don’t ever speak with our president and he obviously doesn’t care what I’m working on. Meanwhile my actual manager has no fucking clue what I actually do and he’s basically said that to my face.

I’m bored out of my mind, have hinted that I need things to work on. We have a major project this year that I was going to be a major part of, but there’s been zero movement from leadership. It’s nearly April and we were told that we’d get to work on it back in January.

I basically sit around all day and either look for things to do or wait for fires to put out. today I did like 30 minutes of real work (insert Office Space here). Leadership has no idea. Now mind you we only have 55 employees and most are technicians.

At this point I’m afraid to tell them I’m bored out of my damned mind and have no projects to work on because I’ve fixed everything in my realm. I also get push-back whenever I suggest we make a design change on something (mainly to give me something to do, but it would be helpful all the same).

So yeah, I feel I’ve been pushed out since that time I filled in for so long and now I have a boss that gives no fucks, has no management experience besides here, and has no experience in what I do either. The kicker is the guy we hired in January is quitting Friday, so I get to fill in again for that spot probably for a month at least because we suck at running a business.

If you think HR might be a choice, I did mention it to her (yes we have 1 person there) and she said she mentioned it to the higher-ups that I need to be challenged more. That was at least 3 weeks ago. No one ever came to talk with me. I also don’t feel like speaking with her much since she used to run inventory and has a history of gossiping and not getting along with coworkers; why leadership made her head of HR I have no fucking clue. Again, leadership and their lack of it.

Yes I’m applying for jobs, but what the hell do I do in the meantime? It’s been like this for 2 months and I’m losing my mind.

farscythe - makin da cawfee! > Enginerrrrrrrrr 03/21/2018 at 18:30

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got any time off owed?

sounds like a little break would do you good... even if its back to the grind after.. til you find something better

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Enginerrrrrrrrr 03/21/2018 at 18:31

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If you want to move elsewhere in this company, now might be a good time to look into it. But on the flip side it sounds like this isn’t a company you see yourself staying with.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Enginerrrrrrrrr 03/21/2018 at 18:37

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Look for jobs in you abundance of free time.

Enginerrrrrrrrr > farscythe - makin da cawfee! 03/21/2018 at 18:40

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I took a day off 2 weeks ago.

Unfortunately was recently sick so I used some time for that (we don’t get sick leave) and now only have a day and a half accrued... unfortunately for me a good break means getting into the mountains, but it’s still a bit wintery up there. You’re probably right about needing a real break though...

Enginerrrrrrrrr > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 03/21/2018 at 18:41

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We’re unfortunately small. There’s nowhere for me to move to as I’m already where I would normally want to be :/

Enginerrrrrrrrr > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 03/21/2018 at 18:41

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I sorta have a thing against looking for new jobs at work... but I think I’m at a breaking point with that now. You’re probably right.

farscythe - makin da cawfee! > Enginerrrrrrrrr 03/21/2018 at 18:43

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yeah.. i was thinking something more like a week... i only have 3 days atmo... and easter will eat most of them (Unless i opt to go unpaid for those days)

thats me pretty much out of ideas tho... short of quitting before finding new work (wich is a terrible idea)

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > Enginerrrrrrrrr 03/21/2018 at 18:56

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Time to increase the intensity and channels through which you express your desire to contribute to the company. It could be the new guy sees people that you didn’t previously see or connect with.

Or find a different company...

Azrek > Enginerrrrrrrrr 03/21/2018 at 19:02

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“Use your words...” I say this as a Manager. If you aren’t the squeaky wheel I am not sure anything needs to be dealt with. I see it as everything is working and no one is concerned. I tell my guys that it is my job to get yelled at and not theirs. But if they need help, guidance or assistance to come to me first. I’ve had some workers would could tell you how fast Pluto was going around the sun in Kilometers per hour and others who were lucky to tie their shoes, but we got shit done.

My recommendation is to write down in a notebook all your issues and talk to your boss/es. Writing it down will help you stay focused and ensure you cover all your points. If you go in with just your thoughts you will forget it. Trust me (and I know everyone hates that statement).

But I first recommend you take a moment to sit and reflect on everything and ensure you have everything in line. Once you are focused...engage...and hammer it home to ensure your point is there.

Enginerrrrrrrrr > Azrek 03/21/2018 at 19:15

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I hate being the squeaky wheel...even if it’s legit complaints. I sort of assume my manager will just make sure I have work to do... but that’s obviously not helping.

You’re right though... I did what you said back in December with a massive list of issues (remember the whole I’m not a squeaky wheel thing) albeit in email. They fixed a few things-ish (or at least said they would)... but at least it’s something I guess. I had a word doc where I had written everything out and I could re-read and such. I suppose I should do it again.

Any advice on working past it even with these deep-seeded feelings? I’m not sure I’d be fine even if they did fix things.

Enginerrrrrrrrr > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever 03/21/2018 at 19:16

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There aren’t any other channels. Heck he’s using a channel that shouldn’t even be available, but I was once able to use before we restructured things. I’ll work on the intensity bit I suppose. I’m quite bad at that haha.

Enginerrrrrrrrr > farscythe - makin da cawfee! 03/21/2018 at 19:19

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Yeah quitting isn’t really an option since the wife is finishing her degree at the moment. I’ve never experienced working at a place where I’d be extremely happy to be fired though. It’s a weird feeling to have...

Chariotoflove > Enginerrrrrrrrr 03/21/2018 at 19:23

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Okay first of all, HR in most organizations is mostly focused on the paperwork involved in hiring people, including benefits, compliance and legal stuff. They are seldom trained or interested in helping the actual humans reach their work potential. So leave that alone.

Second, the best thing I can think is that you go to the President (make an appointment) and tell him you want to work more. What executive worth a dime doesn’t want a person to do more work for the same salary? I suggest this because you seem to have a small enough firm to get that kind of access.

Another thing you might do is take this new guy out to lunch, since you say he’s a good one, and pump him for how he managed to get his irons in the fire. See if he knows anything you don’t or has connections.

Above all, if you get an audience, don’t complain. Instead, project enthusiasm and energy. Right up until the day you quit for a better job.

farscythe - makin da cawfee! > Enginerrrrrrrrr 03/21/2018 at 19:24

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understood.... and yeah... its a bloody wierd place to be in thats for sure

all kinda mixed emotions and that little voice that says fuckitall

good luck with the job hunt mate... all bad things come to an end too :)

Enginerrrrrrrrr > Chariotoflove 03/21/2018 at 19:30

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I think you’ve got it nailed. I’ll definitely get this in the plans. I need to work with more people like you, shit.

Don’t think I’m going to take the new guy to lunch though. We share an office and I’ve tried to be warm and start conversations many times. He’s super quiet and something seems off...

Chariotoflove > Enginerrrrrrrrr 03/21/2018 at 19:32

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Some people are the chummy type. Oh well. Good luck.

Azrek > Enginerrrrrrrrr 03/21/2018 at 19:43

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I try to balance the emotions with work and life. I work to live, not the other way around. So if I enjoy the work enough I accept a certain balance of discomfort.

Get on the boss’ schedule and sit down with a list to discuss you and your future. They should accept this. Even if they accept that you are going to leave. I helped some folks leave my office and ensure they were able to get what they wanted with my written recommendation.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Enginerrrrrrrrr 03/21/2018 at 19:45

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Textured Soy Protein > Enginerrrrrrrrr 03/21/2018 at 19:55

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Time for a new job. Eventually someone will figure out you don’t have much to do and make a “business decision” that your position is no longer needed.

Apply like crazy. 10x more jobs than you think you need to apply for. In the meantime do whatever you need to do to keep your current job but don’t rock the boat saying stuff like “I have nothing to do,” because their track record up to this point has shown they’re not likely to have a good idea on how to fix that.

Enginerrrrrrrrr > Textured Soy Protein 03/21/2018 at 20:00

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Unfortunately they’re not intelligent enough to notice they could possibly remove me. I’ve daydreamed about that scenario with glee...
You’re right about not rocking the boat, but I still need to get them to actually give me work to do... it’s like a bad catch 22.

Back to the job apps I suppose.

Enginerrrrrrrrr > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) 03/21/2018 at 20:04

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Holy crap this is on point. I did 5 minutes of work the other day that was mostly relaying info in an email and got a “good work!” from my boss... I then had nothing to do for the rest of the day...again.

Enginerrrrrrrrr > Azrek 03/21/2018 at 20:09

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Dang, can I come work for you? I haven’t been very successful in trying to show them how to ensure my success here, but it definitely doesn’t hurt to try again. Thanks.

Azrek > Enginerrrrrrrrr 03/21/2018 at 20:13

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Again, use your words. You just need to express what is going on and then it can work out from there

I am a better boss on paper than in real life. I defend my folks like a territorial mother tiger, but you are here to WORK. I am not here to be your friend. But if you need a hand, I will help you get better (tough love is still love). Azrek at work and Azrek not at work are different people.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Enginerrrrrrrrr 03/21/2018 at 20:20

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You’re Penske material!

Textured Soy Protein > Enginerrrrrrrrr 03/21/2018 at 20:24

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Eventually even an incompetent organization will figure out an employee isn’t doing anything. Better to get out in front of it and line up something else.

coqui70 > Enginerrrrrrrrr 03/21/2018 at 22:52

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HR is there to keep the company from getting sued. Right now you’re getting paid to do very little ... use the time to improve your skills, take some training courses and refine your resume. Line up multiple interviews and take the best offer ... make sure you get to talk to employees at the new company to avoid the same issue ... OR ...

Maybe it’s a sign to start your own damn business ... the fact is most millionaires are self-made business owners ... very few people get rich working for someone else’s benefit.