Took a job HATE IT!
So I take this job with a start-up dot com, but after signing on with them I learn so many bad things.
- Start-up for 8 years
- 4 rounds of lay-offs
- 3 CEOs in the last 5 yrs
- 2 CFOs in the last 2 years
- Operated under 3 different company names
- The board of directors which consists of big investors are not happy (board meeting last week)
My job as I understood is not what it ended up being. I am the Director of Administration but my boss is such a micro-manager that I feel like a glorified receptionist. She's extremely passive with her requests. Ask for something and gives me 'til the following Monday but asks for everyday until then. Say what you mean!!!
I want so badly to leave but I've only been here since March 30, 2007. What do I do?
The start-up has had a bumpy past and you didn't learn about it until you got there. I can see how this sets a tone for the workplace, but am not sure that you have to let it rub off on you. Do you want to buy into the doom-and-gloom or do you want to be part of making the place more successful?
As to your job, is the problem with the job description or your boss's style? Challenging bosses are a fact of business life. You have an opportunity to learn how to manage a passive, micro-managing boss. You have the opportunity to show her that you can perform at a higher level.
One strategy to use with her micro-management is to log her requests on a project plan at your work station. Make sure you point it out to her when she stops by. When she asks for an item earlier than first requested, use the task log to advise that you're working to get it to her by the original date. Without being defensive, ask if 1) you misunderstood the original due date or if 2) priorities have changed. Let her know that you're eager to deliver on her requests and that you use the task log to stay on top of her stated needs.
Should you want to bail out, you can certainly use the company's challenges as a reason with future employers when discussing an early departure. If you don't have a history of short stays, one blip on your resume isn't a big deal.
Hope this has been helpful.
Thanks for the great advice! I really appreciate. :-)
I think I have my heart set on leaving though. When I come to work here I feel like I'm in college dorm and everyone's in their PJs. I'm one of the older folks here for the exception of my boss. I'm use to a very corporate environment without a whole lot of supervision, I'm a self-starter and work very well independently. With this job, I feel like I'm being babysat.
It's quite a change from my last gig.