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Zipbuck32 · Newbie Joined: 05 Oct 2008 Posts: 1 Career Advice: +0/-0

I started a new job three weeks ago. I decided to accept a position at this company because they are stable (record year for sales and revenue generated) and the work is in an area that I am interested in, but need some training on the programs used in this area. I am in the engineering field. During the interview they told me I would get the training I need to get up to speed on the programs they use.

The day I started they didn’t know where I was going to sit, have a computer ready, email or any introductory work assignments to get my feet wet with the organization. I thought that within a couple of days I would have these items. I asked my supervisor every morning and sometimes two to three times a day on the status of these items. After one full week sitting and reading manuals all day they finally gave found me a loaner PC, but no permanent place to sit. I tried using the computer during the second week of employment to take online training classes, but it was so slow and couldn’t complete anything. I was back to reading manuals again for the entire day. It was unbelievably boring and I felt like a walking zombie at the end of the day. At the end of the second week my manager stated that he knew I would be able to complete any training seminars on the computer. I was very frustrated that he had me work on this computer which he knew I wouldn’t be able to complete the assignments. I came up with a list of items that I proposed to my manager of things I could possibly work in with reading the manuals. I wanted to try to get some practical work experience instead of just reading. They said the work would be coming, but I just needed to wait a little longer. My immediate boss was on vacation on Friday of my second week and I had absolutely nothing to do. I asked my managers manager (he was supposed to be my manger according to the offer letter and was the one who really hired me) for work, but they didn’t have anything at that time and I just needed to wait longer. It was the worst day ever I just sat and did nothing (no internet, read all the manuals). I also came down with a very bad cold during the second week.

By the start of the third week I was very sick and wanted to quit. However, I knew if I quit I wouldn’t get unemployment insurance. Plus, I didn’t make the decision to not work, they did by not giving me work. I didn’t want to get disqualified from UI based on their decision. On Thursday morning of the third week I was so frustrated and couldn’t take the headaches, stomachs, and no sleep anymore. I went into my managers managers (my manager by the employment offer) office and told him I am sick of the games and no work and that I couldn’t take it anymore. I said it was his decision to not give me work and therefore he needed to take it to the next step and TERMINATE my employment. I was talking loud and the office door was open so others heard the conversation. I did that because I just wanted out and didn’t really care at that point. There was no swearing or personal attacks.

My manager just let me keep talking and didn’t say anything. After I had nothing else to say my manager said he was very sorry for what happened and asked me to give the company second chance. He said there was no way he could terminate me because by coming to office and telling him this he saw what a valuable employee I am. He gave me the day off (paid) and told me a plan would be in place for getting me work and training. The next morning I went back, had a computer, and people were acting more competent and I got some work assignments.

My questions are:

Was returing to the company and giving them a second change a huge mistake? Are they just going to fire me anyways in the future? Should I quit right now?

Does it make sense to stay with a company in which you told the boss to fire you? (I never wanted to do this, but I wanted out badly. Personally I would perceive a new person who did this as a loose cannon.)

If I do stay with the company what long-term repercussions could this have on my career with the company?

Please help. I tried making a decision this weekend, but am having trouble reaching a conclusion. The supervisor seemed sincere when he told me he really wanted me to stay, but I know there can be other motives as to why these managers say the things they do.

Randy · Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2008 7:51 am Post subject:

Stay where you are only until you find something else, then move on. You gave the main reason yourself: You're now perceived as "confrontational" and unless you're working for the last remaining decent human being on the planet, you're history.

Pauloz · Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2008 10:40 am Post subject:

zipbuck32

Doesn't make a lot of sense to treat anybody like that. It is possible that somebody there really is that inefficient, or lazy, but doesn't sound like the place is well run.

Actually, you're in a better position now. The most that can happen is they can fire you, no great loss on your part. This is not a trustworthy situation, unless you see any proof these guys are competent.

However- Since you're getting paid for this irritation, take advantage. Use the space the job gives you to plan your next move. When you move on, do it properly, make sure you're getting somewhere. The risk here is winding up with another job for the sake of another job.

The risks are real enough. The job market isn't looking too healthy at the moment, and you need to try to stay in the game on your own terms, not just wind up back at square one.

Don't let this get under your skin or allow yourself to be provoked into anything rash and unconsidered. There are other things to confront beyond a pack of idiots who can't even organize the furniture, and one of them is your future.

PaulLubic · Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2008 2:00 am Post subject:

Wow! Are you impatient! It sounds like your supervisor wasn't ready for your start of employment, that's a mistake, not a move to "make the new guy crazy". I think you're extremely fortunate that your manager's manager took your rant as you being upset that you haven't been adding value and you're impatient to do so. He could have taken it as you being a self-centered person who shouldn't have been hired. Okay, now that I've gotten off my soapbox, here is some good advice. First, read those manuals! They were given to you for a reason, and it's not entirely to have kept you busy because your boss didn't have any real work for you right then. Spend your time finding out about your company's strategic plans and what role your organization plays in those plans. Next, find a mentor who will show you the ropes, so to speak. You may not be formally assigned a mentor, but look for one while you're forming relationships with your peers. Ask one of the more experienced guys to share how they got to be successful there and how you can learn your job more quickly so that you can add value (ask this question to your manager too). Once you are given work to do, work harder than your peers so that you add recognizable value to your organization. There're more tips to give you, but I should stop for now. Remember, be patient, keep letting your boss know you want to add value as soon as possible, and .... try not to act like this company, your boss, and the world is against you. They're not.
Best,

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