WWYD if you got sold out by your boss?

[hoover]

I think this question may have been brought up before.... But I'm just angry and upset. I've found myself losing sleep because i'm stewing about it at night, and getting emotional at work.

So here's the story: two months ago, I was assigned a project on top of my existing duties where I was told that I would be responsible for tracking costs in a special initiative, and act as a liaison with a specialized team and finance. I was reporting back to my managers my actions, difficulties and concerns every week. They had told me that there would be more information forthcoming and that they would bring my concerns to the attention of their boss (my director). At no point did they ever express concern that I was not doing my job.

Fast forward to this week. I was suddenly told to report out costs, and submit my policies and procedures for the whole country to the senior director! That was news to me!!! I'm not a policy person, and I don't work in headquarters, so i wouldn't even know where to begin to come up with a national directive. No one has ever given me background info even though I have repeatedly asked. Needless to say, he was really PISSED*OFF. He summoned me, my managers, and the director into a meeting and tore many strips off of me for not doing my job even though I supposedly had clear instructions. There wasn't one point where any of them stood up for me - they kept their mouths shut and i bore all of the blame. Now he apparently wants disciplinary action against me and a note in my personnel record for failure to do my duties. All because he over promised and I apparently did not deliver since someone told him he that I was well aware of all the requirements. That is essentially a career ender and will end any possibility of me advancing or even moving between departments within the organization.

I've been thinking that since i no longer have any future in this place, and I don't have any management support, why bother sticking around? Part of me wants to stay and bide my time until I find something else, but then I think, is it really worth it to stay? Do I suddenly put in for a one year leave of absence and hope that things are different when I come back? Or do I just tender my resignation effective ASAP and hope that my current funds will last me until I find a new job? DH has told me that he would support whatever decision I make but i think he thinks my only way is out.

I am leaning towards quitting immediately because I don't mind submitting my resume to a head hunting agency and doing temp work until I find something permanent. Accountants are always in demand, right?

I was feeling pretty good up until last week, because i had received some back pay so I was able to expand my project from a solitaire pendant to a 3-stone RHR, I did well in my classes, and I had a great vacation in the PNW. Now I'm like totally bummed.

I liked reading PS'ers advice and comments on similar threads, so a pep talk or reality check from you guys would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[susief]

Sorry you're going through this.

In your position, I'd immediately start hunting for a new job - sort out your CV, take courses to brush up your skills, search out suitable jobs and send off applications asap. But I WOULDN'T give up your existing one. Not in this climate. There are plenty of out of work accountants so don't let that give you a false sense of security.

It is generally much easier to find a new job when still in employment. Unless you are finding it intolerable to the point where going to your existing job is seriously affecting your physical/mental health, keep going - but start searching.

 

[VRBeauty]

{{{{{Hoover}}}}} - I have no advice to offer. To be honest I had a bit of trouble following your description (reporting relationships terminology, and it's late here!) but I am very familiar with that trapped feeling. I just want to offer you a virtual hug, and hope that the right course of action will become clear to you soon.

ETA - if you have notes from those meetings with your managers, it might be worth your while to go through them, reconstruct what you reported each week, and print off your calendar pages for those days so you can document that the meetings occurred. Just to refresh your memory, and just in case...

 

[zoebartlett]

I also had a little trouble following since I'm not familiar with your field or the terminology, but I understood the basics I think.

If I was in your shoes, I'd fight for my job. I'd write a letter to your bosses/managers, and cc the other people involved. I'd site proof that you were doing your job and examples of how you were following directions/instructions you were given (attaching e-mails and other notes if I had to). If your coworkers and bosses aren't treating you fairly, I think you have every right to stand up for yourself and call them out (in a professional way, of course!). If you do send a letter, I'd be prepared to have a face to face conversation with everyone again, so the things you put in your letter can be hashed out. It might be uncomfortable, but again, you have the right to not take your coworkers behavior lying down, so to speak.

I'd also look at the situation from your coworkers and bosses point of view. Is there any part of this that IS true? Really take a hard look at it and see if there's anything you could improve. Be honest about that too.

If you feel that you are 100% correct about this, I wouldn't be so quick to back down and begin to look for another job. Wait this out a bit and see how it goes. Hopefully you'll be more respected.

If, in a month or so things don't improve and you see no way out but to go elsewhere, then you could look and see what's out there.

 

[Lady_Disdain]

Been there, done that. Quit and changed career paths drastically.

First of all, get your stuff together. Get the original documentation on what was required of you in your new project. Get your reports. Make a document showing how your reports covered all the necessary points. Then, make a brief summary of all the points you have brought up in the past, showing that management was well aware of what was happening. Include your suggestions for handling them. Look into your company's procedures and check for the requirements for policy writing - there are generally a few training courses necessary, in order for them to meet ISO or other qualification. Print this out as well, highlighting every requirement that you do not have.

Now think of whom to send this material to - HR personnel, union representative, a previous manager who you worked with (who may be able to give you good advice about office politics and who would be willing to take your cause).

If the senior director want to give you a formal reprimand, he is going to have to have some back up himself. If he doesn't, you can challenge him through whatever channels are available - including legal, in some circumstances.

Of course, all of this will create a terrible working environment. Your manager may end up being accused of dereliction of duty himself, if it becomes clear that he never assigned anyone to create the procedures and ignored your warnings. He will resent you a lot and will probably not trust you again (even though he is the one that made the mess). I would also start looking for a different job - either in the same company but a completely different area (which will probably involve playing some politics game, to understand who supports or doesn't support your boss) or, preferably, in a whole new company.

 

[Enerchi]

Hoover - that sucks! I think you have incredible advice from Lady Disdain, Zoe and Susie. I'm with VR - I have nothing to add but compassion for the frustration you are going thru. That is so EVIL to let you take the fall - but it's all corporate politics. My guess is, no matter where you go, it could end up being 'same game/different sandbox'... but the advice to put your details in order, with documentation, and take it up the chain, sounds solid to me.

I think LadyD says it well - there will be backlash from this, so also prep your CV to get that out into the hands of head hunters in your area. Will word of mouth in your line of work, come back to haunt you??

I hope this goes well for you - it is a HORRIBLE environment to have to work in, knowing there are knives at your back. Hang in there... We are here to take those knives out , if needed!

 

[smitcompton]

Hi,

I would fight back. You have nothing to lose. Check the documentations you have and compose a letter to all at the meeting and of course the director. However, I would do a face to face with the boss(person) who was supposed to give you the directive and see what h(she) says. They all may have been afraid to say anything because the big director actually hadn't told them himself. The error could be at the top and no-one knew how to handle it.

Calmly approach your manager and explain that in your opinion no one gave you that directive. See what the boss says. If you think you aren't responsible, say so in a professional manner.

Copy in all who were at the meeting. Some of those people can't be blamed, but should be told the truth. Keep the letter factual and not too long.

Annette

 

[iheartscience]

Been there, done that. Quit and changed career paths drastically.

First of all, get your stuff together. Get the original documentation on what was required of you in your new project. Get your reports. Make a document showing how your reports covered all the necessary points. Then, make a brief summary of all the points you have brought up in the past, showing that management was well aware of what was happening. Include your suggestions for handling them. Look into your company's procedures and check for the requirements for policy writing - there are generally a few training courses necessary, in order for them to meet ISO or other qualification. Print this out as well, highlighting every requirement that you do not have.

Now think of whom to send this material to - HR personnel, union representative, a previous manager who you worked with (who may be able to give you good advice about office politics and who would be willing to take your cause).

If the senior director want to give you a formal reprimand, he is going to have to have some back up himself. If he doesn't, you can challenge him through whatever channels are available - including legal, in some circumstances.

Of course, all of this will create a terrible working environment. Your manager may end up being accused of dereliction of duty himself, if it becomes clear that he never assigned anyone to create the procedures and ignored your warnings. He will resent you a lot and will probably not trust you again (even though he is the one that made the mess). I would also start looking for a different job - either in the same company but a completely different area (which will probably involve playing some politics game, to understand who supports or doesn't support your boss) or, preferably, in a whole new company.

Ditto all of this. I would absolutely fight back, while still sending out your CV/resume for leads.

 

[Missy]

The situation sucks and I am sorry you are going through this. Unfortunately HR is not on your side- they are there to protect the company and not you. I agree with those who said to make sure all your documents are in order and then I would fight back realizing I would probably eventually move on. But I wouldn't just go without a fight. I hate injustice and even though the odds may be stacked against you doing nothing (and just leaving) guarantees you won't get justice for yourself so you have nothing to lose. Of course all the while updating your CV and contacting headhunters etc.

 

[radiantquest]

That is awful.

I have had some terrible bosses. Now that I am in a supervisory position I have learned that as a superior they should ALWAYS take the heat. It is the bosses' responsibility to make sure you know what is expected of you and to complete projects. It is the job of the boss to hire competent people and to get things done. That is why he/she is the boss!

Either you were misinformed (bosses' fault) or you are incompetent(bosses' fault for keeping you employed).

Any boss that is worth a crap should always stand behind you.

I would look for another job. If he/she is willing to throw you under the bus this time, then it is something that will continue to happen.

 

[Haven]

Hoover, I am so sorry this is happening to you. I have no advice to add, just support and sympathy. I really hope you end up in a better place when this is all over.

 

[Gypsy]

If you have a paper trail, and can PROVE that you asked for and didn't receive direction and support AND that your management had oversight opportunity and didn't provide it. I WOULD FIGHT. I'd call HR hand them the documentation. File a complaint, and fight it.

 

[zoebartlett]

One other thing I'd suggest is to keep a record of everything from here on out. Document past conversations, e-mails, etc., as others have mentioned, but also keep a document of things that happen now (date, specific list of things you've asked for and when, and how the people responded, etc.).

 

[hoover]

Thank you Susief - I'm sure I no longer have a future here. The damage is done. I'm on the fence about staying in this place any longer, but you are right that it's easier to look for work when you have work.

Thank you VRBeauty - Sorry about the confusing terminologies. I was ranting and got into the jargon too much. The virtual hugs are appreciated. My company has weird reporting relationships - we have on-site managers and functional managers. Both can assign me work.

Thank you Zoe - I did think about what I could have done wrong, checking past emails, thinking about what I did and didn't do. I am not a keener-weener star employee, but I don't think I'm grossly incompetent either. I was updating my managers, and thought that I had their support.... I feel like I've been kicked in the head and then punched in the stomach

Thank you Lady Disdain - what loyalty I had for my job and the managers that I used to respect are all out the door now.

Thanks Enerchi - The environment in my company right now is just so toxic.... So many people have knives pointed at them (and even point at others either for advancement or self-preservation). A knife-remover (or even a shield) would be fantastic!

Thank you Smitcompton/Annette - you're right that I think the managers are afraid of the senior director. It doesn't seem like their relationship with the director is that awesome either. I'm pretty sure they are all in save-their-own-butt mode.

Thanks Thing2of2

Thanks Missy - I agree that HR is probably not on my side. Unless they "happen" to find out that this senior director has outright said that they can't be trusted to do their job correctly

Thank you Radiantquest - nope, I was the "meat shield" (as DH calls it) for the managers.

Thanks Haven - I hope it means I end up with a better job in the future, but as Enerchi says, it could be the same game, different sandbox.

Thanks Gypsy - I'm really a wuss. I chose accounting because I just wanted to sit in the corner and crunch numbers, haha. Some people are way too scary.

 

[hoover]

I also would like to mention that I am kind of fighting back as you guys suggested. Since my career has now been ruined, you guys are right that I have nothing to lose.

Since I was accused of not doing my job, I did write up my timeline accounting for my work (on all of my projects), and detailed my emails and conversations. I also wrote that I feel that the accusation that I was not doing my job, is unjust and they need to prove that my responsibilities on this project were clearly indicated to me and my managers.

I wonder if I'll be told to pack up my personal belongings and immediately vacate the premises on Monday.... Regardless of what happens as a result of my response, I am out the door. It's just a matter of how soon

 

[Enerchi]

Oh Hoover, I'm so sorry this is causing such stress for you. What a crappy corporation! Seems very competitive and that managers are climbing over anyone, just to get ahead.

Keep strong. You know what you did, what your responsibilities were, just slowly compile everything as accurately as possible then book an appointment with your superior. Heart breaking to have to suddenly face this. I hope you get thru this unscathed ....

 

[smitcompton]

Hi,

There are times that people do see their error or mistake. Don't give up yet. Practice what you want to say, calmly. Please come back and tell us what happened. Please be confident, not mealy mouthed.

Annette

 

[Lula]

Hmm, perhaps your company has been looking for a way to get rid of you for a while and is blowing this situation out of proportion as an excuse to fire you. You don't say how old you are or how long you've been with the company (unless I missed it). Could your company be looking for a way to downsize older, more expensive employees and replace them with less expensive, younger accounting graduates?

I agree with the others that you should document your instructions and activities on this project, and back it up with e-mails, work product, etc., just to protect yourself from any actions the company might take against you. But I wouldn't fight it or delay leaving. I'd offer my resignation with the stipulation that they provide you with a decent letter of recommendation for your years of dedicated service. Then get the heck out as soon as you can.

 

[HollyS]

If you can afford to quit, give your resignation now. This is not a company you want to continue to work for. There is a complete lack of knowledge between you and your managers (they couldn't tell you WHAT to do and HOW to do it because they did not know), there is a culture of CYA that precludes doing the right thing (standing up for you and taking any blame on themselves), and you were deliberately hung out to dry.

I would make my resignation letter in several copies. One would go to every 'manager' who didn't 'manage' me, and a letter to every higher up that oversees those managers. I would detail exactly what didn't get done, why it didn't get done, and how I had made the decision that this was unacceptable behavior, and piss poor management for any company. Why leave them wiping the sweat off their own brows, thankful that they weren't in the hot seat? Oh, hell no. Screw 'em.

I can assure you, the sooner you decide you aren't taking this kind of crap where you work, the sooner you'll be in a job you like, working with people who have some respect for you, their positions, and the company itself. Don't settle for less.

There is no going back in this scenario. At least there would not be for me.

 

[HollyS]

double post, sorry

 

[anne_h]

No, don't quit outright. But do start looking for another job. Firms are more likely to hire you while employed. There are stats on this. Plus, being employed gives you more leverage when negotiating your new salary and other benefits. Also, if you resign, you will have a gap on your CV, plus be asked by new prospective employers why.

I agree with a PP that your current employer could be trying to build a case against you to support a dismissal. Quitting now will let them get rid of you for 'free'. If you wait it out, you may get severance pay. At the very least, don't resign until you have a new job lined up as mentioned above.

I'm not sure there's much point 'fighting back' unless you really want to stay and think you can rebuild your reputation with the right people. Personally, I'd just vent with colleagues close to me and *not* fight back with others. Who knows what's going on there or why.

Anyways, my two cents. I've been in management for nine years, and seen a few weirdnesses too over the years. lol

Anne

PS - I also agree HR exists to protect the company's interest, not yours. Something to keep in mind.

 

[hoover]

Well.... today was a weirdly quiet day in the office.... I was expecting to get yelled at and told to vacate the premises, but nope. Neither of those happened. I didn't even get an acknowledgement of the email that I sent on Friday.

Enerchi & Annette/Smitcompton - After I was done feeling sorry for myself this weekend, I had to laugh and think "wow.... I can't believe these guys are one of Canada's top employers of choice.." crappy corporation indeed.
I'm hanging in there for now, and will take it one day at a time until I can find another job or I have to say "NO MAS!!" and run away

Lula - I started with this company right out of school. In the 10 years I've been there, I've had 3 promotions and worked in various divisions of the company - so yes, I am probably one one of the more (but not most) expensive employees. However, I didn't think that anyone higher up would feel threatened by me since the next level of promotion is manager, and it's well known that I have no interest in being a manager since dealing with aggressive/difficult people really stresses me out. That point alone could have made me less desirable to the higher ups. You could also be right in trying to get rid of me by either firing me or forcing me to quit, because the company is going through major reductions and I believe the spin is that no more than XX% will be due to lay-offs (We also know that lay-offs rarely ever happen at the top, either). After all, accountants are all about the numbers - they're just not always forthright about where they come from

HollyS - I wish I could be as brave and forward as you.... I did have a short convo with one of my managers today and he said he was completely caught off guard with what happened and never saw it coming (me having to write national policy or getting slammed with disciplinary action for something neither he or I knew I had to do). I started wondering if the CYA amongst the "leadership" is because they might actually be at risk of losing their jobs? It still doesn't make it right for them to hang me out to dry.

Anne_h - Very good points. I think you're right that employed job seekers are more desirable, and my employer would come out ahead financially if I just said "screw it" and quit instead of paying me severance. In terms of weirdness.... this place is significantly different from a year ago, and definitely getting toxic. When we had performance appraisals in the spring, some people unexpectedly got poor reviews. Mine was par for the course, so that's why this whole situation just came out of no where for me. The road map may have been laid out for some of my peers, but it wasn't for me. Unless I was just too dense too see it coming.

 

[Enerchi]

Sounds better than expected, so that could be a good thing. Could this have been a "1 off" incident? Emotions ran high, big blow up then all is fine again???

Good you were able to dialogue with your manager...but trust no one. Head down, plod along, follow your plan. Hang in there Hoover!

 

[smitcompton]

Hi Hoover,

You handled the problem so well, so far. I do believe the description you gave about your manager saying everyone was blind-sided at the meeting. I really bet its the bigger boss who is in error. Nobody spoke up because they din't have all the information and can't know if what is said is true or not.

I think you are a good employee for them. Everyone is jockeying for advancment and I would love to have a good worker who just wants to do their job. Some bosses do like that.

I don't think anyone wants to fire you. Unfortunately the real jerk is at the top. You may be able to stay. Just one more work experience. It really does happen and often enoughtoo. I hope you are not as upset now. Wait to see what the email brings, if anything.

I think you handled it well.

Annette