Boss at work is retarded – WWMD?

Ok, he’s not actually retarded. But his lameness makes me want to punch a baby in the face. Working backwards here’s the story:

I’ve been at my current job for about 2 years. Started as a level “1” position, and even though I’m assigned lots of more difficult projects appropriate for a “2” or “3”, the promotion wasn’t there early this year. A level “2” guy quit and they divvied up his projects. I got one that had been passed on to him from higher level “3” and “4” people. It’s a complicated project and not something that’s in a “1” job description.

I tell mister bossman, “hey mister bossman, I’ll take that project, but you really need to give me that fucking promotion already.” Except I said it nice. That didn’t go over so well, so we met again with me, mister bossman, and higher-up sock puppet guy to talk about it more. Despite their trust to assign me a difficult project thus justifying a promotion, the promotion was not there. Once again the situation became, “hey, here’s some really tough shit for you to deal with, and here’s some pocket lint and a peanut as a reward, thanks.” But without the “thanks” at the end. This was about a month ago, maybe a little longer.

It was clear at the end of that meeting to mister bossman and sock puppet guy that I was describing one of the three following scenarios for my future here:
1) get the project and get the fucking promotion and continue business as usual
2) not get the project and not get the fucking promotion and continue business as usual
3) GTFO*

There weren’t infinite permutations to work with. Just those three. Yet they gave me the project without the promotion. That one wasn’t on the list and hence option 3 became my goal. A while later I have some job options lined up to the point that they are checking references and one is a sure thing (plus it's a better job and pays more), so I tell mister bossman, “hey asshole, there’s going to be some people calling about me, can you at least say some nice shit about me, you weak and pathetic bastard?” Except I said it nice. He looked right at me and just said “oh, okay” and went back to what he was doing. Not phased at all.

Now, two weeks later, this shows up in my email from mister bossman:

“I just wanted to let you know that it concerns me that you are looking for a new position away from XXXX. I do, however, understand that you need to do what you feel is necessary for your situation. If there is anything that you would like to talk about related to what would keep you here at XXXX, please let me know. I think you do a great job and your departure would be a loss for XXXX.”

Bullshit freaking feel-good letter. Goddamnit, I already told that listening-impaired imp what I was asking for that would keep me here. Incidentally, he doesn’t have the kahones to just come over and talk to me, his office is just steps away. WWMD?
Would you respond? Taking suggestions on what to write.
Just leave it unanswered and hopefully announce the new job within the next week?
Other ideas?**

* That’s “get the fuck out”
** I don’t think der poopenhausen is relevant to this thread.

Must be weird working for a company called "XXXX" I can't even pronounce that.

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Originally Posted by flatlander#2

Must be weird working for a company called "XXXX" I can't even pronounce that.

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I know, such creativity and we're not even at the front of the phone book.

Why did the people that left before leave? If it was for a better job with more pay, based on the experience they gained at XXXX, then the writing is on the wall. GTFO.

Did you complete the level 2 project that was specifically assigned to you? If so, how'd you do? A promotion generally comes after you demonstrate the ability to perform at that level to a satisfactory degree. If Mister Bossman says, "Here, try this." it's probably a test. You shouldn't be demanding the promotion until it's earned. But, like I mentioned in the start, figure out why others left and determine yourself what that likely means for you. The answer as to what to do will probably become clear enough.

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Originally Posted by agentorange

** I don’t think der poopenhausen is relevant to this thread.

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You should be more open-minded.

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Originally Posted by GoldMember

Why did the people that left before leave? If it was for a better job with more pay, based on the experience they gained at XXXX, then the writing is on the wall. GTFO.

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Yes, everyone's left because this place makes a habit of not appreciating any of its employees and most people left for better things. The question isn't really whether or not to leave, but what to do about mister bossman's lame ass email.

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Originally Posted by GoldMember

Did you complete the level 2 project that was specifically assigned to you? If so, how'd you do?

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I'm working on it, it will probably take at least another 6 months.

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Originally Posted by GoldMember

A promotion generally comes after you demonstrate the ability to perform at that level to a satisfactory degree. If Mister Bossman says, "Here, try this." it's probably a test. You shouldn't be demanding the promotion until it's earned.

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I know, that's a good reality check, but I wouldn't be this irritated with it all if I hadn't spent the last 2 years being assigned projects that are way above and beyond what the other "1" level people are doing, and doing it really well. Beyond "satisfactory". I feel like I have proven myself, I have earned it, and I told them that. So sock puppet jerkface said "well, this is another opportunity to prove yourself again."

But again, it's past the point of whether or not a promotion is warranted.

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Originally Posted by flatlander#2

Must be weird working for a company called "XXXX" I can't even pronounce that.

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I used to work with a girl named Mika Tan at that company.

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Originally Posted by agentorange

Yes, everyone's left because this place makes a habit of not appreciating any of its employees and most people left for better things. The question isn't really whether or not to leave, but what to do about mister bossman's lame ass email.

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I think you probably already know the answer to the first part; gtfo. If that's their pattern, it ain't likely to change for you. As for what to do with the e-mail, don't burn any bridges. Just respond back that you're taking the valuable experience you gained at XXXX and furthering your career. Then consider der poopenhausen with one of the hawties in the office on your way out.

Be honest with the guy and let him know that you wanted some respekt and for them to acknowledge your 2 years with a bone here or there. Promotions generally come after completing a project, as GM said, but it sounds like youve been working on level 2 shit before. Just be honest in your mind what he needs to do to be a better boss. Hes got 2 jobs- his job plus managing you (which is kinda part of the first part). He may do great work himself but be a shitty listener/boss, so just let him know.

Then run like hell to the better job that pays more, where youll probably be back at level 1. Or at least lower on the totem pole.

Do you enjoy the job, or any aspect of it and working with the people there? If so it may be worth persevering after the promotion a little longer. If you are doing the job well and they continue to seriously take advantage of you GTFO. But DO get something else lined up first, do you have to use your current boss as a referee? Go in your own time and on your terms, don't let the situation deteriorate, or let them push you out. And when you are ready: tell him to stuff his job up his poopenhausen!

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Originally Posted by GoldMember

As for what to do with the e-mail, don't burn any bridges. Just respond back that you're taking the valuable experience you gained at XXXX and furthering your career.

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Ok, duly noted, one vote for "pandering" then?

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Originally Posted by GoldMember

Then consider der poopenhausen with one of the hawties in the office on your way out.

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See sig line.

In the new job (still pending) I'll be level 2 & making about $10k more, and another job offer was $7k more, so it seems warranted.

As for Sparky's question about my current boss as a "referee" (love that!) yes, and he told me he's been contacted by the HR of the jobs I'm looking at. He didn't seem to have a problem with it until he realized I might actually take another job and not be here anymore.

Have you completed work at the level you are working at now?

What level is the job you are going into?

Are you getting a 20% raise or more. As an internal candidate for a new job or a promotion you probably won't get the greatest raise. As an outside canidate you will get a better bump. Get your money when you come through the door. If you are changeing jobs for less than a 20% raise and you are not a senior level staffer; then you need really good reasons to take the job. For example, I hate my current job and need to get out.

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Originally Posted by DBdude

Have you completed work at the level you are working at now?
What level is the job you are going into?
Are you getting a 20% raise or more.

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Yes
2
Yes

How would you respond (or not) to his email and lack of comprehension on what I've been asking for over the last month?

How would you respond (or not) to his email and lack of comprehension on what I've been asking for over the last month?[/QUOTE]

He seems to rate you highly, is trying to keep you and change your mind about leaving (he maybe stalling a bit and playing for more time too). It's nice sentiment but could he back it up with the promotion that you are looking for. Keep it friendly with him and see what the company can offer you for the future. Have a timescale in mind if you like being there; if not explore other options (now that you have 2+ years under your belt can you go to another company at a higher level?). Good luck

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Originally Posted by agentorange

Ok, duly noted, one vote for "pandering" then?


See sig line.

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Yes, a vote for pandering. Never burn bridges. It's amazing how small the world truly is.

As for your sig line, ooops, sorry. Still, a 'hawtie' may not necessarily indicate female, depending on who's using the term, so..... [god it was hard to type that...]

Mister Bossman may be trying to make nice to keep you from leaving but the pattern seems to be established. Say you make 2 but when you're ready for 3, you may (and probably will) go through the same cycle. And if you make 2, you still will be working for a guy you already seem to have a great deal of disdain for. The positive elation of the raise will last about a month, maybe two, then the same issues that are pissing you off now will just resurface. Normally I'm not a proponent of changing jobs a lot but there are times when you need to in order to better your career status. IF the pattern is clear as you've seen with other employees who've left, it's not likely to change going forward. My vote is still for gtfo but leave on good terms.

On the e-mail, go talk to him in person..."I got your e-mail but wanted to talk to you face to face. blah, blah, blah...."

Good luck and again, sorry about the gender confusion..:redface:

You are dating this pathetic boyfriend. He keeps jerking you around, sleeping with other people, never really gives you the respect you deserve. You call him on it, he says he's sorry, then goes out and sleeps with someone else. Next girls night out you make out with a boy - thats it. He gets all whiny and bitchy. Should you
a) dump his ass to the curb
b) keep taking his shit because he knows you won't dump him

Since the answer is b), right? why do you care about his little control games?

Boo Hoo. You will always be assigned work that is above your job description.

Job satisfaction is somewhat overrated. I tok a pay cut to go to my last job because I really liked it and felt it was a good career move. For the first 3 years, it was. At the start of year 4 though work slowed down and it soon became obvious I wasn't going to get promoted anytime soon. I went job hunting and found my current job with a generous raise and no commute. Days before I was going to give my 2-week notice, I got laid off. I'd bitch about the crappy severance I got but in retrospect they did me a favor. I started my new job about the same time as I was going to and didn't have to show up for work during the 2-weeks period after I was going to give notice (you know, the "steal crap from work and get paid for it" phase of the job).

You know what to do - you clearly outlined it in the first post. GTFO - what's stopping you?

You fucked up.

You don't get assigned an advanced project and then given a promotion at the start. You get assigned an advanced project, you do a kick-ass job, then you get promoted.

If you're looking for a new job: Tell prospective employers not to contact your current employer because they don't know you're shopping around. Use former bosses or former coworkers who have already left your current firm or peers that you can trust to keep a secret. Once you get a new offer, go to your current employer with that new offer and get a counter offer or give your two weeks notice.

Act like a professional not like a punk.

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Originally Posted by slim

You fucked up.

You don't get assigned an advanced project and then given a promotion at the start. You get assigned an advanced project, you do a kick-ass job, then you get promoted.

If you're looking for a new job: Tell prospective employers not to contact your current employer because they don't know you're shopping around. Use former bosses or former coworkers who have already left your current firm or peers that you can trust to keep a secret. Once you get a new offer, go to your current employer with that new offer and get a counter offer or give your two weeks notice.

Act like a professional not like a punk.

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Not that it's important, but does anyone read the thread before posting?

Get one of those "I'm With Stupid" t shirts, put the arm around the boss and ask someone to take a picture. Send it to him in a christmas card from your new job.

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Originally Posted by agentorange

I’ve been at my current job for about 2 years. Started as a level “1” position, and even though I’m assigned lots of more difficult projects appropriate for a “2” or “3”, the promotion wasn’t there early this year.

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Originally Posted by slim

You fucked up.

You don't get assigned an advanced project and then given a promotion at the start. You get assigned an advanced project, you do a kick-ass job, then you get promoted.

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Originally Posted by agentorange

Not that it's important, but does anyone read the thread before posting?

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:fm:

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Originally Posted by agentorange

** I don’t think der poopenhausen is relevant to this thread.

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I am always relevant.

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Originally Posted by agentorange

Not that it's important, but does anyone read the thread before posting?

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Originally Posted by agentorange

I’ve been at my current job for about 2 years. Started as a level “1” position, and even though I’m assigned lots of more difficult projects appropriate for a “2” or “3”, the promotion wasn’t there early this year.

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Originally Posted by slim

You don't get assigned an advanced project and then given a promotion at the start. You get assigned an advanced project, you do a kick-ass job, then you get promoted.

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How's your quality of work? Does your annual review state that?

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Originally Posted by agentorange

Yes
2
Yes

How would you respond (or not) to his email and lack of comprehension on what I've been asking for over the last month?

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don't respond, if he wants to talk to you, he will, in his office.
take job offered
your present employer is not going to give you a +20% raise.

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Originally Posted by agentorange

** I don’t think der poopenhausen is relevant to this thread.

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I don't think you've fully considered all of your options.

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Originally Posted by Steven S. Dallas

You should be more open-minded.

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Agreed.

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Originally Posted by agentorange

See sig line.

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What's that got to do with it?

This is the padded room!

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Originally Posted by agentorange

See sig line.

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I hate to say this, but have you ever thought that the fact that you are a female is why you haven't gotten a raise? Some companies are still being run by neanderthals. Maybe you should bring that up in your reply to Mister Bossman. The thought of a descrimination suit may change their minds.


If that doesn't work PUFO, and shit in his coffee cup.





edit: PAGE TOP BITCHES

Bossman's email has nothing to do with you. He is covering his own ass so that after you leave, when his boss comes to him and says "Why didn't you try to keep her?" he can point to the email and say, "I offered to get her to come talk with us, but she was already out the door." You can meet with him and tell him what you want, but it is unlikely you'll get it. Chances are, hard-working types like yourself who will do more for less money are pretty easy to find.

Find a new job and take it, leave in a professional manner without burning bridges.

People join companies and quit managers. Your bossman is weaksauce . . . but it's up to you to manage your career, don't expect others to do it. they are too busy managing theirs.

You've laid out your aspirations and let them know you're looking. Have they given you any feedback as to WHY you are not at level 2 yet? Is a jump in two years unprecedented at your compnay or par for the course? Does a level 2 position have to open up for you to move up or is it purely a discretionary rating?

If it were me, I'd schedule a 1 on 1 and review options 1,2, and 3 with the boss. One of my favorite lines is: Based on the headhunter calls I get, my market value is significantly higher outisde the company than it is here. Worst case, you get some candid feedback on your performance or style that you can use at another job. As others have said, never use current employers as references. Stay in touch with old bosses or coworkers.

BTW, you never want to get into a counteroffer situation. If you accept, then you're stuck with the company and ALL of the folks above you will know you are a disloyal subject. Expect to be presented a small white folder and a friendly escort out of the buidling at the next reorg.

Good luck with the move. Definitely get all that you can on the way in to the new place.

Great advice from Shin.

Never let your current employer know you're unhappy. I was looking to make a lateral move at my old job and somehow it got interpreted that I was unhappy/bored with my then current position (which was true). From that day on, I was a marked man; and they managed to give me the white envelope and an escort before I was able to leave.

If I were your manager and found out you are looking for another job I would already be looking for your replacement.

If I were your manager I would expect you to approach me on what your aspirations are and where you want to be in the company. You should be asking what it takes to get where in the organization. Expecting things to happen is not realistic. No matter how much of a tool your boss might be he/she probably has much more to do than think about than the career path of a newbie. A sad reality that shouldn't be, but most managers are not really trained on how to be a manager.

Are you performing at a level that clearly gives you visibility and distinction above others? Two years is not that much time especially starting at the bottom. Are you being noticed or are you just one of the crowd? The people who succeed are usually the ones ensuring they are noticed by supporting the efforts of their boss.

A manager...

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Originally Posted by DharmaBum

Bossman's email has nothing to do with you.

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After brewing on it I realized the same thing. I think sock puppet guy directed him to write that email, and purpose of it was to pad my file for HR. I suspect that since the turnover here is so high, they are just covering their asses if they themselves are ever under review for that employee turnover. I didn't write back so that they can't print it and put it in my file. No counter offer, no bridges burned, no nothing.

Thanks for all the responses everyone. I'll be leaving here soon, on to better things. Incidentally, I started here as a level 1, but already had 6-years of experience behind me with a previous job. With this new job I'll be where an 8-years-of-experience person should be I think. Fingers crossed.