Going back to previous employer in a new position (or is it?)

Libertine07

Hi, I'm just looking for some views on this as its bothering me at the moment.

I left my job last year to go travelling. My boss didn't want me to leave, but said he'd love to have me back when I got home. While I was away, the leader of my team left and a guy I went to college with got his job (its quite an important position and this guy moved up through the ranks very quickly). When I came home I spoke to my old boss and true to his word he asked me to come back. However, there was no vacancy to fill so he effectively made up a position for me where I would report directly to him (this was important to me as I didn't want to work under the guy I knew). He also gave me a 20%pay rise on what they'd been paying me previously. This all sounded good so I agreed to come back.

However, things haven't worked out the way I'd hoped since going back. When I came in, my boss sat me down and said he was mostly giving me project work, but sometimes he might need me to help out various teams with day to day stuff. I said that was ok. He then said it would take a couple of weeks to sort out project work and in the meantime he wants me to help my old team out, which means working for the guy I didn't want to work for! I just cant take him seriously, I used to do assignments with him in college and he was a lazy tosser. He's also very condescending and I cant bear taking orders from him. I know he is absolutely loving it. I'm finding it really hard, this is not what I came back for. For one thing it feels degrading. But I dont know if there's anything I can do about it without seeming really petty.

Also I believed I had a new title and had moved on to the next rung if you like, but my title is the same as before (even though my salary is much better). I just don't understand what they want from me.

I dont want to kick up a fuss so early on but I can't carry on like this.

Any advice much appreciated

BostonB

Give them you'll only do it for X amount of time. If nothing improves by then leave.

Libertine07

Yeah maybe. Its a shame because I do like working there but I'm not going to be made a mug of. I'm not great at standing up for myself in these situations though!

pow wow

Did your boss ever actually say it was a better position? Your post says it's better paid and that you were put in a different role because yours was filled - thinking of it as a more of a side step than an upward or downward one?

If your boss says it's only a couple of weeks under your old college "friend" then take him/her at their word and wait the two weeks out. If, as according to you, they're paying 20% over the odds for you to do essentially what you were doing before for 20% less then they most likely expect a little give and take from you whilst they formulate this new role to slot you into.

I understand your frustrations, but give it the two weeks. If at the end of it things haven't improved then think about leaving. Right now you seem to have a fairly decent employer and those can be hard to find so think long and hard before making any decisions.

Good luck

BostonB

ellscurr wrote:

....you seem to have a fairly decent employer and those can be hard to find so think long and hard before making any decisions....

Good point.

I still would put deadline on it, and leave if nothing changes.

damnyanks

Sounds to me you just dont want to work for this guy cause you went to college with him and cant believe he's gotten to the position before you.

At the end of the day people develop in different ways. If you are worth your salt you'll do the job well and pass him out. Otherwise stop being sour.

poptart007

I agree with ellscurr and BostonB you need to have a chat with your boss and try and clarify how long before you get to sink your teeth into those projects. Explain to him that you want the empowerment and try and get him to stick to his promises. If you still feel like you're getting nowhere after a few weeks and that you're being fobbed off then tell your boss that you're gonna start looking for a more challenging role. If you're not happy in your role it's gonna start bringing you down.

Libertine07

Thanks for the replies.

Damnyanks I wouldn't say its sour grapes, its more the fact that I was led to believe I was doing one job but since I've come in I'm doing something else. I think my boss knew well that if I'd been aware of this before hand I would not have agreed to go back.

I will speak to him next week, I'm not entirely sure how to broach the topic but wish me luck