Struggling at work.

Fernando278

Hi all
I stumbled across this forum whilst desperately looking for advice with the predicament I find myself in. And am hoping I can get advice from people who have been in a similar situation

I started my dream job last year as a carton printer after 7 years at my previous employer. I left because we wanted to move back up north

Things started well and i have quickly progressed up to the position of running the printing press despite there being more qualified people to do the job. The fact I got the position is due to my workmates not wanting the stress which comes with the position as our every move is timed and analysed.

Just before xmas I was told I needed to speed up and take charge of my colleagues who work alongside me. They are known to be lazy and I'm expected to tell them what to do even though they know there role and should be doing it anyway.

I work on an old machine and it's constantly breaking down and having not run this type of machine before I rely on my colleagues who have worked there over 25 years for advice which isn't always forthcoming. They either don't know or they really don't care anymore having worked there so long.

Things came to a head last week and I have been told I have 6 weeks to improve or lose my job. I don't go back to the role I was employed as and still paid the same wage for. I'm shown the door. I feel very hard done by. My eagerness to step up to my new role and learn from others on the job has backfired.

I'm eager to learn and work very hard but I just don't yet have the knowledge to do the role that's been thrust on me without there being the odd set back or me taking a little longer than someone whose been there years.

My managers known they have been unfair with my lack of training. Some days I have trainees working alongside me which makes it harder as I really need to concentrate on my own role . This makes the threat of the sack even more frustrating. I know I can do the job and I haven't messed anything up. I'm just being held back by old machinery and a lack of effort of those around me.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? If so how did you get through it or if you didn't what do you think you could have done differently? Any advice greatly appreciated.

ClanofLams

I would write an email/letter to your boss outlining what you have said above, that you are unfamiliar with this machine due to how old it is, how unreliable the machine is, you are making every effort and that you would appreciate some additional training as previously requested,etc

Keep a personal copy. Hopefully this will show your boss your eagerness to succeed and things will improve. If it doesn’t and you are ultimately terminated, it will be very useful if you pursue compensation.

eurokev

Sounds like you may have burnt a few bridges with the experienced lads, maybe trying to show them up?? Being too eager?? Whatever reason, they clearly haven't taken to you and aren't going to help you.
I work in a very similar place, where the experienced lads don't work hard at all at all, but are very indispensable because of their knowledge, much to Management's annoyance because they know their hands are tied when it comes to change. It would be virtually impossible to replace them, without them actually training in the replacements
Sorry to say OP but you are probably kind of screwed to be honest. Doing well in such a job is more about playing the game, more than anything else in my experience. Unfortunately you perhaps haven't done that and it's probably too late now

Fernando278

Thanks for the feedback.
I don't think I've burnt bridges as such. The role was forced on me a little as the older guys didn't want to do it. I get on well with everyone there and they have expressed there disappointment to me with regards how I am being treated. We have a high turn over of printers with a lot of them retiring this year. Even the new guys being brought in are saying they don't want to do my job because of the added pressure it brings. And they've only been here a matter of weeks.
I'm hoping you are wrong with regards me being screwed. Trying maybe foolishly to remain positive.although I am feeling very stressed and already taking it out on the wife and kids.

I don't think I can claim compo as I haven't been there two years. But that's not a route I would like to go down anyway. I did say a lot of what I've wrote in my meeting. I have 4 weeks with an experienced printer then 2 on my own. Hopefully it's just a bit of fine tuning I need.

Thanks again for the feedback.