Message #72170

[sparkles_95130]

FYI, my boss does know the workload is heavy and originally said it would blow over after they were settled into new job, but that isn't turning out to the case. I always make boss aware of everything I'm working on and have pushed back, but for example boss was calling me with work while I was home sick (not now that I'm on leave as legally can't). It wasn't that I wasn't saying no, it was that I answered my personal phone. In the past I've also sat down with boss documenting I have over 300 emails daily with almost all containing action items and of course that is just email. This doesn't include my review of boss's email which because sometimes boss forgets to copy me on actions so I must review incoming, sent, and deleted emails, because if boss forgets something I'm sure to be blamed in an email copied to all. However, to be fair I also am touted as "my fabulous assistant" will take care of xyz in emails.

I don't actually think overtime would be a problem (for my boss) except I know upper management gets a report when overtime exceeds a certain number and I'm sure they've spoken to my boss because of it, hence the reason telling me no overtime. It's not just me, everyone in the dept is treated this way and I have already made mention of certain things to our HR rep. However my group is actually within the HR org so this makes it more difficult. Also there isn't anyone I can share the workload with and hiring someone isn't an option.

To clarify I do say no but am mostly ignored. When I did push back, and actually stopped working overtime, boss sent me an email telling me I wasn't completing my duties. I don't see a way to win here, in fact the day I went out on leave saw where boss created/published job descriptions for all, including me with new (time heavy) duties we'd never discussed. Of course I will need to address this upon my return, which I have no problem doing. I just doubt the outcome based on my experience, peers, and comments from boss' previous asst at another company. Boss is not a workaholic, boss overcommits, dumps on dept and goes home. However is certainly a wicked type A. Thanks for letting me vent; right now they are looking for a temp to fill in and another EA, a good friend, offered my boss limited help so the phone calls/emails have stopped. I spoke to her today and she is drowning in work so hopefully a temp will be hired soon.

Now that I'm on leave and had a chance to step back, I think the best thing I could do is change jobs, but as I mentioned my boss is high profile right now. If I can find something it would mean most likely taking a job with a lower level manager which would make the reason for my leaving obvious to both higher ups, who all know me, and anyone I'd interview with. If I leave dept it will reflect poorly on my boss so possibly me too. I'm concerned with the impact of that on me and wonder if because of company politics if the best thing I can do for myself is just look outside the company for a new position. What does your political savvy instinct tell you?