Damned if I do, Damned if I Dont...

[sanpet]

I feel I am in a no win situation at work, if I go left my boss says I should have gone right.  If I go right, I should have gone left.  My "mistakes" are personal perception.  I did something one way that is what I think common sense, but my boss wanted it an other way.. and said.. why didn't I ask.   I made a judgment call to get some work done, why didn't I ask him.  If I had asked him I am 100% sure it would have been, why didn't I research first then go to him....  I am at wits end.  Damned if I do, damned if I don't.      

[jennika]

Wish I had some advice.  Time to look for a new job.

[Urban]

Time for a sit down discussion with boss. Do your homework. Point out the years you have been doing your job, raises, and anything that has saved the company money. Point out your good or exceptional evaluations: self-motivated, organizational skills, letters or notes praising your work, etc. Tell boss you have liked your job up to recently, and then tell him why: their apparent loss of trust in your work, ability to make judgement calls, and anything else that you did not mention herein. Let them know you value their opinion and do appreciate constructive criticism, if it leads to improvement in your working relationship. Ask your boss how you both can accomplish it together. If there is not a positive outcome, enlist the assistance of your HR department. If you don't have one, time to start looking for another job.

[msmarieh]

How long have you been working for this boss? Has this been the norm since you started?

I had a boss exactly like that so I well understand how it drives you crazy. I ultimately decided to leave that job.

However, an honest conversation, providing examples of both situations would be a good start, followed by the question of: what types of questions would you like me to solicit feedback on versus make my own decision. Be sure to have examples of both responses he has given you.

As an example...

With the XYZ event, when I made this decision, you told me to consult with you, but on the ABC project, when I asked you to make a decision on whatever topic, you indicated you would prefer that I research the answer and decide for myself. This contradictory response is making it difficult for me to do my job effectively and I know you want me to be as effective as possible. I generally prefer to be proactive, but I want to ensure that I am staying within the parameters you would like to set. Please provide some guidance to help me distinguish where you see the line being between topics I can research and decide myself versus where you would like to be involved in the process.