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supergirl
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« on: April 24, 2004, 03:43:46 pm » |
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I haven't been around much the past couple months, and I've alluded to my situation in other posts. I thought I'd tell the story.
I left my job as private school secretary to take the PA job to VP at a corporate firm in early February, because it seemed to offer new challenges. Almost immediately I began to wonder if I'd made the right decision. There wasn't a lot to do, and I was creating "make work" while the other admin (who I wasn't supposed to help) was run off her feet. On top of that, my boss (who really enjoyed having a PA, whether or not he needed one), turned out to be a wolf in sheep's clothing. He could turn on the charm, but he could also be manipulative, patronising, obsessive-compulsive, and cruel. And he frequently lost control of himself when he was under stress. He managed the office, so everyone had had similar experiences with him.
I had decided to tough it out for a year, for the sake of my resume, when I was approached with the opportunity to return to my former job (which I loved) for more money (than I previously made there--but less than at the current place) and a title (Office Manager) that better reflected my responsibilities. When I turned in my resignation at the engineering firm, I was offered the opportunity by HR to have my job restructured, but I knew bossie would always be a problem.
Yesterday was my last day, and I picked up the keys to the school on the way home. I am so happy!
Lessons learned:
1) Even though I did meet with other staff members prior to accepting the position, and asked questions about bossie's management style, they lied outright. He's intimidating, and no one wanted to be caught saying anything negative about him to an outsider. In future I will definitely speak to more staffers, and will ask more probing questions about staff turnover.
2) Get a job description. I did ask for one, and bossie-to-be said he'd put something together, but he never got it to me. I didn't press because my husband, who's been in management for many years, said it wasn't typically done. Now I'm thinking bossie couldn't come up with a list of duties/responsibilities because there was none. (When I started at the school, by the way, the previous receptionist had put together a beautiful desk manual, which was invaluable. I updated it when I left. Desk Demon is right on about the importance of that item, in my opinion.)
3) Leave the place better than you found it. Even though the job didn't work out, I am proud that I was able to spearhead a few things that will be of benefit, such as the reorganization of the technical library and the institution of a recycling program. Also, I talked with the company president (at his request), as well as with the corporate HR rep, about the job, the needs of the office, and bossie's management style. The prez was already aware of problems with bossie, but my quick departure alarmed him, and there were several heart-to-hearts between them over the next few days.
Perhaps something good will come out of this for the company. It certainly has for me. I've learned a lot about myself, and about the kind of work that I enjoy; I feel re-energized in taking up my work at the school; and I've learned that all the money in the world isn't worth it if you aren't happy in your work.
Cyber hugs to all--
Happy Supergirl
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