Not happy with a promotion

[DiaK]

I was promoted / transferred to a new department in a different area/division of my company.  My previous department was dissolved and most of the people moved into different departments or left the company.  After a month I still really miss the old job.  I miss the people, what I did and the relationship I had with my boss.  I had a job I love and now I have... a job that pays the bills.  I know I should be grateful to be employed but I can't help but feel a bit .. deflated.  I think it is I felt appreciated in the last position where as this one the management doesn't show appreciation.  I put in 10 hours a day and feel that is to be expected, not that I am working to better the company or my job.   I guess I want to feel that the extra work I put in is at least acknowledged that I am putting in extra effort.  Anyone know how to feel better about moving from a job you loved and actually liked coming to work to a job you count the days until your next day off?

[gee4]

I've been made redundant 5 times and in 3 years of being with my current employer, we've had 2 re-organisations and I'm on my 3rd boss/department.

I think you have to accept these are the times we live in and consider yourself lucky to have a job.  I know I do.

If you keep dwelling on the past and what you had before, you will never move on.  Stop and think for one minute if you lost your job tomorrow...how easy would it be to get another job in January, and quickly?

I would try and find things to like about your job, or introduce new challenges or ways of working.  Speak to your line manager about personal development and things you would like to see happen in your new role.  Ask what opportunities are there for you to get more involved.

Good luck.

[Katie G]

Hi DiaK,

I am in a similar situation.  My previous department was dissolved and I was merged in with another department.  And while I fully appreciate the fact that I managed to hold on to a job, and didn't have to take a pay cut to keep it, I feel totally unfulfilled in my current job. It's not that I work with "bad" people now, it's just that it's not the right "fit", even after two years of making every effort to make it fit.  This is the first time in my working life that I've been unsatisfied with my performance review, despite giving it my all.  I'm very frustrated. Like you, I lost a job I love and now have a job that pays the bills and I count the days to my next day off.  Sure, I'm lucky to have a job, but when it feels like that job is sucking the life out of you, you need to consider that as well.

The job market is bad, yes, so I've been keeping my nose to the grindstone and uh, staying out of trouble to the best of my ability.  I've also been keeping my eyes and ears open for other opportunities, including getting the word out among trusted former coworkers that I'm "considering other options". 

There is hope.  I actually have an interview tomorrow for a position I think I will be excited about, something more in line with my natural talents, thought processes, and basic personality.  It took a long time to find it, so keep looking. Think of other businesses/industries/fields where you can transfer your abilities.  Think of your current position and what you might be picking up from it that could lead to something else.

Finally, find something in your personal life to give you some joy.  We are so used to defining ourselves by what we do to earn a living that it can be hard sometimes to look beyond that, especially when we're not happy doing it.  Remember who DiaK is outside of her working day and be extra nice to her!   

[msmarieh]

I definitely understand your frustration.

You could try sitting and having a heart to heart conversation with your new boss to discuss your concerns. Truthfully though, that will probably be a futile effort.

Keep your resume up to date and your eyes open for future opportunities to transfer within the company or move outside if necessary.

Good luck.

[Atlanta Z3]

Gosh I hope I won't in the same boat.  My boss left the company in November and the new attorney may be starting soon.  Anytime a major player leaves in a department there is always that reshuffling as everyone tries to figure out where they fit.  I almost feel sorry for the new guy coming in the door.  The boss that left was in my top 2 favorite of all time bosses so she will hard to replace.  I'm going to keep my chin up, nose down (any more cliches) and see how it all plays out.  I may have updated my resume just to be safe, but not really expecting any changes.  My positives are my commute is about five miles (in Atlanta that is unheard of) and my office building has a gym that I try to work out every day for lunch.  So even if the job isn't perfect (and what job is) I have two good reasons for getting up in the morning.  Point being find something you like in the position and keep that in front of negativity.