Unhappy seeking advice

KGB Posted: May 07, 2002 04:33 PM

Unhappy seeking advice

I've been at my job for one year. I took the job becasue I'd been freelancing for 5 years and wanted the stability.
I was pretty much lied to at the interview and the job has ended up being mostly administrative and positively dead-end.
Every time I talked to my boss about being over qualified to be an admin, he would throw a project my way, so in essence I've been doing a whole lot of work that was not in the original job descriptions (probalby to shut me up and keep me here)
So, I had a 1 year review, got a glowing written apparaisal but only a 4% raise and no title change. More importantly, he continually excluded me from functions/meetings etc that would serve to further my career here. I have been requesting to be involved etc.
At the review I got very upset and told him that I was unhappy about my work not being recognized by more $ and a title change. The raise is an insult, and I told him as much.
Normally, I would have quit and gotten a temp gig making 2x as much to tie me over, but we're buying an apt and I can't make s change like that just yet.
I've tried HR several times. THe head of HR didn't wait to talk to me but went straight to my boss before hearing my side of things. So they're useless.

Anyone ever find themselves in this situation? Any advice.

jillian Posted: May 08, 2002 10:56 AM

I work in recruiting.....

I recruit for one of 'the now'---
'Big 4' accounting firms and also am involved in some HR issues.

I am not sure if you work for a big or small company---but smaller compaines are much harder to deal with sometimes--and there is something less you can do for yourself.

You should see if your company has an internal transfer policy. Most companies allow people to transfer to other groups or positions after 1 year of service. Most policies allow all employees to look into this option without causing a problem with your current mgmr. especailly if you have such great reviews---compaines don't want to lose valuable employees if they don't have to!!

Sometimes there really may be nothing that you can do---your mgmr sounds like a not so nice person----he doesn't seem to care too much about you and your career path. It is a shame that there are people out there like that!! But it is all a learning experience---I guess :)

I would try and see if there are other options within the company for you----(don't go to the HR director---he won't help---obviously).....it sounds like you are gonna have to force your own career path on them---try and see if there is anybody else in the company who is higher up in mgmt who knows your good---who can put in a good word for you.

but if they are not responsive----you might want to try and find a new job. don't quit your current job---try and stick thorough it until you can find something with more opprtunity!!

if you would like me to look over your resume and give you some suggestions---i would love too!!

you can reach me at [email protected].

good luck-

MSCJLK Posted: May 08, 2002 11:09 AM

WHat type of job can you be qualified for?

What type of indusrty are you in?
I know how you feel I was in that situation and I left and found a new job

KGB Posted: May 08, 2002 12:32 PM

WHat type of job can you be qualified for?

Thanks.
My experience is mostly in the Entertainment industry, although my skills can cross into many other fields.
I've been in the work force for 10 years. I've worked mostly in Film Production, running the day to day operations of the production office, setting up shoots, negotiating deals w/ vendors, etc.
The job I took is at a very popular Cable TV Network in the programming dept. I wanted a staff job, film is freelance. Since TV and especially programming is so competetive, I took the job knowing I was overqualified. I son't think there's much hope of moving elsewhere here. They instituted a freeze, so no new positions have been created in the last 9 months and the few things that have opened up are not in my areas. The company is huge, but the majority of the business units are not in NY.
I've already begun my quest for a new job. I've jsut never been in an environment where I wasn't groomed for something bigger and better. Other people in the company are also in similar positions, and they too have been left no option but to leave. I guess they think this network is so hot they can treat people poorly.

Jillian, I'll send you my resume.

Thanks

Claud2001 Posted: May 08, 2002 03:10 PM

kgb, i totally understand!

Boy, do I feel for you!

I too, have been in a dead-end job for a year and a half now. The only difference is, I make a very attractive salary. However, a hefty salary doesn't make you happy either, believe me!

I am now on disability leave b/c I'm due to have my baby in two days. So, before I left the office, my boss and I had a chat. I work in corporate communications and our entire marketing department is set to go through a re-org while I'm out this summer. I asked my boss to tell me what my career opportunity was, especially if I am asked to stay in the same position (doing product related PR, as opposed to more corporate level PR). He completely AVOIDED my question - twice!

So, I plan to contact other people in my company during the summer and try to stay 'plugged in' to other opportunities within the company. I know that I cannot continue working for a person who doesn't support my career growth.

Maybe you can talk to other people at your company, and casually try to uncover another opportunity for yourself. Best of luck!

MichelleW Posted: May 10, 2002 01:00 PM

KGB - I work for an entertainment co too

I can check to see what we have going on unless we coincidentally work for the same company. If you like you can e:mail me at [email protected]

KGB Posted: May 10, 2002 02:02 PM

Re: KGB - I work for an entertainment co too

Thanks. I'd totally appreciate it.

I work at the Food Network in the programmig department.

Linda D. Posted: Jun 25, 2002 11:37 PM

Re: KGB - I work for an entertainment co too

I worked for 2 of the biggest entertainment companies as an exec. assistant over the last 6 years. The last 3 were for an officer of the company...

I found that within large companies there were more avenues and room for growth, but the key was you had to be working for someone that cared about your growth. Luckily, I had an excellent boss who really was willing to help me in any way possible...

Perhaps someone at a high level that you are friendly with can also be of assistance? It's always seemed that most of the time moving up the ladder has had as much to do with doing a good job and being very competent as it did with knowing someone who could help...

Good Luck to you!

My husband is a senior web designer for a Big 4 (is CGEY still a Big 4?) and is looking to move into either another big 4 firm or another large corporate company. He also has firm industry experience and is a photographer. If anyone has any suggestions, he would love to send his resume along. He's currently in NYC but would work either in NYC or Long Island. Thanks so much.

Suzanne Posted: Jun 26, 2002 07:21 AM

LINDA D

Hy husband also works for CGEY...

NuBride Posted: Jun 26, 2002 12:02 PM

Re: Unhappy seeking advice-PLEASE READ

Do you have any idea what the unemployment rate is? You are extremely lucky to have a job, BUT I am sorry for your situation and it does stink and it sounds like you are frustrated. Here are a few things you can do, 1. Update your resume NOW 2. Go on to one of these websites that tell you the salary of the job your doing with the state you are in. (I wish I could remember the site) you will have a little leverage once the company sees your underpaid. 3. Create a list in writing of everything you do, I mean everything. 4. Bring everything to HR again, in writing and carbon copy everyone and their mother. 4. If this fails...start going on interviews and remember you are always more marketable with a job than with out, never burn bridges. How am I so wise you ask? I survived three lay-offs from Major companies and I am currently making the most money I've ever thought I'd be able to make. P.S. a 4% is great...please look around alot of company's have raise freezes now. Good Luck

Teri Posted: Jun 26, 2002 12:09 PM

KGB

While I'm not in the Staffing area of my HR dept, I could try and forward your resume to the appropriate recruiters - I work at Rainbow Media (AMC, Bravo, IFC Films, Metro Channels, etc)

Let me know if you're interested