My boss told me I should start to look around...

xjulietx Posted: Sep 24, 2003 10:32 PM

My boss told me I should start to look around...

I had my annual review today and I was so nervous because I know that sometimes I can goof off and forget stuff. Well, overall, I did okay. But my boss pointed out that there were some flaws in my performance that lead him to believe that I am bored and he understands that entirely, but because of budget constraints and recent restructuring, he doesn't see room for growth in our dept. He actually suggested I look for other positions within the company and if nothing pans out, to look outside. He said he values me as an employee and he wants me to be happy and he doesn't see that now. He said he will help me in any way he can.

Has anyone ever had this happen? Should I be suspicious or grateful?

SweetCin704 Posted: Sep 24, 2003 10:34 PM

Re: My boss told me I should start to look around...

Unfortunately I would be suspicious, or suspicious isn't the right word, but I would do what I could to see what is available either w/i the company or outside (if need be).

It sounds as if you are too complacent in your dept. where you are (hence the oversights) & therefore this is probably for the best.

Spend some time thinking of what you would truly ENJOY doing, or what type of company you would be interested in.

Spend some time updating your resume.

I'm sure everything will work out, but it definitely sounds like your future lies outside of this dept.

I know it's not easy hearing things like that.

mlp924 Posted: Sep 24, 2003 10:37 PM

Re: My boss told me I should start to look around...

Are you truly bored with your current position? If so, I would venture elsewhere. Think about what you would like to do and what you are really good at and send out resumes.

Maybe this meeting was a blessing in disguise! You still have a position and a paycheck but perhaps you would be happier (and paid better) at another company or even in a different field!

Good Luck

xjulietx Posted: Sep 24, 2003 10:40 PM

Re: My boss told me I should start to look around...

Yes, I am bored. And it was great to get it out in the open with my boss. I guess it just felt weird to have someone say ' I think it is time you start to look around because there is nothing here for you'

My heart just feels heavy and my head hurts and I feel confused about where I want to be in life. I know I need to make a change, but I don't know if I want to stay in the same field. I'm so confused

franksbride Posted: Sep 24, 2003 10:47 PM

Re: My boss told me I should start to look around...

Actually...I wouldn't be suspicious but I'd take his advice. If he told you to look within the company then maybe layoffs are not in the future, but your position in that dept is.

I'm sorry that he told you something like that...I'd be crying...but in the end, I'd appreciate being told first rather than just get fired.

xjulietx Posted: Sep 24, 2003 10:58 PM

Re: My boss told me I should start to look around...

I know that my position is somewhat secure, but it is dead-end and that is why my boss wants me to do what will make me happy. He basically has spelled out that I will not go any higher in my position.

I just feel stressed

Wendy Posted: Sep 24, 2003 11:16 PM

Re: My boss told me I should start to look around...

I would take his advice too and be grateful that he was honest with you. He is letting you know where you stand and that is makes him an excellent and insightful boss.

I would take his advice and perhaps ask his guidance in looking at some other departments within your company. Perhaps you can ask him for suggestions or where he sees you going within the company. He really seems to have your best interests at heart. But at the same time make sure that you are putting 110% into your current position. Things change all the time and you never know when circumstances within your department might change.

Best of luck to you.

MrsTC Posted: Sep 25, 2003 12:19 AM

Re: My boss told me I should start to look around...

there's nothing to be suspicious about - you never know what is going on behind the scenes. Believe it or not, sometimes bosses can actually be kind of cool and do you a favor if they see you are bored. Doesn't mean you will get fired, it just means they are exploring what can benefit both parties.

FM me if you want

Danielle&Scott Posted: Sep 25, 2003 06:42 AM

Re: My boss told me I should start to look around...

I am right there with you. My group was told in January that we may or may not have jobs. So basically I have been going crazy to see about transfering in my own company, or trying to get out of this company....Here are some job sites if you are interested...I know they help me.
Ny times monster
hot jobs
flip dog
LI jobs
career builder

Anyone else have any sites that may be helpful??

MrsTC Posted: Sep 25, 2003 07:43 AM

Re: My boss told me I should start to look around...

craigslist.com/nyc

LizD Posted: Sep 25, 2003 07:50 AM

Re: My boss told me I should start to look around...

I am sorry that you have to go through this, I am sure it is very stressful

xjulietx Posted: Sep 25, 2003 09:04 AM

Re: My boss told me I should start to look around...

Thank you so much for your support. I know this is not as horrible as it sounds, but right now I feel secure and I guess I am someone who likes security. My boss said I should be looking to move within the next 6 months or so. I think I may not want to move until after the wedding (6/20/04). So maybe I will say 6-9 months, but also say that I won't pass up a good opportunity.

Does anyone know of one of those good online tests to figure out your ideal career? I am in children's book publishing, but I took my position because I needed it, not because it was the position that I wanted in publishing. Now 3 1/2 years later, I am not sure if I still want to try for an editorial position (my original desire) or if I want to reeavaluate the various positions or even leave the field entirely.

Anyone who knows of one of those tests, please pass it on.

Thanks for the love and support.

MrsTC Posted: Sep 25, 2003 09:11 AM

Re: My boss told me I should start to look around...

here's a quiz :

career finder

I have taken it several times and always come up with the same answer: teaching! Which is why I plan to go back to school for my Masters in Ed.

xjulietx Posted: Sep 25, 2003 09:19 AM

Re: My boss told me I should start to look around...

Thanks for the quiz. Supposedly I am best suited for social work or educational program directing

NuBride Posted: Sep 25, 2003 09:39 AM

Re: My boss told me I should start to look around...

I didn't read all the responses but I'm sure they are good advice.

I just think the company is trying to get out of paying unemployment!!! I would be suspicious.

xjulietx Posted: Sep 25, 2003 10:36 AM

Re: My boss told me I should start to look around...

I just had a talk with a close, older co-worker and he said I should take this as a blessing. He said just because my boss said I should be looking to leave in 6 months, doesn't mean my boss will fire me in 6 months if I don't find anything. And he also thinks that the fact that my boss wants to help me find something within the company is a sign that overall he thinks I am a good employee.

Now I need to contact HR and see what is available.