So I sent my boss and his boss an email stating that I felt overwhelmed and in over my head. I requested a talk to go over my options and assured them that I was still committed to the company and my mission.

HUGE MISTAKE.

If you’ve ever been in a situation where you think you’ll be able to count on the basic decency and humanity of people you’ve worked your ass off for for years… don’t.

I found out the following:

-despite the company’s EBITDA rising exponentially year over year, the “company isn’t doing too well” (but they do have budget to outright buy out our competitors in order to create a quasi-monopoly) and all teams’ budgets are under strain this year (read: no raises no matter your performance)

-my direct superior, whom I’ve begged for extra guidance/trainings for the past three years, is apparently completely fed up with me and these requests and has wanted to fire me for over a year now.

-only reason I haven’t been fired yet is simply because no one else wants to do this job. But they are still looking for a (cheaper) replacement

-his superior is slightly more amenable and, although a few years ago he called me “the absolute best of his CSR’s”, feels like “I’ve grown apart from the company”. Yeah, no shit sherlock. That’s what I’m trying to address here

-They feel it would be best if I went looking for employment elsewhere as they “don’t really see a future for me in the current company structure”.

All in all, the tall grass stands out (for mowing).

Regardless, it’s crystal clear that I’ve now painted a(n extra) target on my back, and would’ve been much better off stewing on my own rather than call attention to myself in any way. Lesson learned. Don’t make my mistake, just STFU, act like all’s well and look for other employment in silence.

  • wildncrazyguy138
    17•2 days ago

    I don’t know your exact situation, but I do have a degree in HR and I have worked in talent management now for a few years. Here are some things to consider.

    • Your employer should be giving you feedback, at least quarterly, but even better if it’s ongoing dialogue. It’s unfortunate that the one time you do reach out, you got shut down.
    • It sounds to me that your company is not doing a good job with Talent Management and succession planning. No wonder they’re “not doing too well.”
    • The hard truth is you have the obligation to yourself. Your employer can only go so far. Don’t become the victim here. There is no loyalty anymore and the market compensates for that. Job changes are by far the best way to get a pay increase.
    • Moreover, every job has an optimal wage. A CSR can only be paid so much before it no longer makes sense for the company financially. If you enjoy being a CSR, great, but unless you are willing to take on more responsibility (e.g. being a Sr. or lead) or more technical skills, expect that you will eventually hit a wage limit.
    • It sounds like your former boss, now the manager above your direct report, thinks highly of you. So perhaps part of the issue is a personality one between you and your direct supervisor. It does seem like you have utility here. If you do want to stay employed there, then see if you can talk to the manager alone about how you can perhaps transfer teams or departments. Don’t let one joker above you be your gatekeeper. If the manager isn’t willing to talk with you directly, then I think that gives you a lot of information about the company and the culture.

    I hope any of that is helpful. Don’t let the corporate world get you down. Businesses exist to make money as priority number 1, they’re not there to be your friend. You choose to be employed to achieve your own objectives in life. And you as a person are a whole hell of a lot more than just a worker bee.