I Hate My New Job

Bob-

Get your resume together and start looking for a job somewhere else. Follow the guidance in this cast to do so.

Mark

Hello

I came upon this cast by chance and how I wished I had listened to it before I joined this new company! Things would probably be different.

I had some disagreement over work with my new boss. I thought I was tactful enough but I guessed he didn't like it. Soon my job scope was reduced drastically. I became negative and disengaged in my work. I even complaint a bit to a couple of people in the company. Big mistake. I know now. I found out by chance my boss has written me off.

I thought to look elsewhere but I'm worried as my time in this job is still fairly short (not even 1year) and companies are cutting jobs. And I have this nagging feeling that I'm being forced to leave.

What can I do?

Thanks.

Jana-

Sounds like the rare exception where you should try to leave immediately, but not before finding another job. Stay professional and upbeat at work, be a team player, contribute to the best results you can, and spend as much of your free time as you can looking for another job. And when you quit, be kind and quiet and move on.

We'll keep you in our prayers.

Mark

I changed fields and entered a low paying menial job in geriatric healthcare. It is unmitigated hell; from the stench of the unit to the patriarchal attitude of the female head of the unit.

I want to never go back. I actually got very sick and they would not let me go home since I could not produce a fever--after dragging me to the nursing unit. Now I am home with a bad sinus infection, a fever, and lots of drugs I cannot afford.

What would you do?

Malekz-

Our being Americans has nothing to do with our recommendations regarding smiling. We're well versed on those behaviors which are effective and broadly human. Smiling is universal and not relegated to an American point of view.

While we appreciate the support, i urge caution when describing national groups with as broad a brush as you have.

Mark

Thank you for your long response to the comments I had addressed to you and fr_jim. I think it would be helpful to share a little bit more about the American Way from my perspective.

Americans are not much into the context "background" of things but rather like to focus on the focal point - the main object. Say if they are watching an aquarium, they pay attention to and remember the fish swimming in it and not much to the inanimate background such as the seaweeds, riffs, etc. America is a society that lives on sound bytes and bullet points with very short attention span. Probably that is why Mark and Mike emphasize how much important it is that your smile be the very first thing the interviewer should see. Opinions are formed instantly and then people can spend hours justifying those opinions with data!

So please listen to Mark’s and Mike’s podcasts where they talk about the BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front) technique and to their podcast on how to write a short cover letter. Remember the very first question Americans ask themselves is “What is your point?” Answer that question immediately without giving much background!

M. Malekzadeh

Darrin-

Thanks for the kind words.

We have done a cast about how to resign, and don't agree (depending upon the extent of your belief) that truly open and honest is the way to go... there's too much risk.

Mark

This was a great cast. As a business owner, I don't expect to ever be an "employee" again, but I was wondering about the inverse of this - what if *I* sense that one of my brand new employees is actually looking for a different job? Or at least, if I sense that he/she doesn't like the job? Of course, I'm assuming in both cases that I am happy with the person's performance.

On a tangent, I think it is critical the way Mark clarified earlier that this cast applies to NEW employment. Once you've been in a role for a long time, and presumably have built up lots of mutual trust, there can be more communication in the "open and honest" realm.

Thanks guys.

Maikel-

Yes, you said too much...but too late now, so the question is, what to do.

If it were me, I would go back and apologize and say, "you know, I don't hate my job, and I'm sorry I said so. If I truly hated it, I would do you the courtesy of leaving it. But I get a lot from it: A, B, C... There are things I don't like, but again, everybody has that I guess. I am just more outspoken than most."

I might also say, "thanks for being a good enough boss that I could say that to you - there are many that I would not have said so much. Please don't think it reflects on you. [unless of course that's not true]"

Being quiet is NOT always telling a "lie". There are questions to which your boss does NOT deserve an answer, in the same way that your boss would not tell you about a layoff if she had been instructed not to. Part of working with others is learning ways to be respectful while also expecting them to respect you.

Hope this helps - glad you're a listener.

Mark

Hello,

First of all i want to say thanks for all your efforts to keep this show running. I can't say i'm a regular listener, but i do listen your shows quite often.

When listening this show i was thinking of a question that was left unanswered for me. I'll give a short overview of my story and then the question :)

I have been working for my current company for a one and a half year now. I can't say i hate my job but i feel that i have outgrown my job and the things used to be challenging are not anymore despite this i have given my maximum in my current job. A few month ago i had my annual review meeting with with my boss. Topics from relations with co-workers, customers, to reviewing my goals and last about my personal development, salary and my future goals.

Boss said she is satisfied with my job, relations and goals (goals were not achieved entirely due outside influences uncontrollable by our company). I last part of the conversation my manager asked about how i picture my future about 5 years from now. In this point i was honest and said that in 5 years time i am fully running my business (i currently am doing this from my free time and my boss is ok with this, since it does not take any work time and is not competitor). She said after this, that she had a feeling that i don't like very much my current job is this true. At this point i agreed with her.

QUESTION: Was it right time to end the shut-up part or should i have been still hush about my "hate" to job? Being quiet would have meant telling a lie.

Some other facts:
*No i was not ready to move to new position since i did not have something ready yet.
*I was applying to some new positions at this time.
* Our CEO had offered me a few days before a position another department in a field that was actually a huge step closer to my planned career path before starting my life as an entrepreneur, but the salary was not as expected and i said to CEO that i will come back to this topic after consideration.
*Currently i am shifting from my current job to CEO offered job.

Hi,
I'd like to react to the comment posted by Malekz on this issue of "honesty" and transparency" in the workplace.
I'm really glad You agree on the issue and I'm sadden to hear that the U.S. companies are not more proactive addressing it. I was born in the Czech Republic but educated by American Middle and High Schools in Belgium. When I returned back to my homeland to earn university degree, it's been clear to me from day one what the difference there is between developed and developing countries. I'd like to raise Your optimism Malekz. Maybe Dale Carnegie's rules are still in place but at least You do not suffer from corruption and others like. Let me give You an example. At the American school, the rules were pretty clear, no cheating was allowed (it was one of the better schools I must say); however, students also had the opportunity to discuss their performance with teachers and received a great guidance on how to improve. This is a striking difference to what's taking place here in Europe even at the country's third most prestigious university (equal in statue to say, Berkley, in terms of preception from the nation's citizens). Widespread cheating is taking place, teachers overlook the wrongdoings when they see them, the grades on essays, for instance, once given, can't even be discussed. This is at the heart of the reason why the two universities in question are on the level terms in terms of statue within their country of location, but why on the list of most admired institutions globally there is a massive 100+ (if not 1,000+) gap in terms of their rankings.;)
I've always worked for American companies and the difference in management is enormous also. The foreign managers are open to basically any kind of discussion, ready to help You improve, willing to take up the challenge on most difficult problems. Unfortunately, when they left the company I worked for the situation changed dramatically. In contrast, the local managers tend to tweak the results, hide the issues, always provide reassurances everything is ok, when in fact the conditions are deteriorating. Engaging in soft corruption in another words. All You need is to be a good "budy" with Your boss and You'll keep on receiving Your payroll for as long as You decide to stay.
I'm really glad for Mark's invaluable advice with regards to me telling my boss about the contact with other companies. On second thoughts, and after working out the risk/reward equation (great way to put it!) I realized I was very likely to be on the hook for a swift exist from my job. Nevertheless, I really hope I'll not have to even raise this question again and will be able to establish relationship with my boss similar to that described by spazm, where I'll be encouraged to speak out and won't have to play any of this intriguing office mind games.
As You see, I'd like to think that to work in the US is uncomparable to work in the countries that are on the route to that "exclusive" club of developed countries. And things are looking better each day. Jim+ has aired out a question: "when do we draw a line in the sand and start changing our work cultures towards the ideals?" Earlier today, Apple has announced they'll basically free up all the discussions and conversations taking place about detailed content of their iPhone Developers' Kit. Everything iPhone-related now seems to be massively more transparent, which will in turn encourage Apple to be honest about any issues that might arise and together the communities will be able to resolve problems much quicker, thus raising productivity, quality and eventual success of the device. I definitely believe this is the way to go and this complex management of great deal many of people is bound to be a great success. And a great success must only mean other companies will be striving to emulate it and will implement the lessons learned in their daily processes and management from the bottom up.
I cannot wait for the years to come! And You all should too!
With warm regards,
Jan Luksa

A most timely cast. Mark and Mike, this should be part of the hall of fame. It merits compulsory listening/viewing by all employees. It's a "wake-up" show that sets the record straight and the way you explain the consequences of certain behaviour makes one immediately sit up and notice.

Thank you!

Mark,

Thanks very much for the response.

I want you and Mike to know that your podcasts have made a big difference in my career and overall well being. Thank you for providing your guidance to everyone. You have touched more people than you realize. I have found your advice useful and reassuring in a number of trying situations.

Please keep up the great work.

Your fan,

Frank

Frank-

First, we're not saying you shut up to everyone...and second, there's a big difference between others drawing an inference, you implying, and you stating. We don't doubt that they'll infer, but don't help them do so. Just tell them you've been having career thoughts, and wanted to make sure you were staying in touch.

Second, HA! Yes, of course your manager wants to retain you, and of course if I were your manager, I would say the same and mean it. But his motivations are different than yours. The advice still stands, but only in a general sense, and ONLY for a NEW job. If you simply have some doubts, it might be okay for you to cautiously share those...but we're talking about HATING a new job. This cast is designed to keep people from doing what everyone seems to do in new jobs that they hate - BLOW UP, and stomp out. We have to assume that the boss is part of the problem, and a boss that is part of the problem is MUCH more likely to behave with retribution than with respect and compassion. Sad, but true.

And, if your boss really wants to keep you, he oughtn't be waiting until you tell him you have problems...and if he still wants to keep you, he'll work on your once you announce.

Mark

I enjoyed this podcast and it also came at the perfect time for me.

The recommendation to shut up is good advice. I'm conflicted by two situations:

1) How do you engage your network and start looking for a new job without at least implying you are unhappy where you currently are?

2) My manager gave me the direction to let him know if I am not happy and start looking. I'd like to think his reason is to give him the chance to try retain me before I reach a decision to actually leave. Is this a special case or does the advice to shut up still stand?

I look forward to your sage advice.

barcaczech and fr_jim:

First of all, I wish I had this podcast several years ago; it would have saved me a six-figure job, but alas I didn't. Big Kudos to Mark and Mike on this podcast!

Secondly, I totally agree with you both regarding "honesty" and "transparency," but we are from a different culture. Without trying to instigate nationalism concerns here, I must tell you that in the United Sates things are still mostly done through Dale Carnegie's 3C's Rule, notably "don't Criticize" and "don't Complain." And that may be part of the reason why we are in such a mess these days. So until this way of life changes, forget all about "honesty" and "transparency."

Keep a stiff upper lip and remember "Perception is Reality" in the United States!

Malekz

After listening to this podcast, I felt incredible sadness. Don't get me wrong - the information is accurate and the guidance is loaded with wisdom. Yet, I could not help thinking that our organizations are so thin-skinned that we must protect ourselves more than living transparently and honestly with our supervisors and peers. No, I am not in favor of publicly bleeding out in public or exposing very private stuff for the safe of "vulnerability." But isn't it odd that we must keep a dislike for our job quiet because we fear negative consequences?

Maybe I'm naive, but if one of my team members came to me and expressed difficulties with their current assignment, my first instinct is to help them - whether that means moving them to a better position or developing new tools to make the job more palatable. If I had a boss that would look down on me for coming to her / him because I needed input on how to make the job more pleasing, I would wonder why they were not interested in me.

And here is a key question: If we all agree that greater transparency and helpful management is our goal to a better workplace and greater production, when do we draw a line in the sand and start changing our work cultures towards the ideals?

I will come down from my pulpit now and look furtively for Mark on a soapbox :)

-Jim+

Jan-

Dear me NO. Do NOT tell your boss.

We do not encourage honesty here because you put yourself at risk. The risk/reward equaiton for this behavior favors guarding against the risk of losing your job rather than the reward of transparency. If we had transparent layoffs, with notifications well in advance and ample preparation, sure.

We address this in our cast about How to Resign. We think you should stay MUCH longer than most people do, providing for a reasonable transition period.

But don't tell your boss while you're interviewing.

Mark

Dear Mark&Mike,

Listening to Your podcasts is always a great enlightening experience. Despite being only 21 years old and never having the responsibility to manage any team, I feel that You are preparing me to be a better manager (when the opportunity comes around) with every new cast. Now, I know many answers even to the most difficult problems, but when I was listening to Your latest cast, I immediately raised one question, which still goes unanswered. I hope You provide that answer for me and many others who might be thinking the same.
"Should I let my manager know when I'm searching (interviewing) for a new job?"
All too often people tend to hide this fact and only announce it to their companies after signing a better contract. However, shouldn't we encourage honesty and transparency (especially during the crisis that is hitting the world markets now)?
Encourage but not punish that is. I mean if I tell my boss about my intentions but then make a U-turn obviously I shouldn't be punished for my honesty and see my career path severely hampered, or is my candid frame of mind a little bit ahead of time?
I hope You'll help me solve this issue. I personally believe this should be done since the companies can better spot why people are leaving, for example, and how they can improve to ensure they, and not anyone else, benefit from the talent that is on their payroll now in the future. Of course I may be totally wrong and that is why it's so great to have You around.

Keep up the great work!

Your loyal listener,
Jan Luksa

wow. How do you guys always seem to roll out casts right when I need them, or need to share them with a colleague?

I have a friend going through an interesting situation. His department was downsized, but he was offered a position in another department. Now he is hating the new, different position. I don't know if it is a mash of the new work with his old habits or if he really does have satan for a boss. Maybe he'll let me know after he listens to this -- or maybe he'll just keep it to himself!

PaizleyGirl-

Thanks for the kind words.

I haven't found too many situations as bad as most managers think they are about "not being able to get work done." Nonetheless, if it is a stifling situation, we recommend (1) operational housekeeping: make sure your operations meet all standards. Reduce costs. Prepare transition briefings (see our mergers cast). (2) Re-address strategy. Start over looking at your role and determining either white space or re-positioning. (3) career management - take care of your resume, and re-connect with your network.

Mark

Although I am a veteran manager, I found this information very beneficial. It is was especially pertinent for those managers who feel "close" to their employees, and hence, feel they can confide. I agree it's very disturbing for employees to hear how dissatisfied their manager is; and breeds the concern, if HE is unhappy, what does that mean for ME?

The one question I do have after this podcast is about “staying productive”. While I 100% agree with the notion that an employee needs to keep delivering, what happens if you are in environment where that is impossible? For example, the employee is dissatisfied because work within the organization has dried up (i.e. budgets are froze, projects are on hold etc). How then does an employee keep delivering results??

Mark & Mike,

Cast is spot on! When I was a junior officer in the military, I learned that my projected rotation date had been pushed out for a month due to a shortfall in manpower. Instead of thinking of the organization, I meandered around in self-pity, spouting off my mouth and looking back, although I probably did not realize it at the time, disengaging from the tasks at hand. Thank goodness I has a senior leader who happened to be a mentor of mine (and my Chief of Staff) who pulled me aside and shared that my behavior was unprofessional and would hurt me in the long run. He reminded me that if I continued to "not be quiet, not focus on the job that I was sent there to perform and only think of myself" then folks would only remember this behavior when I finally got the opportunity to leave vs the stellar performance I had delivered in the past 2 years. When he put it into that context for me, it was clear that he was right. Agree whole heartedly with your suggestion that even if one ends up leaving -- going out professionally, in style with refrained comments and top performance is a class act and sets oneself up for talking about results achieved with no reason to discuss or affirm any negative personal feelings during the next opportunity. Probably more importantly if that opportunity is within the same company, yet in a different organizational unit. Great cast -- appropriate for ALL listeners, management or individual contributor!

LHB