Q–I have worked for a major national communications company for one year. In that time, I have had three different managers and four different job descriptions. One month after my third manager began working, the new senior manager (her boss) called me into his office to tell me that she said I seemed aloof. He told me to have lunch with her and that she wanted to be a friend.
I was not aware there was a problem between the two of us. He also asked me if I would be interested in doing a different job. I said no. One month later, I was given the job anyway. I have had no formal training here and I often have no clue as to what I am doing.
Recently, I’ve been off work due to stress (headaches, backaches, carpal tunnel). My manager said she knows I’m not happy and is trying to get me transferred. I feel I’m being sabotaged. What can I do?
A–It’s easy to see why you feel like you’re being set up to fail, but the likelihood is that while upper management is undergoing continual change, you are experiencing the trickle-down effect.
Your current manager’s style is lacking since she was not able to talk to you directly, which is clearly a managerial requirement. And the senior manager’s advice sounds even stranger, since initiating a friendship is partly up to your manager. These two poor management styles may be indicative of the flaws of upper management.
Once you pull yourself together mentally, emotionally and physically (seek counseling as well as medical advice) and you return to work, decide whether you can work in an environment in which continual change seems to be the rule, not the exception. A smaller company may offer you a more stable setting.
Q–I’m a union employee working for a major company. When our company merged with another company and my department was eliminated, I was forced into a different department. I was told that my salary was far more than the other employees and that I would not be given raises until the others caught up with me. I am glad to have a job, but it has been 10 years now without a raise. My union has not assisted in any way. Can I recoup lost wages?
A–You are bound by your union contract. If the company is not violating any part of that contract, your only option is to find a higher-paying job and leave the company.
Q–I am scheduled to have surgery in three months, which will require seven weeks off. Our office has only 10 people, so I have accommodated them by delaying my surgery. I do not want to divulge the nature of the surgery and would like to know of any guidelines for confidentiality and medical leave.
The Family Medical Leave Act covers employers with 50 or more employees, so you only have your employer’s policy and boss’ understanding to rely on. Because your surgery sounds optional, it would be in your best interest to discuss it with your boss, even if just to say that it’s something you have always wanted to do, but don’t feel comfortable explaining the particulars. You want your employer on your side, and it’s difficult for people to empathize with someone who is guarded.
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Write to Lindsey Novak, Jobs, Room 400, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 60611. E-mail her at AtWorkbyLN@aol.com. Include your telephone number.
