What to do... 4

[MaryCW]

I've been at my current job 6 months.
I started at lower pay (over $10k lower) than my last job but was promised a $3k raise after 6 months, which was last week. I'm in a high unemployment area and was basically desperate for work.

I have 7 yrs experience in my field - I have no trouble doing the work. Just before Christmas, the company was sold by the owners and bought by a mega-conglomerate in the business. Several of us think that they bought us for "parts" and that they'll likely close us down within the next 6 months or so, so job security is not something I have right now.

I was hired because I can get my P.E. anytime - but I've typically worked in manufacturing so it's never been a big rush for me to get it. This boss seemed pretty excited when he learned I could get it quickly and said that would be something to think about "in the future".

Since the buyout, I've decided it's in my best interest to get the PE so I printed off the paperwork and signed up for the April exam. My boss found the paperwork on the printer, which I did purposely, so I know he knows I'm taking the exam.

I had a 6 mo. review last week. My offer letter promised me the $3k raise "after 6 months, provided I made suitable progress in the position". I've learned it all very quickly and with less than 4 days of overlap with the last person, I feel as though I've covered his leaving very well. Almost too well - things haven't slowed down here over the winter as they usually would so I've been working my tail off to keep up.

I work with several people who are called "application engineers" even though they don't have an engineering degree. Two have been promoted into the department in the last six months; one from estimating (he was formerly a glass installer) and one from order entry. The glass installer is now our "Large Projects Coordinator". He asks me how to do every facet of his job on a daily basis. The other guy hasn't learned anything in the 2 months he's been in this department, and 2 weeks ago my boss asked me why I hadn't trained him yet in what I do, so he could help with the overflow. I didn't realize I was supposed to train him. I have a MSCE and this company has pretty much everyone doing the structural calcs as "overflow".

Anyway, long story, but I had my review and it didn't go well. I scored a 70.5 on his scale and 71 was the lowest number for "meets expecatations", so he considers me high on the "occasionally does not meet expectations" list.

All of my technical scores were 3's and 4's (out of 5) but he rated me a "2" on several personality-based rankings. He mentioned in his comments that I "occasionally become short with co-workers, especially when the workload seems heavy". I said, since starting, there has not been a moment when my in-box has been empty and though I occasionally struggle to keep up, I felt I'd been doing a good job. His answer was that I should be mentoring my coworkers (a couple of them have been here 2+ years, other than the 2 new people I mentioned) and when I answered "I didn't realized I was supposed to be mentoring people who'd been here longer than me" he brought up the fact that I signed up for the PE test and asked if I was leaving the company.

I said I had no plans to leave, but with new ownership I felt it was in my best interest to make myself as marketable as possible.

Now, this morning, I found out that he printed out the contents of my email inbox at 7:08 a.m., I arrive at 8. I feel like he's singling me out, possibly trying to get rid of me. I am the only person in the company with my Master's degree, and I'm now at the top of my payscale for the position I'm in.

Any suggestions how to handle this situation?

 

[msquared48]

Time to write your resume and market yourself outside of your work environment. I agree that he is looking for excuses - not that he can find any - but the attitude is telltale.

In the meantime... Don't be intimidated here with your boss. Be kind, but firm in your convictions. Don't give him what he wants - excuses. And...inspite of the situation, don't burn your bridges as you will probably have to use your current place of employment as a reference.

There is an area in this forum to go to where you can place your resume, or answer job applications in other areas of the country. Check it out. Sometimes you have to make your own breaks.

And... Do study and take that PE before it gets any later in life. Further delay only hurts you in the long run.

Good luck.

Mike McCann
McCann Engineering

 

[MintJulep]

Update the resume, start looking.

 

[MadMango]

I agree with the others, continue doing the job you have been doing, but actively start looking for a new employer.

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."

Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

 

[MikeHalloran]

Don't wait for the exam; you may not have that much time.

Get a better boss. Start NOW.





Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[Pud]

As an employer in the UK, this sounds reprehensible. It is also called "constructive dismissal" and is illegal. Assuming your handle indicates your gender this would also be cause for discrimination and hence also illegal in a big, big way.

If you were here you would be eligible for $$$ in compensation! (or at least £££'s)

Good luck in your new job....or retirement!

Cheers


Harry

 

[MikeHalloran]

Sadly, it's not illegal here in The Colonies.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[msquared48]

It's happening more than I care to admit. The practice is collecting the paperwork to justify a dismissal. It also has to do with lowering the overhead of the firm...

Mike McCann
McCann Engineering

 

[DonPhillips]

Although I agree with most to get the PE, polish the resume, and start looking, remember to reflect a little to see if there was anything you could have done differently. If there is someone there you trust who can give you honest feedback, it will hel you grow as a professional.

Years ago, I went through a 360 Feedback program where surveys were given to direct reports, peers, and upper management, the data analyzed, and a wonderful report given to me that gave me not only my hidden strengths but hidden weaknesses call blind spots. Perhaps the review could have gone better if the supervisor gave you real examples or behaviour observed. Generalities about someone's blindspot really pisses people off.

Don Phillips

http://worthingtonengineering.com

 

[MikeHalloran]

Let's see...

The boss has failed to provide enough help to deal with the workload.
The boss has failed to provide competent help.
The boss has failed to communicate his expectation that Mary will 'train' the help.
The boss has failed to appreciate that engineers are not authorized, trained, equipped, or able to turn technicians into engineers in a matter of months, or ever, even working full time at it.

The BOSS has failed.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[TheTick]

It will not get better.

 

[IRstuff]

Make sure you get copies of your review, so that there's no questions later. You should make notes ala Mike Halloran's psoting on your copy for later on.

I agree with the other posts. There is no salvaging of the situation. Your boss appears to have an agenda that is inconsistent with your well-being.

TTFN

FAQ731-376

 

[jmw]

Get out quick!

How some of these a****oles can become managers is one of the great mysteries of the world.
Because it is a real world, he would rather see the company die than do the right thing and he will get away with it.
You might hope he gets hit by a bus, gets found out by his boss and canned himself etc etc but in reality he will probably get a big bonus.

Document everything yourself. You never know, he may over step the line so he can does expose the company to legal action and don't be shy about getting some professional advice.

There is a risk that when you apply for another job this a******le is going to stay within the letter of the law but give as damming a reference as he can.

It would be nice for you to get a job description and this last I assume you don't have and never have had... asking for it may tip your hand, so don't do anything overt until you are ready to go.

I guess there is nothing to stop this guy showing you the door any time he likes so I guess he just likes to play cat and mouse.

...but was promised a $3k raise after 6 months...

Did you get it in writing?
These deals always stink. Consider, if you don't meet standards in 6 months they can always fire you. If you do then you have worked 6 months at an inferior salary. Why can't why just give you the money up front? They have nothing to lose.... unless they never intend to honour this deal anyway. Plus, of course, even if you do work your socks off and qualify they can always weasel out with some excuse anyway. When you first join a company is when you have the greatest bargaining power and you should use it. The longer you stay the more secure they are in paying below the market rate and deals such as this are a con.
Even though you want to get out of here fast, make sure you negotiate a good pay deal next time round and try to get a fair deal for yourself.

JMW

http://www.ViscoAnalyser.com

 

[PSE]

I would agree with the previous posters. You were brought just short on your review of potentially triggering that 3K raise. With the company being sold, your boss is likely desparately working to retain the perception of being valuable to the new owners. Keeping salaries down could be one way your boss believes will do this. At this time, he is definitely not on your side. Likely everyone there will be in "every man for himself" mode for a while due to the uncertainty the buyout caused. This will force you into doing the same. Start looking at other positions but at the same time, prepare for a potential defense of your work as well in order to limit/minimize/prevent adverse affects of what your boss might do.

Good luck and regards,

 

[namdac]

Welcome to the club, my friend. I was recently in the same boat, under appreciated for the efforts put forth. I was working at a "company" for ten years. I worked for a couple of Engineers that could not think inside the box let alone outside of the box. I created design procedures so new designers that came onto the "floor" would be able to follow with ease. I used 3-D modeling as a design base, the way they acted, I felt like I was going to be burnt at the stake. It was like I was performing witchcraft, I have decided that I was going to make a career change in midlife. I am going to be a Surveyor and start my own shop. Have fun out there.
Regards,
Namdac

 

[EddyC]

Sorry to hear about your struggles at work. Similar things have happened to me. I think that you should just do the best job that you can, while at the same time search for a new employer. It appears that your situation will be a race between "who gets rid of who first". Whatever the outcome, leave quietly, because you never know who you will need as a professional reference (even if you hate their guts).

 

[TheTick]

You are being compelled to quit. The organization does not value your skills. They do not want you (or at least do not want to pay you).

 

[Sid7]

Swimming in dangerous waters. Beware!!

In any upfront dispute your higher mgmt will have to side your boss only even if you may be right. Big fish always eats small fish.

So you know where you stand now. I concur with the advice stated above.

In my starting job I had taken hell of a brunt from general manager just because talking very friendly to his secretary(who he was trying after) pissed him badly. Even though my lead, group manager and director above the GM were appreciative to me. None of them could stop the harassment he dragged onto me. Nothing particular about the work at all anytime. Just drove me crazy like anything. But I am still very greatful to the seniors and colleagues who supported and guided most of the time. I left when I got a good break.

Naturally there are boss's who have their own likes and dislikes and in varying magnitude it may affect to everybody's career somehow.

As you say unemployability in your area is higher so may be thats giving your boss abnormal powers to play around. As everybody said PLAY SAFE and exit without burning bridges when the first good opportunity knocks. You know you are playing with fire working in unregulated uncontrolled incompetent workplace.

Best regards and Good Luck.

Siddharth
These are my personal views/opinions and not of my employer's.

 

[RARWOOD]

You should definately take your P.E. exam. Since it sounds like you may be changing jobs you might consider going to work for a structural consulting firm. That would expose you to a different enviroment.

You might want to look at moving to another part of the country where demand for engineers is higher.

One thing I have found is that no matter how high the unemployment is, there always are companies looking for good workers. You sound like a dedicated hard worker, and I am sure that there are a lot of companies out there looking for someone like yourself.

 

[UcfSE]

I agree with others. Do yourself a huge favor and move on. It sounds like they'll do it for you if you don't.