How Do You Handle Changes to You Job that "Aren't Acceptable" Longterm?

Question

I work for a small firm (under 20 employees). Recently, changes were made to my hours (my job differs from other employees' jobs) without my input.

The changes are not acceptable to me in the long run. They don't fit with my family responsibliities. But, I can live with them for awhile.

Would you start looking for a job elsewhere? Or, would you try to discuss these changes with your employer?

I am afraid that if I discuss my concerns with the employer, our relationship might "sour" during the time that I am looking elsewhere for a job. That could be quite uncomfortable.

Answer 1

I went through this in the last year, although at the time I worked for one of the five largest companies in the world. Funny how things are the same whether the business is large or small! For me, it was basically the job duties that changed, rather than the hours, but same idea.

Sit down and write out a list of pros and cons of staying. Talk this over with your family and one or two close friends, but go into work every day with a smile on your face and give it your all. If the cons outweigh the pros, start quietly job hunting.

Let a few trusted people in your industry know that you are looking and see if they know anything. Check your competitors' web sites to see if they have job postings. Look in monster, hotjobs, and your local paper. If your industry has a trade group or publication, check there, too.

If you get a firm offer - and remember to wait until it's a firm offer - then go to your present employer and calmly discuss the situation. You enjoy working there, but the hours are difficult. You have an offer elsewhere, but really want to stay. Either they will or won't change, but either way, you've got a good option.

Personally, I did this from April until July. By quietly getting the word out that I was looking, six of the seven companies in our industry contacted me and wanted to talk. In July, I sat down with my boss and explained that a competitor made me an offer for both better money and job duties more in line with what I wanted to do. My old company did make great effort to get me to stay, but ultimately, this showed me how screwed up senior management was and reinforced my desire to leave. I worked out my notice (which is unusual in our industry when you are going to a competitor, but I was asked to do this - for 4 weeks no less - and gave it my all) and left on good terms.

Five months later it turns out to have been a very good move. I couldn't be happier and the substantial increase in salary has allowed me to purchase the home of my dreams! And it turns out I jumped off a sinking ship. The old company has had another round of layoffs. Although I would have probably survived, a company that is constantly laying off and moving around people is not a fun place to work.

Hope this helps! Good luck.