Should I step down as a supervisor?

Question

Company has had lay offs. My manager has now said to reorganize the dept. Meaning, giving my work to others... This has come as a shock. Should I step down or should I ride it out. What the heck should I do. This is causing way too much stress in my life. I have had alot of personal challenges this year, my brother was killed in a car accident, my Dad passed away shortly after that, my daughter was in a accident which has left her without the use of her right hand (she is right handed) and my Mom broke her hip. I really think the company can not handle all the things that have happened this year, and I feel like they need to remove me from the mix. Am I nuts or is this something I really am feeling. Any help would be greatly appriecaited.

Answer 1

I think that because of what has recently happend in your life, you might be a little more nervous, or overexaggerant, than usual. However, if you feel that your company is going down the tubes, in a sense, i would start looking for a job that meets your background, and would continue to work at the current position that you are in. You don't want to leave yourself with an income gap, first of all, and second of all, don't jump the gun. You automatically lose when you do that, good luck!

Answer 2

I am so sorry. Sometimes bad things show up together and you have had your share. Can you talk seriously to the manager? You don't say, but could he mean to actually reorganize the department? Do you have any memo or conversation that makes you sure that you will be laid off? They could have something else for you to do. I certainly would not step down. They might not even have a replacement or transfer. Some companies help you find another job, or the Human Resources group may be able to help. Your feelings come from your thinking and it will be difficult, but it would help if you can hold positive thoughts in your mind as much possible. Trying to interview might be difficult as well, so it would be a good idea to save as much money as you can. Companies are hiring again and you could start looking on the net to see what the situation is in the job market. Thinking "what if" doesn't help either. Try to live one day at a time and let tomorrow take care of itself. "This, too, will pass." Good luck.

Answer 3

You've had a lot of stressful events. I empathize with you. Be careful making major decisions of any kind right now. Your emotions are understandably not allowing you to use insight to the best advantage.
Go back to the manager and ask what this means for your future with the company. Surely he gave you some ideas about reorganization? Just because you reorganize doesn't mean you are organizing yourself out of a job.
Did you use bereavement benefit time for your brother's death? You had a right to it. There is also the family medical leave act that you could have taken advantage of for your mother's and daughter's illnesses. It may still be an option, but it is unpaid and you must accept any position for which you are qualified when you return.
Think this through while you follow the manager's directives. Does your company have employee's assistance programs? EAP? Take advantage of that. It is confidential and can save your job if that is what you want. They will know the best strategies for you.
Good luck and know that this storm will pass over someday and you'll feel better.

Answer 4

Hi Jerseygirl. You have had a lot of unpleasant and stressful issues to cope with! It is important to take your emotions out of your decision making (as hard as that may be) and think clearly about your job situation. I would like to suggest the following questions to help guide you.

1) Do you like your present job? Do you like the type of work you are doing?

2) What other employment options do you have? Do you live in a strong job market for your personal skills?

3) Would a new job search be easier for you while you are still employed or would you feel more confident in your search if you are unemployed? Do you have the financial reserves to make a job hunt 'non-stressful' if you quit?

If you really want to leave this company (or even leave the line of work you are doing), it may be a lot easier and less stressful (and therefore better for your confidence levels during interviews!) to look for a new career while you are still employed and earning a paycheck.

Best wishes and good luck.

Answer 5

You're assuming that's what your manager meant. If they wanted to get rid of you they wouldn't include you in dispensing your duties. I really think that you're in a mode of anticipating the worst so you project that. It can't hurt to ask your manager what the goals are in reorganizing the department. If they want to take some stress off you then delegate the mundane tasks that need to be done but don't require tremendous skill. It's always better to seek clarification than waste time and resources.

On a personal front, ask someone at work that you trust if he/she has noticed any difference in you or the quality of your work. Take stock and make adjustments.

Answer 6

If you go on stress leave, they can't fire you.

Try that, then ride it out. Or, just ride it out. I wanted to quit so many times due to stress because of my boss, but now he's gone, and life is mucho bettero!

Sorry to hear so many things have gone wrong for you of late. It's hard, but you have to take those deep breaths and hold your head up and keep chugging on.

Best of luck to you...