I need some support right now...

[ramanth]

I just had a bit of bomb dropped in my lap, but I love my boss and she did her best to reassure me even as I teared up.

Okay.... long and short of it... I maintain the Library's website. Well, the Communications Dept. that oversees the Web Development Dept., decided that the other departments don't need an 'in-house' web tech. Originally they said they could to maintain the actual pages, we would just have to submit it to them for posting. But they've obviously changed their mind.

Then Clare showed me the papers she had. Communications put a job position in the paper. My job described to a 'T'.

Clare said I'm not losing my job, it'll just change. Title, duties, ect. I don't think I'll get paid less... that didn't come up.

However, Clare said they don't want to lose me, but she knows how much I love doing what I do and if I wanted to apply, she and the Library's Dean would give me glowing recommendations. She said there is a possiblity I could get paid more.

But I love my job here. I love the people here.

I guess it would be stupid of me not to apply but I shudder thinking about working for them.

Clare said if I apply but don't get the job I can continue working for the Library.

I can't stop crying! I'm so red in the face right now... I don't know what to do....

[Logan]

Oh, Kimmy, what a shocker. You hang in there. It sounds as if you have tremendous support in your area, and something will work out for you. This certainliy does not sound as if you have done anything wrong at all.

I trust you to make a good decision about what is next, since I'm not there, but I just know you will be just fine, regardless.

Love,
Logan

[moosmom]

Communications put a job position in the paper. My job described to a 'T'.

Why would you have to apply for your own job???

I'm so sorry you have to go through this, Kimmy. I would apply for the job anyway. Like Clare said, if you don't get the job, at least you can stay on at the Library.

What I don't understand is why would they want to hire a newbie that they'd have to train, when they already have someone who is fully trained and seasoned??? I just don't get it.

Hang in there honey. I know how hard it is to worry about whether or not your job is secure. It's not fun. But I hope they will come to their senses and see that they have a wonderful, reliable, EXPERIENCED person right under their stupid noses!!

((((((((hugs)))))))))))))

[ramanth]

It's all politics Donna.

The thing I keep running thru my head.... pay raise or not.... do I want to continue doing what I like (web work) but be unhappy, or do I want to continue working where I am already happy and learn new things?

[GraciesMommy]

Remember when one door closes a window usually opens

It will all work out...follow your heart on this one..

[K9soul]

This is really an awful stress to deal with Kimmy, and I'm so sorry this has happened. I know how frustrating and draining the office politics can be. I do believe in the long run that happiness in your job is more important than a pay raise. What good is extra money if you are miserable from day to day? I realize it might help and be nice but I just don't think it's worth it at the cost of your happiness.

I still hold hope that this will turn out to be a good thing, eventhough now it is so stressful and depressing for you. {{hugs}} and positive thoughts are going out to you

[Cinder & Smoke]

Hmmmmmm...

Sounds to me like the Communications Dept hasn't heard of
TEAMwork; nor understands the concept of "moving" the experienced
Employee WITH the Job.

I'd go back to YOUR Boss and ask her if she could arrange a
meeting with the Head Of Comms, herself, and You.
Purpose being:
Ask Boss to "explain" the not-so-obvious fact that YOU are already
DOING the job that Comms has just advertised for... and
The Curtious thing to do is for Comms to Interview YOU for a TRANSFER
to their Dept (along with the Work You're DOING) -
"before" they advertise for a new employee.

I'd also "wonder" if "someone" isn't already waiting in the wings
for the "new" job in the Comm Dept.

Sounds like a raw deal for you!
I'd ask your Boss for some more Help in resolving this - ASAP.

WE're all with ya 110% - but we don't sign you paycheck.

Try to keep a clear head and focus on finding a Happie Solution.

BIG {{{HUGS}}}, Kimmy!!

/s/ Phre

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

I'm so sorry Kimmy. I know this is a useless statement right now, but you know they always say when one door closes another opens....

I think you should apply for the job. Just because you apply and they accept you doesn't mean you have to take it. At least that would give you a chance to "feel them out" during the interview and such, and if you don't like it, you stay where you're at and learn something new. You never know, you might find there's something you love doing more than what you're doing now?

All I know is you have to have faith that it will all turn out ok in the end. It's tough having to deal with the right here and now of it all, but if you keep that in mine, you'll pull through ok. Be strong. You're good at what you do and any company should be glad to have you on their payroll!

[ramanth]

Originally posted by Cinder & Smoke
Ask Boss to "explain" the not-so-obvious fact that YOU are already
DOING the job that Comms has just advertised for... and
The Curtious thing to do is for Comms to Interview YOU for a TRANSFER
to their Dept (along with the Work You're DOING) -
"before" they advertise for a new employee.

Actually Phred, she did that before she even talked to me. She was mad when she saw the job position and went and asked why they didn't just approach her and I and offer me the job. Head of Communications just shrugged and said that's not the way it's done.

To be honest though, I think if they came straight to me I'd be even more stressed.

It's been a long standing joke here at the Library that IT/Communications could never have me because the Library loves me so. Now that joke leaves a bad taste.....

And I forgot to mention... I don't do JUST web work for the Library. It's the main part of my job, but over the years of working here, I've taken on additional non-web tasks. That's why Clare said I'd still have a job here and that she'd find stuff for me to do to fill in the web gap.

[NoahsMommy]

Originally posted by ramanth
The thing I keep running thru my head.... pay raise or not.... do I want to continue doing what I like (web work) but be unhappy, or do I want to continue working where I am already happy and learn new things?

Kimmy,

This is a very important question. In my experience, doing what you enjoy, but in a less than positive setting isn't all that great.

But, working for someone you enjoy and respect...add learning new things...and it sounds like a better deal.

Either way, the situation really does suck and I'm sorry about that. I hope you'll feel better about it soon. Like someone said before, things do tend to happen for a reason...usually good ones that we find out later.

It was really nice of your current boss to come to you and offer her recommendation. I'm sure she'd be saddened to lose you, but seems to have your best interests in mind. I would keep that close to your heart/mind when you make your decision.

Take care. We're here for you. Keep us updated, OK??

[Rachel]

Stay cool and professional, Kimmy, and think positive. Things like this happen all the time. It may really be the same position and responsibilities you have now but the paycheck coming out of a different department. They may have to *post* every position. I have a friend who had to *apply for her own job* and she got it, although at the time she was thinking things looked really bleak.

What I don't understand is why you weren't informed if your current *position* was to be realligned under some other department before they did any posting. Your current boss sounds like a dear. She *has your back*.

[K9karen]

Yikes! Geesh, Kim, office politics stink, I've been there. Don't even get me started...
Personally, I believe being happy at your job is the most important. Being able to want to go to work in the morning because you love what you do and the people you work with was a decision I made. This stuff makes my head spin. How cruel and insensitive "big business" can be, especially when it comes from behind a desk, behind a big closed door when the "little" guy who busts butt gets the shaft. I know you'll make the right choice. I'll be thinking of you.

[kimlovescats]

Kimmy, I have never been much of a career type, so I can't offer any great advice. I would just say follow your heart on what you think would make you the happiest and most comfortable. Afterall, your job is your home away from home! Why be miserable?

(((HUGS)))
Kim

[Cinder & Smoke]

Originally posted by ramanth

It's been a long standing joke here at the Library that IT/Communications could never have me because the Library loves me so. Now that joke leaves a bad taste.....

"Joke" might have also been heard by someone in IT/Comms -
and they didn't like it.

... over the years of working here,
I've taken on additional non-web tasks.
That's why Clare said I'd still have a job here
and that she'd find stuff for me to do
to fill in the web gap.

At First Blush - I'd stick with the Library -
where you're *loved* and *appreciated* -
ya can always do Wed Stuff on the side!

But the Boss' statement that "she'd find stuff for me to do" -
is a bit worrysome to me...

The Library has to work within a Budget -
and if part of that budget will now be "given to IT/Comm" to
cover the Web Work YOU were doing for the Library;
the Library will be looking at a Smaller Budget
AND a "new employee" = YOU.

I'd suggest a serious discussion with your Boss about
WHERE is the money for your wages & benefits going to come from.?

My guess is IT/Comm wouldn't hesitate to point
out in a budget review
that "the Library needs one LESS person; and we need one More"!

(This DOES *suck*!!)

More {{{Hugs}}}, Kimmy!!

/s/ Phred

[dukedogsmom]

I think you should do what makes you happy. You don't want to be miserable at a job you would normally love. Good luck in making your decision. I still don't understand why you have to apply for the job you've already got. But, I sure do understand politics. There's a huge amount of it at my workplace.