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A new twist on life at work 3

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mikeydidit

IS-IT--Management
Feb 10, 2003
4,165
US
I find myself in a position that I would have never thought I would be in. After 28 years with the same company, I am now told to get initials behind my name or certifications before I am worthy of a promotion.

A little history.
Recently our associate director was made director. This was due to our director of 30 years retiring. I have always thought of this person and myself as friends not just co workers. Through the years our families have done a lot of things away from work together. Talking about our spouses and kids is just what we have done for the last 25 years. But now things have changed.
Recently our CFO has told this person to promote me. This is their direct boss. I was asked to meet with this person to discuss what could be done for me. How going into a meeting to talk about a pay raise went from a joyous occasion to never feeling so belittled in my life, I still can’t believe this actually happened.

My new director has paid her dues not only being here for about the same amount of time to also getting several degrees along the way. I understand that she dedicated a lot of time in doing this. Until now she has always had to do my upgrades in pay even though I have made more money than her until this point. Our meeting was one of the most horrible things I have ever gone though. I think part of it was that I considered this person a friend. Another part is that I have also paid my dues by doing whatever this company/department has asked of me and more. 365/7x24 for 24 years.

Our meeting was basically “I know I shouldn’t hold an employee back, But Damn it, I had to get a degree” You should get training or initials behind your name. This went on and on. I sat in complete disbelief. I was also somewhat threatened that if I were to go to her boss, that the new position would have to be posted and they could possibly find someone “more qualified” than me to fill it. Later that day I got an email from her “ I will continue looking into options” I think more of a CYA trail than anything.

Today
Today I am (have been for a couple of months) doing what is necessary to prepare us for a major upgrade. I am doing my best to keep a positive attitude and trying to focus on what needs to be done. Although I still do whatever needs to be done (that’s just me) and have friendly conversations with this person, it will never be the same. As an employee, I will do as I always done. My job and lots more.

But for the first time I do not really know where I stand or what to expect. I have a couple more years here and I can retire. Although I still love what I do and planned on working here another 10 if possible.

How should I handle this? If you can’t tell, this is really bothering me and I would hate to leave here with so many years invested. Your thoughts would really be appreciated..

Thanks


When is the last time you helped someone, just because you were able to?

For the best response to a question, read faq690-6594


 
Thanks Fred, Thanks Mikey and good luck.


This thread was enough inspiration for me to finish the process to get my C.E.T. I guess being an NCSS (Nortel Certified Support Specialist) is about the same as saying, "I clean the lifeboats on the Titanic."

KE407122
'Who is this guy named Lo Cel and why does he keep paging me?'
 
Mikey -
Just a thought - if your organization hasn't moved into VOIP yet, investigate it yourself with the vendors and your networking staff, see if it would be a fit for your organization, what the costs and benefits would be. This could be a chance for you to take a leadership role, and your extensive background would help you evaluate proposals and forsee problems and develop solutions in advance. You'd likely have the opportunity for training and certifications as part of the new technology. If someone else is already working on this, be sure to become part of the team.

Fred Wagner

 
Fred thats the exact direction I am trying to carry us. We are about the upgrade to Avaya's 8800 series servers running CM 5.2.1. Part of this adding Modular messaging and Exchange integration. (Three new 8800 servers) SAL (system access link) another 8800 server, two 8800's for CM 5, SIP (another 8800) and a AES server for a total of eight new servers. I am also upgrading our call recording server and adding channels to it. So I have a lot to learn and do.

I think as part of my legacy here, i would like to have a nice mix of IP, soft consoles and digital sets. I still have EPN cabinets that I need to cut to G650 gateways. This all installed and working before i leave here. Although I self maintain here (and have for years) I haven't been to class on any of the new servers. Looks like a great time to do that though.


When is the last time you helped someone, just because you were able to?

For the best response to a question, read faq690-6594


 
Mikey,

If the CFO wants you promoted, then your new boss is going directly against the CFO's wishes.

You absolutely should speak to the CFO and ask if the conditions your boss added are part of the equation as he/she laid it out. You may want to do this privately, but that is up to you.

I've seen similar things - people who spent the money and time for a degree or certification suddenly start insisting that everyone should get them - whether or not that makes sense from a business perspective. (Sometimes it makes sense - sometimes it does not.)

Degrees and certifications are nice, but not always necessary.

Greg
People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use. Kierkegaard
 
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