Work problems - would appreciate your thoughts on what to do

[Solomon79]

Hi guys

I just thought I'd air my thoughts and see what your opinions are on this situation.

I think I'm coming to a turning point in my career. I enjoy what I do, but I've had some problems recently in not feeling appreciated by my boss and the founder of the company.

The problem is that I am quietly efficient. I have become so effective in my job, that he is beginning to take me for granted. He also thinks that I do less than I am doing, and that some other guy - an ******* who is louder, but less productive than I am - is working harder. So it's a struggle to bridge that perception. This guy has been promoted a level above me, and he can't even spell - and he is supposed to be a PR consultant.

On the other hand, I have the female co-founder of the company on my side. She knows how good I am. Despite the odd snidy comment that some employers get a dodgy sense of power from, she appreciates what I do.

So the question is: how do I challenge for greater recognition from my boss. I have a lesser job title than a guy who is less productive than me, and that needs addressing.

The money I am less bothered about. I just want to be appreciated.

As it is, I have put a ****load of work into the company and gotten very little out after two years, with no change in job title. I have learned a lot and have a great CV, but it lacks the look of having progressed, because I still have the entry level job title.

Without wanting to sound like a *****, I have gradually become the backroom worker, who gets taken for granted. If I left the company they would notice it. But what can I do to get the recognition I deserve?

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[Latinoman]

Hi guys

I just thought I'd air my thoughts and see what your opinions are on this situation.

I think I'm coming to a turning point in my career. I enjoy what I do, but I've had some problems recently in not feeling appreciated by my boss and the founder of the company.

The problem is that I am quietly efficient. I have become so effective in my job, that he is beginning to take me for granted. He also thinks that I do less than I am doing, and that some other guy - an ******* who is louder, but less productive than I am - is working harder. So it's a struggle to bridge that perception. This guy has been promoted a level above me, and he can't even spell - and he is supposed to be a PR consultant.

On the other hand, I have the female co-founder of the company on my side. She knows how good I am. Despite the odd snidy comment that some employers get a dodgy sense of power from, she appreciates what I do.

So the question is: how do I challenge for greater recognition from my boss. I have a lesser job title than a guy who is less productive than me, and that needs addressing.

The money I am less bothered about. I just want to be appreciated.

As it is, I have put a ****load of work into the company and gotten very little out after two years, with no change in job title. I have learned a lot and have a great CV, but it lacks the look of having progressed, because I still have the entry level job title.

Without wanting to sound like a *****, I have gradually become the backroom worker, who gets taken for granted. If I left the company they would notice it. But what can I do to get the recognition I deserve?

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

First make sure you are not overrating your self-perceived accomplishments. Remember, personallity is also part of the job.

Second, make sure you are willing to make one of two decisions: stay or leave.

Third, don't worry about others (getting promoted or by-passed). Only worry about yourself.

 

[flexion_]

I'm not sure if your perception of your skills and your actual skills are the same from a business perspective. If you feel your skills aren't being recognized then you need to address this with your boss but:

1) be prepared for a reality-check answer if you aren't objectively correct
2) don't use a co-workers success as your precedent
3) consider that you may have to find another job - if you are as good as you say you are then other companies would gladly snap you up

 

[Bible_Belt]

Bring in new clients. Bosses notice money. Or leave and get a better job.

 

[Vulpine]

Take a nice long vacation. Then, they can see what doesn't get done while you are away.

 

[krayon]

Maybe he thinks you are best suited at your current job.

A great player doesn't necessarily make him a great couch and vice versa.

 

[speed dawg]

Bring in new clients. Bosses notice money. Or leave and get a better job.

One of the truest statements yet. The Capitalist world revolves around money. This is not China. The people who make money for the boss get appreciated and get promoted and get raises.

 

[Solomon79]

That's why the female boss is on my side. She knows I took our highest paying client from tenth to top spot in terms of total media coverage among companies in that specific industry sector.

I also did so well with another client that they have asked us to do global public relations for them.

The trouble is, the guy is less involved in the day to day details because he's been in the business so long, that he is bored by it. He just sees me as 'a good writer.' As founder and shareholder he just doesn't care about anything, so long as the money continues to flow in. My career progress is something that is meaningless to him because it does not relate in any way to the mechanics of figures on a balance sheet.

He knows I am conscientious and will work hard whatever happens, so he's already got it made.

 

[red_headed_stepchild]

C'mon Bro, you sound like an AFC. You're just waiting there for the prize to come to you? It don't work that way with females and it definately doesn't work that way as far as career.

Find the opportunity and SEIZE it. If you have to leave the firm, do it. If you want to stay, find out what your boss wants and give him that plus 15 %. You will be recognized then. Your job is the same as everyone else's. Your job is to make your boss happy. Find out what will make him happy (performance wise) and do it.

 

[Permission]

The money I am less bothered about. I just want to be appreciated.

Why do you want to be appreciated? Do you need others to validate you? If you're thinking of quitting, then just stick it to your boss. Walk up to him and say "I'm better than the guy you promoted. For the next 3 months, let's have a contest to see who can make more money for this company. The numbers don't lie, I'm confident I am the best." And if he doesn't like that approach who cares, you already have the other co-founder or possibly other co-workers as your references.

 

[DJnomore]

Write a resume

If you can write a resume that will get you a better job then change jobs.

If you can't then you need to ask yourself what is your leverage?

If you are a 10 but outsiders see you as a 5

Your compeditor is a 6 but outsiders see him as a 8

Then you need to either quit and hope the next company will appreciate you more or learn to be happy as a 5

Since many people are only 10s in their particular situation and when they change jobs they realize they are now 7s you may want to think very carefully before jumping...

 

[GirlCrazy]

The unpleasant truth is that most employers don't fully understand your accomplishments until you leave the company, and by then it's too late.

The upside is that once you are gone, the "hey look at me" guy is discovered, and is usually right behind you, and he leaves with a dimished reputation.

I've been in this position several times. Every time the company had tried to lure me back. Sorry too late at that point.

One time, the "hey look at me" guy that was taking credit for my accomplishments was fired right after I left. He then went to apply at my new company - oops. He didn't get the job at his next two interviews, because I got phone calls "hey didn't you work with this guy?". He never knew why he was doomed at the last two interviews - turns out it's a small world.

Bottom line: stick with employers who treat you right, and don't stick with employers who don't. It's just common sense, but most folks are too risk averse to put all their chips on the table, and move on when it's time.