Workplace Challenges
When to stay, when to go ...Q: Last spring I graduated with a master's degree. I was hired into my first job April 2009 by a headhunter. VERA N. HELD - Make It Work |
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Everything was great for the first six months and then a senior manager left the company and has still not been replaced. The company is in chaos and it is not a very happy place to work. Nearly all the staff is looking for new jobs. As I'd like to leave, I recently reconnected with the headhunter who placed me. She said that she could not help me until I'd been at my job for at least one year.
A: Your job recruiter is well trained and ethical. I appreciate that you are not thrilled with the job but I recommend you stay for the year or as close to a year as possible. It's important to show stability -- especially in your first, real full-time job. If you do land your next job on your own or through another headhunter, remember to maintain a relationship with the headhunter who originally placed you. She did well for you once and may be a helpful resource in future.
Q: I'm 22 and after 18 months quit my first job at a health club. I also did my college work placement there. Although I was hired to be a personal trainer, I spent 95% of my time on the reception desk. It was really boring. And our professional staff (chiropractor, masseur and physiotherapist) were regularly being taken advantage of; their billing numbers were being used without their consent. Also, my boss spoke down to me and to the other two women at the organization. I so dreaded going to work every day that I was getting sick. I live with my folks and they supported my decision.
A: Leaving an unhealthy workplace and a dead-end job was the right decision. Immediately get a hard copy reference letter from your boss detailing your successful college placement, total time worked at the organization and your multiple roles as per your job description. Also, make sure that your boss is willing to be a telephone and e-mail reference. Now, take a restorative breath -- and get out there and job search.
Q: I moved from Montreal to Toronto to take a mid-level management job at $62K per year. I started immediately upon arrival, however, I was not given any personal days. I would like one personal day to run errands and do personal housekeeping: obtain my OHIP card, arrange Ontario car insurance (obtain a reference letter from my current insurance provider), purchase Ontario licence plates, meet my new dentist and doctor and more. How should I proceed?
A: Your immediate boss and/or your HR manager will be able to authorize this reasonable request. Generally, one to two personal days are automatically given for a relocation. The number of days is geared to your job level; for example, a mid-level manager would typically receive two personal days -- so feel free to ask for two.
-- Vera Held (www.veraheld.com) is a coach, facilitator, speaker, writer, PR consultant and the author of How Not to Take it Personally. Send your tough workplace questions to Vera at vheld@sympatico.ca.
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