Almost Promoted

Dear Linneá,

I like my job. I generally like my coworkers and my supervisor is nice. The work I do isn’t exactly what you call fulfilling but I make ends meet and I feel like my company values career growth.

I am up for a promotion on my team and my supervisor suggested that I apply. He raved about the work I have been doing and how much others respect me at the company. That made me feel like I had a good shot at the supervisory position opened.  I went ahead and applied for the position. This supervisory role will place me on the same level of my current supervisor.
The manager has interviewed me and seems to value my work, but now my supervisor has completely turned around. He is giving me more work to do, snapping at me during staff meetings and acting disgruntled towards my work. He has placed these ridiculous time constraints on the work. There is no way I can do all the work he has assigned! In fact, my coworkers seem to have way more free time on their hands now that my plate is piled so high. I don’t want to seem like I complain in the midst of chaos especially now that I’m up for this promotion but I feel so defeated. I don’t know what to do. I really want to give up. Help me!

Almost promoted in Pennsylvania

Dear Almost promoted,

Your story sounds so familiar. There are many people who have a very similar experience, so I'm glad you asked. You question can help someone else. Here's what to do: When in doubt, take notes. When working or dealing with situations with discrimination or ill treatment in the work place, get everything on paper! Record dates, things said and by whom, workload received along with due dates and how you have responded to workload. Keeping track of this is an added task yes, but it can help you should you ever be faced with a notice of suspension or to be laid off.

I would also address your concerns with your supervisor directly and then speak with HR. It is best to have your concerns addressed as written in the policies. It may be that your supervisor is going through a rough period in his personal life and is unaware that he is putting all this pressure on you. Perhaps, your supervisor is challenging you in hopes of preparing you for your promotion. Either way, have a talk with him. You never know what response you will get. His attitude and behavior towards you may adjust. However, if the situation is not fixed, read your employee policies on how to proceed and write down all down efforts you have made! Following the chain of command and your employee handbook is vital. 

Be encouraged. You can be a testimony of how to face work challenges and how best to respond when in conflict with mgmt on the job. Be a great example. If you need any additional support, even to vent, email me. We can schedule an appointment. 

Best wishes!

If you or anyone you know is experiencing anxiety at work (including if you are an athlete or a student), please contact me for therapy sessions. I am trained to work with people experiencing anxiety and I can work with you. Visit my website here.