Problem Saying No and Being Assertive

[trampledamage]

Make sure you are strict about the switch at lunch-time and going back to accounting. The problem with doing Risk Management in the morning (problem for you anyway, I think this is why David wants you to switch to RM in the morning) is it will be very easy to get sucked into trying to finish things off and end up spending all of your time there.

 

[Gryffindorian]

Just an update: My work schedule in both units has been established. It's pretty much what was discussed before (AMs in risk, PMs in accounting), with the exception of one day every two weeks when the schedule is reversed. I start this coming Thursday, and for the most part, I report to my current boss David in terms of timesheet approval, leave requests, performance evaluation, and being my primary supervisor. Carol has assigned a supervisor in RM, Mike, to whom I will report directly.

To be honest, I've been very anxious about this assignment and have had trouble sleeping or concentrating lately. I've been trying to prepare myself mentally for what's to come. At least I have a four-day weekend to look forward to; hopefully I can try to relax and take my mind off work for awhile.

 

[trampledamage]

Just remember that while they may act like they already expect you to know everything, they have no right to expect you to so ask all the questions you can think of and call for help as soon as you need it.

 

[Gryffindorian]

True.

There was an e-mail that came from the new General Manager today, announcing water rate increases during the next two fiscal years. The customers won't be happy when they hear about this. On the other hand, you'd think this would be good for business, right? Well, from what I hear, there will still be no general salary increases in the next two years. There are still cuts in discretionary spending. Some vacancies will be filled, but God knows how many. That means MORE work for employees without getting even a COLA increase or added benefits!

My boss David himself has acknowledged this much: some work won't be done due to the staff shortage. At this time, I don't really expect to finish or complete all of my work, all of the time. I'm still responsible for doing most of the major tasks in accounting. I've also been told that there will be operational changes in the organization in the next year or so; my duties are sure to change as well.

 

[Gryffindorian]

Today was my first day in RM. I trained for four hours with "Angie," one of the staff there, and she was very helpful and professional; the RM group seems friendly enough. I have to admit it was a very overwhelming experience for me. There's a lot of work to be done in that unit, and there's a LOT I still need to learn. They're having me start with just a few tasks or projects to handle, and over the next few weeks, I'm supposed to absorb and learn more of the other responsibilities in that section. There's a lot of information to process. I hardly got a chance to take a break, go to the bathroom, or eat my breakfast at my desk.

I e-mailed and spoke with our union president, "Marcus." He had gotten my e-mail and checked if I wanted to take action, and I told him that I was just expressing my frustration with this assignment and that I agreed to the work schedule that was given me. He gave me some encouraging news: employees do have an option to not "work out of class," and since this assignment was given to me, I could pursue this and say NO to management.

I'm looking forward to meeting with my boss to address my issues. Wish me luck!

 

[Lookingglassman]

I got no problem saying "no", especially if the extra work doesn't mean extra pay.

 

[Gryffindorian]

The pay rate for the risk assistant is about the same. Even it paid more, it's not something I want to be doing for a long time. I get headaches just thinking about it.

 

[Gryffindorian]

Another update: I finally grew some ballz and decided to "quit my other job" in the risk management division. I didn't even bother to report to RM this morning; I just sent a note to the supervisor in RM, Mike, and copied the division manager Carol and my boss David.

Good morning. After having given it much thought and consideration, I have decided not to continue my assignment in Risk Management effective today, 04/26/11. I apologize to [Carol] and her staff for any inconvenience this may cause. I will be reporting directly to Accounting this morning and will meet with [David] today to discuss my decision. Thank you.

Mike replied:

[Gryff]:

Thank you for your honest consideration. Best wishes in your continued support of Accounting.

Thanks

I will meet with my boss (David) this afternoon. If there are any problems, I will contact my union rep.