Changes in Your Job

Did you ever have a position that was fabulous on the first day and has steadily gone downhill since? Maybe your job changed after a merger or new leadership went into effect. Whatever the cause – you’re not alone. How do you deal with the frustration of watching your position hit bottom? There are a couple of things you can do to save your job, your attitude, and your reputation.

Why?

If your job duties were reduced, then you need to find out why.

Was it a company reorganization that left you playing Solitaire or did your boss get the impression that you’ve been overworked? Perhaps the company has reached a slow season and the lack of work doesn’t have anything to do with you.

Communicating with your immediate supervisor is the first step in finding out why things have changed (and stop playing Solitaire!).

Are you a Team Player?

Yes, it is cliché. However, getting to know your coworkers can strengthen your working relationship and help you get involved with interesting and career advancing projects. Plus, you might have fun!

If you’re the type who avoids after-work activities, luncheons, and anything else you’ve been invited to, you may be giving the impression that you don’t like your job or co-workers. The real reason doesn’t matter – coworkers get the wrong idea about people who don’t “come out and play.”

Remember, you don’t have to attend every event and you don’t have to stay for the duration. By making an appearance, you show that you made time in your busy schedule for something important – a work event.

Have you openly complained about your company, department, supervisor, or co-workers?

A reduction in job duties is stressful. Expressing displeasure through the wrong channels will make you very unpopular with the “higher-ups” of your company. Trust me, they will always hear what you say.

When formulated properly, your suggestions will be taken seriously.

Present your problem with a possible solution. Not only will this turn a negative into a positive, it will show that you are creative and innovative and may land you that promotion you’ve been hoping for.

Keep your skills up to date

If your responsibilities have been shifted to another employee, does that employee have something you don’t? Are they more educated or have computer skills in a particular program?

Certain jobs require that you stay current on certifications, memberships, and industry changes. Make sure you attend classes and conferences that pertain to your position and career.

On the other hand, if your company is losing business to a competitor, it may be a good idea to find out why. If your company is getting stagnant in the market and has no plans to upgrade, it may be a sign of impending problems.

What if your job duties have been reduced due to financial problems within the company?

If you don’t see a lot of empty cubicles and no one is getting laid off, just sit tight. There may be a temporary financial issue that needs to be worked out. If layoffs have begun, it’s going to be difficult to trust anyone who assures you that your job is safe.

No matter what is happening in the world, it’s usually a good idea to keep your resume’ up to date and continue to work on your networking skills.

In the past when I was laid off, I joined another company only to discover that I was working with the majority of the employees from my previous company. I was glad I had taken time to get to know them