After many years of caring for patients, I had to take a desk job due to an injury. Because of my medical background, I accepted a position processing insurance claims. The work is totally different from what I was doing before. I was told that I would have time to learn and "fit into the job comfortably," so I didn't worry about this change. However, at the end of my 90-day probation, I received a terrible evaluation for the first time in my career.
My manager had apparently documented all my questions and requests for assistance. In my evaluation, she says "numerous measures were taken to overcome errors, yet mistakes continue to be made." I thought this was a normal part of the learning process.
Now I have two weeks to improve or be fired. I'm not allowed to make any further mistakes or ask co-workers for help. This seems unreasonable, but I really do like the job and want to keep it. What do you suggest?
A:
Because of the different skills required, people who excel at customer contact often struggle with administrative tasks, and vice versa. So the key question is whether your new job provides a good match for your natural abilities.
If your problem is simply a long learning curve, the solution is more practice. To buy some time, try asking for an official extension of your probationary period. As long as your status is conditional, your manager is less likely to worry about being stuck with an unqualified employee.
When making this request, emphasize that you really like the job and will work hard to master the required tasks. Enthusiasm and a positive attitude may help to offset your current skill deficits.
If you get an extension, agree with your boss on a development plan. Set specific improvement goals and outline strategies for meeting them. Schedule regular times to review your progress.
On the other hand, an honest self-assessment may lead you to conclude that you've wandered into the wrong field.
In that case, offer to work until your replacement is hired, then polish up your resume and prepare for a job search.
You've had a long, successful career, so don't feel bad about this temporary setback. Changing professions always presents some challenges.
Q:
Two co-workers have harassed me constantly for the past year. I asked my manager for help several times, but he did nothing. I finally told him that unless he took some action, I was going to complain to his boss.
Soon after this conversation, my manager told these co-workers what I said about them. Doesn't that break some sort of rule about employee confidentiality?
A:
How could your boss end the harassment without talking to your tormentors? To explain the problem, he had to describe your concerns. So stop complaining. Your manager did exactly what you asked him to.
Although the Hollister Free Lance does not have any obligation to monitor this board, the Hollister Free Lance reserves the right at all times to check this board and to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to the Hollister Free Lance in our sole discretion and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. The Hollister Free Lance also reserves the right to permanently block any user who violates these terms and conditions. All threats to systems or site infrastructure shall be assumed genuine in nature and will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement authorities. Submission of any comments will be considered permission to use online or in print.
Highlights from the Prune Bowl now available