I need some work-related probie advice

[mrsjaymay]

Thank you PB, for eating my first post. Grr.

Backstory... I've been at this job for 6 months. I was laid off from my previous job and took this new one quickly because I was scared of being unemployed. I knew from the beginning that I wouldn't like it (it's a boring data entry job). It was a 10K pay raise and it's at a really cool place. I was hoping the pay and the pride of doing something great would help me deal with the awful job description.

Well, I'm over it. Actually, I hate it. They weren't completely truthful with the job description, which is annoying. There are also some shady business practices going on (regarding poor treatment of other employees and a very unprofessional manager). I have a vacation scheduled in mid-July that I am not willing to sacrifice, but after that, it's job search time. 

My dilemma - my boss has emailed me wanting to set up a time to have a "how are things going" chat. I am dreading it. I'm not really sure how to handle this. Do I lie and pretend that things are going just fine? I am very non-confrontational and will feel really awkward telling her that I'm not happy with the job. I don't want them to try and work with me or fix things. I think if I told them I was unhappy they would try to work with me (they've had a problem with staff retention). But I just want to go in a totally different direction.

I'm feeling so anxious! What would probies do?

[skwcm80]

I would not tell them your true feelings. Play your cards close to the vest until you are ready to give your notice.

[katie]

If you wanted to stay or thought there was something different they could do to make it better then I would figure out a way to tell them. If you are already mentally checked out, which sounds like you are, I would just say its fine and count down the days in the back of my head until I leave. Then I would probably give them a hint of why I'm leaving when I gave my notice, or exit interview. Good luck! No liking your job sucks. I hope you find what you are looking for next!

[mrsjaymay]

Jun 3, 2013 21:02:35 GMT -5 katie said:

If you wanted to stay or thought there was something different they could do to make it better then I would figure out a way to tell them. If you are already mentally checked out, which sounds like you are, I would just say its fine and count down the days in the back of my head until I leave. Then I would probably give them a hint of why I'm leaving when I gave my notice, or exit interview. Good luck! No liking your job sucks. I hope you find what you are looking for next!

Is it bad that I already have a list going of things to mention on my exit interview? Ha ha. Really though. I have a list!

I guess I know what I need to do is keep my mouth shut and tell them things are fine. I guess I just feel weird lying. DH is telling me to suck it up!

[skwcm80]

If it makes you feel better I talked to my last manager how satisfied I was in my role mere weeks before I quit.

[mrsjaymay]

Jun 3, 2013 21:22:42 GMT -5 skwcm80 said:

If it makes you feel better I talked to my last manager how satisfied I was in my role mere weeks before I quit.

That does make me feel better! I guess it's pretty common. This is the first job I've had that I haven't loved!

[katie]

Jun 3, 2013 21:18:23 GMT -5 mrsjaymay said:

Jun 3, 2013 21:02:35 GMT -5 katie said:

If you wanted to stay or thought there was something different they could do to make it better then I would figure out a way to tell them. If you are already mentally checked out, which sounds like you are, I would just say its fine and count down the days in the back of my head until I leave. Then I would probably give them a hint of why I'm leaving when I gave my notice, or exit interview. Good luck! No liking your job sucks. I hope you find what you are looking for next!

Is it bad that I already have a list going of things to mention on my exit interview? Ha ha. Really though. I have a list!

I guess I know what I need to do is keep my mouth shut and tell them things are fine. I guess I just feel weird lying. DH is telling me to suck it up!

I think it's good you are tracking stuff for an exit interview! Maybe it can help improve their retention

iF you don't want to feel like you are totally lying, then how about mentioning some small things that could be fixed? But I have to agree with your DH on this one. You will open a can of worms if you say how much you hate it. You will be coming clean when you leave!

[mumegs]

I would say something, if you're going to leave anyway, it might help them with future employees. If you care anyway. Or you could wait until you leave. I can't wait for the exit interview I will have when I leave this job one day!

[mrsjaymay]

Jun 3, 2013 21:39:48 GMT -5 mumegs said:

I would say something, if you're going to leave anyway, it might help them with future employees. If you care anyway. Or you could wait until you leave. I can't wait for the exit interview I will have when I leave this job one day!

I do want to help them with retention! That's part of the reason I feel badly. I hope I have the balls to say as much as I hope to when that day comes...!

[joyhart02]

I would keepyourh shut for now, but mention everything in the exit interview when you are ready to go.

[Regina Philange]

I would also not say anything at this point.

Unless, you are thinking about staying and there are certain things that will make things better for you? Definitely bring them up. I feel like that is not the case with you though, and you just want out.

[Deleted]

I definitely would not be saying anything regarding your personal experience/employment status. And honestly, unless you really need to, I probably would not be saying much at an exit interview, either. I do not like to burn bridges EVER.

I would probably find a way to provide constructive input regarding the employee treatment and poor manager. Those are things that are important for a company to be aware of, and are not necessarily a reflection of your personal feelings.

[mrsjaymay]

Jun 4, 2013 8:54:35 GMT -5 @veronicasawyer said:

I definitely would not be saying anything regarding your personal experience/employment status. And honestly, unless you really need to, I probably would not be saying much at an exit interview, either. I do not like to burn bridges EVER.

I would probably find a way to provide constructive input regarding the employee treatment and poor manager. Those are things that are important for a company to be aware of, and are not necessarily a reflection of your personal feelings.

You're right, and I don't want to burn any bridges, either. I will keep my personal dislikes of my coworkers to myself. The management issues really do need to be brought up though. I think I have some of the answers for them as to why they have a hard time keeping employees around this place! Thanks for your input!

[shevacc]

Jun 4, 2013 8:54:35 GMT -5 @veronicasawyer said:

I definitely would not be saying anything regarding your personal experience/employment status. And honestly, unless you really need to, I probably would not be saying much at an exit interview, either. I do not like to burn bridges EVER.

I would probably find a way to provide constructive input regarding the employee treatment and poor manager. Those are things that are important for a company to be aware of, and are not necessarily a reflection of your personal feelings.

All of this. I would hate to burn any bridges too. I would wait until the exit interview then provide only constructive feedback from the perspective of how the company can improve retention. I know I would need to go over my points with a friend (or my DH) to make sure it didn't come across as a gripe list.

[sunshineluv]

I would take a different approach than the others mentioned. I would be honest, to a degree. I don't know your credentials, but in theory, it could be a while before you find something new and better. If you are there for six more months, it is worth trying to fix things that are fixable. I would say, things are going well, but I do have a few things I have noticed. During the interview process I was told I would be doing X, while my duties now are centered around Y. I am okay with being flexible, but I was more interested in X. Then perhaps things can change a bit in the meantime. I agree that you should be brutally honest in your exit interview, but I don't see the point in smiling and nodding now.