I like to think of myself as a happy, optimistic, easy going sort of person, among other things. However, from time to time these qualities are replaced (temporarily) by confusion and despair. Well, it's more work related really. But if I feel crappy about work then it tends to trickle into my personal life which is something I try hard to avoid.
Here's the problem. As a consultant, I am still learning the ropes, including how to deal with the politics, at the newest company that I work for. The company is not terrible, but it is very old-fashioned in its management styles and practices. But I digress. That's not the bad part. The bad part is that my manager who is usually a cool guy btw, is light years ahead in his analytical skills, knowledge of the job, and ability to work efficiently than the project manager (equivalent to my manager's level) that I have been assigned to work with on this huge and highly visible project.
This week I've worked about 50+ hours already and today I worked for 11 hours without lunch. Oatmeal and a banana only goes so far. Of course, now I feel like crap. But again, that's not the problem. I like working. It's just that I don't like being caught up in someone else's battles and in the politics of a job. But, yes I know, that's everywhere.
Anyway, my manager and another senior manager tells me today that my deliverable should be compiled and written in a particular manner. They also tell me the rationale for their suggestions. I agree with them. However, the project manager I'm assigned to work with wants things done in a different way. Since he's on the same level that they are, I'm kinda stuck in the middle. So, I do two documents. Yaaa. I'm smart enough to be able to compile two documents in 5 hours that would normally take two days. Hence, no lunch.
So, off I went to share the doc. with the project manager and calmly and logically explain the reason for the approach. Surprise, surprise - my project manager didn't like the one my manager told me to compose. He wants it done differently. Anyway, to skip the oh-so-boring details of my core duties, I compile the other document (which is being reviewed by the project team tomorrow so there's not much editing and re-reading time!). I do as much as I can and late this afternoon my brain cramped up. I couldn't get past one sentence. I knew it was time to stop. So, I got the hell out of there and well, now I'm here...
But before I left, my manager asked how the document wascoming along. I explained the Project manager's request and comments and shows him the document. He says that I should fight the issue but I really don't feel that it's my responsibility to argue over a deliverable with someone I have to work with for the next 6 months. I really wanted to ask him why he couldn't say something if he felt that strongly about it. He must have read my mind. He said that he can't get the project manager to change his approach but as the senior analyst on the project, I have the authority to fight the issue and lead the project team down the right path. Uh huh. Ok. Can I get that in writing?
Besides, it's not like it's a life and death type of decision. However, it really can come back and bite me in the ass if the project approach and scope changes in another phase of the project. I will then have to request Senior Management approval to make changes to the document I wrote today. That kind of request is never viewed favorably. Besides, I'm afraid that it will seem as if I didn't think critically about the business problem to be solved before documenting the strategy.
*Sigh*
I'm tired. I'm tired physically and I'm tired of these battles and turf wars in the workplace. Maybe that's why I change jobs so often. But I know these things will happen wherever I go so I just try to deal. But it sucks.
Help! What should I do? I don't want to be rated poorly on the project but at the same time I have to follow the project manager's direction because, well he is the project manager. Damn!
Why couldn't I be independantly wealthy or be born with a silver spoon in my mouth?? Or is that a gold spoon?? Heck maybe that's why I don't have a spoon - I don't even know what color it should be!
Any thoughts from surfin' visitors, especially anyone who's been in situations like this would be most appreciated!
Keep ya head up - I'm certainly tryin' to...
Another brilliant mind ruined by education. Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.
Dark Helmet: I knew it. I'm surrounded by assholes!
Peace,
Karizma
6 comments:
thanks for posting this. i'm trying to decide whether to leave my comfortable but amazingly boring and unchallenging job to work as a consultant. of course, it's a case of the grass being greener. so this was a neat thing to read and see that alot of the problems are universal.
hope things get better.
work sucks. sigh.
it's hard. I understand.
First, you GOTTA stop killing yourself. It's work. Do a good job while you're there, but you've got to cut out these 11 hour no lunch days.
Second, you might have to, in a nice way, tell the PM and your boss that you can only do one document, and how would they like to come together to see it done?
Can you talk to the bigger boss?
Sean, Carmen and Irish - thanks for listening (or reading my vent!) and for feedback.
Sean - While the grass is always greener, don't let me spoil your thoughts on being a consultant. There are benefits and advantages on both ends. I say take the one that most suits your style and above all, pick one that you enjoy - most of the time, anyway. I gave up comfortable jobs to do this.
Thanks! The optimist in me says things will get better.
Carmen - You're right. I have to get them together to agree on a plan. I refuse to be stuck in the middle.
Irish - Yeah, we doobie consultants get overtime now. I guess since it's to their benefit they approved it. Ha, that's also considering 4 people quit in one month in the Atlanta office! Hmmm, think it's a sign??
any resolution on this yet?
Hey Sean, thanks for checking in and asking.
The only differences at this point are that I've refused to work 11 hours days and I've discovered that I can play the political game as well. I resorted to highlighting some of my concerns with the developers and other key approvers about the way the document was written. In turn, three of them have brought up the concern (in their words and from their perspectives) in my meetings. The Project Manager tried to defend his position and while he won some of the battles, he also lost several fights.
It's kinda sucky that I had to resort to this approach, but I figure that if I can't beat 'em at this point, I will temporarily join them.
Am I proud of my approach? No, but I'm sure I've sold out on some other principle and moral at some other point! :-(
good luck. that's a tough one. I deal with similar assclowns at work but you already knew that.
I second the suggestion by luck of the irish. State your opinions in writing and then just trust that it'll be okay and not bite you in the ass.
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