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comment by WanderingEng
WanderingEng  ·  931 days ago  ·  link  ·    ·  parent  ·  post: Pubski: September 29, 2021

I have an agreed to start date for mid-November on my new job. I haven't gotten the written offer yet which is fine because it gives me a reason to put off notifying my current employer.

My boss's boss asked to meet with us each individually a while back; I set up monthly recurring 30 minute meetings. I used to work directly for him with a fantastic working relationship, but that's eroded since he got promoted. On my end, it's eroded because the person he hired, my current boss, is terrible at his job, and I judge them both for not doing better. I think he's negative toward me because I'm critical of my boss, his employee.

At any rate, we talked last week, and I expressed some frustration (again, that isn't new). That was the topic of our entire 30 minute meeting. Another longtime engineer left about a month ago, someone we both worked with for a long time in another department. He noted she left because she'd tried to push some changes in her department, her management didn't budge, so she left. He said something to me "if you're thinking about leaving, say something first." I'd already given verbal acceptance of my new position a week earlier.

I said it last week, and I'll say it again: they're screwed without me.





dublinben  ·  930 days ago  ·  link  ·  

    if you're thinking about leaving, say something first

This is a pretty sure sign that they're not really hearing the frustrations you're sharing. You have been "saying something". A better manager wouldn't be surprised when someone leaves, because they would recognize the warning signs.

    they're screwed without me

Too bad they won't treat you like that while you're still around. Best of luck on the new position!

WanderingEng  ·  930 days ago  ·  link  ·  

I agree! I’ve described my boss as this: it’s like he’s standing on a bucket in a canoe. It’s very unstable, and he makes every attempt to make no sudden movements. I think he might hear my frustrations but simply does nothing. It might not be apathy but simply his fear of doing anything to shake anything up. If work got done today, that’s success with no vision to the future.

Thank you! I got to meet the other two engineers (virtually) that will be in my team. One is pretty new out of school and the other has a good amount of experience. I asked what they like about working there, and both answers were perfect. The new one talked about how helpful everyone is, taking the time to not just answer the question but help him understand. The experienced I’ve talked about how he directly gets to help people. Lights stay on because of him, and he finds that rewarding.

I expect I’ll get offered at least some nominal offer to stay, and I'm really curious what it will be. The future employer nailed their interview with me. It would take a lot for the current one to show they're worth breaking my commitment to them.