I'm going to lose my job.

Axtman · #1 09-03-2010, 05:08 PM

A friend of mine, and former coworker, let me in on the fact that my boss has advertised for my job in the classifieds. "John" alerted me a while ago about this and and I took a look at it online. The company was posting anonymously and had a generic e-mail address. I thought nothing of it because there was not enough information to identify the ad as my company.

My friend applied for the job because he is out of work. John got a rejection e-mail back from my firm!!!

What do I do? Should I let them know that I know?

I know that I am not the greatest worker in the world, but I do fairly decent job. I have never been reprimanded and only received minor grumblings from some of my coworkers. Some of my coworkers really appreciate the work I do. It's a tough job and I work with a lot of people.

Luckily I am rather specialized and there few people qualified or experience enough to replace me. The ones I know around town have hunkered down and are not looking to change companies.

DarkArwen · #2 09-03-2010, 05:15 PM

If you have not been reprimanded, or disciplined (are you sure you are not under investigation) then perhaps they are saving it, so that they can let you go when they are ready and have your replacement ready to step in. This sounds about eight degrees of shady. Check out the salary they are posting. Could they just be trying to save money?
My guy instinct says two things:
1st, prepare your resume and being searching
2nd, if you are right, and they are going to replace you anyway, then you have nothing to lose by addressing the situation with your supervisor. Best of luck!!!

MatticusMania · #3 09-03-2010, 05:18 PM

Maybe they want to hire an assistant for you

David1234 · #4 09-03-2010, 05:19 PM

I think you'd benefit more from changing the perception that you're not the greatest worker in the world, than from sharing the fact that you feel threatened! You never know what else is going on in management, but you can always work a bit harder at saying Yes to people and being "the hassle free guy who helps" on the team.

If there's any truth in the minor grumblings of your co-workers, surely it's better to try to visibly change your approach so that that'll have no gripes, than to embarrass yourself or your boss or your boss's boss.

BurningSkies · #5 09-03-2010, 05:24 PM

You should apply for your own job, but make sure you ask for more money because you've got experience both at the firm and in that position. Explain to them that they'll also save a bundle on training you as well. Tell them that you've got the unique skill set for the position.

**Pacman** · #6 09-03-2010, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David1234

I think you'd benefit more from changing the perception that you're not the greatest worker in the world, than from sharing the fact that you feel threatened! You never know what else is going on in management, but you can always work a bit harder at saying Yes to people and being "the hassle free guy who helps" on the team.

This. The job market is a "seller's" market - way more workers than jobs. If you want to stay employed, it'd serve you to be the best you can be.

Axtman · #7 09-03-2010, 05:46 PM

The salary was not posted.

If they were going to hire me an assistant they would have told me....and would have used the word "junior" or "assistant" in the ad rather than "senior".

This is a wake-up call and I am going to try and work harder/smarter. I will also make myself more visible as a way of promoting myself and how I am a benefit to the company.

Should I confront my boss and tell him that I know he is "shopping" for my job? If so my approach would be one of what can I do to improve my situation.

DarkArwen · #8 09-03-2010, 05:48 PM

NOT CONFRONT!!! You can respectfully ask, while also selling yourself to the company. It is cheaper for them to keep you than to higher someone else, unless they are salary shopping.
I meant talking to your supervisor with the tone of "is there anything I can do to correct the situation"

blendermassacre · #9 09-03-2010, 05:48 PM

maybe they're promoting you...

6jase5 · #10 09-03-2010, 05:49 PM

You mentioned that it would be hard to fill your shoes. Hopefully another company will feel the same way as I'd be prepared for the inevitable.

We had 8 salespeople to start this year doing what I do, now 5 (50,000 + global employees). They all left for signing bonuses and 35-75K bumps in salaries. I could do the same, but I'm comfortable and at the moment a commodity my company can't afford to lose. It may be a hard market for most, but depending on your skillset it can also be an amazing market. You may find that another company REALLY REALLY wants you which would give you two things, a company that wants you and a better paycheck.

Axtman · #11 09-03-2010, 05:50 PM

Maybe I should tell my boss that my anger management classes are going well and that the medication seems to be working. The doctor said I could probably have my guns back. I can hardly wait because cleaning and polishing my guns calms me down and makes me less agitated. I'm sorry what were you going to say about my employment here?

As you can see I am approaching the situation with a bit of (sick and twisted) humor.

warwick.hoy · #12 09-03-2010, 05:52 PM

I could be wrong but weren't you complaining about this job,...or more specifically your boss not too long ago? I could have you mixed up with someone else.

Axtman · #13 09-03-2010, 05:54 PM

My friend John feels terrible about informing me about my job being in jepoardy. I told him that I would much rather know and be prepared than be caught off guard and surprised. I hate surprises .....unless they come with cake......and I don't think my boss is going to give me a cake!

Truktek2 · #14 09-03-2010, 06:01 PM

Just one more reason not to be loyal to companies. Sorry dude, hope it all works out.

Pilgrim · #15 09-03-2010, 06:12 PM

Why don't you apply for it and see what happens?

Thunderscreech · #16 09-03-2010, 06:12 PM

1. Apply for your own job
2. list current company as your experience.
3. do it for the lulz
4. ????
5. PROFIT

Axtman · #17 09-03-2010, 06:20 PM

If I apply for my own job they may reject me saying that I am not qualified.

But seriously, if I apply for my own job it will indicated to them that I am looking around for another job and thus giving them more of a reason to show me the door. I am not looking for a new job and would prefer to stay where I am at.

Maybe at my meeting on Tuesday I will not even mention that I know they are looking to replace me. Instead I may keep it vague like, "I understand there have been some talk about my performance."

Hookus · #18 09-03-2010, 06:21 PM

That would be priceless if your boss was a member here, and saw you talking trash,...

Anyway, no reprimands = no cause to be fired. Check labor laws in your state, it may be illegal to be fired without just cause. Regardless, if they are indeed planning on canning you, definitely be proactive in looking for a new home, obviously this job is not going to pan out in the long, middle, or even short run for you if it is indeed true.

shadowmac · #19 09-03-2010, 06:49 PM

Here is a fun, fantastic scenario...
Hit the comparable companies hard with resumes and make yourself really stand out as a specialist and as an asset. Sell yourself: you are an ambitious, talented worker and though your current job is great you want to be challenged or want the opportunity to advance. Talk $ if the opportunity for an interview arrises (remember an interview goes both ways - you are interviewing them too) and get a bump from your current salary plus an extra perk or two like tuition reimbursement (whether you plan to use it or not). Their interest in you will be based on excellent experience, work ethic and ambition. Get the job offer and then go to your boss/ company and tell them that you've found a better gig. Ideally, based on your specialization, they will not have found a replacement and they need you. Mention the pay and the perks of the other job. Wouldn't it be a great position to be in to have your boss (even though he hates it) have to offer you more to stay.

Fantasy? I say no...I did it once. It was my first "real" job after graduated from college. I did the above based on a suggestion from my uncle. I got an offer from another company, I went back to my boss and I got a raise that matched the offer and then, I went back to the company I interviewed with as leverage told them I was unable to accept and I got another even better offer. At that point, I told my employer that I felt I had to make the move for better $ and opportunity, but that I appreciated the time and experience with the company (even though I hated every minute of my last year there) - never burn your bridges...you may need those rat-bastards someday!

Good luck!

KeithBMI · #20 09-03-2010, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thunderscreech

1. Apply for your own job
2. list current company as your experience.
3. do it for the lulz
4. ????
5. PROFIT

The one and only time I will agree with Thunderscreech. Think of the lulz, man!