So a month ago I drove 5 hours away to interview for a promotional position. I didn’t get the job.
This week the folks in that area contacted me. They were very impressed with me during my interview. They chose someone else over me, not because that person is more qualified, but because they had already interviewed for a promotion three times.
Now they have an opening in their area for the same position I now hold, and they’d really like me to transfer down and work for them.
On the one hand, I’m flattered they were impressed with me.
But on the other, they weren’t impressed enough to hire me as a supervisor, yet they want me to move and do the same thing for them I’m doing now, with nothing more than a promise that maybe, just maybe, they’ll eventually promote me.
You know the worst part? They acted like there was something wrong with me when I said it wasn’t in my best interest to accept their offer. “What? We’re actually saying we’ll give you a chance, which is more than what your current leadership does, and you turn us down?”
And that’s true. My current boss doesn’t even think I’m competent enough to discuss my own work. Just last Saturday we were on a conference call and the son-of-a-bitch wouldn’t let me talk, and when I tried to be heard he talked over me. Of course Monday he went to a meeting and was told he had to work to retain his employees, so he’s now pretending to play nice. But at the same time he gave me work to do over my days off. I know the perceived niceness will last all of two weeks then will revert back to the same ole’ same ole’, and he’ll again treat me like I couldn’t even tie my shoes without using a GPS to find them first.
I’m not dumb enough to move and let someone else use me. I can stay right here and experience that.
Eventually I’ll find someone who sees the value in me as an employee.
But I’m not jumping from the frying pan to the fire to make that happen.

If the other place wants you enough, they will come up with an advancement opportunity.
Posted by Kate Crimmins | February 5, 2016, 6:37 PMYep. And if they don’t, it wasn’t worth it anyway.
Posted by rumpydog | February 5, 2016, 6:39 PMThat is the right attitude! You are awesome!
Posted by Kate Crimmins | February 6, 2016, 6:51 AMGood for you, that is what this job did to you!
Posted by Grandma | February 5, 2016, 8:48 PMOne of these days there will be jobs for people who want to help others but don’t have to put up with all this bullshit in the process.
Posted by rumpydog | February 7, 2016, 6:33 AMBest of luck! People never cease to amaze me ..
Posted by Julie@frogpondfarm | February 5, 2016, 11:20 PMAnd to think these are supposed to be social workers?
Posted by rumpydog | February 7, 2016, 6:33 AMSome people have a nerve. Reminds me of a local council asking its current employees to apply for the positions they already held. Now work that one out!!
Posted by pensitivity101 | February 6, 2016, 4:08 AMThat’s when they want to fire people. Sneaky bastards.
Posted by rumpydog | February 7, 2016, 6:34 AMGot it in one.
Posted by pensitivity101 | February 7, 2016, 8:24 AMGood for you being so strong! Whee are hoping you find the perfect job soon 🙂
Posted by hutchagoodlife | February 6, 2016, 5:01 AMthat sounds like: come to us, we have cookies! … butt you will get none :o( I’m sure this is a sign that this wasn’t the job you really will like … and I’m sure the really good job comes to you soon.
Posted by easyweimaraner | February 6, 2016, 6:07 AMSo it wasn’t worth the stress of moving hours away to do the same job in hopes of a better future? Yeah, I think that’s the sign of an intensely competent person.
Posted by somethingwagging | February 6, 2016, 9:28 AMSadly there is no room for competence in government.
Posted by rumpydog | February 7, 2016, 6:34 AMSmart cookie!
Posted by philosophermouseofthehedge | February 6, 2016, 4:50 PMBetter the devil you know than the one you don’t, I always say. 😉
Posted by Tails Around the Ranch | February 6, 2016, 10:00 PMTrue, and it costs less to stay put than to move.
Posted by rumpydog | February 7, 2016, 6:35 AMI’m keeping my fingers crossed that you’ll find a job that your great skills and talents will suitable!!! 🙂
Posted by eripanwkevin | February 7, 2016, 3:14 AMYou do right, I have worked for my fair share of idiot bosses and there is nothing worse, and I have to love that this new company haven’t realised that for you to change jobs would be a big thing. Hope you find someone who appreciates you soon
Posted by 25castleson25clouds (@25cson25cs) | February 23, 2016, 10:21 AM