Just in case

Youdontseeme

I have been in my job for four years; I am a PA to MD. (Nearly 20 years experience).

About 6 months ago, we employed an admin assistant, who most people’s opinion is rather rubbish, I think she is ok, bit slow, but my MD likes her.

The past 3 months have been rather tough and there are rumblings of redundancies coming up.

I get paid a lot more than her (she is older than me if it makes a difference) and if needs be, could do her job, I was doing it all before she got hired, whereas, she would struggle with mine.

I get on great with my boss, but he seems to have a real soft spot for this other lady, no funny business (at least I hope not!) he's just a bit of a teddy bear and well if there are redundancies ,what if it is me and not her?


Would I have any recall over that?

I know it’s a lot of “what if’s” but its playing on my mind.


I am not against going at all, I would just like to get the facts straight in my head so I'm not surprised if anything happens.



Thanks
YDSM

mazinmouse

Can't really offer any opinion. As you say, it's a lot of 'what ifs' and crystal balls are in short supply! Having worked with cuts and redundancies rumoured and hanging over everything, all you can do is assess your own circumstances and your options. Being prepared for the worst and knowing what you can do should the worst happen is all you can do until you have concrete information. I know I am stating the obvious here.

Re whether it would be you or the assistant to go.. that is another case for the crystal ball but, again, trying to second guess everything can wear you down.

Re your boss potentially favouring the assistant. Might it be the case that your boss is aware of the assistant's shortcomings but rather than tackling the difficult matter of her performance is avoiding it and being extra 'nice' instead.. (I have done that myself when we had to let someone go because they weren't really up to the job and I was dreading telling them, and in the run up to doing the deed I found myself overcompensating).

getmore4less

Who does your job when you are on holiday/sick?

Youdontseeme

Thanks for the replies, I do realise it it's tricky without a crystal ball!

When I'm on holiday the MD gets his wife in, when off sick she does the urgent stuff (my boss cant even turn a PC on let alone send his own emails) anything else is left in a nice big pile for when I get back

I seem to be over thinking this far too much, I guess some of it is wishful thinking, as I am desperate to go back home and redundancy with a half decent package would give me a chance.

All seems so trivial down on paper but a lot of office politics rubbish going on too I know I not the most popular with someone who would have a big say in the decision.

getmore4less

Find out what the redundancy packages are if thta is key to being able to leave and then decide how liked you need to be.


Looks like if the boss get his wife in then no problem from the new admin assistant yet.

Raksha

YDSM, I just wanted to say good luck how ever it works out, I've been in that position of not knowing for a few months, and it stinks - hope it works out ok for you.

sagalout1954

He'd have to pay you redundancy, but not her. You can do your own AND her job, but she can't do yours (I presume, as she hasn't so far).

I think your only worry would have been if the MD's wife did ALL your work while you were off, then I'd be concerned that she might be brought in to ease the financial crisis by saving your salary.

Stop the negative speculating before you give yourself a stress induced heart attack!!

Youdontseeme

Thank you all for your replies.

I dont think the wife would do it full time, she's not that keen, and also has her own (doing very well) company which means she is in and out of the country all the time.

I'm not stressed out about it, well no more than I am about everything else lol

I was kind of thinking along the lines if they chose to keep her I would be able to say "thats not very fair, but give me a few months wages and i'll go quietly" which, would be my dream situation! although giving the current climate it sounds very ungrateful