leaving a new job - notice letter

foreign_correspondent

Hello folks,

I need someone else's impartial viewpoint here.

I started a new part time job in february. It is one of three that I do, and although this one isnt great pay I was keen as it looked like an ideal post for me to compliment my other work.

To explain a little more, it is in a profession which I am very well qualified in, (to post-grad level) and have ten years experience and a proven track record of designing and managing projects. Most of my work is now teaching others to work in this field, but I wanted to do something to keep my practice skills up to date - so many people I have been taught by have become too removed from the day to day realities of the work, and I don't want that to happen to me.

The job description was all about 'self motivated, able to work on own initiative, with minimum supervision, creatively etc' - this is just up my street, I am very happy woring under my own initiative and just getting on with it. Projects I have set up in the past have been recognised at a national level.

However, since I started, 2 months ago, I have found that the job is not all I hoped. I am being managed by someone with less qualifications in than me, and no experience in my field - (this is not a problem in itself, I have been managed by people from other professions before, who have said 'you are the expert in this field, get on with it and let us know if you need any support') - however, this person is really limiting what I can do. She has cancelled some work I had lined up whilst I was away on Jury service, and had a meeting with my colleague at the same time in which the direction of the project was changed and our role limited.

I am increasingly frustrated and feeling that my professional judgement means nothing, as my decisions are overriden. There has been a problem regarding overcrowded work space, so I offered to move, and said I would be happy to be based anywhere, only to be told I need to stay where my line manager can keep an eye on me! I challenged this, saying that I had never had anyone feel the need to do this before in my career. I felt totally de-valued and mistrusted, and really very annoyed.

I have decided to hand my notice in, as I feel the work is mis-managed and the funding is not achieving all it could (by a long chalk) and I do not feel I can sanction or be party to this poor level of work.

My question is, I feel that this needs to be addressed at a higher level of the organisation, and I want to detail my reasons for leaving in my notice letter and CC it to the boss of the organisation.

I have never done this before, I have always, always left on excellent terms with my last employer, however, I feel as a professional that I almost have a duty to say something, and in addition I am very dissapointed that the organisation has produced a job description which does not tie in at all with what I am being asked to do.

What do you think? Is there really any good reason not to say anything and just put in a standard 'I have enjoyed my time here' letter? And after all, as I am leaving after such a short time should I not explain it so it doesn't just look like I am going for no reason?

LittleVoice

What is the size of the organisation and in what sector is it engaged?

foreign_correspondent

medium sized, public sector, why?

LittleVoice

foreign_correspondent wrote: »

medium sized, public sector, why?

It was your use of the word "funding" and I wondered whether it was public sector or a large charity.

If you don't really need to do the job to keep body and soul together, then get out certainly. It is better to do that than feel bad about your work situation.

Rather than writing a long resignation letter, I would write a standard short one (but don't lie by saying you have enjoyed your time there just keep it to the fact of giving them notice according to your contract). If the HR department is doing a reasonable job, they may well invite you to an exit interview. You could raise your issues at that time.

If you feel that they are wasting public money (which I would read your post as suggesting), then by all means if you are not getting the chance to express your views to HR, then write a letter to your boss's boss. Stress the effect on the work and not on how you are feeling.

If you really needed the job, then my advice might well be to raise a formal grievance and that is still an option for you.

foreign_correspondent

ok, clarification - it is not public money as such, but it is external funding which, used well, could really benefit some members of the community in a disadvantaged area. Used poorly it will have little or no impact at all, and they seem hell bent on using it poorly, mainly because they don't know enough to see why it is a poor use of the funds. They are also clearly determined not to listen to me, although i was appointed on the basis of my experience in this specific field.

No, I don't need the job - I could actually earn more elsewhere in the long term, and its a cut in wages from my last post, but closer to home, and I agree, no point in staying there in this situation. However, I am dissapointed that they mis-represented the job at interview and in the jd, person spec etc!

Can I ask why you don't think I should put the detail into my notice letter? I know its generally seen as 'not a good idea' but in this case I almost feel I need to let them know!

Scousebird_2

Write one letter for your manager and then one for HR-that's what I did in one of my previous jobs to highlight when I was unhappy in a role!

foreign_correspondent

Scousebird wrote: »

Write one letter for your manager and then one for HR-that's what I did in one of my previous jobs to highlight when I was unhappy in a role!

aha, which one went where, and why??

Scousebird_2

The standard 'it is with deep regret that I tender my resignation for new challenges' letter went to my manager, and the real reasons went to HR. It was a job I did where I didn't feel I was valued and I got treated like a piece of poo and things were being ignored that affected people and made life very difficult for people, so I decided to move onto something where I was going to be treated like the committed and hardworking person I am!

LittleVoice

I'm agreeing with Scousebird - 2 letters - one, a short resignation (just the minimum of giving whatever notice you are obliged to give but I wouldn't extend it with expressions of regret), and the other for HR (assuming they don't have formal exit interview) or your boss's boss if you think that may alert them to something about the management training needs of your boss (though, honestly, from what you say I don't see them changing - it will, in their eyes, be your not fitting in and going - proving they were right to keep a tight rein on you)

foreign_correspondent

LittleVoice wrote: »

I'm agreeing with Scousebird - 2 letters - one, a short resignation (just the minimum of giving whatever notice you are obliged to give but I wouldn't extend it with expressions of regret), and the other for HR (assuming they don't have formal exit interview) or your boss's boss if you think that may alert them to something about the management training needs of your boss (though, honestly, from what you say I don't see them changing - it will, in their eyes, be your not fitting in and going - proving they were right to keep a tight rein on you)

yeah, I do understand what you are saying, but I have the original job description, and the minutes of a recet meeting where the line manager gives instructions whish contradict the j.d. Also, I do not need them for references as I have two other jobs and I doubt our paths are that likely to cross in future, so I am still tempted to be open about my reasons. Also it is very unlike me to leave after such a short period and I almost feel the need to explain myself....
I will sleep on it, many thanks for your input LittleVoice and scoucebird!

Zazen999

Hi

I totally get where you are coming from, I used to work for a QUANGO and my goodness; what a shambles.

However, theoretically; if you disrespect your manager, then it infers that their manager isn't doing their job; which means you are disrespecting THEIR manager and so on up to the top; in these sorts of institutions - the incompetence is usually at all levels; and most people who do have an ounce of interest in changing things are well aware of the situation, but the set up prevents doing anything about it.

They probably want to keep an eye on you because you are the sharpest tool there!!!

Do you know the organisation and it's chief well enough to know at which level to pitch the reasons that you are going?

The only reasons that you would have not to spill the beans would be if working there would look good on your CV; and it would be good to have a reference from there; or if there is any chance that you might need them another time to assist your career.

If neither of these counts; then go for it - but it's a small world and sometimes you just have to leave people to get on with what they think it right - even if it is so wrong!

By the way - you don't actually have to say you ever enjoyed it - sometimes just a 'I am tendering my resignation and my last working day will be X ending the x days leave that I have outstanding' will do.