Been offered a job which is perfect but manager a nightmare? help.

[fufflebum]

I have been offered a job which on the surface seems perfect, flexible hours and days in a tutoring capacity, however I have met with manager a couple of times and she keeps moving the goal posts. Eg last week she told me one set of arrangements for learners and this week she has changed it again.

I know that the number of students is too much for the hours I can work and there are time pressure on them to complete course work. My manager says this is not a problem, but based on obs of other people working with her I know it will be. It is a contract that enables me to claim for the hours I work so I am not locked in but being a professional and diligent worker I want to do a good job but know this is not going to happen due to numbers and time limitations.

I have just come from a meeting with her and want to say that I have changed my mind I do not want no do this because I can see that once I get engrossed the will be no going back.

I don't think this is beginners nerves as I have just returned to work as every time I meet with her I have this feeling.

I feel so lucky to have this opportunity but am concerned it is a poisoned chalice.Any advice?

[Moominsarehippos]

What's she like as a person? Flakey or dodgy? Can you handle her either way? What are the HR people like there? Is the job spec in writing so that you are signing what you agree to?

If you are they type of person who can keep a written record of everything and handle people well, then go for it.

[fuzzywuzzy]

I wouldn't do it. Keep looking for a better fit, this job clearly isn't it. She's offered you what she knows will reel you in but the actual job is not what has been initially offered.

[Notquitegrownup]

I would go with your gut instinct. It may be that once you resign - particularly if you are very clear about your reasons - then she will reconsider, but if not, you will have had a lucky escape.

[Underherthumb]

Get it all in writing.

Typically, you'd do this by writing minutes for a meeting - it's normal practise to e-mail these to your manager (can you confirm that the attached is what we agreed ...). Keep it factual - bullet points are your friend. Distance yourself from the emotional impact if you can, because it's the performance goals that are important here; the clearer they are stated the better.

This often sorts things out but if the goalposts do keep changing and you have records that support this then you need to have a sit down (clear the air meeting) either with your manager, your union rep (if applicable) or her manager. You are allowed to bring someone of your choice to this type of meeting, be it spouse or union rep or HR or friend. Suggest you approach it with a 'willing but need consistent direction' approach.

Don't feel you are being confrontational or upsetting the apple cart. You're not. Goalposts can change quickly depending on what sector you work in but if they are changing all the time without good reason then at the very least you are entitled to an explanation.

[fufflebum]

She is not qualified to to do the job she is employed to do and keeps underplaying what needs to be done and then changing her mind.

They are desperate for someone and need a person to fill a spot as it is my first time doing this job want to do it well.

[PigletJohn]

don't do it.

The boss is what makes a job unbearable.

I once had one who was so awful that people in a lower grade wouldn't accept promotions because it meant working for him.

I spent over a year job-hunting.

[sarahthesolicitor]

I'd bow out gracefully now. Your gut feeling is usually right.

[fufflebum]

thanks for the replies.

I have been feeling really guilty about it all day today as if I am letting myself and the manager and learners down by leaving it.

I knew this is what would happen. I have emailed my manager and she wants to discuss things with me.

[sarahthesolicitor]

What's happening fufflebum?

[fufflebum]

I spoke with my manager and bowed out.

Felt really good at the time as a few revelations when I spoke with her which confirmed my concerns. I am just frustrated as hours were really flexible but manager could make the job unbearable.

Sad to lose the contract and students ......