Go to The crazy lady strikes again
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Another clue --
if they suddenly assign duties you hate. In corporate jobs, the bottom line is profit, and anyone who costs the company extra dollars by mistakes or dawdling can expect the door to smack 'em in the back on the way out. In a state agency, or a university, the rules of bureaucracy apply. Once an employee has made it through the probationary period (usually 6 months) and been signed on full time, it's almost impossible to fire even the worst slacker. But when the time comes for performance review -- the supervisor doesn't want to get sued. So s/he evaluates the employee as mediocre, one or two good points, many points needing room for improvement. And whispers go out through various departments: this employee is a problem. There are hints, innuendos, and it's hard to tell if the employee is really bad, or if someone is envious. The problem is, the supervisor will spread the same crap about a very efficient and productive employee at the drop of a hat. If you work very hard, take on more than you have to, can always be counted on in a pinch -- you'll be held onto by your supervisor, because you make the super's life bearable. If you're low- to mid-level management in a bureaucracy and they want to get rid of you, the powers that be will assign difficult, no-win projects and/or transfer some slack-off into your care. They'll tell you a week before your vacation they can't spare you now, they'll move your section to a dingy, airless office. You'll be ignored in meetings. Eventually, you'll get the hint.
posted by
Pat_B
on August 8, 2006 at 7:14 AM
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