........................

[suanz]

The story of my (work)life.....

Big client's Singapore office has been experiencing audio issues with our conferencing services. My company sends over our Australian representative who manages the client account.

The original deal was for 2 weeks but as the client suddenly requested for an extension of another week, and Aussie rep has to fly back as scheduled, it was decided that A who holds a managerial position in my office will have to take over for the remaining week.

Out of the blue, A's boss' boss' who is my boss' boss' boss' calls me (from here you can tell where I am in the food chain - below A). He starts the conversation with - Hi suanz, I'm now talking to you on my hands and knees....

Long story short - he wants me to go to the client's place instead. I was kinda surprised cos I know A was suppose to go, but I didn't ask him why the change in plans and accepted.

An email was sent out to related departments to notify the change of plans. Concerned fellow colleagues flock to my cubicle and started asking questions. I just shrugged and said "I dunno".

One of them said that I should have grown some balls and said no, cos it's not my job to do so. I was kinda taken aback. Reason - How the boss started the conversation (how do you reject that) and also I thought it'd be fun.

Apparently that's not how others see it. Their views vary between
a) I'm a doormat. I always say yes to my boss.
b) I'm just an executive, so should a person of my level be visiting clients??

And the question of the day - Did you ask him why A is not going?

Which I did not. Why? I dunno - I guess it's not my place to ask it, and even if I asked - he's not gonna tell me the truth. He'd probably give me some politically correct answers, no???

On top of that, My boss' boss' calls me and asked if I had any issues / questions / concerns (I can't remember the exact word he used.) I explained that I have yet to talk to the Aussie rep about the handover so I do not know if I should have any concerns yet. ????

Reason for this post - I'm beginning to feel yeah, maybe I'm allowing myself to be treated like a doormat. Do I not know how to say NO?? On the other hand, maybe it's because I don't care anymore? If my boss thinks I can do it, fine. I'll just do what I can. If I screw up, then too bad. I didn't volunteer, it's you who asked me to do it.

Since when did I become so pathetic / apathetic?? I can't even decide which one am I. Work sucks!!!!!

Think I'm a doormat too??? Let me know. I need a wake up call.

Comments

[kirathaune]

You'd be a doormat if you said yes when you didn't want to do it. If you were thinking, "Hmmm, could be fun" then why not? Also, sometimes it can pay off to do someone a favor.

[suanz]

I'm still figuring it out. Sigh.....

Nice icon!!! LOL!!

[kirathaune]

I had to do it... I just had to make that icon. XDDD

[samsarapine]

I agree with kirathuane: if you're interested, go for it! I don't know how your company works (or if you're even interested), but it may be a great opportunity to get recognized for going above and beyond, and may end up in a pay hike/promotion. At the very least, if it happens again and you like it, you've got a nice tool for negotiations. :)

(sorry for the re-post, my spelling sucks this morning)

[suanz]

No probs. My spelling sucks most of the time. LOL!!!

Ya, I am kinda keen to go. Thanks for the tip - I'll keep that in mind. Ha Ha Ha

[kansouame]

I agree with Pine. Maybe it will be one of those moments you can shine and show your boss that you deserve to be seen as a more capable person. It could be a good thing that they asked you to go. It's something they really need to happen right? Or your boss wouldn't have begged you to go?

Could it be your co-workers are jealous? Are any of them trusted friends that would be truthful with you? Lots of questions ne?

I say, you sound like you kind of want to go so just enjoy yourself and do your best. It could be a way into a raise or a promotion. Most bosses don't hand off important things to people they don't think they can trust to get the job done. You will be great!! *winks*

[suanz]

I dunno about the jealousy thing. No, they're just colleagues - not those I am close to or confide in. I suppose that should be enough reason for me enough not to take to heart.... Thanks for pointing that out.

Youre right. I'll just give it my v=best shot since I'm keen on it. Thanks!!!

[rroselavy]

You don't sound like a doormat to me. It sounds like the boss trusts you which, in turn, may mean a promotion/more money for you?

[suanz]

I won't hold my breath for that, but I do think I can handle the task.

Thank you!!

[swlover]

I agree with everyone else: Not a doormat. Like you said, you didn't volunteer so that must mean that the "boss's" "boss's" boss has faith in you. And, it never hurts to help somebody out; especially when they may be in a position to help you out sometime in the future.::shrugs:: My opinion, of course. I hope everything works out O.K.!

[suanz]

I hope so too.

*hugs*