Member Questions

Ask a question

My current company is going through some changes and I am concerned my job will be phased out. My boss assures me that will not happen but I am still worried. I was recently approached by another department to join their team once some additional positions open up next month. What would you do? Would you move over to the other team or would you wait it out and see if you can hold your boss to their word?”

Asked by Jess on 8th February 2008 | 7 replies

Leave answer

7 replies so far...

Just Elaine is right on the money.

Your boss could be
1) simply keeping you happy until the axe drops
2) not know what's going on with your job or their own for that matter.

I think you should dust off your resume (actually your resume should be interview ready at all times / updated once a month) and also seriously consider moving to the other team.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Uhura on 11th February 2008
It's always good to keep your options open. No one can really promise you any kind of job security. Unfortunately, this is extremely common these days. You have to do what is right for you.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by April Mims, Career Coach on 11th February 2008
This just happened in my office. A good friend was hired under the impression that she was going to have "job sceurity" She even asked the managers the day of her interview "what will happen to me when or if the person I work for leaves the office?" The managers assured her that she would not be let go and they would find another place in the office for her to work. Well a few months after she started working, the person she worked with found another job offer and left. Shortly after this person turned in her notice, my friend asked the managers what will happen to her, and again they told her they would find something for her to do. About a week later, they let her know that they would be letting her go because they could "not afford to keep her."

If there is any rumor or doubt in your mind about your job security, update your resume right away and always be on the lookout for another opportunity. I agree with Nanna, your boss may seem genuine, but their intentions in the long run may not be the same as yours.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by babs on 8th February 2008
I've worked were I am since December of 2001. I was tapped in December 2006 telling me my job was at risk and then I heard again this past December that 28% of the department were facing lay offs. I was spared in December 2006 and legislation I believe saved my position this time.

It's not comforting in the least. I think you should be updating your resume and checking out other possible positions. If something grabs your fancy go for it. I agree with Nanna while your boss might have the best of intentions his job is to keep the share holders happy and the company in the black.

Your the only one that can look out for yourself.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Mary Jane on 8th February 2008
do you like the job with the other team? would you be interested in it if it came up and you werent concerned about a phase out? your boss only knows what his bosses are telling him. if you arent thrilled with the other optoins or it is a step backwards, i would start putting that resume together and looking at this as an opportunity to see what else is out there! you have time since your boss said you aren't being phased out, so if you dont find anything then you stay, if you find something that makes your heart skip a beat then GO FOR IT :) sometimes we get comfortable and forget to look around and see what else is available that might get us motiviated again! maybe this is your motivation to look around?

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Kate on 8th February 2008
In my opinion, you should start looking for another job. Your boss will tell you anything to keep you happy and in truth, he/she may not even know what's going to happen and has probably been told to reassure everyone regardless of what happens. I'd look around and find another just in case. Good luck!

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Just Elaine on 8th February 2008
You take care of yourself first. While your boss may have the best of intentions, things happen and loyalty to you is not paramount to keeping his business in the black. Speaking from experience!

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Nanna on 8th February 2008