How to get out of an un-winnable work situation
November 28, 2014 3:59 AM Subscribe
Asking for a friend: I feel I'm being taken advantage of at work - being asked repeatedly to act for months at a time in a higher-duties role that I aspire to... with no compensation. And I keep being overlooked for the permanent position.
I work as a deputy editor for a daily newspaper in Australia.
The paper has had a really difficult time recruiting and retaining editors - we have had several last just a few months before resigning.
I have therefore been acting editor for approx 11 weeks in 2013, followed by another stint of about 12-13 weeks in early 2014 and ANOTHER stint that started in October this year and is expected to continue until approximately March - or about another four months. There's not an end date in sight.
It works out to about 10-11 months in two years, if that March date is accurate.
I have previously applied for the editors role twice (following those previous period as acting) and been told I was their "second choice" but someone with more management experience "pipped me to the post".
I am NOT getting paid higher duties allowance for this time. I have also cancelled significant periods of leave so that the company can continue to run.
This time around, they are "holding off" on appointing a new editor until March because the company is expected to have a new general manager then, and he is meant to have a 50% say in who the editor is.
My director, who has the other 50% say, says I've proven I can do the editorial side of things (ie, put out a great newspaper - as shown by a 4% circulation increase last time I was in charge)... but I need to prove to him that I can manage the newsroom appropriately if I am to get his support when the new GM is appointed.
A third party - the director's 2IC essentially - told me today they are worried that the newsroom is very negative at the moment and still "I need to prove" my ability to manage the situation.
The negativity is due to the fact they've had really high turnover (four editors in two years, for a start) and because we are operating at about 60-70% of our usual staffing levels... but that's irrelevant, really.
I have had no written communication - in fact ANY communication until today - saying my management performance is sub par. Following each failed application for the editor's job, I have been simply told I need more management experience. There was no communication during the previous stints as acting editor that my management wasn't up to scratch.
I have undergone management training and any concrete advice that has been given, I have taken fully on board. But it's pretty clear to me that the upper management doesn't support me, and frankly, I'm at my wits end. I'm working minimum 12 hour days trying to keep the place afloat, and there is literally no-one in the building who would step up and take my place.
I feel like I am never going to be good enough. I can actually accept that - maybe I'm not management material - but then why do they keep putting me in the job? I can't even see a way out, other than quitting.
MeFi, what would you do?
I work as a deputy editor for a daily newspaper in Australia.
The paper has had a really difficult time recruiting and retaining editors - we have had several last just a few months before resigning.
I have therefore been acting editor for approx 11 weeks in 2013, followed by another stint of about 12-13 weeks in early 2014 and ANOTHER stint that started in October this year and is expected to continue until approximately March - or about another four months. There's not an end date in sight.
It works out to about 10-11 months in two years, if that March date is accurate.
I have previously applied for the editors role twice (following those previous period as acting) and been told I was their "second choice" but someone with more management experience "pipped me to the post".
I am NOT getting paid higher duties allowance for this time. I have also cancelled significant periods of leave so that the company can continue to run.
This time around, they are "holding off" on appointing a new editor until March because the company is expected to have a new general manager then, and he is meant to have a 50% say in who the editor is.
My director, who has the other 50% say, says I've proven I can do the editorial side of things (ie, put out a great newspaper - as shown by a 4% circulation increase last time I was in charge)... but I need to prove to him that I can manage the newsroom appropriately if I am to get his support when the new GM is appointed.
A third party - the director's 2IC essentially - told me today they are worried that the newsroom is very negative at the moment and still "I need to prove" my ability to manage the situation.
The negativity is due to the fact they've had really high turnover (four editors in two years, for a start) and because we are operating at about 60-70% of our usual staffing levels... but that's irrelevant, really.
I have had no written communication - in fact ANY communication until today - saying my management performance is sub par. Following each failed application for the editor's job, I have been simply told I need more management experience. There was no communication during the previous stints as acting editor that my management wasn't up to scratch.
I have undergone management training and any concrete advice that has been given, I have taken fully on board. But it's pretty clear to me that the upper management doesn't support me, and frankly, I'm at my wits end. I'm working minimum 12 hour days trying to keep the place afloat, and there is literally no-one in the building who would step up and take my place.
I feel like I am never going to be good enough. I can actually accept that - maybe I'm not management material - but then why do they keep putting me in the job? I can't even see a way out, other than quitting.
MeFi, what would you do?
This is a frustrating situation, to be doing the best job you think possible and have no support. You have all the responsibility and none of the respect that comes with it.
I think they are aware that you will do what needs to be done, but will never offer you the position. Why should they? Managers come and go and you are there to pick up the pieces.
Meanwhile until March they save the cost of an additional staffer's pay.
Cut your losses. There might be somewhere that your talents will be used better. Staff morale is pretty hard to improve when faced with management that abuses the goodwill of their employees.
Leave.
posted by moonlily at 4:19 AM on November 28, 2014 [7 favorites]
I think they are aware that you will do what needs to be done, but will never offer you the position. Why should they? Managers come and go and you are there to pick up the pieces.
Meanwhile until March they save the cost of an additional staffer's pay.
Cut your losses. There might be somewhere that your talents will be used better. Staff morale is pretty hard to improve when faced with management that abuses the goodwill of their employees.
Leave.
posted by moonlily at 4:19 AM on November 28, 2014 [7 favorites]
They've shown they're willing to string you along indefinitely. I would look for another position, and based on how that goes, either just quit, or say "give me the job or I quit". I don't see them changing their stance unless you have leverage.
posted by crocomancer at 4:20 AM on November 28, 2014 [6 favorites]
posted by crocomancer at 4:20 AM on November 28, 2014 [6 favorites]
By stepping up and bending over backwards to do what needs to be done, you are proving not that you are capable and reliable, but that you are not a leader. You are a team player, not a coach. Having you fill in allows them to maintain status quo because you know what needs to be done and you'll ensure it gets done (by doing it yourself).
The person they want to lead the newsroom is someone who would negotiate a salary bump before taking on interim duties. They would never postpone their vacation; they would delegate duties among newsroom staff and be available by phone/email.
I'm working minimum 12 hour days trying to keep the place afloat, and there is literally no-one in the building who would step up and take my place.
It is not your job to keep the place afloat. It is the executive team's job to do that. That you are willing to do that without the promotion and compensation that go with it are proof to them that you are not the person they want to lead the newsroom.
(Also with that kind of turnover and by deferring indefinitely until an unknown new GM comes on board - they've proven to you that they don't even know how they want the newsroom to be led. I would be wary - that kind of deference means big changes are in the works, esp. these days in the newspaper biz.)
posted by headnsouth at 4:22 AM on November 28, 2014 [45 favorites]
The person they want to lead the newsroom is someone who would negotiate a salary bump before taking on interim duties. They would never postpone their vacation; they would delegate duties among newsroom staff and be available by phone/email.
I'm working minimum 12 hour days trying to keep the place afloat, and there is literally no-one in the building who would step up and take my place.
It is not your job to keep the place afloat. It is the executive team's job to do that. That you are willing to do that without the promotion and compensation that go with it are proof to them that you are not the person they want to lead the newsroom.
(Also with that kind of turnover and by deferring indefinitely until an unknown new GM comes on board - they've proven to you that they don't even know how they want the newsroom to be led. I would be wary - that kind of deference means big changes are in the works, esp. these days in the newspaper biz.)
posted by headnsouth at 4:22 AM on November 28, 2014 [45 favorites]
If I were working in an industry that was alive and thriving, I'd get a better job, citing my editorial experience.
But it's a newspaper. Good luck with that.
How about this time around you DON'T accept the 'Acting Editor' position. "I really enjoyed working as the acting editor the past two times, and frankly, I'd like to be the editor of this paper. However, given that I've worked like a a navvy hoping to earn the position and twice I've been disappointed by being passed over, I think I'll give it a miss this time.
If you started out there in a very junior position, they may always see you that way. We've all been there and until you assert yourself, they won't respect you enough to consider you seriously.
You, they know, they know your weaknesses and they always think they can do better. So they go out and hire another person, and for whatever reason they're disappointed in that person's performance, or that person realizes that they've been given an impossible job, or for whatever reason they bail on the job.
It's really screwed up.
So look for a better job, one with more responsibility and leave this behind. They will never appreciate you, and continuing to beat your head against the wall will only give you a headache.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 4:25 AM on November 28, 2014 [15 favorites]
But it's a newspaper. Good luck with that.
How about this time around you DON'T accept the 'Acting Editor' position. "I really enjoyed working as the acting editor the past two times, and frankly, I'd like to be the editor of this paper. However, given that I've worked like a a navvy hoping to earn the position and twice I've been disappointed by being passed over, I think I'll give it a miss this time.
If you started out there in a very junior position, they may always see you that way. We've all been there and until you assert yourself, they won't respect you enough to consider you seriously.
You, they know, they know your weaknesses and they always think they can do better. So they go out and hire another person, and for whatever reason they're disappointed in that person's performance, or that person realizes that they've been given an impossible job, or for whatever reason they bail on the job.
It's really screwed up.
So look for a better job, one with more responsibility and leave this behind. They will never appreciate you, and continuing to beat your head against the wall will only give you a headache.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 4:25 AM on November 28, 2014 [15 favorites]
This may come out a bit cynical but...with the sea changes in print and digital media, everyone is looking for rainmakers. Churn at the top is getting worse and worse because not only is it hard today to make everything come together, what works this quarter -- for revenue, for audience share, for speed to story, for digital assets, for tech -- isn't necessarily going to work a year from now.
From the executive position, if you were a rainmaker you would be making rain. You're not, you're holding it together and I commend you. I suggest you let go of the hopes to be promoted to the top job. Also, as noted, they know you. You are not new and shiny.
If not, if you really want to be the next guy who gets blamed for the actual landscape being a desert, then you might have one shot by putting together a Kick Ass Plan for bringing reader/viewership up while making more profit, and do lunch with the top guys. You will need an explanation for why you didn't do that before. Only you know if this is your heart's dream.
Nos morituri te salutamus, my colleague.
posted by warriorqueen at 6:37 AM on November 28, 2014 [5 favorites]
From the executive position, if you were a rainmaker you would be making rain. You're not, you're holding it together and I commend you. I suggest you let go of the hopes to be promoted to the top job. Also, as noted, they know you. You are not new and shiny.
If not, if you really want to be the next guy who gets blamed for the actual landscape being a desert, then you might have one shot by putting together a Kick Ass Plan for bringing reader/viewership up while making more profit, and do lunch with the top guys. You will need an explanation for why you didn't do that before. Only you know if this is your heart's dream.
Nos morituri te salutamus, my colleague.
posted by warriorqueen at 6:37 AM on November 28, 2014 [5 favorites]
Like other people have said, working like a dog without getting anything in return kills management's respect for you.
If they're going through editors like Kleenex I'm not sure why you want the position. Sounds like a crappy place to work from top to bottom.
I don't know why you want to keep working here at all. Maybe it's like RB says and there's nothing better out there. In which case it is very unlikely things will ever get better where you are.
If there's better options out there, jump. If there's nothing better out there, I'd take that seriously and think about a better career track for the long run.
posted by mattu at 6:43 AM on November 28, 2014
If they're going through editors like Kleenex I'm not sure why you want the position. Sounds like a crappy place to work from top to bottom.
I don't know why you want to keep working here at all. Maybe it's like RB says and there's nothing better out there. In which case it is very unlikely things will ever get better where you are.
If there's better options out there, jump. If there's nothing better out there, I'd take that seriously and think about a better career track for the long run.
posted by mattu at 6:43 AM on November 28, 2014
Nope. If you were remotely their pick, they would have picked you by now. One instance of "Well, you did okay as the Acting, but we want to try a more manager-y type..." is excusable on their part -- write it off to experimentation. Two instances is as near as they can get to telling you, "It's never going to be you," because there will always be someone with "more management experience" or who can "change the culture" or whatever. You have had a two-year-plus job interview and have been found wanting.
So you have two choices:
posted by Etrigan at 6:47 AM on November 28, 2014 [14 favorites]
So you have two choices:
- Stay in place and resign yourself to being the "temporary editor" over and over again, probably without ever getting paid for it.
- Walk into the director's office on Monday and say, "I don't care if you hire someone else in March, but in the meantime, if you won't pay me as the editor, I'm not going to perform the duties of the editor. I'll be at my old desk doing my old job if you have anything further you'd like to say to me."
posted by Etrigan at 6:47 AM on November 28, 2014 [14 favorites]
They are using you.
Quit ASAP.
Do ONLY the job you are being compensated for.
Use the rest of your time to find another job.
posted by jbenben at 7:18 AM on November 28, 2014 [7 favorites]
Quit ASAP.
Do ONLY the job you are being compensated for.
Use the rest of your time to find another job.
posted by jbenben at 7:18 AM on November 28, 2014 [7 favorites]
Take your leave time that you had cancelled and use it to find another job, because this one isn't going to go anywhere.
posted by jeather at 7:37 AM on November 28, 2014 [5 favorites]
posted by jeather at 7:37 AM on November 28, 2014 [5 favorites]
I'm a former newsroom boss, and I'm guessing your workplace isn't unionized, which is too bad for you. It's totally normal for your newsroom to want you to fill in for the top job, even for many months, but you should be getting step-up pay automatically when you do it -- usually a 5-10% salary bump. If it's not in a collective agreement though then yeah, it sounds like you're out of luck. It might have been possible to negotiate an increase the first time, but that ship has now sailed.
Also, I agree your newsroom doesn't sound great, if editors are bailing. That's not surprising: the industry's in a crisis, and the jobs are getting worse not better.
You're not going to get the top job at your paper. That might be because you don't have the chops, or just because they've gotten used to seeing you as the deputy. News deputies hardly ever get promoted. It doesn't mean you're not good. (Are you a woman? This is especially true for women: we are often see as great team players and 2ICs --perfect deputy material-- but passed over for top jobs.)
I'd look for a new job (the top job) leveraging your experience where you are now. You can say to potential employers that you've done the work for many months at your current place, and you're ready to move up. You don't need to worry too much about not getting the top job where you are: instead, focus on telling prospective employers why you like their shop -- because it's a bigger paper, has good morale, better location for news, whatever.
I would continue filling in while you job-hunt though. Not filling in would seem weird and burn bridges, affecting your search. Good luck!
posted by Susan PG at 10:46 AM on November 28, 2014 [6 favorites]
Also, I agree your newsroom doesn't sound great, if editors are bailing. That's not surprising: the industry's in a crisis, and the jobs are getting worse not better.
You're not going to get the top job at your paper. That might be because you don't have the chops, or just because they've gotten used to seeing you as the deputy. News deputies hardly ever get promoted. It doesn't mean you're not good. (Are you a woman? This is especially true for women: we are often see as great team players and 2ICs --perfect deputy material-- but passed over for top jobs.)
I'd look for a new job (the top job) leveraging your experience where you are now. You can say to potential employers that you've done the work for many months at your current place, and you're ready to move up. You don't need to worry too much about not getting the top job where you are: instead, focus on telling prospective employers why you like their shop -- because it's a bigger paper, has good morale, better location for news, whatever.
I would continue filling in while you job-hunt though. Not filling in would seem weird and burn bridges, affecting your search. Good luck!
posted by Susan PG at 10:46 AM on November 28, 2014 [6 favorites]
God this pisses me off just reading about it.
Just Nthing the things other people said that I think are important:
- Ask for a pay raise and "acting editor" title until new editor is found.
- If they say no, politely decline taking on additional editor duties. Be ready to walk if they say you can't decline. But honestly, that would be a great opening for a real Come To Jesus meeting that seems long overdue. And I know that this is easy for me to say, sitting on my couch on the other side of the world, but I'm not seeing a downside to telling your mgmt exactly what you've written above. They may fire you. Or they may consider firing you, but if you're gone, they're double-fucked, aren't they? Or maybe your willingness to confront them over their bullshit might make you a more viable choice for editor.
- My guess is that they'll take several days to make up their minds, so either look for a new job full-time or do your basic deputy-editor job and look for a new job part-time.
Or - if you simply can't afford to be unemployed ... You should still begin actively looking for a new job. Frankly, it sounds like the business is beginning to founder (and has shit management, besides) - you should get out of there. Are you still in touch with those editors who quit? Maybe you should take one of them out to lunch and talk.
posted by doctor tough love at 12:30 PM on November 28, 2014 [3 favorites]
Just Nthing the things other people said that I think are important:
- Ask for a pay raise and "acting editor" title until new editor is found.
- If they say no, politely decline taking on additional editor duties. Be ready to walk if they say you can't decline. But honestly, that would be a great opening for a real Come To Jesus meeting that seems long overdue. And I know that this is easy for me to say, sitting on my couch on the other side of the world, but I'm not seeing a downside to telling your mgmt exactly what you've written above. They may fire you. Or they may consider firing you, but if you're gone, they're double-fucked, aren't they? Or maybe your willingness to confront them over their bullshit might make you a more viable choice for editor.
- My guess is that they'll take several days to make up their minds, so either look for a new job full-time or do your basic deputy-editor job and look for a new job part-time.
Or - if you simply can't afford to be unemployed ... You should still begin actively looking for a new job. Frankly, it sounds like the business is beginning to founder (and has shit management, besides) - you should get out of there. Are you still in touch with those editors who quit? Maybe you should take one of them out to lunch and talk.
posted by doctor tough love at 12:30 PM on November 28, 2014 [3 favorites]
I'm going to 2nd headnsouth that they don't see you as an Acting Editor. You're what you always were, just making do without an Editor. They have been pretty clear without outright saying it, that you're not really what they're looking for, unless the new director for some reason feels strongly about having you.
Commonly (although I can't tell without being there), this is a symptom of your big-picture vision (or success in communicating it.) You're an expert at keeping the wheels from falling off and the engine running. They want a driver.
Assuming that's true, *I* would definitely start having conversations about what the organization IS, and what I think it SHOULD be. What should we change? Why? And I don't mean small things like the paper should be closer to the copiers. I mean, what are we even DOING here? How can we help the customers better?
I'd be wanting to paint the picture that if you pick me, I've got a f'ing PLAN. Ohh yes. I'm going to F this place up and make it AWESOME. Not just keep the status quo statusing.
(Ideally, you'd be able to explain these Ideas, and they wouldn't be too insane, just drastic and dramatic.)
posted by ctmf at 12:35 PM on November 28, 2014 [1 favorite]
Commonly (although I can't tell without being there), this is a symptom of your big-picture vision (or success in communicating it.) You're an expert at keeping the wheels from falling off and the engine running. They want a driver.
Assuming that's true, *I* would definitely start having conversations about what the organization IS, and what I think it SHOULD be. What should we change? Why? And I don't mean small things like the paper should be closer to the copiers. I mean, what are we even DOING here? How can we help the customers better?
I'd be wanting to paint the picture that if you pick me, I've got a f'ing PLAN. Ohh yes. I'm going to F this place up and make it AWESOME. Not just keep the status quo statusing.
(Ideally, you'd be able to explain these Ideas, and they wouldn't be too insane, just drastic and dramatic.)
posted by ctmf at 12:35 PM on November 28, 2014 [1 favorite]
As others have mentioned, I would
1. Make sure I take all leave I am entitled to
2. Tell them that you respect their evaluation that you are not doing a good job as an acting editor and that you can not in good conscience accept to do a job for which you are not qualified according to their feedback. Stand firm on that, and make sure that you do not take *any* duty that an acting editor would do.
3. Look for other jobs - to be on the safe side.
Sometimes, taking a stand is enough for people to take a second look and realize that you are doing an acceptable job. If they do change their mind, do not accept to take the job of editor unless it comes with a significant salary increase.
posted by aroberge at 1:31 PM on November 28, 2014 [2 favorites]
1. Make sure I take all leave I am entitled to
2. Tell them that you respect their evaluation that you are not doing a good job as an acting editor and that you can not in good conscience accept to do a job for which you are not qualified according to their feedback. Stand firm on that, and make sure that you do not take *any* duty that an acting editor would do.
3. Look for other jobs - to be on the safe side.
Sometimes, taking a stand is enough for people to take a second look and realize that you are doing an acceptable job. If they do change their mind, do not accept to take the job of editor unless it comes with a significant salary increase.
posted by aroberge at 1:31 PM on November 28, 2014 [2 favorites]
And keep in mind that it's a daily newspaper, and those are having money issues left and right these days... if you haven't done so already, it might be a good time to discover what your equivalent lateral options are outside the print newspaper business.
And this may well be while those who are hired for the position jump ship so quick... the writing on the wall might be a little more obvious from their fully-hired-authority viewpoint.
posted by stormyteal at 3:50 PM on November 28, 2014 [1 favorite]
And this may well be while those who are hired for the position jump ship so quick... the writing on the wall might be a little more obvious from their fully-hired-authority viewpoint.
posted by stormyteal at 3:50 PM on November 28, 2014 [1 favorite]
I will add a positive followup to my original comment. I've been in a similar situation at my current position although I only applied for the management position once, and was ambivalent even then.
I didn't get the job but I'm definitely a better writer/editor/interviewer/outreach person than I am a project manager/strategist. And now I get to be left alone to write/edit/interview/reach out. The new C-suite exec and the person who ended up in "my" job both brought much-needed fresh ideas to the company. As a result, my work is going in new directions and I'm learning new skills that are necessary in this market. So definitely look around to see what your options are, but don't be discouraged - there are a lot of creative thinkers out there, and some of them are in management.
posted by headnsouth at 4:51 PM on November 28, 2014 [1 favorite]
I didn't get the job but I'm definitely a better writer/editor/interviewer/outreach person than I am a project manager/strategist. And now I get to be left alone to write/edit/interview/reach out. The new C-suite exec and the person who ended up in "my" job both brought much-needed fresh ideas to the company. As a result, my work is going in new directions and I'm learning new skills that are necessary in this market. So definitely look around to see what your options are, but don't be discouraged - there are a lot of creative thinkers out there, and some of them are in management.
posted by headnsouth at 4:51 PM on November 28, 2014 [1 favorite]
Lots of good advice here. I agree that you should polish up the cv and start looking at your options. You have gotten lots of good experience and can cite the 4 per cent increase as one of your achievements when talking about other jobs. If nothing else, proactively looking at other avenues will make you feel less trapped, and that will come through in your dealings with your current management. I would also suggest making professional networking a priority so you get your name out there. In work, as in dating, it is important to avoid giving the impression that you are putting all your eggs in one basket.
Also, have you spoken to any of the editors who have left? If you had good relationships with them, it might be worth taking them out for a drink (one on one) and finding out what they saw as the insurmountable problems with the job and the organization. They might also be able to direct you to some other promising opportunities.
I also agree with the suggestion that you should tell them you are taking the leave you have put off. A rest will give you better perspective and doing without you for a few weeks might make them realize how big your contribution really is.
Finally, I also agree that you have been given a clear indication of what they see as the problem that you need to address if you want the top job, ie the atmosphere in the newsroom. You could devote some time to assessing that situation, and reviewing what your real options are in tackling it. One serious issue might be the fact that you have been around for so long and are a known quantity, with a lot of historical baggage--fairly or unfairly-- attached to you. If you do decide that this is something you want to try to take on, I would suggest talking to a trusted mentor, and/or perhaps one of those former editors, to get advice on how to go about it. If you have a good relationship with some of the more respected "ringleaders" in the newsroom, you could talk to them about what it might take to change things. Then, once you have a sense of what you can do, talk to your manager about your plan and the support you will need.
The bottom line is that this does not seem to be a particularly well- run organization, though, and you need to assess the situation and act in your own best interests. They will continue to take advantage of you as long as they can, and it is up to you to decide if it is worth continuing to let them.
posted by rpfields at 4:37 AM on November 29, 2014 [1 favorite]
Also, have you spoken to any of the editors who have left? If you had good relationships with them, it might be worth taking them out for a drink (one on one) and finding out what they saw as the insurmountable problems with the job and the organization. They might also be able to direct you to some other promising opportunities.
I also agree with the suggestion that you should tell them you are taking the leave you have put off. A rest will give you better perspective and doing without you for a few weeks might make them realize how big your contribution really is.
Finally, I also agree that you have been given a clear indication of what they see as the problem that you need to address if you want the top job, ie the atmosphere in the newsroom. You could devote some time to assessing that situation, and reviewing what your real options are in tackling it. One serious issue might be the fact that you have been around for so long and are a known quantity, with a lot of historical baggage--fairly or unfairly-- attached to you. If you do decide that this is something you want to try to take on, I would suggest talking to a trusted mentor, and/or perhaps one of those former editors, to get advice on how to go about it. If you have a good relationship with some of the more respected "ringleaders" in the newsroom, you could talk to them about what it might take to change things. Then, once you have a sense of what you can do, talk to your manager about your plan and the support you will need.
The bottom line is that this does not seem to be a particularly well- run organization, though, and you need to assess the situation and act in your own best interests. They will continue to take advantage of you as long as they can, and it is up to you to decide if it is worth continuing to let them.
posted by rpfields at 4:37 AM on November 29, 2014 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
It doesn't mean you're not management material - these guys are using that as an excuse to not put you in that position. It's just an excuse. I don't know what their real reason is - and they're not going to tell you, because they don't want you to fix it, because they don't want to hire you for that position.
Your only shot is to tell them that you'd like an "Interim Editor" or "Acting Editor" title and pay until March, or you'll walk.
But you have to be able to walk.
A slight adjustment to that plan would be "I'd like the title and pay, but I won't be applying for the position in March."
Whomever they hire that gets a 50% stake in who the new editor is, is not going to choose the person they've rejected twice before. In fact, what they're saying is "we've had a hard time keeping editors. The next director we hire is going to have to bring an editor with him."
posted by vitabellosi at 4:19 AM on November 28, 2014 [22 favorites]