Management being a bully

Posted by expat2006 (217 days ago)

I need your opinion on this please:
My immediate boss was sacked by the management who was my only buffer between me and them. I was recently told that there will be a replacement, but in the meantime bear all his responsibilities. It would have trebled my word load, but I will not be given any remuneration or any future career prospect. According to them, it was a way for me to prove my abilities, but I was not told what reward will come my way. When I refused, I was told I can leave the company. If I wanted to stay, my performance was to be monitored and I was expected to show some quick results to stay in the game. Either way, I stand to lose.
I have only recently changed my industry to a local contract. Previously, my progression was stipulated clearly. I want to ask you all - is it not a normal practice to state your expectations? I have encountered this situation twice now. Please don't think I am naiive. I know very well that the management is using me until they have found someone in their own sweet time. What I want to know from anyone of you is if there is a clever way of managing the situation. Is it just a simple choice of getting on with it until I find a new job or really it is not a done thing here and a lot of others have just managed more work with a shrug of a shoulder? After finding myself in the same situation twice over, I want to be prepared for the next time with a clever plan. The first time around, it was clear to me that to remain in the job, I had to take on the increased responsibilities. I put up with it until it became so unbearable that I just had to quit. Being badly burnt from my experiences, I clearly stated it this time around and was demanded a resignation.
What do you all say?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Posted by Tiger01 (217 days ago)

difficult
I replaced someone who wasnt performing (or underperforming) and by investing massive amounts of time re-organising, new systems, protocols etc,was able to bring the workload down significantly.

Was your previous supervisor efficient?
Perhaps see if you can be smart, sysyemise, outsource, delegate (squeeze other people?). Dont just think about it as diong yuor boesses job and yours, but absorb their responsibities and role, and show they dont need someone else. Dont know your situation though, perhaps it cant be done, but look carefully.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by expat2006 (216 days ago)

Thanks for your reply Tiger. I resigned anyways. It was a lot like blackmail. The thing was I actually wanted to take on all the responsibilities and fulfill them and didn't even wish to be paid. All I wanted to know was at the end of it all to be considered by some position or an acknowledgement or quite simply to know what that will mean for me. It was clear they wanted to use me and then when time comes for the new person to be instated.
I still remain unclear if there is a smarter way to deal with something like this. I am sure this will continue to happen. Especially if those who put you in this position know well that you can do the job. So you can't even pretend that you can't take over added responsibilities.
I am going to enjoy my holidays even more.

(I am based in Hong Kong)