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#1 Posted : 30 May 2008 09:43:00(UTC)
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Posted By ClaireL Or maybe I should say where are all the good jobs? Is is just restrictd to H&S jobs, because I am finding myself going from rubbish job to rubbish job? Either I find out the job isn't the one I was sold in the interview or the job ends up changing beyond what's tolerable? Surely there are some decent jobs out there but where are they? Am I the only one suffering this fate?
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#2 Posted : 30 May 2008 10:18:00(UTC)
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Posted By Ian G Hutchings Hi Claire Can you give some examples of the problems you are facing? Maybe you need to spend some time re-evaluating your own expectations and aspirations to ensure that you apply for the right jobs. Or is it the employers that are moving the goal posts or not supporting you when you get in there. There seems to be plenty of H&S jobs advertised, hopefully some are decent employers? Hope I can help. Ian
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#3 Posted : 30 May 2008 10:53:00(UTC)
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Posted By Lilian McCartney Hi Claire, Most jobs change when you get there it's difficult to pick up from interview exactly whats on offer, arm yourself with questions beforehand. If you're really unhappy and talks with your Manager can't help it will then depend on whether its bad enough to move on from. We all have bad days and really bad days but we all should have good days and feel we are doing something worthwhile. Sometimes its just good to have a rant and download to someone. As its a Friday and not wanting to be flippant about your post, this reminds me of a funny story i hope the mods let this go and this cheers you up a bit. An HR manager died and when she got to the pearly gates St Peter said that as her name wasn't down for heaven or hell she could have a choice but before making the choice she would spend 24 hours in each. So down to hell went the HR Manager and when she got there she was met by the hunkiest man, she was dressed in designer clothes, her mates were there and they were all partying and having loads of fun. 24 hours later she had to go up to heaven but found this quite boring - the peace and quiet, gentle music etc etc. After being there 24 hours St Peter asked her if she had decided, she said yes, I want to go to Hell. St Peters asked her to be sure and she said yes its great parties etc etc. So down to hell she went. When she got there, the handsome hunk had gone, her mates were in rags and were toiling away in great heat. She was met by the devil and she said what's happened, when I was hear before it was great fun. He replied that was the interview, now you've got the job! I hope this cheers you up a bit - and its also Friday so long lie tomorrow. Lilian
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#4 Posted : 30 May 2008 11:02:00(UTC)
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Posted By CFT Claire Many H&S specific jobs that are advertised do indeed have unwritten caveats in many cases; it is not always prudent to advertise the entire 'warts and all' package that is desired from a candidate and it is during the interview, the responsibility of the candidate to ensure he/she interviews the organisation. It is a two way process; always has been and always will be, and to get the best form the interview you must find out what is on offer at that time; when they ask teh question; "is there anything you would like to ask us?" This is the moment you ask as much as you can and make notes rather than relying on your memory. Rarely have I encountered quality questions from a candidate when joining an interview panel. In terms of the quality of a position, if you can met the experience and qualifications criteria, there are many great positions advertised; as with any availability though, the very best ones are seldom advertised; they do however generally attract the most attractive propositions (IMO). CFT
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#5 Posted : 30 May 2008 12:55:00(UTC)
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Posted By ClaireL Ian, I can't give you specific examples on open forum as I don't want to give away my identity. Generally though various different job experiences: bullying; lack of any work; on day one being told the job spec had changed; significant management (and therefore working conditions)changes; suddenly implementing complete control of my diary and tracking of my personal car; and the latest one is not being allowed to tell management of any work problems that need fixing as they consider that to be a slur on them and their business, such things should be kept to myself. I am quite well qualified and experienced. My expectations of jobs has become more realistic as I have got older and wiser. I just want to be treated with trust and repsect. I don't think that's too much to ask. Today is a grim day and I am contemplating leaving the field of health and safety for good.
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#6 Posted : 30 May 2008 13:29:00(UTC)
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Posted By Ian G Hutchings Claire, I can sympathise with you and I'm sure that many people have had the misfortune to work with and for bad managers and poorly ran companies. All I can say is that there are some very good employers and companies out there. Whether you work in health and safety or not, there is still the possibility of ending up in the same rut. Picking up on what has been said above, as a candidate or potential candidate there are things that you can do. Checking out the company and even trying to gain knowledge from existing staff, customers or via the internet. Finding out if the company is supportive of management skills and training (chartered management institute etc). I've had some terrible days with bad managers, but also some enlightening ones with some of the best I have met. Happy to help via direct email if I can. Best of luck
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#7 Posted : 30 May 2008 14:19:00(UTC)
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Posted By Anthony Edwards Claire, I work as a consultant and there are many good days but also a fair few bad days due to managers who are reluctant to change. I try to use this as a challenge to show them the error of their ways and try to re-educate them, (not always successfully unfortunately) but for those who do come around it is rewarding feeling. You may wish to look at documenting the possible bullying and unfair treatment you feel you are getting just in case. Good luck, Nutty
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#8 Posted : 30 May 2008 14:24:00(UTC)
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Posted By ClaireL Bullying was a previous job. I did document it and I did complain but then was forced out of job. Long story, long time ago, not worth going into. I too am a consulatnt and I meet managers unwilling to accept change every day too, and I too accept that as the challenge, and one I often enjoy. It's a bit different when the challenging behaviousr comes from your own management though.
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#9 Posted : 30 May 2008 14:29:00(UTC)
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Posted By CFT So Claire are you then a consultant as you have just stated? If so if not directly employed simply loose the client, or perhaps I have misunderstood the consulting reference? Your clearly down as it is what is written between the lines and not what you have actually said here (which I can understand) its the weekend, have some time off maybe even add a few days annual leave and try to reappraise your next move. CFT
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#10 Posted : 30 May 2008 14:44:00(UTC)
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Posted By Anthony Edwards Claire, I presume you are working for one of the larger consultant firms from your thread. As CFT says take at least the weekend to gather your thoughts, and if you still feel unhappy then request a meeting with senior management and express your concerns, you never know they may be impressed by your challenges and what you wish to change. Regards Nutty
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#11 Posted : 30 May 2008 15:24:00(UTC)
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Posted By Guderian I'm with Clare on this one, getting out of H&S sounds like a good option - can't wait until the kids are off my hands
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#12 Posted : 30 May 2008 15:31:00(UTC)
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Posted By ClaireL I am employed by a consulting firm and so the problem is my management and not a client. The problem is that this is a problem I have come across in other jobs before. Like I said one duff job after another. Can't talk to current management. I have been given a telling off recently for daring to mention I have a problem to management. Yes, I should leave and get a better job but everytime I move and think I'm moving to a better job I find I was deluded. There are so many bad employers and bad managers out there. Maybe self-employment is the way to go but everytime I have posted on that people have warned me off by saying that it's hard if I can't offer something unique (which I can't)and I will need 6-12 months salary behind me. So, my options seem limited except perhaps to retrain and leave the profession.
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#13 Posted : 30 May 2008 15:35:00(UTC)
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Posted By Simon Walsh. Why are there so many rubbish jobs? In my view there are two reasons that come immediately to mind. 1. People are prepared to accept 'rubbish' jobs. 2. Some employers still do not recognise that health and safety professional are exactly that ... professionals.
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#14 Posted : 30 May 2008 15:46:00(UTC)
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Posted By Anthony Edwards Claire, You need to seriously consider the following; Do you actually enjoy working in the field, ie when you are with clients and not the present interaction (or lack of) with your current management. What qualifications do you currently hold in the H & S field, (will they give yourself credibility if you are considering self employment). Look for alternative employment in H & S as there are some good employers out there. and finally, (and don't take this the wrong way), yourself. If you have had bad experiences with managers at other places are you too aggressive in your approach etc It is difficult to spread the gospel out there so hang on in if you can All the best Nutty
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#15 Posted : 30 May 2008 16:05:00(UTC)
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Posted By ClaireL I think my qualifications and expereeince give me credibility for self-employment but apparently that's not enough, I need to have something different to offer. I don't. Jack of all trades, so to speak. I have a love-hate relationship with H&S to be honest. I belive in it in principle but think it goes too far at times and hate the compensation-culture we live in. I get on well with clients and gnerally get very positive fedback from them. as an employee I have been too loud-mouthed and opinionated in the past but over the years have learnt to seriously pull my head in. Nowadays I will either keep it to myself or mention something but then back way off when my comments /suggestions are ill-received. Trouble is that doesn't make me happy just putting up and shutting up. It just seems that so many senior managers are either power-mad and very insecure with it or treat their employees / consultants like untrustworthy schoolchildren.
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#16 Posted : 30 May 2008 17:01:00(UTC)
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Posted By Ian G Hutchings "There are 4.3 million managers in the UK but only 20% are qualified" Taken from the chartered management institute website. I think that this says quite a lot. It is hard managing people, managing yourself and managing a company. Do you think that your expectations of other people are too high? Have you considered working as an associate for others and trying to build up your own business? Alternatively borrowing start-up capital if you think there is a real opportunity out there. If you start your own business you can learn from these experiences and be a model manager, or work on your own if preferred. Best of luck Ian
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#17 Posted : 03 June 2008 09:36:00(UTC)
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Posted By Anthony Edwards Claire, Where are you based? Nutty
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#18 Posted : 25 June 2008 16:52:00(UTC)
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Posted By Paul J Wheeler Claire, tried to email you to offer some assistance but the email came back undeliverable? Paul
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