My supervisor has been impossible to deal with and extremely unfair lately.  Several times a day, I think about quitting--just walking out!  What should I do?

It's hard to find someone who doesn't have the same complaint right now.  Start by knowing you're not alone!  Your supervisor is most likely under a great deal of pressure from his/her supervisor.  The pressure could be arising from poor company profitability, extreme company change (even if positive change), or the pressures of extra work and learning through rapid company growth/rebuild.  Whatever you do, don't "walk out!"  Decide if your problems are short term or long term.  If only temporary, ride it out.  Don't leave a job unless you have another job that you KNOW is a better long term opportunity for you!  Don't be caught without a job...it's difficult out there!   Although we at HRS and AskHRS.com pride ourselves in representing only quality employers, we still know that if jobs were really supposed to be that perfect, we wouldn't get paid to do them! 

I spent my whole first day at my new position without very much to do.  Does that mean I'm not really needed and my job's in jeopardy?  Did I make a mistake?

Not necessarily.  We find in most cases that the opposite is true.  Especially with the "questionable" economy, employers have really been quite cautious in hiring...and not hiring unless they are absolutely certain of the need.  If workers around you and your trainer are busy, then it's probably a lack of time to train and oversee you in your new duties.  If they aren't busy, I still wouldn't panic.  Business workload has been somewhat inconsistent lately, but most employers we talk to are still quite optimistic!  Check back with us after your first week with more observations. 

My Group Leader takes advantage of me by "dumping" excess workload, knowing that I'll get it done.  The more I do, the more that gets "dumped" while others don't pull their weight.  I'm frustrated!  What do I do?

This is a common frustration for workplace overachievers.  The real question is whether or not you're increasing your advancement potential and job security by absorbing the extra work...and who else is noticing.  Not all group leaders have had formal training in appropriate supervisory techniques.  You might be getting ahead without knowing it.  Your group leader may notice and appreciate your productivity,  and that might pay off at review time or at least the next opportunity for company advancement and recognition.  When there's some economic uncertainty and downsizing occurring, you're probably safeguarding your  job!  Typically we suggest that you stick with it and keep it up at least until review time.  If it's unnoticed then, it is appropriate for you to diplomatically and respectfully mention the extra effort to your work rater.  "Going the extra mile" is what advances people within their careers and pay scales.  Give it a chance and check back with us later.

How Long Should I Be With an Employer Before Requesting a Promotion or Job Change?

The first place to look for this answer is in your company's handbook (if you have one).  Many employers will provide written instruction for job changes or posting systems.  If the answer is not there, your second preferred option is to approach your designated Human Resources or Employee Relations "go to" person--before approaching your supervisor.  Supervisors have demonstrated mixed reactions to this issue.  Some appreciate the eagerness and ambition of an employee seeking more responsibility or promotion.  Others find it pushy and "high maintenance" showing a lack of content with the present position.  It is also possible to intimidate your supervisor by creating the feeling that you may be after his or her job.  The time commitment for training/replacing you in your present position and for your new position change will dictate the need for employers to create time barriers for job change.  Some have a six-month rule to safeguard the need to constantly retrain and move people around between positions and departments.  If a job can be trained within hours, than a request for change (only if you know the position is open) may be appropriate within your first weeks.  Be certain you have reasonable information regarding all aspects of both positions before requesting a change.  Each case is different, and we're here to help.

How Long Should I Stay With an Employer if I Don't Think the Job is Right?

Every day we see a stack of applications for people who never seem to find the right job for themselves.  And although we'd like to help these people, our clients clearly understand that these people are a financial risk to hire.  Our published article on "Job Hopping" is also a great source for info here.  The top rating in our candidate search engine is awarded to candidates who have lasted at least 2 years on average with each employer, with no unexcused gaps between jobs.  This scale exactly reflects the preferences of most employers when reviewing employment stability.  We suggest staying longer than 2 years where you can, because the extra stability will help you open doors. If you do err in an employment decision, own up to it as soon as you have exhausted all reasonable possibilities to make it work.  Understand that you may need to "sell" your decision to leave to your next employer, and no "snap" decisions without your best efforts will represent you positively.  Keep the present position until you have secured your next position, and resign appropriately.  Read our contributions to "Resigning the Right Way" prior to quitting.  Once established in your field, employers will start to look for cases where you have consistently contributed and remained loyal for at least 5+ years.

Check back later for more Q & A.