The names have been deleted to protect the guilty.

About three years ago, I went to work for XXXXXX as a consultant in NJ.  After 10 months, I moved on to another project that was a high priority with the Controller. The project involved determining what made up a $17 million balance in four tax accounts and establishing procedures that entailed accounting, analyzing and reporting the data.  They were afraid a broker owed them tax dollars, or they owed the IRS the taxes, a combination of both, or something else that might require them to write off the balance if this wasn't resolved.

XXXXXX told me what she wanted done, but left how she wanted things done to my discretion. I developed a process from the ground up even though I knew next-to-nothing about it. Approximately two months after I started, two people from the Corporate Office came to visit me to document what I was doing because they might get an internal auditor or top-notch accountant if they weren't satisfied I was doing it correctly.  Both of them left impressed commenting that I was the right person for the job and had it down to a science.  XXXXXX also said I did a great job and could not have done what I did.  As a result, I stayed on the project and as I became more familiar with the process, I re-engineered it several times, almost to the point of perfection. As a result, I resolved everything ahead of their schedule and the company didn't write off a penny.

In 2002, XXXXXX told me that a department from NY would be relocating to our office that she would be responsible for and not everyone would relocate, thus creating job openings. About a year later, she approached me and said she posted some jobs and if I was interested, to go ahead and apply.  I applied for two positions and interviewed about two months later. Several people in this department asked me if I applied to the jobs she posted.  All of them said things like I was a shoe-in, a lock, had the inside track and one person even said they saw my name on an organization chart that did not include temps and/or consultants…and saw this back in February, before I ever applied.  They made these comments based on XXXXXX speaking highly of me to them. As I was waiting, most of them weren't even asking if I had heard anything, but instead were asking if I got hired yet. I am a believe-it-when-I-see-it type person, but it was hard to ignore what 15 people were saying.

Whoever interviews from outside the company has to walk by my desk to get to her office. Right before my interview, two other temps interviewed with her for another department she managed. Between these two temps, they had one person from the outside interview and were offered separate jobs a few weeks later. For 10 weeks, I watched and waited as approximately 30 people interviewed.  XXXXXX called me into her office on July 1 and said she offered the job to someone who had more relevant experience than I.  She also said I did a great job on the project, was grateful I bailed her out and she notified my agency my last day would be July 18. I asked her about the other job I applied to and it was like I had to remind her of that. During the interview, she asked me no questions in regards to experience or anything that had to do with Stock Options specifically.  She also asked which job I preferred and I said the higher level job.  She said that was the job she had me in mind for despite the fact she said I didn't have the relevant experience for it later on.  Nowhere was there any benefit-of-the-doubt that I could learn whatever I needed to know despite the fact I demonstrated that very characteristic during my two years here.  Also, since my lack of relevant experience should have been obvious during the two years, made me wonder why I was kept here all this time if I wasn't going to be hired, especially since this was no longer a high priority project. Two days before my last day, she asked me if I was interested in working on another project. The next day I said yes. She also told me she would let me know about the other job I applied to.  

The person she hired instead of me started.  One responsibility this person would have would be to do the monthly analysis of the activity.  So, I had to train her on the process since there was no one here besides me that knew had to do it. Since XXXXXX never really took the time to sit with me to get an idea of what exactly I did, not even she was familiar with the methodology.  This was a process I developed, and spent many hours re-engineering it and took great pride in making it full proof. While I was training her, she said the following things:

* She did this type of work in another job and found it boring
* The four times I trained her, she was always yawning
* Her father worked in the company for 30 years, in the same building where my boss worked
* She had been unemployed for the last 5 1/2 months
* Four weeks after she was to start this job, she was going on vacation for four weeks to Italy (I worked for the woman for two years and never took a day off).

Two weeks later, a supervisor she hired started and XXXXXX brought her around to everyone's desk for introductions.  When she was brought to my desk, I was training the girl on the process with XXXXXX explaining to the supervisor what she would be doing.  The supervisor asked me what I would be doing and before I could even answer, XXXXXX said I would be working in another area until the end of the months, and more or less would be gone after that.  This is how I found out about the other job I applied to, not by her telling me directly, but instead saying it in front of others without telling me first.

A week before I was supposed to leave, I resigned. On my last day, I went to my agency and raised holy hell with them about XXXXXX. They weren't pleased with what I told them saying she really didn't do anything ethically wrong, just morally wrong. They wanted to approach the company, but I said no because...

Someone had told me to talk with the new VP of the department, who came over from another company during a recent merger. His philosophy was if you have consultants and temps here for a long period of time, the must be doing good work. And if so, then why haven't they been hired yet. I considered taking to stances: the squeeky wheel gets the oil or don't burn no bridges. I took the latter. When we met, his exact words were "we have a bunch of temps/consultants who need to be converted to permanent and we have to find a way to get your name on that list." Even though I was bitter, I refrained from voicing complaints against XXXXXX, but I was sure tempted. The entire ordeal rubbed me the wrong way and I didn't bother to make any correspondence to him afterwards and I never heard from him either. I do know seven months after we met, they still haven't converted anybody yet due to the post merger reorganization. Someone told me I should write/call the VP to see what is going on. I know I should be working there, no ifs, ands or buts about it. I saved them money, probably saved her job and she stabbed me in the back.

Opinions are welcome.

Spend some quality time with NOSC

This is why I can only work for myself

We have all walked down this road before, just different terrain. I made a bet with myself when I was switching departments a few years back, and I lost but I also won the bet. The bet was if I didn't get the job I would work for myself only, and pursue my avocation as my vocation (in the arts.) Its a bit of a long story, but I do take some satisfaction that the position is still not filled. ~~

Doesn't corporate America just suck?  Sounds like either she was forced to hire the bimbo you were training or she did it for her own political gain.  Do you know what position the bimbo's father was in the company?  If he is higher than XXXXXX, then that would solidify why bimbo was hired.  I work in the technical computer side of corporate America and see stuff like that all the time, but I'm sure it's much worse in financial areas like where you work.  Burning bridges does not help you.  You may need something from XXXXXX in the future, maybe a recommendation or reference, so don't go over her head complaining.  Also, I do know that companies are moving more toward temporary/contractor employees, so they can save a nickel in benefits.  Again, doesn't corporate America just suck?

Been there and faced it on several occasions.
Sometimes you win...sometimes you lose but hell...that's life.
Many times... its not what you know...its who the other person knows.
That being said,it must be really bothering you to post this on the erotic review board.
My initial suggestion is to look to the future and move away from this company.Howerver,in doing so;it would be wise to
revisit some of those corporate reviewers who really liked what you were doing and obtain letters of reference.
DO NOT MENTION the nepotism hire or the backstabbing.
Be sure to talk positive about the company and your accomplishments. There is a slight possibility that by doing so these individuals will become interested in your services. You have to then ask yourself...Do you want to still work for the company and work again with individuals whom slighted you?  Again,only you know your overall comfort level with this organization. Bitterness is very tough to swallow!...but if those other corporate staff references are solid, a well written letter(no sour grapes!...including them references) to the new VP may work in your favor as you do have familiarity with this company....If you find bitterness and uncomfort levels are too much or your answers to the previous questions are obviously NO...then take those references and move on.
Good luck and I suggest more than a few good sessions with a friendly neighborhood or national provider
to help you in your transition.

Cheers!

-- Modified on 4/19/2004 6:24:39 AM

I worked for a manufacturing company for seven years.  I reported to the VP of Manufacturing, who was making noises about retiring.  Most people assumed I'd be the next VP.  One day, the President told me he was hiring a new Plant Manager and that I would report to this new position, which would in turn report to the VP who'd been my boss.  I was assured my performance was outstanding and my salary would not change.  The President went on to explain that this move was simply a matter of expediency; that the new Plant Manager was well known in the industry and could get us into markets we'd never be able to penetrate ourselves.

The new Plant Manager and I hit it off immediately.  Unlike my old boss, the VP, this new guy was as forward thinking as I.  I was finally able to make some of the cutting-edge changes I'd been trying to implement.  Together, the Plant Manager and I made huge improvements in the company's processes.

One day, after about four months, the Plant Manager called me into his office.  He said companies sometimes forget to say, "Thank you."  That my efforts had been noticed -- and appreciated.  That my knowledge, dedication, energy and skill were vital to the company's success.  In closing, he said, "I want you to know I could never have accomplished what I have without your help.  But, I think I can take it from here."

And here's my advice, by way of how I dealt with this:

I got a glowing, written reference from the President, which I made available with my resumes.  I called all of the vendors and customers with whom I had worked, and with whom I had developed a working friendship.  I didn't ask them for a job; I just let them know I'd been downsized.  Then, without being a nuisance, I stayed in contact.

I found my state's Department of Labor had a program for displaced professionals in which members volunteered four hours a week to teach classes in resume writting, networking and so on, or to do research toward helping other members find work.  I joined immediately, attended the mandatory classes and volunteered to teach as my contribution.  In addition to the classes and the help, the program gave access to numerous databases with job oppotunities.  I understand most other states (I live in NJ) now offer similar programs.

I also went to Monster.Com and took advantage of all their services.

In short, I had a new job (and a better job) within two weeks.

As badly as you've been used and treated, be sure to always present XXXXXX and your former employer in the best possible light.  I know it's difficult to get past the hurt and anger, but you must.  Start working toward a new position immediately; don't give yourself a "well desreved rest."  This only leads to depression.

Above all, stay positive.  This may be a difficult and lengthy process, but stay the course.  And don't be afraid to accept a less than perfect position.  Nothing says you can't continue to look while you're at least getting a paycheck, even if it's not big enough.  Besides, it's much easier to find a job when you're working than when you're not.

Good luck.


-- Modified on 4/19/2004 6:54:35 AM

-- Modified on 4/19/2004 6:56:39 AM

Now I remember why I have not been inside a corporation in 15 years. Competence on the job has little to do with keeping ones job. You were never dealing from a position of strength. In your next position, first thing you do is find or create a situation whereby you can not possibily be let go...a position of power. For example, I worked for years in advertising. At first I thought I had to please my bosses. WRONG. Everyone is replaceable, even with incompetent people or out-of-work cousins or whoever need a favor. Been where you are right now. What I did learn was to please the clients to the point that they insisted that I work on their business without exception. After that, it was a piece of cake. Once told my boss who I hated to go f**k himself. Tried to fire me on several occasions but failed. Then he hated me even more. Too bad. Got raises, bonuses, and a free hand to work on business the way I wanted to. But I helped the agency make a ton of money and none of their clients walked while I was there. This isn't to brag but to point out that you will need to market your value in any organization and deal only from a position of strength. This will help go a long way toward making your position untouchable.

Unfortunately, seven months later, I am still unemployed. Luckily for me being a great accountant/analyst who has a handle on my expenses and had a contigency plan in place in case I didn't get hired, I am paying my bills and living okay. It seems like during this time, I have played games and interacted with a lot of incompetent and disorganized recruiters, HR reps, and hiring managers. This has made the whole process to move on more difficult. If I was working, I would still have bitterness, but would be totally focused on my new job. That's what happened when I left my company four years ago because I hated my job. I took that motivation and channeled it to this job only two months later. I plan on doing the same wherever I end up. The longer it takes, the more motivation I have and the more my new employer will benefit. This job market is a lot worse than in 2000.

You can use your abilities as an accountant/analyst and the insight that you have gained from managing your own finances with limited income coming in to launch your own business.  Forget about airheaded bosses, plan and develop a future which you control.  
 One example where you can have a meaningful impact is if you set up a business to help people who are heavily in debt analyze their income and spending streams.  You can use your training and personal experience.  I have never needed such a service but from what I see when viewing adds for such services is that most of the services have their own interests in mind and not that of the people who need their help.  
 The example that I just gave is just one of several possible routes that you can take to develop your own business.  There will be logistical obstacles that you will have to negotiate with whichever path you choose, but if you are careful, the worst off that you will be is no worst off than you feel that you are now.  The key constraints that you should observe are that you must be ethical, you must provide a valuable service and your fees for that service must be fair to you and your clients.

no good deed goes unpunished.