This has been one of the more difficult weeks of my life as it relates to work. I basically encountered a situation where my boss is either showing signs of mental deterioration, or blatant dishonesty. She basically rescinded an accommodation that she had originally offered to me in response to an original request I had made. The kicker was that when she rescinded it she made it seem as if I had made an inappropriate request that she was uncomfortable with. More detail is probably in order. I had originally requested to reduce my time to 80% with a commiserate reduction in salary. I had also requested a raise that I had earned. So basically I wanted 80% of an increased salary. My boss countered by suggesting that I telecommute 20% time a the current salary. I basically have two bosses. At the time this counteroffer was made my boss indicated that she and my other boss had discussed it. I was uncomfortable with this situation because we currently have a new CEO who is a stickler for rules . My current boss is used to working out informal arrangements regarding job logistics (scheduling, etc) that aren't always reflected on paper. So I later told my boss that I would prefer to do everything appropriately and go through established channels. I approached her with this concern twice. Each time she deflected by saying the main office was not approving raises at this time and that it would be better just to work it out amongst ourselves. Fat forward to Tuesday. I met with the other boss and as we were discussing other staff positions she alluded to the salary savings which would have resulted from a 20% reduction in my salary. Thinking that she was privy to all the communication I had had with the other boss I explained the telecommuting options and the fact that no salary savings would result. She didn't appear to know what I was talking about and looked at me like I had to heads. Later that evening I sent her an email to clarify what I thought were just miscommunication. She then responded that she nor my other boss were aware of these suggested arrangements and asked that we meet the following day to discuss it. During this meeting my other boss professed ignorance of this counter offer and acted as if I had requested to be paid to pick up my children from school as opposed to staying in the office till 4pm. I was flummoxed. I of course retold the entire tale of how this counter offer came to even be on the table. My other boss denied she had mad this offer and stated that she would have never made a firm offer without consulting w/ boss # 2. I reminded her that she had told me she and boss #2 discussed it. She acted as if she had never had these conversations with me and that she was never aware of any firm resolutions.
Some additional facts bear mentioning. My boss #1 is over seventy and has been under a lot of stress due to the presence of the new savvy CEO who is constantly calling into question my boss's nontraditional management style. My boss #1 would never be considered an organized person under the best of circumstances. My boss # 1 never accepts culpability when she makes mistakes and instead tries to blame others.
Needless to say I was incensed. I unfortunately became very emotional which I regret. I had to go an facilitate another meeting right after this so I had to go to my office and try to rid my eyes of the redness. Later on they wanted to touch basis with me and try to work out a workable solution. I countered by restating my original request or a reduction in time to 80%. I further stated that I would stick with my current salary and that I didn't want any of their informal arrangements. I added that this would also mean they could not call me after hours to deal with crises. They were really bothered by this suggestion because they are dependent on me always being available to deal with problems.
I feel somewhat responsible because I have seen others harmed by my boss # 1's faulty business ethics but I unfortunately thought I was immune. This does further clarify the nee to finish my DISSERTATION so I can leave this current employment situation and have more lucrative options. Maybe this is God's way of making the frying pan very hot to prevent me from getting comfortable. I do know God is good and I have a lot to be thankful for. I will rely on all the support I get from my husband and my other fellow directors who also have to deal with this crap from our bosses.
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