Did you ever get a job you didn't apply for?

[Maven911]

No I don't mean solicitations. Here is my situation.

I recently started at a new job in the same company that I have been working for 4 years now, where I have realized that the job I am doing (technical interface to clients) has nothing to do with the job that I was hired for (systems design is what I applied for and what the interview was about). I really like the company but can't come crawling back to my old job, nor can I find another position since it's at least 2 years before I am allowed to transfer, and I'm not really ready to move to another company...but it looks like I have no choice. The manager tells me we have a need for someone doing the interfacing then the design right now, but maybe in +1 year we can see whats the situation then. My gut feeling is telling me hes lying and I am stuck there. Oh yeah, there was no salary increase – common practice in the company when you move jobs unless its clearly a promotion.

1. What would you do if you were in my shoes ? 2. Have you ever seen this happen to you or others around you ?? I mean...thats the whole reason behind the job responsibility tasks...to clearly define it so that you know what you are getting into!!

[skowmunk]

It looks like my situation when I joined my current job.

My situation:

Took up a job that I was not looking for(didn't really think I would enjoy it and that I would have to 'bear it' for 18 months, but it satisfied some of my other criteria including my wanting experience in a very large company so that I could observe the culture) (the 18 month thing is the min duration at a job before one can change jobs at this company)

Opinion:

Without alluding that I am better of than if I had gone with what I wanted (project engineering/product development - in line with my previous experience) since I will never that know for a fact, it has been a great learning experience.

The things that I learnt, that I had to do at this job were completely different from what I had done previously, and exactly for that reason it has increased the breadth of my skill set in a very good way. Now, I consider them as invaluable additions in my attempts to achieve my future goals.

Companies spend massive amounts to know what the customers want, domain experts are forced to interface with customers so that they can use the feedback in designing better products or systems.

Your new role can be a treasure trove if you use this opportunity to get inside the customers' minds and give you that added edge if you were to get back into systems design later.

About the 'job responsibility' that you mentioned, this would be my suggestion for you:

By all means, use the fact that you were given responsibilities that you didn't apply for and were not looking for as a negotiating point for better assignments, favors or whatever..

But, if you really try to limit yourself to 'job responsibilities' you will be shorting yourself, closing yourself to new learning experiences that can actually enrich your knowledge base.

Dive into it and learn all you can. That is, if you really can't change the jobs and get what you want.

Good luck. (Make lemonade when life gives you a lemon :))

[Maven911]

Thanks dude, I will try to use that as inspiration. But I will try to tough it out for one year, and then I guess re-evaluate my cards then...

[jdavid]

I have clearly had this happen a few times, and the results in either direction were not good.

You might just be happy that it's a good company and leave it at that.

[Maven911]

Thanks, I still feel duped, but at least it's recomforting that this actually happens to others.

[gallerytungsten]

This is called "bait and switch" and is extremely common. There's a reason all those sales jobs are advertised as "management" positions.

[sahillavingia]

Talk to your boss. You can't just let this things sit and wait, be upfront about the issue and work it out together.

[one010101]

When I was young I never had to apply for jobs. They would come and find me. Come to think of it, that's how it still works today, with a difference. Now the jobs are very brief. I get a phone call and quickly respond, get paid OK. Back then I would work for a year or so after each phone call. Job applications? Sure, done dozens of them. Results? Nil. The only way I have ever gotten decent jobs was by knowing someone who knew someone offering a job, or by walking in the door and speaking with the owner about why I want to work for him/her.