New Place Same Issues

Issue No. 1 - Power Trips

A certain Fiscal Mgr., who shall remain nameless, has made consistent efforts over a period of a year or so to assume responsibilities of my job. When he does so, it's usually with an attitude of "I know what's best and can do it better." Worse, it's usually based on work I've already done - half the job done and he wraps it up. Yesterday that happened and my boss was present when I wrapped it up successfully. This fiscal manager sends me a message that says, "When XXX responds to MY letter, please be sure I get a copy of it." Attitude.

Issue No. 2 - Overstepping Bounds

Pretty much the same as above. I wish he'd stop trying to do my job at the same time I'm doing my job. Secondly yesterday when all this came about he overstepped his bounds by trying to override information handed out by a superior - who does not like to be overridden. Neither do I. Jerk.

Issue No. 3 - Taking Undue Credit

This has been ongoing. For some reason I'm reluctant to believe it, but I keep seeing it and what other explanation could there be? Yesterday when I wrapped that situation up in front of my boss, he went on and immediately e-mailed all parties that "we" sorted it out by phone with "our" friend at XXX agency. Huh? He never knew anything about this until it all fell out this week. Who's we? So he comes off looking like he settled this issue and all of my past work falls by the wayside.

When we needed a contract extension on a project and he wanted to take care of that he didn't. He said, lets just let it slide and assume it will be ok. I was dumbfounded. For a few days I let it go, then I went to the contract administrator and asked her about it. She said we absolutely needed to submit a formal request and complete A., B., and C., in order to be granted an extension. So I made that happen. But boss is the one who actually sends the formal request and who will get credit?

When there was in issue where we were in non-compliance on an agreement due to circumstances beyond our control and the head honcho wanted something in writing saying that our lender wasn't going to foreclose or take action against us, my boss tried but got nowhere. I made that happen and then he sent out an e-mail saying that he'd arranged it.

When we wanted to apply for some funds but found that the money was thinning and there was a lot of competitions I came forward with a collaboration idea. The collaborative effort was coordinated and wrapped up by me. We were funded, in full! But any correspondence about that seems like he was responsible for it.

Everything. Because he's the boss. He wants to send out the "official" notifications of achievements made and problems solved and it always comes out sounding as though he's just made it happen. I'm so frustrated. Between him and this fiscal manager who is constantly trying to do my job, and not doing it well, I feel invisible.

Issue No. 4 - Lack of Appreciation and Respect

All of the above. Plus issues at home. I have been stressed to the breaking point trying to wrap up that contract and deal with all of these other work related things that I have had a 24/7 tension headache and stiff neck. I have not had this neck problem in years and I know it's directly related to stress. I did explain this to H. I did give him a timeline when it should all be wrapped up and calming down. I did apologize in advance if I have to work more or if I'm pre-occupied or edgy.

So this morning I commented how tired I was and my shoulders and neck were still a bit sore. He questioned me as though I needed to justify being tired and sore. He said all of my stress was over at work and everything should be easy sailing. I replied saying my job didn't end, just a couple of deadlines. Even after all these years I think he believes a "desk job" must be about hanging out chatting, getting facials and massages, and resting on my laurels. (what the heck are laurels?)

It's so frustrating that
A. he won't acknowledge that I serve a purpose in this world, either professionally or personally;
B. he can't comprehend that my work can be difficult;
C. he can't comprehend that when one deadline ends, there's always another. My job is just a series of deadlines;
D. he can't understand that I am under constant, if not dire, pressure to perform and that if I don't I don't have a job and if I don't have a job we don't have insurance and I can't pay the damn mortgage!
E. he can't understand that the mortgage payment is 75% of my net pay;
F. he can't understand that I am terrified that his illnesses are going to be the end of us and our home ownership;
G. he can't understand that he can't just skip out of work and think, eventually money will drop out of the sky;

Ok that's enough - I have to do stuff.

Me.