Confusion Reigns Supreme

I’ve had a lot on my mind recently, and unfortunately some of my less understanding colleagues have pointed this out to my managers.  Fortunately my managers are more understanding of my situation and have given me a kick in the certain area that other colleagues haven’t noticed I need to be kicked in.

This has led me to re-evaluate my current situation as it has changed drastically over the last week.  I am now, for the second time in my career, languishing in the Redeployment Pool (RDP).  In other words I’m not redundant, but I am at the moment in a job that will be moving to the Midlands without me being available to work there.

I didn’t explain that very well, did I?

My job is headed north of the Watford Gap, beyond feasible commuting distance.  My employer cannot, however, make me redundant as the position is still required at the new location, therefore it is now their responsibility to ensure that I am employed within any other part of the organisation within a certain area. That certain area is now for me to decide, for they have granted me the option to choose any three locations where I want them to find me a job.  Oh, how tempted am I to put Berlin on that list?  (*snrrk*)

They also want me to tell them what three types of jobs I’d be looking for. Admin, Graphics, Accounting, Technical, etc., etc.

The biggest problem I have is due to the failings of myself and a previous Line Manager for accepting that for ten years I was an E2 grade doing an E1 grade’s job.  We could have insisted that I be promoted in role to the higher grade.  This only got picked up on by her successor six months before I lost my job in Graphics, which I both loved and hated in equal measure compared to my current data entry job which I just hate and have done from day one but it’s a job and someone has to do it. This means that with me still being an E2, I will be offered E2 grade jobs from the RDP.

And I will be expected to go for the interview at least. If I’m offered the job, no matter how odious it is, I will be expected to accept it. If I don’t accept the offer, disciplinary action will be taken against me.

So that’s the situation I’m facing unless I get off my arse and do something about it. And I do intend to do that.

My plan of action, as formulated over the last week (though it should have been put into action years ago) is as follows:

1: Update my record on the new-fangled computerised central HR system to let them know I used to run a graphics office single-handedly.
2: Start on the on-line assessment process to gain a D grade status.
3: Accept any job they throw at me whilst trying to attain that elusive D grade.

It’s not often you hear of someone hoping for a D grade, but having spent my working life building up to becoming a perfect E1 only to end up being paid as an E2 it’s an aspiration.

4: Attain that D, go through a period of even less self confidence, fail to get several potentially very nice jobs and eventually end up on the scrapheap where I belong.

4: Attain that D and push for a NATO job in Germany.

Berlin, preferably.