I'm glad to see the employer actually values the guy and wants him to stay.
Meetings are a problem for me too. I normally retreat into silence because I don't know where to start talking. I take great care not to complete sentences of others or talk at the wrong time - it annoys people. So I'd rather shut up, but others can see that as me not contributing, or being uninterested or simply lazy. Especially with brain storming sessions.
My work skills are very narrow. I'm a graphic designer and I can't do anything else. Putting me infront of clients is a big mistake and I can't project manage to save my life. I can't see myself in a management position.
I think they should keep that guy a senior programmer and maybe not make him a manager of other people. He can help interview new staff to check their technical suitability, but personally I don't think they should make him a manager.
Not everyone wants to be a manager.
I am having a difficult time now trying to find a job. I have had a "string" of entry level positions. Really that is all I can handle. When the work place starts giving me more and more responsibilities I end up being promoted into incompetence and lose my job. The biggest problem is that most employers see the entry level position as just to be used as a starting place for people to move up to management level positions.
I am applying for jobs that I am overqualified for because I want them. But I am over looked and they will hire someone with no experience and less education because they "know" them or think they will be a "better fit" in the company.
The guy in the forum thread is trying to keep a "talented" employee. But I am not so talented or even wanted.
I used to test phonelines and dispatch site engineers for "a major british telecoms provider" you can guess who. But they put me in a call centre where I had to talk to 30 angry people an hour. I couldn't manage and even now I dread having to use the phone even to call my family.
So guess what? I'm unemployed. Well not exactly unemployed. I can't stand signing on so I am living on my savings.
Whn I started my job i had to agree not to work for any other telecoms firm for the next 5 years so I guess I need to retrain.
Back on thread, obviously my managers could have at least tried to find me another position with the company.
afaik it's a standard contract, because my employer spent thousands of pounds training me and it would give the competition an advantage. Probably an OFTEL regulated thing.
Anyway I kind of knew what I was doing when I signed. I did have some romantic notion of spending my days in a huge exchange or depot running ICL computers. But time marches on, and the public service company I joined has become yet another profiteer.
I am lucky enough to have a supportive family and a fair bit of cash in the bank, so I 'm not too worried. If I had a watertight case I would go to law to protect future employees but as it is I'll just never use their phones again.
there is one loophole - I could join the armed forces But I don't think I will
"When I started my job i had to agree not to work for any other telecoms firm for the next 5 years so I guess I need to retrain."
1. They have to find out if you are working for another telecoms, one of their competitors.
2. Unless they give you a list of competitors and the company can truly be defined as their competitor, who exactly can you not work for?
3. Seek legal advice.
I was once in a similar situation. I think it is a shame when employers put people into jobs their do not want or feel they can not cope with. Really if they spend all that money training you and you were a good employee before the change, it was their loss. I hope you solve your problems soon.
That Guest post is mine. Forgot to login.
I'd like to append my post...
It looks like I've made some really big assumptions here. When I started posting, I had no idea how big the spectrum of tallent was. I just assumed alot of people were like me.
You'll have to forgive my early posts for assuming such things. It's been pretty neat to read about so many diverse abilities among the group.
What about wind power generators?
I have ethical objections to working for an aerospace company.
Well, aerospace is a pretty broad term. All kinds of products are derived from aerospace companies. Sure, if the company you are cosidering makes fighter jets, that may not be your thing. But, they may also make high precision, specialty metal bolts and screws.
For that matter, any fabrication company might make product that either ends up in the hands of oppressive regimes, or provides funding. There may be no intention to do so, but the "neighbors" you export to today could be your enemy tomorrow. Hard to predict. Your only other option would be to work for a "mom and pop", or a service oriented organization.
If you are considering working with a fabrication company, I would suggest researching the product made and the customer base before you strike it off your list. You might be surprised, and it would be ashame to pass up a potentially good offer.
Maybe then someone could design wind power generators that actually look good and do not "spoil" anyone's view.
Nuclear power and coal burning generators cause pollution. Hydro power is sometimes good but when dams need to be built it destroys natural habitats and wetlands.