Twice a week we publish problems that will feature in a forthcoming Dear Jeremy advice column in the Saturday Guardian so that readers can offer their own advice and suggestions. We then print the best of your comments alongside Jeremy’s own insights. Here is the latest dilemma – what are your thoughts?
Less than half a year ago I found a job close to my home so I could spend more time with my family. One of the reasons I took the job was because my line manager told me he would be remiss if I was not promoted in the next 18 months. I am now a few weeks away from the end of my six-month probation, when I will come under the rules for permanent employees.
About four weeks after starting, my line manager got a request for a bid he did not know how to complete. It took six hours to finalise a response but we won the tender and around £1m of new business. My boss quickly became resentful of being so busy. Around once a week I am subject to his angrily laying into me but only in the private confines of the office we share. His constant excuse is that he is trying to protect me.
The managing director has now given me management responsibility of the bidding process for the entire company. It’s clear that my position as a process manager, and as his employee, irks my line manager.
Yesterday was his birthday and he started the day with a 10-minute game of “tell me who your boss is?” I have gone through two appraisals since holding my tongue but I feel something must be said. He has since apologised and says he knows he was out of line. I could write a letter of grievance but I am worried about doing so when I am still on probation. What is the best way to proceed?
Do you need advice on a work issue? For Jeremy’s and readers’ help, send a brief email to dear.jeremy@theguardian.com. Please note that he is unable to answer questions of a legal nature or to reply personally.
