Wednesday 14 October 2009

Synchronicity, Or Someone Is Listening

After the intentions in my last post I had the strangest day today. I went to work with the intention of keeping my head down and just working hard and not giving anyone an excuse to get on my case. I had my one-to-one with my manager and had hoped to talk about development and opportunities.


That wasn't how it turned out. The senior manager who annoyed me the day before seemed to have got it into her head that I had a bad attitude towards other people and towards work. She gave four or five examples of comments or actions that I felt had been misconstrued totally – a joke, or an attempt to stick up for myself when I felt I was being dumped on or made to work too-late hours. I was wary because of things I had heard about her previously which I don’t want to repeat (because I don’t know for certain and don’t want to backbite her and also because I don’t want to get “duced”!). Anyway, I was deeply upset. I have never, ever had my attitude or work questioned before – I have always worked as hard as I played, it is a work ethic which is so strong in my family and very evident in my sisters. We all complain that we get trouble because we work so hard we inadvertently show people up.


My line manager is wonderful and tried to stick up for me but encouraged me to keep my head down and just do what I am told. I was just too shocked to discuss development, or opportunities by this point. I had hoped to salvage the senior manager’s view of me by just keeping my head down, but I was still upset especially because there were four vacancies in my team which were the ones I wanted to try for, but instead of opening them up for open competition, the office decided to hire temps to cover the post. The team is also getting four graduate trainees to hand projects to. This means that the rest of us, who are also graduates and also have ten years upwards of experience have to watch whilst the best work goes to them. Couple this with rumours that our service will be targeted for the next round of money saving reviews and I was wondering what I was doing here.


A few colleagues heard what had happened and expressed their shock and anger. I have been doing the work of my seniors without any extra pay or recognition as it is my habit not to say no to work and because in the past this is how I have progressed. From preparing a business case for a £3.6 billion project and developing measures of success for our borough’s Olympic preparation service, to printing off documents for people and taking minutes of meetings, I have not said no to anything and I have taken the work with a smile, starting each day at
7.30am.


By lunch time I was a bit more philosophical and remembered my husband’s advice that Allah (SWT) provides and that nothing happens that he doesn’t decree and that no-one can harm us if Allah (SWT) wills us to be safe from them.


A little later I met my previous manager in the loo. She asked me if I would consider coming back to her team, at an increased grade and pay and doing completely different work. I was shocked but said I would consider it. She encouraged me saying she really, really wanted me in her team. The new jobs in her team are being advertised tomorrow, I feel like someone has really been taking care of me when I am down subhan’Allah. I will be having a look at those job adverts tomorrow insh’Allah.

9 comments:

  1. Just remember, everything happens for a reason! Sounds like positive news!!! X

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  2. Assalamo elikuim
    WOW- All I can say is basically what the Anonymous above said "Everything happens for a reason" and Inshallah things will start to improve.
    I was thinking of talking to my manager about one of the senior coworker who is all to eagerly trying to do my work/project and letting the upper management know that it is he who is incharge of my project. But I read your email about patience and stopped my self from talking about it since my immediate manager who is very cool about most things doesnt like office politics and I didnt wanted to sound whinny. I thought may be I can focus more on my work and enhance my skills take more projects and let it pass. For last two weeks everyday I think I will talk to my manager and then decide against it. My husband was joking about it that if I want he can beat up my senior coworker (HA!Ha!)

    Sorry for ranting about my problems on your blog :).
    I 101% agree that Allah swt is the provider of rizq and He will provide for us.
    Best of luck - pray istekhara about your old job - it might be for better(I need to do the same about talkign to my manager)
    Take care sister
    UmmOsman

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  3. at least your old manager seems to appreciate you! good luck with it

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  4. Allah (SWT) knows best. Whatever is good for you, may He make your decision and transition easy for you. Ameen.
    InshAllah I pray you end up where your skills, professionalism and efforts are acknowledged and appreciated.

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  5. Salam alaikum dear sis,

    Insha-Allah things will turn up the way its best for you and your family. Allah swt is the best of planners. Sometimes we feel sad with our life but after a while through reflection we come to realize the wisdom behind everything, Subhanllah. May Allah swt keep you happy in whatever you do, ameen. Sis, do forgive me for my mistake :-( Ws xxx

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  6. Sometimes at my work I feel like there is no one appreciates me and I always have to justify my work to everyone (my boss makes me), including to the junior members of my team! I can totally feel your pain. Alhamdulillah Allah is taking care of you, as it seems from your experience. He Always has better plans for us.

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  7. Assalaamualaikum sister,

    I can't believe how rudely you were treated! Unfortunately, we all now it happens and I am also one who would not make a fuss and just let go. Going back to your old manager sounds like it may be a better option so do Istikhara and Inshallah everything will work out for the best! We're all rooting for you!

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  8. subhanAllah i may sugesst you pray salat ul istikarah to Happy Muslim Mama! Allah has a plan for us all!

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  9. This post is evidence that when we make our intentions to and FOR the cause of Allah subhana wa ta'ala, the path becomes easier and the burden lighter.

    Inshaallah things will become very clear for you.

    Oh Allah, I ask for the best of all things for my dear friend and sister in Islam, and for all of us, Ameen.

    iMuslimah

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