Half my team got laid off and while I’m grateful to have my job still, I feel like I’m drowning in the additional work. All of their responsibilities have been assigned to me, the most junior person on the team.

When I brought up that this was a bit much for one person/didn’t think this was sustainable (hinting at the fact that some of the other existing team members should pick some of the laid off peoples’ work), team lead went off on what I’m sure he thought was an inspiring speech about...

likehelpful
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Keep track of everything you are doing above and beyond your normal position and leverage this for a raise/promotion once corona settles.

like

And then get the hell out

like

Yeah beware of anyone who tells you that the shit sandwich they served you is an amazing way to try new experiences lol

like

Go on LinkedIn. Find the job you want 3 years from now with the right salary. See all the skills and responsibilities that come with that job. See where your current shortcomings are...and use this opportunity to get training on those shortcomings with your current job and find a way to get those responsibilities now while you can still learn and make mistakes and it’s forgivable

like

OP, R/GA is right. And the thing is, I can just about bet you that most of the things you’re having to handle now, will be in your future job description. It doesn’t get easier, and then it will be a point where it won’t be you covering for lost peers, it will be you covering for lost employees (which the company can’t hire to replace for whatever reason.)

This, also, is the feather in your cap for your next interview. Most companies don’t want someone that “ain’t never been through nothing,” so make this hard time your bitch and find out what your ending is going to be. Are you going to be the hero that lives... or dies... under pressure?

Set boundaries and let them know when you need help and/or might have difficulty delivering. Communication is key. And let them know that you need time to take care of yourself too.

like

Adding to this. In my first agency job my team reduced from 8 to 3 people in just a few months. I created a Tello board so my manager new exactly how much I was working on at a given time.

Think the columns were ToDo, On hold, In progress, done

Worked for me and when it was time for a promotion I was able to negotiate a +20% increase

likehelpful

Do what you can but don’t kill yourself. They aren’t invested in their employees for the long term.

like

How “this is the time to really get creative” and “sometimes the best work is done under pressure” and “I’m the only one with the skill set for these projects”...

I just feel defeated and stuck. And post-layoffs now they aren’t allowing for paid overtime.

like

They're not wrong, you'll grow from this, just make sure you focus on yourself and grow in the way most advantageous for you. I won't say don't get used, that's the nature of work, but use em back wherever possible and stay focused on #1.

like

In the short term, I’d advise you to proactively set up daily, “mini-status” morning calls with your team/manager to discuss your daily priorities. Come prepared with a list of your immediate to-dos in order of what you think needs to get done first.

I have to do something similar every morning with my small team to keep 10+ workstreams moving simultaneously. Priorities and deadlines shift and it’s really helpful to set up a REASONABLE daily to-do list for everyone while also keeping an eye on the next things coming down the pipeline.

I’m available to DM if you want to talk through some logistic or organizational ideas!

like

You have 100% the right to say this and feel this way, people who say otherwise probably just relate or in the shoes of your lead also trying to take advantage of their employees with no OT, yes you can grow and learn from this but you can grow and learn from a lot of shitty things in life, BUT that doesn’t make it right...

like

There is nothing worse than being abused by your company and being told to be grateful and take it “as a compliment”.

like

Seems like the typical situation where the person making the resourcing decisions doesn’t have a good grasp of the roles. You should put in writing any challenges you have so that you’re covered when they come looking for a scapegoat. And yes- per other comment- get out when you can.

like

This same thing happened to me last year. As the most junior person on the team I had to take a lot of responsibility and make a lot of decisions that were way above me (especially for someone who just graduated college). What I did was got organized, focused on each task, was honest with my team on timing, delivered high quality work, and built a relationship with the client. I had also lost my manager though all this (he still hasn't been replaced). So a lot of the work I was doing with almost no direction or guidance. It's best to stop thinking you're the most Jr person and pretend you're able to do all this (take it until you make it). Once things calm down a bit go up to the person on your team that can pull weight and tell them you need a promotion ASAP. Worked for me. Got my promotion same day with a 30% raise. Feel free to message me if you want to talk about anything specific.

like

That sucks I’m sorry, but maybe think of it as a complement that they’re trusting such a junior person with more responsibilities.

Related Posts

How is everyone doing amidst all of the layoffs? The hardest thing about this role is having to lay off employees. 😞

like

Anyone else come from creative? I made the move about a year ago after being laid off (out of necessity, junior strat roles in creative were hard to come by), and have found the transition...

Starting therapy tomorrow. A little bit nervous tbh. I have not been performing well at work and I am trying to get back to being a solid performer before I get end up getting fired. I was wondering, how do you communicate this sort of thing with your team? My therapist wants to do a 9am call and i’m worried something may pop up during my session. I also don’t want to work and do personal stuff at the same time. I feel like such a mess rn 😔

like

Got word that my dept will be laid off. Currently work Case Management which I don't really enjoy. Looking for a career change, WFH preferably. Any leads?

like

I’ve got a really good job. Wasn’t looking to move but a big 4 consulting firm reached out. I received a very generous/life changing offer. I’m so worried about work/life balance if I take this offer. Also worried about layoffs in a year or two when the market gets back to normal. I’ve got an infant and a 5 year old. I know that I can manage my current workload. I don’t want to pass up a great opportunity but I’ve got to be available for my family too!

like

How long did it take you from starting your job search to getting an offer? Laid off recently and feeling super overwhelmed/depressed

like

Would you feel comfortable telling HR that your service line’s culture sucks and name the individuals who cause it? Or is a better approach saying it’s the leadership in general creating a negative and toxic culture? How effective are these conversations really? Trying to assess if there’s any point in bringing this up. Obviously HR works for the company and an employee sharing their thoughts on the unsupportive, cold leaders could bite me in the long run.

like

Have an interview tomorrow in Chicago, bringing full suit and tie. However, not sure what to do about the overcoat situation. I don’t want to pack or wear an overcoat, what do you guys usually do?

Took my first vacation (1 week) in over a year to visit family. Was bombarded by emails from one partner asking me to complete non-time sensitive motions, which he hasn’t even bothered to review. This is my third firm in three years (first I left as I was severely underpaid, second I left for a 100k increase in salary), but this lack of respect for my boundaries has made me want to move again once I’ve completed 18 mos. Bad? They don’t do this to the other associates (all male).

like

Layoffs, furloughs and paycut at Dentsu. This pandemic spares no one...

like

Thoughtworks recently announced the Q3 result. Which wasn't that great though.

Can anyone share their views about TW strategy to handle the recession?

Is there any hint of layoffs from leadership?

like

I was talking with an Asian mentee who told me that he has experienced the following microagression during job interviews: "You speak English soooo well!" Any suggestions about how he can respond?

likesmart

Does anyone know what industries / competencies got hit by the layoffs yesterday? A few people mentioned it, but no one gave any details.

like

hadn't worked with a female co-worker since starting this job, recently met a mindblowing amazing person who just got promoted to manager. she loves reading, any suggestions on female leadership books

likehelpful

Through periods of unemployment, I took a couple years to travel around the country. If anyone gets laid off during these rough times, try to take advantage of the situation to make some memories.

like

Have there actually been any US layoffs? I have heard this should not happen til next month.

like

I just got laid off and I just don’t know what to say “if” I ever get an interview. Any tips would be appreciated. I know when you get laid off, no one wants to hire you.

Is there a way to report my CEO to HR? I have been here for a year, and he is one of the company founders, yet he is constantly verbally abusing us through private communications while playing nice IRL. I don't want to have to quit or be fired over this.

like

I heard Moroch is starting layoffs beginning 9/1

More Posts

Going to Seattle for 6 days in June. Recommends for where to eat, stay, and do? Also looking for day trips outside of the city.

like

Do I have too much cash ($35,000) in my high yield savings account? No immediate plans to buy a house (but could be an option). Rent is $2100 and have no other debt or month financial obligations.

like

Hello! Want me to refer you to Accenture? DM me a link to the job post on the website and I’ll refer you. Happy to help!

like

MBB Salary accross locations

What’s the best way to meet new people in LA? Just moved here and only know a couple of people. Need advice!

like

Looking for a woman AD with mid to senior experience to partner up on a couple of projects. Please DM me

Anyone rise to Partner despite major set backs earlier on their career (e.g., fired, laid off, mental illness, physical health problems)? Would like stories as a reminder that you guys are human.

like

How much does a SE make in Ontario, Canada with 3 yrs of experience?

like

Does anyone have Predictive Intelligence micro certification dumps?

like

Hi everyone! I wanted to share an awesome resource. Yoga Foster offers teachers lesson plans on how to use yoga and mindful movement in your classroom. You can also apply for grants for yoga mats!

likehelpful

For international advertising, do you use a local translation service for keywords, ad copy, and your landing pages? Any recos on services that help with this at scale?

like

Early am fun in the sack would be awesome right now 😍🔥

like

Where’s Michael Beaton at?

funnylike
like

In order to strengthen knowledge on AWS even more. We may post technical questions or problem statements daily. That way it will not only help in learning but also help if someone faces that situation in future. Any thoughts?

helpful

Laid off by ZS, today

like

Does anyone here have advice for someone looking to move as a Manager in Big 4 Transaction Services to IB?

Trying to pin my current skill set and expertise to job postings and can’t put a finger on it due to differences in work experience to date.

like

Just read that Dodge said that their new electric car will be "super loud." Isn't the point of electric cars being quiet so people enjoy them more?

like

You CAN be that leader that people want to work with. 1st, self assessment is required. Be honest: As a leader,have you engaged in/accepted Attribution Bias with a dash of gender &/or race bias? (See the pic) This is something we all need to be aware of as we lead our teams, provide performance feedback, & model the behaviors we'd like to see more of on our teams. Be on the lookout for Attribution Bias in yourself & on your team. It's a hindrance to creating a high-performing, inclusive culture.

Post Photo
likesmart

My joining in Amex is on 2nd august and I have received laptop as well but I would not be able to join. I will be returning laptop back. Why do companies send laptop before joining? Isn't this can be done after. How to handle such case when they ask to deliver laptop but you are on final stages of some other company

like

Additional Posts in Advertising

I’m client side and looking to find a new agency to build social creative. Would love suggestions for your favorites!! Bonus points for boutique/independent agencies.

like

Publicis vs IPG? Which would you choose?

like

Wheereee are all the ad agencies for ShowUsYourLeave on LinkedIn👀. Haven’t seen a single one post their dismal benefits yet….

like

Anyone work at Verizon’s in-house agency? Applying now for a creative role and the application says they might drug test. Do they actually do it or wha?

like

“Keep going. I’ll know it when I see it."

likehelpfulfunny

Any creatives live in Las Vegas and commute weekly to LA for work or work part time remote?

likesmart

Who's hiring digital designers in NY?!

like

Y'all really gonna use MLK to sell Ram Trucks?!?!

like

Joy Division song titles that go through my head while ideas are being presented to me:
Atrocity Exhibition
Dead Souls
Disorder
Failures
I Remember Nothing
Something Must Break
You’re Not Good For Me

likefunnysmart

For those of you who have fled LA, NY, SF for smaller markets — how on earth did you deal with the pay cut?!

like

To anyone who got hired as a creative team (CW+AD), what questions did the CD ask you and your partner during a job interview?

like

What does a Culture department do on a daily basis?

likefunny

Most aesthetic agency spaces in NYC? Don't judge a book by its cover but some offices are 👌🏼

likehelpful

Looking for advice in what to ask for when you get the call to be let go.

like

Looking for practical advice on improving my attitude to work.

So imagine an imaginary scale where 0 is the worst piece of work a studio could produce and 10 is the best possible outcome.

As an animator working in an agency, I normally end up involved in projects towards the end, so by the time I get my hands on a project I can add between 1 and 3 depending on how much effort I put in.

If a project is a 3 when I get it, how do I summon the energy to make it a 6 that I could to make a 7 a 10?

like

🐠🐟🐡, how do you deal with a recruiter who won’t take a polite no for an answer?

like

Current status: questioning every career decision I've ever made.

like

Are super bowl ads worth it? Do they consistently help sales and build brands? Or would it better for the client to save the money, create an actual campaign and run spots throughout the year?

like

What's your day start time? Let us know if you're in house / agency / HCP or Patient healthcare / onsite freelance / etc

like

How many hours have you worked this year?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal