Ethical Dilemma

06/08/2005 | LIConFem

[LIConFem]

All,

I'm struggling with an ethical issue regarding my job, and I'd appreciate any input you'd care to provide.

I'm a software developer, working in the financial industry, with nearly 20 years of experience. It's common (but not always the case) for someone with my experience and skills to move beyond the technical to a position that's more business-oriented. It's viewed by many as a natural progression.

A few months ago, (late February) I interviewed for a Business Analyst position with a small firm in NYC. After six hours of interviews with nearly a dozen people, I was offered the gig. I accepted, and began work on 3/14 of this year. So far, so good, right?

My problem is this: My responsibilities as a software engineer have always included tasks that weren't very interesting. I never had any problem performing these mundane tasks because they were always part of a much larger project, most of which involved much more interesting technical work. But now I'm trying to make a living performing nothing but these mundane tasks, and I'm bored to tears! Worse yet, I feel like I'm discarding all of the skills that I've worked so hard to acquire and neglecting many of the God-given talents that made me such a good engineer. I also feel that sticking with this job for too long might do damage to my ability to find another, more appropriate job down the road. By the way, in my own defense, I honestly didn't realize how much I'd hate doing this type of work. It isn't as though I took this gig knowing that I'd be so unhappy.

And there's another issue: In less than a week, the firm at which I'm currently employed will have to pay the recruiter's fee. I know that shouldn't concern me, but this isn't a cash-rich firm, and despite how much I dislike this job, I do like the people I work for. So, if I stay while I look for another gig, they're on the hook for the recruiter's fee.

I've spoken with friends and family about this, many of whom are also in technical fields, and the consensus is that I should stay put until I find another job. Of course, being my friends and family, they're not exactly objective. That's where all of you come in. Given everything you've just read, do you think I should turn in my resignation before week's end? Keep in mind that my employer reserves the right to terminate my employment at any time, and for any reason (something that they made very clear to me in their written offer), and that I'm in the last week of a 3-month trial period.

Once again, any/all opinions are appreciated.

[LIConFem]

OOps... Forgot the "Vanity" warning... *sigh*

[steve8714]

You may be contractually entangled for a period of time. Many jobs have their boring times- maybe you could look at some other aspects of the firm and offer suggestions for improvement.

[CasearianDaoist]

Stay put and look for another job. You might try taking some methodology courses in either PM, Processes management or Software enginnering.

WHat I do not understand is why a Systems ANanlysis job has nothing but mundane tasks.ALmost sounds like a Systems Admin job to me.

[LIConFem]

Thanks so much for the input.

Fortunately, this isn't a contract position, and in their written offer to me, they essentially state that purpose of the trial period was for both the firm and me to decide whether this was the right move.

I've thought about looking into other possible positions with this company. Unfortunately, it's a rather small firm and they do none of the technical work in-house.

Thanks again!

[LIConFem]

"WHat I do not understand is why a Systems ANanlysis job has nothing but mundane tasks..."

It's a Business Analyst gig. Mostly specifications writing/review, gap analysis, et cetera.

[JenB]

If you can afford to quit and start looking, it sounds like you should. It sounds to me like morally, you believe it would be wrong to stay on when you just want another job.

I think I'd either make the decision to stay for at least X period, so as not to take advantage of the company, or quit now.

[LIConFem]

"It sounds to me like morally, you believe it would be wrong to stay on when you just want another job. "

Thus the "ethical dilemma". I also hate the thought of leaving these folks to look for another BA. As I said in my original post, I really do like these people.

"I think I'd either make the decision to stay for at least X period, so as not to take advantage of the company, or quit now."

Yup. I have two days to make that decision :(

Thank you!

[CasearianDaoist]

Those tasks do not seem mundane to me. Try pursuing Project managemenet down the road.

[So Cal Rocket]

I had a situation similar to yours, several years ago. I took a new job at a different company for more money... but the new job was boring.

I told myself that I would invest at least a year in the new job... and then made it so it stopped being boring. I looked at ways to improve processes and procedures, first those that directly affected me, then those that indirectly affected me. I wrote programs that automated some of the mundane tasks that caused so much of my drudgery - and soon others were asking me to do the same for them.

Your job is what you make it, not what your job description says. My suggestion to you is to look around the firm... look at ways to improve things - and then propose to your bosses ways to make the firm more efficient. Give it some time - and even if you leave in a year, the improvements you made will more than have paid for the recruiter fee.

[LIConFem]

Project management is more my speed. I've managed many projects in the past, and I've acted as tech-lead on just as many. I was Principle engineer at my last full-time gig. But project management at least allows me something for my brain to chew on. This gig doesn't.

[CasearianDaoist]

Take some PMI certification courses. It is pretty easy stuff really.

[LIConFem]

"I wrote programs that automated some of the mundane tasks that caused so much of my drudgery..."

Yes! I've done some of that (written some utilities in C to make some of the work easier), only to be told that in-house development of any kind is strictly verboten!

"My suggestion to you is to look around the firm... look at ways to improve things - and then propose to your bosses ways to make the firm more efficient."

Did that as well... several times, in fact. But once again, my boss rejected my ideas out of hand as being either "unnecessary" or because they involved in-house development of some kind. If I were allowed just a little wiggle-room here, I'd stay.

[ken5050]

Since it appears that your immediate ethical conundrum is not to see your new employer pay the headhunter's fees, the following might help. I have no specific knowledge of the compensation contracts for recruiters, but it is a fairly general practice that if a new hire leaves, or is found unsatifactory after a period of time that exceeds the trial period, the recruiter weill foten do the new search at zero, or reduced fee. After all, their stock i trade is a long-term relationship with the client...So, I wouldn't be too concerned. However, you can always go to your boss and tewll him exactly what your wrote here. You're unhappy, through NO fault of theirs, you don't want to see them get hit for the fee, but you don't want to leave them shorthanded either..by quitting suddenly..( which can only hurt you on your next interview) You can never get hurt by telling the truth. Heck, they might be so impressed they'll give you a promotin, a riase, AND more exciting responsibilities..

[LIConFem]

"However, you can always go to your boss and tewll him exactly what your wrote here..."

I've thought about doing just that, and I still might before the week is out.

And I've also considered what quitting after only three months might do to my future prospects, but I'm convinced that if I'm honest about the situation, the right kind of employer won't hold it against me. After all, I would be seeking a more technical position, and not one akin to what I just left.

Thanks much!

[ken5050]

Good luck, whatever course of action you choose...BTEW..since you involved us in the decision-making process, you've got to tell us how it turns out....

[LIConFem]

Thank you, and I will!

[LIConFem]

A few other things that I forgot to mention...

One of my responsibilities (albeit a minor one) is to help monitor client connections. Given that our clients are spread out across the globe, this means that I work odd hours. In short, I get in by 0630 and leave at 1530 (get up at 0300 and get home at 1800). Getting up that early is taking its toll.

Also, the firm is located in Chinatown, which means I have to take two subway trains to get her from Penn Station (after a 1hr and 20min ride on the LIRR). Either that, or take a $10.00 cab ride. I usually opt for the latter in the mornings (woman on a relatively desserted subway platform not safe).

Lastly, I'm the oldest one in our little group here. Most of the other employees (support staff) are in their late 20's/early 30's. I find that, while I do like them just fine, I have little in common with them. As a result, I sometimes feel isolated, or like an outsider.

Anyway, does it sound like I'm trying to convince myself to resign?? ;o)

[GodBlessUSA]

Hi LIConFem!
I was reading your thread. You are very kind to have concerns for your employer. In my opinion, whatever you decide to do, make sure you do it for your happiness. In the long run, you are the one who has to do the daily work. All those hours at work should be happy ones. Good luck. I'll be checking back to see how you make out.
God Bless You!

[GodBlessUSA]

Ps. I use to do the LIRR too, it took me about 1 hour 20 minutes to get to midtown from my train ride. It's a tough daily commute. I give so much credit to those who can tough it out. I only could deal with it for a bit over a year. :)