Article March 21, 2011 Issue

The right mentor for me

By Betsie Tegtmeyer

It seemed like the perfect job: a step up the career ladder, a significant increase in pay, and a job description that incorporated my interests—all at an acclaimed company. But after a few days, I knew I was in trouble. My boss was going to be a challenge I hadn’t expected.

She was controlling, temperamental, and moody. On top of it I felt bored and underutilized. She gave me very little direction in my job responsibilities, and after several months had gone by, I began to feel that my boss was trying to make herself feel important by making me and others in my department feel small. It seemed she was not interested in my ability to be a successful contributor to the company. I began to feel powerless, and even that my job was in jeopardy, since she had the power to fire me.

It appeared that my options were limited. I didn’t feel comfortable discussing my concerns with upper management. I couldn’t quit without another job, as I was dependent upon my income. And because of my boss’s tenure with and apparent value to the company, I was sure she would never quit or be fired. But something had to change.