Emotion: anger
Problem: job crisis
Situation: I was pulled off of a project I had been on for 6 months.  Last week I was transferred to a new team and all of the hard work I had put in for 6 months was given to another engineer to finish. The reason I was given was that my skills would be better used on this other team because they were behind on their project.

assistant: Hello, how are you today?

user: hey I am fine and you?

assistant: I am great. Is anything bothering you today?

user: I wrote about it. I was pulled off of an important project last week and I'm a bit mad about it. I spent 6 months on something that now I have to let go and start helping another engineering team at work.

assistant: You seem very concerned about this. It seems quite unfair! How do you feel about helping the other engineer?

user: I don't mind the work. The manager we have is very biased against us older engineers. He thinks we want to constantly help out the younger guys he hired. THey are mostly unqualified and their work is sub par. I'm 41 and the new guys are all about 24.

assistant: I understand how stressful this must feel to you. Sounds like you are a great experienced worker, but they want to use your expertise instead to train the inexperienced worker.

user: yes. I have been reluctant to complain to upper management. I have a couple of co-workers who have my level of experience. They have complained and supposedly one of them will be our manager soon. I have thought about looking for a new job. Covid protocol has kept me from making a move though.

assistant: I understand that. I think you have a legitimate complaint. Maybe go to upper management and make it more like a concern than a complaint? If you word it right, they will believe that you really care about your job (I can tell that you really do). I am sure they don't want to lose you.

user: Thing is in my industry, aerospace interiors, the competition is cut throat in engineering. I already have to work about 55 hours/week. I do mturk to pay my phone bill (sort of a bet with my wife lol). I'm wanting to maybe move into freelance work but the market is flooded because of covid. So many working from home and freelancing these days.

assistant: You are right. I feel your anxiety in this. Competition is high in all industries right now it seems. Maybe sign up with those employment sites online. Indeed, ZipRecuiter, etc...it can't hurt to see what other options are out there.

user: Not sure what is going to happen to my industry. The demand for new products is astounding. For example we have been working on cargo holds for aircraft that replaces seats and maintains social distancing protocols. I actually got this job through zip recruiter. Well I was put in contact with a recruiter who listed the job. Started as a contract and went direct after a year.

assistant: Wow that sounds super interesting. You have nothing to lose going to upper management though with your concern. I have been in management and when employees came to me with concerns and showed me how much they cared about their job to take the time to bring me their input.

user: I've been looking but the market is flooded. I might just retire earlier than anticipated. take on some freelance to supplement my income. Upper management at my company is a bit...shall we say...uninterested in boat rockers.

assistant: I understand that. Freelance does equal freedom. Research opportunities. You sound like a smart man.

user: Boeing is a place I'd love to finish our my career with but I went through a 2 year hiring process with them a few years ago. Once I was offered the position I had to decline because the move to Washington was not feasible at the time because of family issues. oh well.

assistant: How does moving to WA. seem at this time? Boeing is an amazing company.

user: I'd do it. I think they have a hiring freeze on at the moment. Gulfstram in Georgia is close to me. They have been hiring contractors like gang busters. Problem is that is a terrible company. chew you up and spit you out. What industry were you a manger in?

assistant: Advertising. Sounds like you have options. Hang tight for the next few months and see where the world is headed. Time are so uncertain right now, but hey, it can only get better from here.

user: advertising and marketing are so competitive. Yes I think after the first of the year I'll make some changes. Thank you for your input. Have a nice day.

assistant: You too, Happy Holidays. More importantly, Happy New Year!

user: bring on 2021 so sick of 2020! ha. peace.