Being marginalised on a contract.

[Pogle]

I've just spent 5 minutes trying to work out why they've got so many technical architects !?
DOH! - we're talking Test analysts aren't we?



However,
I've been in in this situation before where I've 'perceived' that I'm basically not being given the respect/kudos/seniority I felt I should have had. Then I got over it, mainly by being very good at my job so people realise how useful I am to have around.
After a couple of months it was quite different. I now don't worry about such things.
She just needs to give it time and show them how good she is.

[d000hg]

If she is worried about not looking good at renewal time or whatever, I think there are 2 good options:

1)Try to change things... complain you don't have a clear chain of command or person giving you work, etc.
2)Just be really good at doing the tasks assigned, regardless where they come from. Document clearly that she is the one who did it, and who assigned each task so she's covered if they ever complain she's not following the right procedure.

[BolshieBastard]

There's some misconceptions creeping in about this.

So to clarify;

Its a 'new' team, I understand one STA was in situ for a week previous but the others all started the same day. So, apart from the distinction between STA and TA, there's no demarkation within the setup.

She isnt a 'junior.'

She was specificially recruited to work on the team because she has indepth knowledge of the type of work they will be doing. She tells me the other TA doesnt have specific knowledge of the work and their background doesnt suggest they have more or even the same level of knowledge.

She isnt a permie just gone contracting, she's been contracting for going on 10 years. She just asked me for advice to see what my thoughts were (hope she aint reading this!)

She doesnt want to just keep invoicing, she's very focused acts professionally and doesnt have a 'take the money' attitude. I've worked with her before and know she is highly respected and gets repeat extensions wherever she worked. IMO, if she is being marginalised, the people at her place are wasting a good opportunity and knowledge she has.

She doesnt consider is a question of seniority \ kudos or any of that stuff, she isnt into office politics. She considers she is being marginalised and not included in discussions of what \ how to tackle work. She has to butt in and ask what's going on and doesnt see any reason why she's effectively the last one to find out or be told.

[Bagpuss]

Are you sure there is no history between the other starters and the manager? If not it sounds like your friend needs to push herself a bit more or just put up with it. Never complain, nobody likes whinging contractors.

[SueEllen]

She doesnt consider is a question of seniority \ kudos or any of that stuff, she isnt into office politics. She considers she is being marginalised and not included in discussions of what \ how to tackle work. She has to butt in and ask what's going on and doesnt see any reason why she's effectively the last one to find out or be told.

One of the others has seen her CV and now they are all f***ing scared of her experience.

[Green Mango]

One of the others has seen her CV and now they are all f***ing scared of her experience.

Who know's really.

It could also be a personality clash...

I guess it comes down to whether she needs the job, if so make the best of it.
If not walk ....

[shoes]

Is it because she is black?

[MarillionFan]

There is a huge difference between experience and seniority. Just because you've worked for 20 years in a given field and have 20 years 'experience' it does not make you a senior contributor.

I've met plenty of senior people who have gravitas and force of personality that gives the impression they are experienced, but dont really have any background.

Some lead, some follow. Easy as that.

[BolshieBastard]

Is it because she is black?

I deliberately didnt mention this. No, she's white but the other 3 are black. Are you suggesting there could be some sort of discrimination going on?

[shoes]

I deliberately didnt mention this. No, she's white but the other 3 are black. Are you suggesting there could be some sort of discrimination going on?

Well the situation made me think of reasons for the behaviour, it's interesting to know that there is that difference. Does she wear a KKK outfit to work?