It's Not Part of My Job Description!
By shello
@shello (964)
United Arab Emirates
April 18, 2010 2:03am CST
I decided not to report to work today because of the fact that my boss wants me to help our driver to move some installation materials out to the new office. Last night, I weighed the circumstances and it gave me the idea to think of my job description. And as what I have understood packing materials like cables, jumpers and the likes are out of my tasks as an admin secretary. It's not my intention not to help our driver; if it would be like file forlders or some office supplies then I would help on packing those things but not to the extent of packing those big rolls of cables which is obviously a work to do for men. He has all the resources to hire some people to pack and move those things out to the new place. My Aunt scolded me for not going to the office because she told me that it's part of my pay and I retorted back to her that it's not part of my job as an admin secretary.
How about you people? What is your stand on this matter? Would you allow people to make you do things that you are not supposed to do?
2 people like this
7 responses
@common_man (1799)
• India
18 Apr 10
Hi shello,
you may not like it, but I tend to agree with what your aunt said. As admin secretary, you are suppose to help in shifting material, if management wants so. Besides doing such extra help( Even if you think its not part of your duty/job description), is important for creating good reputaion and increase our value in eyes of our Boss. Each and every thing can not be said in job description.
It will sure help in developping better boss-sub-ordinate relationship.
@shello (964)
• United Arab Emirates
18 Apr 10
Hi commom man! Yeah, I know that. Some extra help would do. But I can't imagine packing all those big cables by myself. Why can't he hire people to do the job? There are so much materials in the office and there's just me and the driver. I don't think it's reasonable for the two of us to do all those stuffs, he needs to hire people to have that job done.
@common_man (1799)
• India
18 Apr 10
In such circumstances, you should have told your boss "I will supervise the work, but it will be difficult for me to physically pack such heavy stuff, so it will be better if we hire a couple of labours for packing and loading and unloading." That would have shown your concern for getting work done as well as would have saved you from labour and / or awkward positin.
Best Luck!
@myzire72 (1154)
• Singapore
19 Apr 10
Hi shello, you are not the only one who has this experience. I'm sure there are many people out there who have to do things which are not within their job scope. I am one of those people. As an IT administrator, I not only have to attend to daily IT matters, but also have to do product presentations for customers. As our company deals with electronic or IT products, management has tasked me to take care of presentations, where I'll be able to answer any technical questions posed by customers. Now, this is not stated in my letter of employment. But in times like this, I guess I have to endure for the time being.
@TheAdvocate (2392)
• Philippines
18 Apr 10
I have been part of several offices which moved to another office while I was under their employ. All our secretaries helped out in moving to the next office. I doubt if a job description would include this kind of task since this does not occur often. You may be reading your job description too narrowly. In my opinion, an administrative secretary's job is to see to it that all administrative matters are done. Making sure that the files are in place, and materials needed are there forms part of your job. I doubt if the driver expects you to carry those things. He might need you to point out to him where to move the installation materials. You may be standing on a very thin line, and I doubt your boss will look into the distinction that you are making.
@shello (964)
• United Arab Emirates
18 Apr 10
Hi there. I know your points and thanks for reminding me about those. However, we were instructed to do the packaging of those installation materials which I don't think that we could handle by just the two of us. Our office looks like a warehouse as of this time because of those materials and believe me 5 rooms were filled with those. When it comes to the office files and everything it's already packed and I have prepared all of them. Anyways, thanks for your response. Just can't understand why he couldn't hire people to do the job.
Well, I know that I don't have a choice but to help our driver out. But I really do think that this is another way of descriminating people like us who are working abroad. Sad but really true. It's still good to work back home and work with fellow Kabayans.
@lovelyn_medrano (3070)
• Philippines
18 Apr 10
Well Yeah, I agree it is not an admin secretary job anymore... But be prepared to be scolded by your boss tomorrow... For your boss will definitely call your attention. You should check your job duties and responsibilities you signed also... check if there is none stated that " you are to do and comply to any additional task that would be assigned and asked to you from time to time -- this might fall under...
I hope you did not confirm your presence to your boss too... For that would make you more liable...
Well if I am in your shoes, I would not do it also but I would tell it to my boss in straightly my reasons but in a very nice way... hello!!! I am not a warehouse man...
@shello (964)
• United Arab Emirates
19 Apr 10
Absolutely! I am not a warehouse man. LOL! Well, I knew it within me that I am not supposed to do it. But I am now in the office and yeah, I was trying to help our driver in little ways that I can. But I can't really do the packing of those cables I will let our driver do it. Anyway, thanks for supporting my points and have a great day ahead. Cheers!
@shello (964)
• United Arab Emirates
18 Apr 10
Hi Tata! Yeah, I am very sure that it's not part of my contract. I know that I have the right to complain however, I don't want to have any conflict with my boss that's why I have decided to come to the office today so that I could have an excuse of not doing such thing.
@atv818 (1980)
• United Arab Emirates
18 Apr 10
Working in an office will sometimes prompt you to do something that is totally out of your job description. If you can do them, I suggest that you help every once in a while because oftentimes, favors like these can go a long way. But if you feel that you cannot do them then analyze your work situation because you cannot go on leave of absence most of the time. It won't look good in your working performance either. Try explaining to your boss the situation but don't expect a good reaction. If this continues, try looking for another job. Sorry!
@ghieptc (2522)
• Philippines
18 Apr 10
Personally it's ok for me even if it's out of my job description. He's/she's actually my boss and I would obey him/her as long as they won't step up my dignity on the things he/she wanted me to do...I understand some people are complaining it's pretty unfair sometimes, we have this mind "why me?" if can other of my co-workers can actually do this or that....But I always try to understand things coz I know life is really unfair, just being positive coz everything happen for a reason.
