Need advise on getting myself released from project
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If you make yourself irreplaceable you also make yourself unpromotable... Easy steps for making them want you to look at those other projects: (disclaimer: I am not liable for any lawsuits, injuries, or loss of life, limb, or employment entailed in doing these. Use at your own risk.) Change the name of buttons internally to describe them in more creative ways. "BigEffingPainInTheRearGreenButton3" is a good one to use. Make sure the button does something that can throw and error. Have a messagebox pop up with the error message that it can't do things. Change one thing so that this error box will show up pretty much every time that green button is pushed to do something routine. Have it go into production. Leave your web browser open to the VB forum. Have another tab open to an online version of "VB for dummies" Have things that look like notes. Leave your planner laying about open. Step 6: Total World Domination. (50% complete) Have it due in a week. Request to get a chance to do something else formally in writing. Use crayons. If asked about that state VB has reduced your higher functions to the point where pens are just too complicated... Ask nicely. Give them pie. After they have some tell them the antidote will be provided once a suitable project has been found for you and a replacement has started training. Put an hourglass on the table and walk out. Smile a lot while doing this. It helps make friends. See if there are job openings in the company that your boss would be hiring for. Submit your resume. When asked go "Whoops, should have checked the address. So... do I have a shot?" Two words: Lone gunman.
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If you make yourself irreplaceable you also make yourself unpromotable... Easy steps for making them want you to look at those other projects: (disclaimer: I am not liable for any lawsuits, injuries, or loss of life, limb, or employment entailed in doing these. Use at your own risk.) Change the name of buttons internally to describe them in more creative ways. "BigEffingPainInTheRearGreenButton3" is a good one to use. Make sure the button does something that can throw and error. Have a messagebox pop up with the error message that it can't do things. Change one thing so that this error box will show up pretty much every time that green button is pushed to do something routine. Have it go into production. Leave your web browser open to the VB forum. Have another tab open to an online version of "VB for dummies" Have things that look like notes. Leave your planner laying about open. Step 6: Total World Domination. (50% complete) Have it due in a week. Request to get a chance to do something else formally in writing. Use crayons. If asked about that state VB has reduced your higher functions to the point where pens are just too complicated... Ask nicely. Give them pie. After they have some tell them the antidote will be provided once a suitable project has been found for you and a replacement has started training. Put an hourglass on the table and walk out. Smile a lot while doing this. It helps make friends. See if there are job openings in the company that your boss would be hiring for. Submit your resume. When asked go "Whoops, should have checked the address. So... do I have a shot?" Two words: Lone gunman.
Or, I could do what Dogbert[^] did.
-- gleat http://blogorama.nerdworks.in[^] --
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I am stuck in a dead-end project supporting a piece of software that was built in the late 90s using VB5 and VC5 which is anyway going to be retired middle of next year and I am supposed to be this .NET guy. Trouble is, I've managed to do a decent enough job of it that the client will not hear of letting me go; and while that might sound like a good thing, it really isn't when you find yourself watching other more interesting opportunities pass you by on a regular basis. I've offered to train a replacement, document things and generally do everything I can to transition to another person, but they don't seem convinced. Sigh! Do you think I should throw a tantrum, pout lips etc. and be a general pain in the wrong part of the anatomy till they agree to let me go? :~
-- gleat http://blogorama.nerdworks.in[^] --
Just suck at the job - you'll be released soon enough...
.45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly
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"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
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"The staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - J. Jystad, 2001 -
Or, I could do what Dogbert[^] did.
-- gleat http://blogorama.nerdworks.in[^] --
I can't look at it from work. :( The intertubes have spying eyes. Side note: the crayon and button with swear words incidents actually happened to a guy I knew. In the request case he got the transfer as they were worried because he also drew pictures of him with a butcher knife in front of the building, and the button thing was in another project. Somebody broke one of his buttons just before they went gold with undocumented and untested code changes the day before release. The bosses were almost as mad at him for the name as the guy that broke the ability of a access a database.
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Do the documentation, and point out with that much documentation even a new hire should be able to do the job. Then let us know how your job search goes. But really, if the client likes you because you do good work, perhaps see if they're willing to do a replacement/upgrade project as a continuation in .net on your suggestion for after this project runs up? I'm taking stabs in the dark here though, I'm mostly here for the bad joke.
Thanks for your reply. The continuation project has actually been underway for like, 4-5 years now and is finally looking like it might go live next year and for some reason that was built using VC++ 7.0 (which probably explains why it has been in development for about the same time that it took Microsoft to get Vista out; not that I have anything against VC++, in fact I love[^] it - just that VC++ typically requires somewhat above average technical skills). Anyway, I'll probably keep bugging them till they do something about it - or else just start looking for opportunities elsewhere really.
-- gleat http://blogorama.nerdworks.in[^] --
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Just suck at the job - you'll be released soon enough...
.45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly
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"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
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"The staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - J. Jystad, 2001I know of a colleague who did exactly that recently. Not sure if he wanted to be desperately let off his project or just picked up a coke habit but he just went AWOL for a couple of weeks and was off the project come week 3!
-- gleat http://blogorama.nerdworks.in[^] --
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I am stuck in a dead-end project supporting a piece of software that was built in the late 90s using VB5 and VC5 which is anyway going to be retired middle of next year and I am supposed to be this .NET guy. Trouble is, I've managed to do a decent enough job of it that the client will not hear of letting me go; and while that might sound like a good thing, it really isn't when you find yourself watching other more interesting opportunities pass you by on a regular basis. I've offered to train a replacement, document things and generally do everything I can to transition to another person, but they don't seem convinced. Sigh! Do you think I should throw a tantrum, pout lips etc. and be a general pain in the wrong part of the anatomy till they agree to let me go? :~
-- gleat http://blogorama.nerdworks.in[^] --
Notwithstanding all the jokes, I would NEVER make myself look bad to get off a project. You never know when you'll need a recommendation in the future and a previous employer saying that you were great is a whole lot better than one saying you went AWOL, stopped being reliable, etc. I'd keep hinting and look for opportunities elsewhere. It's a lot easier to survive with a decent job and income than it is without one!
CQ de W5ALT
Walt Fair, Jr., P. E. Comport Computing Specializing in Technical Engineering Software
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I am stuck in a dead-end project supporting a piece of software that was built in the late 90s using VB5 and VC5 which is anyway going to be retired middle of next year and I am supposed to be this .NET guy. Trouble is, I've managed to do a decent enough job of it that the client will not hear of letting me go; and while that might sound like a good thing, it really isn't when you find yourself watching other more interesting opportunities pass you by on a regular basis. I've offered to train a replacement, document things and generally do everything I can to transition to another person, but they don't seem convinced. Sigh! Do you think I should throw a tantrum, pout lips etc. and be a general pain in the wrong part of the anatomy till they agree to let me go? :~
-- gleat http://blogorama.nerdworks.in[^] --
Quit.
Need custom software developed? I do custom programming based primarily on MS tools with an emphasis on C# development and consulting. A man said to the universe: "Sir I exist!" "However," replied the universe, "The fact has not created in me A sense of obligation." --Stephen Crane
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I am stuck in a dead-end project supporting a piece of software that was built in the late 90s using VB5 and VC5 which is anyway going to be retired middle of next year and I am supposed to be this .NET guy. Trouble is, I've managed to do a decent enough job of it that the client will not hear of letting me go; and while that might sound like a good thing, it really isn't when you find yourself watching other more interesting opportunities pass you by on a regular basis. I've offered to train a replacement, document things and generally do everything I can to transition to another person, but they don't seem convinced. Sigh! Do you think I should throw a tantrum, pout lips etc. and be a general pain in the wrong part of the anatomy till they agree to let me go? :~
-- gleat http://blogorama.nerdworks.in[^] --
What do you think about giving notice and telling them you will be available as a paid consultant to help them support the software (at about double the rate they pay now) as long as you can work at home or in your home office ? best, Bill
"Many : not conversant with mathematical studies, imagine that because it [the Analytical Engine] is to give results in numerical notation, its processes must consequently be arithmetical, numerical, rather than algebraical and analytical. This is an error. The engine can arrange and combine numerical quantities as if they were letters or any other general symbols; and it fact it might bring out its results in algebraical notation, were provisions made accordingly." Ada, Countess Lovelace, 1844
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I can't look at it from work. :( The intertubes have spying eyes. Side note: the crayon and button with swear words incidents actually happened to a guy I knew. In the request case he got the transfer as they were worried because he also drew pictures of him with a butcher knife in front of the building, and the button thing was in another project. Somebody broke one of his buttons just before they went gold with undocumented and untested code changes the day before release. The bosses were almost as mad at him for the name as the guy that broke the ability of a access a database.
ragnaroknrol wrote:
I can't look at it from work. The intertubes have spying eyes.
Select the paragraph below to see what the strip was about. If you don't want the suspense spoiled, well, don't!
Dogbert basically has himself replaced with a dried-up corpse but assures everyone that it is only a placeholder till they can find a replacement. But they'll need to hurry because the corpse's head is is getting blown away as fine dust in the breeze.
ragnaroknrol wrote:
Side note: the crayon and button with swear words incidents actually happened to a guy I knew.
Wow! Talk about desperate measures!
-- gleat http://blogorama.nerdworks.in[^] --
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I am stuck in a dead-end project supporting a piece of software that was built in the late 90s using VB5 and VC5 which is anyway going to be retired middle of next year and I am supposed to be this .NET guy. Trouble is, I've managed to do a decent enough job of it that the client will not hear of letting me go; and while that might sound like a good thing, it really isn't when you find yourself watching other more interesting opportunities pass you by on a regular basis. I've offered to train a replacement, document things and generally do everything I can to transition to another person, but they don't seem convinced. Sigh! Do you think I should throw a tantrum, pout lips etc. and be a general pain in the wrong part of the anatomy till they agree to let me go? :~
-- gleat http://blogorama.nerdworks.in[^] --
It's 6 months, suck it up and live with it. Mind you I am supporting s system they promised they would retire 3 years ago so maybe you need to do something. Demand more money, the only way forward for indispensable is more money.
Never underestimate the power of human stupidity RAH
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It's 6 months, suck it up and live with it. Mind you I am supporting s system they promised they would retire 3 years ago so maybe you need to do something. Demand more money, the only way forward for indispensable is more money.
Never underestimate the power of human stupidity RAH
Well, ya I could do that I suppose. Been here for 15 months already. What's another 6 months? Your system was supposed to have been retired 3 years ago? I see that and I raise you - the system I am supporting was supposed to have been retired 4 years ago!
Mycroft Holmes wrote:
Demand more money, the only way forward for indispensable is more money.
That's not a bad idea at all. And its about time too! Thank you!
-- gleat http://blogorama.nerdworks.in[^] --
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This in itself is not really such a bad thing if a promotion means going from Developer to something stupid like a Business Analyst or Project Manager...
do or do not, there is no try
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That is a very very scary thought.
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Thanks for your reply. The continuation project has actually been underway for like, 4-5 years now and is finally looking like it might go live next year and for some reason that was built using VC++ 7.0 (which probably explains why it has been in development for about the same time that it took Microsoft to get Vista out; not that I have anything against VC++, in fact I love[^] it - just that VC++ typically requires somewhat above average technical skills). Anyway, I'll probably keep bugging them till they do something about it - or else just start looking for opportunities elsewhere really.
-- gleat http://blogorama.nerdworks.in[^] --
Hm, sounds like you will remain in your current position for a long time....
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I am stuck in a dead-end project supporting a piece of software that was built in the late 90s using VB5 and VC5 which is anyway going to be retired middle of next year and I am supposed to be this .NET guy. Trouble is, I've managed to do a decent enough job of it that the client will not hear of letting me go; and while that might sound like a good thing, it really isn't when you find yourself watching other more interesting opportunities pass you by on a regular basis. I've offered to train a replacement, document things and generally do everything I can to transition to another person, but they don't seem convinced. Sigh! Do you think I should throw a tantrum, pout lips etc. and be a general pain in the wrong part of the anatomy till they agree to let me go? :~
-- gleat http://blogorama.nerdworks.in[^] --
I agree that joking aside, you don't want to make yourself look incompetent. The two best strategies for getting out of a stuck position is asking for more money or quitting. Be prepared to call their bluff if they agree to your compensation demands though...if no amount of money could make you stay, then just put in your notice once you find something. I finally got out of my dead-end by telling the client I was burnt out on the year extension and couldn't continue, and delivering the same message to my consulting house. Once they understood that it was an irreperable problem, my consulting house pulled me. The client never did train a replacement and had me doing piddly tasks until the last day, and now they're re-writing the system to remove a core component no one else at the shop understands. But you can only do so much...
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I am stuck in a dead-end project supporting a piece of software that was built in the late 90s using VB5 and VC5 which is anyway going to be retired middle of next year and I am supposed to be this .NET guy. Trouble is, I've managed to do a decent enough job of it that the client will not hear of letting me go; and while that might sound like a good thing, it really isn't when you find yourself watching other more interesting opportunities pass you by on a regular basis. I've offered to train a replacement, document things and generally do everything I can to transition to another person, but they don't seem convinced. Sigh! Do you think I should throw a tantrum, pout lips etc. and be a general pain in the wrong part of the anatomy till they agree to let me go? :~
-- gleat http://blogorama.nerdworks.in[^] --
If you dont like what you are doing, and are in no desperate need for money ... resign...
Edgar Prieto Software Engineer
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This in itself is not really such a bad thing if a promotion means going from Developer to something stupid like a Business Analyst or Project Manager...
do or do not, there is no try
Easy on the PMs man... We're not all lucky enough to have a 100% development position. :((
Mike Devenney
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I am stuck in a dead-end project supporting a piece of software that was built in the late 90s using VB5 and VC5 which is anyway going to be retired middle of next year and I am supposed to be this .NET guy. Trouble is, I've managed to do a decent enough job of it that the client will not hear of letting me go; and while that might sound like a good thing, it really isn't when you find yourself watching other more interesting opportunities pass you by on a regular basis. I've offered to train a replacement, document things and generally do everything I can to transition to another person, but they don't seem convinced. Sigh! Do you think I should throw a tantrum, pout lips etc. and be a general pain in the wrong part of the anatomy till they agree to let me go? :~
-- gleat http://blogorama.nerdworks.in[^] --
If you haven't already, first sit down and have a frank talk with you boss. Tell them of your concerns. Reiterate that you have no problem seeing this project through till end of life, but you feel you are being passed by for promotion and interesting projects in the mean time. There's lots of ways to handle your situation so everybody wins, and a good manager knows that nobody is irreplacable -- no matter how important someone is, there's nothing they can do to prevent them from leaving or dying. If you leave, they have to replace you anyway, and can't bother you for help. If you merely move on to a new position or project, you're available for questions and to lend a helping hand if needed. If you don't like their answer to your concerns, start looking for another job in a new company -- its a race, will your current employeer get you into something more to your liking so you can stop the search, or will you find a new position elsewhere. Whatever you do, don't tell your boss your're doing this. If they find out your looking to leave, they will give all opportunities to someone else, someone who will be sticking around for a while, thus forcing you to have to leave to move on. Whatever you do, I wouldn't play the strategic incompetence card that others have recommended. If you succeed, its because you have instilled a belief that you are less than competent. Is that the kind of reputation you want following you around through that company? Nobody wants to promote the incompetent, nor do they want them working on their project. Being perceived as less than competent is also a good way to ensure you're one of the lucky ones let go in the next layoff.
patbob
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I am stuck in a dead-end project supporting a piece of software that was built in the late 90s using VB5 and VC5 which is anyway going to be retired middle of next year and I am supposed to be this .NET guy. Trouble is, I've managed to do a decent enough job of it that the client will not hear of letting me go; and while that might sound like a good thing, it really isn't when you find yourself watching other more interesting opportunities pass you by on a regular basis. I've offered to train a replacement, document things and generally do everything I can to transition to another person, but they don't seem convinced. Sigh! Do you think I should throw a tantrum, pout lips etc. and be a general pain in the wrong part of the anatomy till they agree to let me go? :~
-- gleat http://blogorama.nerdworks.in[^] --
My contribution to this is.... STRESS LEAVE! You're feeling trapped, underpaided, overworked and not exercising your '.NET-Guru' skills... Don't be a prick about it, just take a few weeks off (I'm sure you Dr and you can sort that out) and when you're employer asks why, just tell them that "You're feeling trapped, underpaided, overworked and not exercising your '.NET-Guru' skills"...
