h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I went to see my boss today, no not my wife, my other one at work. I have to discuss my position with her once a year (but we meet together at least once a month, anyhow).

Anyway, she arrived late and we started to talk ... I explained to her that in England, but more so in the US, people get hired and fired if they can actually do the job that they have ... She should know this, as I'm tried to explain this to her over and over and over again.

We've got this new form of pay increase scheme (which is voluntary?) where you (me) have to work out with your superior which goals you have planned for the coming year (half year, actually). So ... each of your goals (up to 5) are given points ... the more points the more money at the end of the year.

Which sounds great, doesn't it? NO! I explained ... I've been doing stuff for the organisation that is not part of my job description, to which she replied: Pech! German for 'bad lucky' or 'that's life'. Okay, she tried to recanter(sp?) but it was too late.

Which could mean, if you have followed anything that I have written, that the next time someone in the organisation asks me to do something "extra" should I say: Pech! I'm quite disheartened but I was expecting something similar.

Any ideas of what I could do?

PS: Her boss, very hierarchical this organisation, asked me 10 minutes before my boss arrived for our meeting, if I could do something for him next week? I'm very tempted to say: Love to ... but PECH!

I sympathise.

We have a similar objective-setting system (who doesn't?). A smart organisation realises that you have to have the flexibility to change your goals on less than a yearly cycle. New opportunities may come up which change or re-prioritise your goals. As Eden said, 'Events, dear boy.' As a last ditch, you could ask 'Do you *really* not want me to pursue such opportunities? Because if you like, I'm quite willing to keep plodding along until we run ourselves into the ground.'

I always like to quote an excellent project manager who I once worked for. At the start of a project, he'd present the usual, detailed plan. Later on, depending on circumstances, he'd change it.
"It was only a plan."

If the extras you do are not appreciated, you'll have to say 'tough' next time.