update from the reader with the seriously ill manager by Alison Green on October 7, 2013 Remember the reader worried about her seriously ill manager? Here’s her update: Since I wrote in, things actually have turned out for the positive. Starting in July, my manager started radiation therapy and would only come into the office one or two days out of the month, and worked from home (even though he was also limited in keeping on top of emails, etc.) For a few weeks, everyone worked on autopilot and important issues were sent to higher ups in the department, or were handled by us directly. After about three weeks, my manager brought in a temporary replacement. This person was a close friend and colleague who held the same position at a different organization. (Our industry is small and fairly specific, so we tend to have a fairly close network.) She had recently retired but was willing to help support the position and our department until my manager was in better health. This was fortuitous in a number ways: first, it really helped in taking the pressure off of my coworkers and me in handling work that we otherwise didn’t normally do (or had expertise in), and she also provided some much needed outside perspective on how our department was ran. She suggested some changes that my manager and the rest of our team really hadn’t thought of before. Additionally, she is the type of person who thrives in chaotic situations, so we were able to improve upon our productivity and output in our department; my manager has even said that most of the changes will be staying and was happy to gain some much needed outside support. The best news of all is that my manager’s cancer treatments have been working! He was at his worst in June and July, but he’s been on the upswing and feeling great since mid-August and will be coming back full-time, probably in mid-October. Our office used a lot of the tips your readers gave me (cooking meals and bringing them to his home, providing counseling services if we needed them, etc.) and I want to thank everyone for the ideas and well-wishes you sent to me about my situation! All in all, the scenario that we hoped for turned out to be the scenario that happened. Thank you again for all your support, AAM! You may also like:update: can I speak up about the portrait of a child abuser in my office?I have a job offer -- but it's been weeks and there's no start date in sightour new hire started another full-time job the same week he started ours { 16 comments }
Ruffingit* October 7, 2013 at 2:13 pm It is so great to hear that the manager is on the upswing. It’s also amazing that the temp manager was willing to postpone her retirement to help out. Stories like this give me faith in humanity. I wish continued good health to your manager and your organization and thanks for the update!
WWWONKA* October 7, 2013 at 2:35 pm The best part is your manager is doing better. It is a good thing obviously that it was seen that you all needed help. Nice to see that when there is a TEAM that things can work out.
Cathy* October 7, 2013 at 3:10 pm Kinda restores a little bit of faith in humanity, doesn’t it? Very pleased to hear your manager is doing better!!
Sourire* October 7, 2013 at 3:31 pm One of the best updates I’ve read. I’m so glad that your manager is doing better, and thank you so much for sharing. Stories like these help me remind myself that we need to see the positive in situations and seek out the silver lining. It was of course under terribly unfortunate circumstances, but it sounds like having an interim manager may have actually put your org in an even better position than it was in before.
Brett* October 7, 2013 at 3:33 pm Sounds like this worked out great in every way (and also further demonstrated why all of you adore your manager).
thenoiseinspace* October 7, 2013 at 3:54 pm So glad everything’s going well! But most of all, three cheers for the other manager who came out of retirement to help out! What an awesome person! :D
NylaW* October 7, 2013 at 4:08 pm What a great outcome! I’m glad to hear your manager is doing well and that things will be even better when he comes back.
Ruffingit* October 8, 2013 at 12:03 am Mine too! So nice to hear of something good when so much has been difficult in the employment world lately.
Verde* October 8, 2013 at 1:25 am What wonderful outcomes all around – that’s terrific, and I’m so glad your manager is feeling better. Fingers crossed for a successful recovery!
ChristineSW* October 8, 2013 at 10:34 am So glad to hear your manager is doing better and that her colleague was able to help out. Wishing everyone nothing but the best!
Elizabeth West* October 8, 2013 at 11:41 am Oh good! I’m glad to hear this! I hope your manager continues to improve, OP. It really was a blessing this other interim person was available and could help so much, also.