I’ve been working as an assistant project manager for a few years and recently (6 months ago) left my old company to join a new one in the same niche construction industry. During the interview my boss originally told me I would be on a specific project he named which I was excited for. Fast forward to day 1 in the company and he thrusts me into a totally different closeout project and leaves me alone as the only manager working on it. My hours and anxiety skyrocket and for the last 6 months I’ve been struggling to stay afloat; during this time my title stays “assistant project manager” even as I perform the roles of project, quality, and site manager rolled into one. Still, through it all I’ve excelled in this role and have been getting nothing but praise from the people who work with me.
We’re now nearing the punchlist phase of this first project when my boss calls me into his office yesterday and talks about a “promotion.” He tells me I’ll be working as a site project manager in one of the most high-profile jobs this company has ever had (read: even more responsibility). The only catch is that I would be working the 3-11 PM shift with the 2nd shift workers – oh, and I would also be responsible for 3rd shift workers from 11 PM – 7 AM as well as the punchlist phase of the project I’m currently on. I asked him if this “promotion” came with a true raise or change to my title and he laughs in my face and says “all jokes aside, this is a great opportunity.” I left his office with the impression that I could turn this role down, but I’m being pushed hard into it as no one else wants it.
I’m burned out from this place and realizing that they expect me to work like a dog for scraps. At my old company I was working much better hours and had realistic expectations for an ASSISTANT PM. I have to meet with my boss soon to give him an answer to his offer. Any advice on how to handle this situation is appreciated!