I am frustrated, to put it mildly. So I apologize for venting, but I need to get this off my chest and I sincerely hope someone can provide some insight or recommendations on how to move forward.
For the past two years, I've been working at an MSP Company as a Project Coordinator. Right from the start, I eagerly embraced tasks like handling switch port configurations, installing and configuring routers, and implementing full-on Point of Sale systems. These tasks were beyond what a typical Project Coordinator role would entail, but I've always been passionate about working in IT and relished the opportunity to learn and gain experience. Unfortunately, I don't have a college degree, but I do have a few certifications, and I truly love the process of learning and growing.
A manager from the PMO (Project Management Office) side noticed my dedication and offered me a junior-level Project Manager position, with a potential promotion to full-time employment from a contractor role if I performed well on the project at hand. I didn't just excel in this role; I even received commendations from our Vice President.
My responsibilities extended beyond typical project management duties. I handled many technical aspects such as writing process documentation, automating processes, and leading meetings. I became adept at explaining complex concepts in layman's terms, which enabled customers and stakeholders to better understand what was happening. This led me to become the Subject Matter Expert (SME). The 66% pay increase and the thrill of stepping outside the conventional project coordinator role were extremely rewarding.
However, as we wrapped up the project and embarked on two new large-scale projects, I faced a serious medical issue. I was diagnosed with two blood clots, which required a hospital stay of several days. My doctor sternly warned me that I needed to take breaks and move around more as my relentless 10+ hour workdays since joining the PMO side had led to this medical emergency.
My heavy workload also involved handling overnight escalations, often disrupting my sleep. This rigorous routine started to take a toll on my mental and physical health, so I decided to address this issue with my manager. He backed me up and suggested I schedule a meeting with the Senior Project Manager. In the meeting, I voiced my concerns, and although I didn't receive an immediate response, nothing suggested that this would become a problem.
Fast forward to this week, I was informed that I would be removed from the project and reassigned to the help desk, with my original pay rate reinstated. The manager who had previously supported me is now on FMLA and won't be back for months. I attempted to reach out to the PMO Manager, but my interim manager told me I wasn't allowed to bypass the chain of command and that I needed to “stay in my lane.”
The decrease in my hourly rate from $40 to $24 is a significant blow, as you can imagine. I have pondered what I might have done wrong, but my senior project manager, manager, or anyone else never indicated any performance issues.
I'm looking for advice on how to handle this situation. While I anticipate some might suggest looking for a new job, my options are limited. My current role is a full-time WFH job, and I am contracted through a hiring agency that isn't advocating for me. I feel used and discarded by the corporate machine. The idea of “quietly quitting” is appealing, yet I don't want to hand them a victory so easily. I have worked incredibly hard and I believe I deserve my unemployment benefits I at least deserve that. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.