Hi there,

Ever wonder how you've suddenly ended up doing more than 1 person's job? 🤔 Your job description should explain the decisions you're responsible for. It rarely ends up that way.

This week, I'm talking about what happens when you've slowly added more tasks to your plate while your company keeps cutting headcount without backfilling. 📈

Start with your original job scope

Find the job description from your original offer, deep in your email (I know it's in there, somewhere! 🔍). Then, on the same page in a different color, I'd write the responsibilities I've added, including the decisions that go with them.

For each one, I'd write down whether I prepare the work, approve it, or do both. ✍️

Take a made-up delivery coordinator:

• Preparing the schedule 🗓️
• Approving a new delivery date ✅
• Telling the customer 📞

Those are 3 different responsibilities.

A manager reading that needs a better description.

The blanks I'd use 📝

• I now handle [work] every [frequency].
• I can decide [decision], and I need approval for [decision].
• I propose keeping [responsibility] and handing back [task].
• I'd like to review the scope, title and pay for [proposed role].

I'd keep temporary cover in a separate section, too. A draft that includes every favor you've ever done is a very generous offer. 😅

Then take it to your manager

Bring that page to your manager as a proposal. 🤝 If another leader needs to approve the change, agree on who will take it to them and when you'll check back.

From me this week

	Rewrite the job you do The full version, with the decisions and the ask.
	Don't be the hardest worker Write down what you absorbed and ask for the scope and pay that match.
	"I got it" is a career trap 3 replies to use instead, and how to hand a task back.

Your turn 💬

Hit reply and tell me the decision you're responsible for now that your job description leaves out.

I post on Instagram and LinkedIn during the week. Come say hi.

Mel