# Pushed out of a job I excelled at

> A worker is forced to choose between two roles after a new manager blocks her from keeping both.
- Title: Pushed out of a job I excelled at · Slate Magazine | Shortify
- Summary: A worker is forced to choose between two roles after a new manager blocks her from keeping both. When bureaucracy creates conflict, focus on what you can…
- Keywords: workplace conflict, event management, college employment, dual roles, management decision, career transition, professional relationships, conflict of interest, bureaucracy, job loss, Pushed, job
- Source: Slate Magazine — https://slate.com/advice/2026/09/work-advice-second-job-manager.html?via=rss
- Author: Laura Helmuth
- Published: 2026-09-17T10:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: workplace conflict, event management, college employment, dual roles, management decision, career transition, professional relationships, conflict of interest, bureaucracy, job loss
## Two jobs, one building
She worked part-time for an event management company at a college venue while also employed by the college itself. Both jobs were related, she excelled at both, and her schedule allowed her to do both.
## A promotion at the college
She applied for a full-time role at the college doing essentially what she already did, plus management responsibilities. Her event company supervisor encouraged the move and expected her to keep both positions.
## Blindsided by a new rule
The assistant general manager of the event company suddenly told her she couldn't work both jobs. No clear reason was given, though it was hinted to be political. Her own supervisor was equally shocked.

> I was blindsided yesterday when my supervisor told me that the assistant general manager for the event management company told her I couldn't continue to work in my current position
## The conflict of interest question
She wondered if there was a real conflict since both facilities use the same systems, serve different functions, and she'd have access to the same information regardless. The only difference would be which time clock she punched.
## A valuable asset dismissed
She had built the operating procedures from scratch, was well-liked by coworkers and patrons, and had a solid reputation. The new assistant GM simply didn't know her value yet.
## Other departments want her
Supervisors in other departments quickly offered her shifts. She had options and a good reputation across the organization, but the rejection still stung.
## The conflict might be real
The assistant GM may have legitimately worried that her new college role could lead to budgeting, scheduling, or contracting decisions affecting the event company. That's a reasonable concern, even if it felt personal.
## Not everyone will like you
In large workplaces, some people simply won't like you. That's uncomfortable but normal. The key is behaving professionally even with people who don't appreciate you.

> there will be people who simply don't like you. That feels bad, sure, and it's much more pleasant to work with people who do like you.
## Over-communicate, then let go
In her new role, she should explain how campus bureaucracy works to the assistant GM and connect them with relevant contacts. But if they still don't appreciate her efforts, that's their problem to solve.
## You're not doomed, you're thriving
She built a strong network across departments, earned a promotion, and has other opportunities available. The rejection feels bad now, but she's actually in a position of strength.

> You're not doomed; you're thriving.
## Key takeaway

When bureaucracy creates conflict, focus on what you can control: your professionalism, your network, and your next chapter.