Would love some advice.......

I know that mostly we post about weight related issues. However, this does have a little to do with weight issues. Do you find now that you will put up with less crap? Well here is my situation......Please read and offer your advice if you will..... I did something today that I have never done before but I felt inclined to do so. I went over my bosses head on something......I know....I know...they tell you never to do this but here is the situation. I asked to go to the Indiana SHRM Conference. It is quite inexpensive really in comparison to other conferences. It is only $185. Immediately upon asking, I offered to pay the cost out of my own pocket. My boss told me (in a rather smug way I thought) that they send very few people to conferences, and that if I wanted to go I would have to use my own money and time. When I asked for clarification on what was meant by my own time, he told me I would have to use vacation time. OKAY....I was a bit "pissed off" as you can imagine. I had already offered to pay...now he was telling me I would have to use my vacation time. Lately, I have been sensing some kind of "attitude" from him. I have been receiving all types of recognition across the organization for my work. In a way, I sense that he is jealous. The reason I think this is that I know that he is truly not qualified for his job. My company has this "corporate welfare" attitude that when people are displaced they will put them in a job even if they are truly not qualified. Their attitude is that they can "train" people in the new job. Well, as you can imagine....I have learned through the course of time that he has an Associates degree only. No certifications in HR. He basically leaves the entire training unit to me. He is never around. But yet he has no problem stepping in and taking some of the credit when things go well. Like when I helped to move the department from a "yellow" indicator to a "green indicator" in terms of our qualification efforts. Also, I created an evaluation strategy and plan---he had no input or helped at all with the plan; however, he wanted to be included when I presented it to upper management. He then made it look like he had helped to create the plan. It was sooooo obvious. So I have kind of sat back and let things take their course so to speak....well the conference thing really pissed me off......I will let a lot pass, but then I finally have enough..... So I sent this message to his boss---to ask her what the policy was on conferences. I am attaching the message below....I know I know....this is probably career suicide, but I think when I was fat I would put up with a lot more crap. Now I think I just won't take it any more. So tell me...do you think this is terrible......have a created a mess for myself. Read it and let me know what you think.....I need your honest feedback..... I have omitted names for privacy reasons. Kay XXXX, I wanted to check with you on something. Recently, I requested from my supervisor, Paul XXXX, to go to the Indiana SHRM Conference on August 28th, 29th, and 30th. The cost is very minimal really in comparison to other conferences--$185. Upon asking, I immediately offered to pay the cost of the conference out of my own pocket. I offered this even before I had an answer one way or the other. I was told that very few people get to attend conferences. I was told that I would have to use my own money and do it on my own time. When I asked for clarification on what was meant by "my own time". I was told that I would have to take vacation time. I am completely surprised and as you can imagine very disturbed by all of this. As you can see, I hold an SPHR. As I am sure that you are aware, it is not an easy thing to obtain. To maintain my credentialing, I must attend a certain number of hours in a three year period. As of this date, I have not participated in any off-site training programs, and I have been working in my role for almost two years now. I was told that it was not related to my current position---training and development. However, I would disagree with this 100% since OD is part of what I do and is clearly recognized in the SHRM organization. Also, I don't think my personal performance is the reason for decline. In the two years that I have been here I have received two positive performance reviews, and I am under the full impression that I will receive a positive interim review as well because I have not received any negative feedback in my monthly one-on-ones. So I am at a loss...... There is such a big emphasis in the organization on engagement, but I found the entire experience very disengaging. Because of this, I wanted to ask you what the policy is on this? If an employee is willing to pay out of pocket to attend are they required to use vacation time for the conference? Any information or advice on this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help with this matter.

I think your note was well written and very respectul, so I don't see it as being a problem unless he was telling you something that wasn't really policy. Since you need the ongoing training to maintain your credentials, I certainly would ask for clarification as to what the policy was. Just remember when you are asked about it to maintain your respectful demeanor and repeat that you worked hard for your cert and that it is really important to you to keep it current. But just my opinion. Sara

I know when I was a licensed insurance agent, we had to take so many continuing education hours to maintain our licenses and to broaden our licensed areas of expertise....increasing our levels of certification. This was to the insurance companies advantage because they could advertise the level of expertise of the staff (i.e. "we have highly trained insurance professionals"). Anyway, the insurance company usually (not always) paid for the training - but ALWAYS allowed us to take the courses on "company time." I suppose it may be different with HR - but so many companies are looking for certified HR professionals, it would seem like they would allow you to maintain your credentials on company time, since it is a benefit to the company. I think your email was well written and professional. As long as you maintain that demeanor and remain non-accusive, you shouldn't have anything to worry about. You ask a fair and legitimate question. I hope the cards fall in your favor! Hugs, Pam

Kay, I thought your email was well written and respectful. I hope that your situation resolves itself. You should not have to take vacation time for a conference that would benefit your company. Sometimes bosses are just jerks. Good Luck Lynn