Hello, I want to ask for advice. I am in my early 30s working in a big corporation (middle manager with 3 team member, high salary, relaxing job.) I have been working here for around 3 year+ and last year there is this new reorganisation with new senior manager and head of department.

There are so many uncertainty with the new leadership, and I confused myself, but my team think I am holding information. My new manager (Lets called him John) also knew my salary and said i earn a bit more than him, he keep telling when I make claim expenses or appraisal bonus, “You have high-salary already.”

He went around to my team asked, “What can be improved from Doremi?” So my team upset with me said, “No transparency, unclear direction, no guidance / coaching within this 3 years.” WTH when my team get high grade within this 3 years. Then he went to the new head and mentioned, “Heard from her team member, Doremi didn’t do anything, no direction, unclear, etc.” during the performance appraisal (Senior management meeting.)

One of the senior manager (Lets called her Lia) then asked him, “IF Doremi is so useless, not doing anything, then just give her bad review and let her go!” But John said, “Give her normal rating, she is still leading the team.” John has 5 middle manager, he gave everyone “Superstar” rating except me “Normal” performance rating.

I heard all this story from Lia and I felt devastated. John and Lia didn’t like each other, so they might try to sabotage each other. I talked my team member, John really did asked about me to them, and they thought it is for improvement.

I didn’t know what should I do? I can’t find job it’s so difficult now, and John still pretended to like me, “If I am unhappy with you why do I give you normal rating and not bad rating? Why I gave you good project?” He is very manipulative with two faces.

In one hand, I just can close my ear, improve my job and get good salary to pay my house mortage. In another hand, I felt betrayed and humiliated he said that in front of head and senior management meetings. They will think I am so bad?

Please give me guidance, thank you.