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Every new starter says to me, “At my last place, we had a team that did what you do.”

“Tough,” I might respond if diplomacy wasn’t my forté. It’s not as if I have any influence on that quandary.

“There’s way too much for one person to do here,” they add swiftly. They’re talking about their new role, not mine.

“Welcome to our world,” I offer, but they’re not looking to compare notes. They’re hoping I will absorb the too much they don’t dare touch.

Without fail, they try to convince me that digital isn’t part of their job description. That was always dealt with by the mythical team that exists in every organisation but ours.

What can I do? I don’t control our organisation’s finances. I have petitioned for a team at length, to no avail. These are not the priorities of this organisation.

“At least you have just one thing to do,” they respond, frustrated with the burgeoning workload. If only they knew the reality.

Somebody ought to cover all this off at interview: “You’ll personally be expected to do the work of a team. I hope you can hack it.”

But, of course, at the interview, everyone just wants to secure the job, even if that means telling a few fibs about their skillset.

After all, whatever they do not care to touch can easily be jettisoned during the first few weeks in post. “At my last place, we had a team that did all that.”