Decision time

[Eve]

No disrespect intended to those struggling to find work but I would be grateful for any opinions on my current issue.

 

Basically, I have the chance at another job. However, I have not been with my current employers for not even one year and I do tend to have a strong sense of loyalty. For example, I previously worked for another organisation for a number of years. I enjoy my job but dont like the travelling to and from work. I work with a great team but there is no real chance of progressing. However there is plenty of reach to try new things and the position enables me to do everything I want to do and more. The pay scale is good but I will have reached the maximum wage increase within one year. I can complete my studies comfortably in my current position.

 

The other job involves working with kids. I adore kids but have recently decided not to foster because of the work I do. It would be too stressful to manage stress during the day then come home to stress. So working with kids again would fulfil a gap I see as important. The pay scale begins at the maximum pay scale I am currently working within and goes much further. The job is close to home so my travelling issue would disappear. I could adapt my studies to incorporate an angle on children. This was my original intention but I became side tracked.

 

I have placed this in the self improvement section because I do see a work role as something which is central within ones life. My current work/home life balance is not good but the enjoyment I get from my work balances things out nicely. I have tried to live my life without putting money first so dont want to take the new job purely for financial reasons. However the new job would withstand a change of government, whereas my current role would probably see dramatic cuts being implemented because of complex political stuff.

 

Which job would you choose?

 

Take care,

Eve xx

[jerbear]

I would choose the job that would give me the most potential and riskier. The one that is not the safer job.

[Eve]

I would choose the job that would give me the most potential and riskier. The one that is not the safer job.

 

This is my brothers take on the situation too. He thinks I should stay where I am because the study which I am doing has very indepth implications which could influence current practices in my field. So from a 'purposeful' perspective it would be better to stay where I am. The study which I could complete in the other job would not be as significant. It would be more about getting the qualification, which is still ok in many respects. It would still require a lot of time but getting rid of my travelling time would free me up greatly. There is also plenty of room to advance in the new job.

 

I am still not sure what to do because it would be nice to be home at a decent time and have half the case load I have now for more money. Deep down I want to put myself and my family first. I dont feel in danger of 'burning out' from my current role - I can just see an easier life with the new role and it is very attractive.

 

So, the current role is more risker and has a greater potential once I have gained my qualification purely because of the reach of my study. I also get on really well with my clients and they are nearly all doing really well. So saying, I always get on with people in real life though, colleagues and clients alike. I would form new alliances quickly in my new role. The main differences between the roles is that people voluntarily come to me at the moment. In the new role it will be mandatory that clients see me... this creates quite a difference in how people respond to you. Hence, the new job is far easier in many respects. Overall, time is my main concern at the moment. Currently my home is a mess because I simply do not have time to do that much cleaning or even cooking. In the last few months, even my teens and their friends have helped out around the home because they understand that I dont have time. I have put a lot onto my husband and feel a bit bad about him always supporting me by doing my share of stuff. To stay where I am would mean continuing as such for a possibility of another 2 years... with an ever growing caseload of clients... but I do get a kick out of my job.

 

Hubby says that he will support me no matter what I choose to do. He has for the first time taken a lead in the home over the past few months and can manage the home quite well, except for the cleaning. He is not good at cleaning. I really want my home back to normal now.

 

Anyhow, thank you for responding Jerbear. I will have to pray about this one.

 

Take care,

Eve xx

[Ross PK]

I'm really not sure what would be best to do.

 

Is your gut instinct telling you what would be best to do? If so the best thing is to follow it.

[Eve]

Ross, I have no gut instinct on the direction to take, which is unusual. Not sure what to do.

 

I can moan about the travelling in my current role but generally cope with it. Reducing my time on the road is probably the greatest plus out of both positions.

 

It has been good to write down the details of each choice though.

 

 

Hopefully things will become more clear soon.

 

Take care,

Eve xx

[josie54]

Basically, I have the chance at another job. However, I have not been with my current employers for not even one year and I do tend to have a strong sense of loyalty. For example, I previously worked for another organisation for a number of years. I enjoy my job but dont like the travelling to and from work. I work with a great team but there is no real chance of progressing. However there is plenty of reach to try new things and the position enables me to do everything I want to do and more. The pay scale is good but I will have reached the maximum wage increase within one year. I can complete my studies comfortably in my current position.

 

The other job involves working with kids. I adore kids but have recently decided not to foster because of the work I do. It would be too stressful to manage stress during the day then come home to stress. So working with kids again would fulfil a gap I see as important. The pay scale begins at the maximum pay scale I am currently working within and goes much further. The job is close to home so my travelling issue would disappear. I could adapt my studies to incorporate an angle on children. This was my original intention but I became side tracked.

 

 

I guess I'm confused. The way you describe these two jobs makes it seem as if the second job offers way more advantages than the first. The first: You like the people, have the opportunity to try new things, and feel a sense of loyalty BUT there's no progression, too much travel, too much stress, and no chance to raise your pay.

 

The second job presents a chance to do something that you "adore" that you originally planned, offers a chance to make more money, puts you closer to home so you don't have to travel, and has less stress BUT ??? The fact that you don't want to offend the people at your current job isn't really a "but" in this situation.

 

You really had no "BUT" with the second job. You can see the people at your old job again--you can stay friends with them. You mention that you could receive a "qualification" at your current job--perhaps you could pursue that qualification on your own, as you worked at the new job?

 

If I'm misreading something and the "pro's" of the first job are somehow more than you've outlined here, then perhaps the decision is more complex than it seems. But if you like the work offered by the new job more, and see that life as being more enjoyable, more satisfying, less stressful, more financially beneficial, and more centered around your family and lifestyle....I'd say go for the second job.

 

Now, I'd do so by leaving on very good terms--tell everyone just how much you enjoy working with them. Let them know that this is a very difficult decision to make. Give them fair notice. If the second job doesn't work out for any reason, you may still be able to return to the first, especially if they valued your work and enjoyed working with you. I actually know someone who would leave her jobs when she got sick of them--I mean just leave and not come back. No notice, no phone call, no nothing. But she did such great work and they liked her so much, that they always took her back when she wanted to come back. That's an extreme example (I wouldn't recommend her method!), but there's something to be said for being a valued employee--these are the people that companies don't want to let go and that companies will often take back when given the opportunity.

 

I'm not sure what all the details are here, but I know that sometimes it's not always an "either/or" situation. Sometimes you can try something new, and if it doesn't work, you can return to the old.

[Eve]

I guess I'm confused. The way you describe these two jobs makes it seem as if the second job offers way more advantages than the first. The first: You like the people, have the opportunity to try new things, and feel a sense of loyalty BUT there's no progression, too much travel, too much stress, and no chance to raise your pay.

 

The second job presents a chance to do something that you "adore" that you originally planned, offers a chance to make more money, puts you closer to home so you don't have to travel, and has less stress BUT ??? The fact that you don't want to offend the people at your current job isn't really a "but" in this situation.

 

You really had no "BUT" with the second job. You can see the people at your old job again--you can stay friends with them. You mention that you could receive a "qualification" at your current job--perhaps you could pursue that qualification on your own, as you worked at the new job?

 

If I'm misreading something and the "pro's" of the first job are somehow more than you've outlined here, then perhaps the decision is more complex than it seems. But if you like the work offered by the new job more, and see that life as being more enjoyable, more satisfying, less stressful, more financially beneficial, and more centered around your family and lifestyle....I'd say go for the second job.

 

Now, I'd do so by leaving on very good terms--tell everyone just how much you enjoy working with them. Let them know that this is a very difficult decision to make. Give them fair notice. If the second job doesn't work out for any reason, you may still be able to return to the first, especially if they valued your work and enjoyed working with you. I actually know someone who would leave her jobs when she got sick of them--I mean just leave and not come back. No notice, no phone call, no nothing. But she did such great work and they liked her so much, that they always took her back when she wanted to come back. That's an extreme example (I wouldn't recommend her method!), but there's something to be said for being a valued employee--these are the people that companies don't want to let go and that companies will often take back when given the opportunity.

 

I'm not sure what all the details are here, but I know that sometimes it's not always an "either/or" situation. Sometimes you can try something new, and if it doesn't work, you can return to the old.

 

A good summary.

 

I am just very aware that 'all that glitters is not gold' and didnt want to jump ship too easily.

 

I want to work with kids again SO much. I want to take my youngest daughter (the now reformed naughty child) to school in the morning after having breakfast outside.. like we used to. I have prayed about this but continued on in my current situation, trying to adapt to the point whereby I had established a near perfect fit.

 

However, I think its time to move on and its ok to do so.

 

 

Thanks for listening to my ramblings Josie and everyone who has taken time to respond.

 

Take care,

Eve xx (feeling happier again)

[dunstable]

One thing you should not worry about is letting down your present employer. So long as you give the required notice, it's perfectly fine to leave if you see a better opportunity.

 

I would have said the new opportunity was the right choice except that the present one allows "plenty of reach to try new things" and you can finish your studies comfortably there. So, all considered, it seems a close call. I don't think there's a right or wrong decision. If only we could see into the future!