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Help? Having an internal crisis right now
I just received a job offer that’s more pay and great benefits but more travel and weekend work nights. So my work-flex schedule is set to go out the window.
Currently, I’ve been working at a smaller company where I wear a lot of hats. If I leave, I think they’ll be completely blindsided. And I’d hate to leave on a bad note.
So now I’m torn. Should I take the opportunity that I think might be a great direction for me while being nervous I’d regret it because of the hours/weekend/travel expectations? And if I decide to make the leap, how do I even go about handling this with employers I love? I know they’d be really stressed with my two-four week notice as they have no backup for my role.
Karlis Collins
Marketing minded & operationally sound.
86
06/10/20 at 9:06PM UTC
Don't be overly loyal to your company; it may hinder your potential. If the company needed to lay you off, it would without hesitation. It goes both ways :)
Helen HanisonHelen Hanison's Leadership Coaching
436
06/10/20 at 10:33AM UTC
I imagine this feels 'wonky' to get stuck. As others have said, you actively sought an alternative for reasons. You have participated in a process that won you the prospect role too.
This next stop of committing to a choice you can be confident in is where you need real clarity. Up until now you've been following your gut I think but not yet having to tie those moves to your reality.
So, what to do when you feel stuck at a career crossroads such as yours? Get a compass. In career terms, I'd suggest you think bottom up and top down and look at where they meet in the middle for your answers.
In other words:
STEP 1 - consider your competencies but which of those are important for you, rather than just valued by others. These things you stand for need to be the drivers behind your decision making - the strengths are simply what you utilise to get there.
STEP 2 - if you could redesign that thing you do, what would that 'wishlist' look like? What's in your career-life vision?
STEP 3 - how many of these touchpoints does the new role give you, or give you something(s) that get you closer to where you want to get to?
In the end, it's transactional isn't it? They will compensate you for your time and you must decide if that trade is going to help you build forwards. It doesn't have to be a 'forever' ending - think more agile career mindset and see this as a career project for 2-3 years. What does that perspective do for your certainty?
And finally, do use your resistance over specific, e.g. travel and free time fuel some kind of action. Accept it's a thing for you and consider what you could do / try to influence it. Often, and particularly in our present time when so very many traditional norms have been turned upside down, there is flex there for us - if we can just take a deep breath and ask for what we need. What if you asked, were understood, so secured what would alleviate that pain point? What would that feel like?
Good luck. And regards the current role. Compassionate directness every time. You have genuinely valued your time there. But you will also be clear that your career growth matters and this fresh pasture will see you realise some next steps you need. You will of course be happy to help replace yourself and it's certainly a market where they will be able to cherry pick the best of the best. So you can go fast, together if that is something they would value...
Let us know how you go... Warmly, Helen
ashley.ellisLove my life, my work and my dog.
25
06/09/20 at 8:09PM UTC
I think all of these comments are spot on! If you take the new position, I would suggest negotiating flex days for the weekends where you have to travel or work. For one of my previous positions in sports marketing, I would sometimes have to travel or work on weekends. My company had a policy for any weekend day I worked, I banked a "comp day" that I could use during the week. I would save these up and add them to my PTO days, take random long weekends, or use them around the holidays to spend time with family. The "give and get" strategy really helped to make the travel and weekend work more manageable for me.
Anonymous
06/10/20 at 9:59AM UTC
Great negotiation travel idea! I hadn’t thought about that. Thanks for the advice!
Clydene HorriganProcess improvement is my game
781
06/09/20 at 10:17AM UTC
Leaving a place you live is difficult. However, you need to do what’s best for you. You can make it easier for them by spending your notice time documenting everything and training others to do what you do. It will be appreciated.
Once you’re gone, the company will adjust. I once left a company where I worked 70 hours a week. My boss and I kept in touch and they didn’t replace my role. I asked him what he did with all the work I did. He said that different people were doing this and that but they no longer did some things. So, they took the opportunity to streamline things. Your company could end up doing the same.
Anonymous
06/10/20 at 9:56AM UTC
Very encouraging story. I’m glad to hear things ended on great terms with your boss and the company!
Karen PriceExperienced Program Manager, PMP.
237
06/09/20 at 3:49AM UTC
That is a lot to consider. Are you prepared for travel and weekend work, etc? More money and better benefits are always good. Change is always a little scary. But please don't make a decision based on feeling bad for the company that you will be leaving. They will survive and possibly have some growing pains of their own. A lot of things can happen with small companies. I worked for one and took a better job at a larger company. A few years later the small company sold off their business and closed. Where would I have been if I had missed the opportunity at the larger company?
I am sure whatever decision you make will be the best one for you! Take care!
Anonymous
06/10/20 at 9:54AM UTC
Thanks for your help! I’m a mix between nervous and excited about it but I do think that’s a normal feeling. Appreciate the note.
Annetta MosesConsumer Insights and Strategy Leader
1.31k
06/09/20 at 2:44AM UTC
I agree with Rebecca. Why did you apply for the other position? While your current company allows you to wear multiple hats, they likely can survive without unless than have 5 or fewer employees.
Ask yourself this question, if you became ill and could not work for 6 months, what would the company do? If they can carry on without you, the company will be fine. They will need to make adjustments but they can carry on.
Another thing to consider is if you don't take the job, will you some day regret it? Positions may last a few years or a decade, you have flexibility.
Congrats on receiving a job offer. You make the best decision for you.
Anonymous
06/10/20 at 9:52AM UTC
Thank you, Annette! Great questions to think about.
Lisa QueenLove coaching other for their next opportunity
64
06/09/20 at 1:49AM UTC
I agree with Rebecca in asking yourself why were you seeking another job? I am not sure where you are in your career but if you feel this would be a good move for your career and it would add substance to your resume it may be a smart move. You can always negotiate the terms prior to accepting the position regarding the flex time you are desiring. Also, if you like your current position you can talk/negotiate with them once you have negotiated with the new employer and like what they are offering. Don't assume you have to take only what they offer - everything is negotiable, but you must take the lead. Best of luck!
Anonymous
06/10/20 at 9:51AM UTC
Thanks for the advice, Lisa!
Rebecca Lee VOperations Analyst
2.22k
06/09/20 at 12:40AM UTC
I think you should ask yourself, why did you look for another job? Does this new offer fulfill what you are looking for? Money and benefits are great but if you have no work life balance is it worth it?
Anonymous
06/10/20 at 9:50AM UTC
Thanks Rebecca! Great gut-check question.
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