Long post ahead- I am pretty sure that once I write this out I will have my answer but for my own sanity-I am going to seek feedback from the FGB community just so I can reassure myself.

Laura Johnson

October 2,2021 at 12:45PM UTC

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Long post ahead- I am pretty sure that once I write this out I will have my answer but for my own sanity-I am going to seek feedback from the FGB community just so I can reassure myself.

I have been the Director of a Collegiate retail store for almost 9 years. I love my staff. My staff loves me. Not a question. 90% of the campus community and the store have a great relationship. If you know anything about collegiate retail you know that this can be a challenge all on its own. However- the 10% we fight with are-of course-the ones in control. The administration treats the faculty and us as if we were morons and make decisions that cost time, money and grief. They directly hurt students and they don’t care as long as they get their money. We are a state school too!!

In June we were sold to a leasing company. The company is not a bad company. I actually worked for their wholesale division years ago. But as any corporate entity, they have a formula. Their infrastructure is also very behind and it makes it very hard to do our job. When the transition was done the administration at the college gave the company no time to transition and did it right before the Fall semester started which created an absolute hell storm of epic proportions. Combine that with National shortages of books and supplies and you have a royal mess.

Now prior to this we had COVID that stretched over several semesters. My staff and I were required to be on campus and were worked literally half to death. 18 hour days for months. We were abused and our health was put at risk before the vaccine was available. We had no choice if we wanted to keep our jobs. (Maintenance at the college was in a similar situation)

Needless to say my staff and I are bitter. The students think the debacle this Fall was our fault because that is all they see. They come to the store and can’t get what they need-they don’t care why.

the union president of the faculty and I are forcing negotiations between the leasing company and the faculty union to force the administration to listen to grievances but how that will bear fruit if it does at all has yet to be seen.

Well-Yesterday I got a call from a former colleague that works at another community college and they have an opportunity open for a senior accountant. I still have to interview and the money is going to be lateral. (Heath insurance is better tho). I am no accountant and she knows that but they are willing to pay for that classes I need to get me over there because they are more interested in “fit”.

Now that I have laid it all out for you all- I am having qualms. I have been through so much in my current position I hate to walk away now. But I’m drained. I have so many connections on this campus and my staff is the one that will pay the price when I leave. I know I shouldn’t consider others when business is concerned but I am an empathetic leader. (Simon Sinek is my

emotional leadership goals)

What are everyone’s thoughts on the matter? Yes, I know I am putting the cart before the horse. I always do. But I am entertaining opinions.

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AnonymousOctober 2,2021 at 1:05PM UTC
There is the usual and correct answer of ‘put yourself first’. However, I would ask you if you think you would enjoy accounting, especially trying to be a senior accountant without the experience. This could be a whole new kind of stress unless you are committed to learning the new skills. It could be a good opportunity but be honest with yourself about what fuels you at work and if the new role offers you those things. The college world is a challenge - staff rarely get the recognition they deserve.
Laura JohnsonOctober 2,2021 at 2:25PM UTC
You are correct-my hesitation is imbedded at least partially in fear of the unknown. Will I like it? Can I even do the job? It certainly doesn’t “light my fire” on the surface but the idea of having a defined role with supportive leadership DOES. I also do like learning new things. And budgets and P&Ls are not new to me by any means.
Your points are well taken. Thank you.
AnonymousOctober 2,2021 at 2:51PM UTC
Is the senior accountant role an end state? Perhaps it’s just a foot in the door to bigger opportunities there. And knowing the accounting side could make your knowledge base grow.
Laura JohnsonOctober 2,2021 at 5:02PM UTC
This is a good point also. I do not think that this will be an end point, not in the slightest. I think I have room to grow there in several different directions should I so choose. They also offer tuition reimbursement which is something I do not have now so if I wanted to pursue additional education above and beyond I could do that also. This is a good point. Thank you.
AnonymousOctober 2,2021 at 1:06PM UTC
This may sound inappropriate or harsh, but this seems similar to a victim of domestic abuse that thinks s/he should stay because the abuser may change if they get counseling/see the light/whatever other hopeful action happens. I think ‘entertaining options’ is the least you can do, but if you want to try to be happy at work, leave. This isn’t a case where you have to stay for the children’s sake - your staff can stay or go and find happiness elsewhere too - especially in this job market. Everyone is hiring everywhere. Don’t reward bad leadership by continuing to provide them a punching bag. There is nothing noble about staying. But you do you.
Laura JohnsonOctober 2,2021 at 2:21PM UTC
This post is not harsh at all. It’s poignant. I am a domestic abuse survivor so having someone point out my repeating pattern of behavior (codependency) is helpful. Thank you for your honesty. This is helpful.
AnonymousOctober 2,2021 at 1:29PM UTC
I'd go to the next opportunity of available.
Go to the interview. Your friend put in a good word! Take the classes - that's AWESOME they want to invest in you!!!
You did your best under epic circumstances at the place you are now. If the new employer says "no" after the interview, you still have what you have put so much energy in.
This is a chance to see what if.... :)
I know you care about your staff and all, but you HAVE to think about YOU!!!
Laura JohnsonOctober 2,2021 at 2:27PM UTC
I do appreciate having someone value me! It feels good!
I can’t say I’m enthralled by the term accounting. Seriously.
But I do like learning new things and having new skills. I enjoy that sort of thing.
I appreciate your feedback. I most certainly will go to any interview offered. We will see what transpires after that. ?
AnonymousOctober 2,2021 at 4:10PM UTC
You never know! Just keep the faith! :)
When I was in college the first time (years ago), I HATED accounting. Since I returned (long after) and I am an accounting director.
My point is - you never know. Not so much "accounting", just in general. I know something will work out one way or another. I have soooo been where you are!
Laura JohnsonOctober 2,2021 at 4:59PM UTC
This is exactly my point. I was not a fan of accounting in college but then-raw numbers and the c&d on paper can be endlessly boring. But actual application in real life with real people has a way of bringing things to life. Your feedback is reaffirming. Thank you.
AnonymousOctober 2,2021 at 2:49PM UTC
Protect yourself and your health and happiness. Make a swot analysis or a pros-cons list. If you still find value in your current position, it can be hard to leave that, but if you’re not being treated well, do you really think you will be very effective in your job going forward?
Joyce WallaceOctober 3,2021 at 4:49AM UTC
I would recommend speaking with some accountants so you understand the role. Make sure you're interested in that field as opposed to the field of "anything's better than this." With regard to your current role, your concern for your team is admirable but you may be of more use to them as a good connection outside of your current company. In my experience, remaining on the treadmill of "if we can just get through this next hurdle" usually doesn't end well because you're not at your best. The deeper the emotional pit, the more challenging it can be to convince your next employer (and yourself) of the value you bring. I would encourage you to look for other options but make sure to take the time to discover what you want (which may or may not be accounting) rather than relying solely on what others offer you.
AnonymousOctober 3,2021 at 5:48AM UTC
Whole new offer is unknown right now and unseen, let's say it's real. You have at least a year, probably 2 of a fight to get what you need (and that's a long shot), and smooth out not only operations, budgets, resources and scope with your new leasing company, you also work toward a new, more complex &l ayered relationship with Administration. You also need to repair the impression or reputation with the student body so your purpose of support is on track.
All of this turmoil is a daily grind and may continue to change beyond your control. You will lose staff (this is inevitable) morale ( which is already shaky), stability and culture. That's just a consequence of change, burnout and fluctuations in strategy with the dueling agendas between the Admin. faculty union, the leasing company and you team.
So with all that said, your healthy and that of your team is bound to be tasked far more than it already has. The good news is with 9 years invested you are secure but without career growth and most likely will be thrown under the buss more than once. But you can most likely survive.
On the other hand, you can stay open to some time off to prioritize your help & wellness if your inclined towards selfcare and long term health. And you can entertain the jump to the new college to invigorate your career (I'm not sure if this is a priority for you ), challenge your professional growth and take a step towards a healthier work culture.
While there sre a lot of changes & resulting drama still to come, you are fortunate there are options. It just depends on your priorities and courage.
AnonymousOctober 3,2021 at 2:07PM UTC
Your “loyalty” has zero value to the leasing company, college, and students. Your efforts to right the ship seem to be falling on deaf ears…so why continue to bang your head against the wall? Is there some fulfillment you are getting out of staying? Your staff are paying the price today, and so are you. Will YOU staying in that role prevent the burnout (for yourself and others)? It hasn’t seemed to work yet; what will be different in the next week, month, 6 months?
I hope your next step becomes crystal clear, and that you can make your choice with a clear conscience.
Best wishes!
Kelly MiholicOctober 6,2021 at 12:40PM UTC
THis is not an easy decision, however, at the very least, take the interview. See if the new gig is a fit for you and not just something different. Taking the interview does not mean you have to take the job, if offered. Also, taking the interview can highlight the great things you have going in your current role that have been overshadowed by tis fight for respect and consideration in the workplace. Staying for the people in a job can be like staying for the kids in a marriage, it is a nice gesture but everyone will suffer if you remain truly unhappy. I have not read through the other comments here as I am short on time, so I suspect you have a lot of really good advice here. Take it all in but this is your decision and will impact your life. Think about it and make your choice, then stand by it. It may not be easy but whatever way you decide to go will be right for you.