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Help Deciding Next Career Move (Postpartum)

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Help Deciding Next Career Move (Postpartum)

Since having my daughter (9 mo), I’ve worked remotely and part time for my company that requires full time and in-person work. While they finalize their search for my replacement, I am looking for remote and hybrid opportunities.

During this period, my former boss reached out looking for me to apply to her open position for a position I am perfectly fit for. It seems that I’d be a shoe in. However she has stated the job is high-stress (it’s for a state agency), and that she struggled with work life balance in her capacity as director, and needs help, hence the new position. I’m not particular excited about the role (it doesn’t sound that challenging, or exciting). But what if I’m just anxious about going back to work full time and starting a new job?

The timing is perfect, hybrid works for me, yet I’m feeling apprehensive in taking the job. Can anyone relate, or can anyone provide advice? Thanks!

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  1. Anonymous

    This is not a job market where opportunities are likely to fall into your lap like this. Take your former boss up on the offer. You can always quit if things don't work out.

  2. Anonymous

    timing is perfect, and you're about to lose your current job anyway, right??? hybrid "works" for you, right? (that's what you said). maybe this isn't the most "exciting" opportunity but sometimes, as a parent (mom or dad)...we go thru seasons of less "exciting" work because the schedule complements our family needs. This is a new shift for you, but something to consider. What worked before baby doen't work now. Your friend asked for your help. I would take the job. Unless--- are you being honest with yourself about going back to work? Is there a deeper issue you're not confronting? My daughter is an architect; she just had her first baby 7 mos and and she's decided to not return to her full time/"pretty exciting" job...Yep. She got honest with herself. So think about all of this but if you want to go back to work/need to go back...I would say to take this job.

  3. Maryana Ivlev

    Stress is a choice.
    Do take the job.

  4. Anonymous

    I agree that it’s great to adopt strategies and thought patterns that reduce/eliminate stress, as you suggest.

    But some jobs are genuinely under-resourced and some workplaces are genuinely toxic.

    It’s fine to turn down jobs that don’t appear to be a strong fit, whether because of the stress level or any other problematic aspect.

  5. Anonymous

    You are a mom, consider accepting a more balanced and less challenging position for now. Once your daughter is in school, you and your partner can decide how you can take on more stress and much more of a work load. You will have your hands full for the next year.

  6. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    It sounds like you haven't actually interviewed for this position yet, so I think you're letting your anxieties get before the cart.

    Did you like working for your former boss? Did she have your back? Was she a good manager? If those answers are yes - apply and interview. Make sure during the interview process your are drilling down on all the areas you have questions and concerns about.

    Once you get all the details, meet with other team members you'd be working with, etc. you should have the information you need to make a decision.

    Accepting a position doesn't make you an indentured servant. If you accept the position and it's not the right fit, fire that resume up and find something that's a better fit. It sounds like your current position is not a long term option for you so it looks like you're going to be starting a new job in any event.

    GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!

  7. Anonymous

    I totally agree with everything, you said!

  8. Anonymous

    If the job is potentially high-stress and not of interest to you, why take it?

    Your reservations seem very reasonable.

  9. Anonymous

    They want you back. If you like your manager and you can handle the hybrid requirements, think about it and see how it will roll out. Evaluate the distribution of effort the former boss needs from you — perhaps it can be handled fully remote with adjustable hours. You can explore and you don’t have to take the job if it’s unsatisfactory.

    I was hired into a hybrid that evolved into fully remote where I have ample control of my workday and workplace because I bring value to my role. High-stress can be exciting if you can ride the wave! The applause when things settle down can certainly buoy you up. If they are creating a job and pursuing you, you must have a lot of value to the organization. Negotiate now or later but this sounds like it could be a really good opportunity.

  10. Anonymous

    You’re in a great position to NEGOTIATE. The job is what you decide to make it. You set your boundaries and don’t allow people to stress you or overwork you. I’d ask for FT remote if you get an offer.

  11. Lillian Wall

    Thank you!

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