Hello everyone! So, our company is in budget cuts and I am in a position where I am not in fear of losing my job. Our department is growing.
I am a good networker and in the past 1.5 years I've put feelers out to different departments and have made friends across very different groups at my company. It's a large facility and there are 2500 employees at my building and another 1500 across town. Anyway, in the past 2 weeks I've been contacted by 2 managers of VERY different business entities who are asking me to apply to positions they will have available.
Lots to think about. One is at a retail branch where I'd be working face to face with end clients and helping grow the business development side of things but it's only a 10% pay increase. It would put me on a track that is more sales driven and I am not sure how I feel about that. I'd be starting at ground zero and would have to work my way up into a junior consultant position or I'd have to branch off in to business development or a support role for branches.
The other position, I've been contemplating for months. It's a sister department to what I'm doing now. But it's a managers role where I wouldn't have to manage people (not my thing, lol). I would have to pass my next licensing exams, which will be extremely difficult within 6 months of hire. I'd get to study for a few hours a day at work, which I know my current department would never give me that opportunity and I'd have to self study at home the entire time.
Both opportunities appeal to me. The manager's role would pay more to start, for sure, and I think I'd lose empowerment at the branch job but it's a very low key environment in the branch and I've had really good report with the guys at the branch. I've met with all of them periodically over the past few weeks to network, ask questions, and observe the environment.
The branch manager emailed me today to remind me to apply for the open position. the other job won't be available until December, most likely, and I was told it would have to be approved by my department directors because they don't like to lose good reps to sister departments and I would have to fight to take the job provided I get it after the interview process.
UGH.....It's been weighing on me all weekend long. Turning it over to God. I'm reaching out to different resources. I found a girl who used to work at the branch and moved to this other manager role I'm looking at and I'm having lunch with her tomorrow to pick her brain. I feel so overwhelmed and I know both opportunities would be great. I just need to figure out which one fits the career track I want to be on. I am 49, not a spring chicken so i want to make smart decisions. Sigh....all good things and I'm so grateful for where I'm at today in life, but even this kind of stuff can be important to my future.
Aloha said
Sep 4, 2019
This may sound funny, but I find sometimes it's helpful for me to tell God "You know, I need a CLEAR answer here. I don't do good with subtlety. Show me where you want me to go." Sometimes even requiring a deadline is helpful.
Definitely doing the right thing with these kinds of decisions. Give it to God.
PosiesandPuppies said
Sep 4, 2019
Congrats on having so many opportunities open to you! This is one of those things that others' opinions don't really matter all that much...finding out what you actually want... THAT is the big deal. You are reaching out to 'pick the brain' of someone who is currently (or was?) in the department you are thinking of - a good first step. Then you'll just need to do a simple Pro/Con list and listen to that voice deep inside! LOL!
Good luck! Wishing you clarity of thought!
&
Iamhere said
Sep 4, 2019
Hey (((B))) - your share reminds me of an experience I had almost 30 years ago! When I first got sober, I was not employable (nor was I employed)...as time went on, and I was ready to get a job, I began temping. Long story short, the agency as well as where I was placed really liked me, and I was also a very committed worker.
So - long story short, the company I was placed at offered me full-time employment. At the exact same time, the agency had secured an offer for me with another company. Both were good companies, both positions were good, interviews went well, bosses seemed good, etc. I was young, dumb and really, really stuck with what to do.
I took it to a meeting and had to be reminded that I might be stuck because of past events. For a long while, most of my choices had been between good/bad and I was faced with a choice of good/good, not knowing if one was better than the other, but knowing both would be healthy! What a revelation! I was so afraid of failure that I didn't realize there was truly no wrong answer and what a gift to be employed, employable and wanted!
As I look back on my career, there were times when I was motivated by money, title, growth potential, challenge....I always wanted to be challenged but the other 3 were factors at different points. So, my best suggestions are to use your program to examine your motives, then trust yourself, your data gathering (impressive networking, research, etc.) and just go for what makes sense. You got this!!!
andromeda said
Sep 4, 2019
Turn of events today.....I met with the girl who worked in both departments. She basically told me that both managers and both positions would open up doors, would expose me to better and bigger opportunities, and that both managers are amazing people to work for. She agreed I was stuck in a hard place and that it really just depends on which job I felt matched my personality the best. And, to be honest, the branch position definitely does that.
Then I asked my manager for a meeting and I bounced it all off her. She basically steered me in the direction of 'follow your intuition', pray about it, but that she feels I would do well at the branch. Her issue is also that our reorganization in our department is worrying her. She admitted to me that things the upper management are doing don't make sense to her. She was encouraging me to take the chance at switching over to the sales side and if I wanted to come back to the other opportunity, that will most likely be available a year from now or 2 years from now. It's a big company and there's always room for growth. So, I am going to the branch tomorrow for another meet and greet. This is our flagship retail location in Arizona since it's located right next to headquarters. It would still open doors for me and it's still a bump in pay.
My heart has always been drawn to the face to face interaction and I don't think it would hurt to do this for 1-2 years. I'm not committing to it forever and that's what I keep reminding myself. Either step will be a step in the right direction.
Just turning it over to God now.
hotrod said
Sep 5, 2019
Hi A I do believe your manager pointed you in the right direction-----_(INWard) trust your gut and good luck Prayers continue
bud said
Sep 5, 2019
Sending positive thoughts for you and the next right thing.
tiredtonite said
Sep 5, 2019
I had two job offers at once a few months back and chose to accept neither. I weighed things and found legitimate reasons for not accepting either of them. In one instance, they were desperate to get a body in there because they'd procrastinated too long in hiring and the person in the role was leaving. Honestly, I was quite under qualified for that job. After putting my ego in check, I passed on accepting the position. As much as it pained me because the salary was very good. The other opportunity came with prestigious job title and salary to match. The hiring manager had lied to me a few times through the hiring process and I realized I would be working for someone whose words and actions may not match. It resulted in angry emails from him during salary negotiations wherein he insisted he had been transparent through the process. I didn't respond because I'm reality no response is a response.
Please consider your motives if you choose a change.Which position do you want for the right reasons so to speak. Also, who we report to and what they are about can make or break our serenity on day to day basis. I really like a suggestion in a reading in Language of Letting Go that suggests doing what you love and the money will follow. There's so much to consider. Take your time. Choose what honors your authentic self. Good luck! (((hugs))) TT
Iamhere said
Sep 5, 2019
(((B))) - love your update! Godspeed girl - you got this!
tiredtonite said
Sep 5, 2019
Missed this second response when posting to you. Sounds like you have a great plan in place for a great future with the company. Wishing you the best as you go forward with your career. Hugs TT
PosiesandPuppies said
Sep 6, 2019
Sounds great! You got this! Congrats!
Bo said
Sep 6, 2019
I'm guessing you work for a wire house, or one of the majors (financial institutions). I've been in the industry for about 35 years -- from before I graduated school, right up through today -- from entry-level, to management, to principal, managing partner, CEO, etc. So, that said, my advice is at a minimum, qualified. At a maximum, well, that's up to you to decide. Be that as it may, I will share with you the same perspective, insight, and experience that I share with everyone IN OUR INDUSTRY.
First, don't take industry advice from someone who is NOT in our industry. Second, do your due diligence, as much as you can, keep doing it, finish it, and then when you are done, do more! LOL. Third, take your time. Time takes time. Patience takes time. Fourth, after you get specific insight, from people who know, directly, people who understand, people who seem to know everything you need to know in order to make a quality, educated decision...THEN...seek out, search for, and make sure you get objectivity.
Most important...do what you feel is best. Do what you are comfortable with. It doesn't matter if it results from praying, a gut feeling, a sign from God, divine inspiration, a rainbow, a lightning bolt, it doesn't matter where it comes from...as long as you feel it is best for YOU, and YOU are comfortable.
All the best.
andromeda said
Sep 7, 2019
Bo, yes I work for a broker dealer. I've come to realize that being in operational support is challenging to me but it's boring me as well, right now. I don't feel challenged in my current position. I know that I could show up for the next 10 years and do the same thing every day and continue to do it and I will do it well. But, I'm bored. Even with continuing education, expanding my SME (subject matter expertise) on various topics, etc.
The branch job will bring me back onto the sales side of things but it will be a position that is salaried without the pressure of sales goals affecting my pay. I'm really excited to apply. Meeting with a manager from a different branch on Monday again because they want me to apply for a higher level role than what I originally intended because of my experience in advice and sales and because I have the licensing requirements. Different location, but still a branch job. The best news about all this is that since we have 2 corporate facilities here in town there is ample opportunity for me to explore other areas, as well, if I find that branch life isn't my thing. I could go into anti-money laundering, compliance and risk, retirement services, private client services, or I could go into sales on the institutional side which has also appealed to me.
I came back to this company after being away for 19 years and I'm glad I did. I like the culture there. I don't dread going to work every day and that says something, I'm sure!
andromeda said
Sep 11, 2019
My first interview with HR is tomorrow. At the same time, my company just announced 600 people will be laid off next week! Crazy. I'm so excited but nervous! My manager met with me today to help me brainstorm some scenarios for questions I might get and to help me really see my strengths and what I bring to the table. Both my managers are wonderful and I will miss them terribly after I move on.
PosiesandPuppies said
Sep 12, 2019
Good luck, Andromeda! You managers sound like angels for helping you to move on!! I will be sending you good juju vibes, tomorrow!!
&
Iamhere said
Sep 12, 2019
(((B))) - you got this! You must be a wonderful employee - good managers will do all they can to support great employees as they know the value-add for the company and bottom line. Go forth and conquer - you are worthy and worth it! Keep us posted... (((Hugs)))
andromeda said
Sep 12, 2019
Made it past the phone HR interview and moving on to face to face. My bf and I are going on a 10 day vacation; we're leaving Sat AM and driving to Yosemite, coming back next Sunday and after that things will get real. The layoffs will be announced next week and I should be getting in for a face to face, provided I still have a job. Just insane what can happen in corporate America! Dang!
Iamhere said
Sep 13, 2019
Way to go girl! Have a lovely vacation - enjoy, enjoy and enjoy...See you when we see you!!
Temple said
Sep 13, 2019
Bonnie--
Just realized I've been enjoying reading all your great news but haven't commented.
You've come so far, so fast. And you have options! Great options! And you are surrounded by people who love and appreciate you.
Wonderful--I wish you more of the same.
Temple
PosiesandPuppies said
Sep 14, 2019
Enjoy Yosemite... it is one of Nature's greatest venues!!
Hello everyone! So, our company is in budget cuts and I am in a position where I am not in fear of losing my job. Our department is growing.
I am a good networker and in the past 1.5 years I've put feelers out to different departments and have made friends across very different groups at my company. It's a large facility and there are 2500 employees at my building and another 1500 across town. Anyway, in the past 2 weeks I've been contacted by 2 managers of VERY different business entities who are asking me to apply to positions they will have available.
Lots to think about. One is at a retail branch where I'd be working face to face with end clients and helping grow the business development side of things but it's only a 10% pay increase. It would put me on a track that is more sales driven and I am not sure how I feel about that. I'd be starting at ground zero and would have to work my way up into a junior consultant position or I'd have to branch off in to business development or a support role for branches.
The other position, I've been contemplating for months. It's a sister department to what I'm doing now. But it's a managers role where I wouldn't have to manage people (not my thing, lol). I would have to pass my next licensing exams, which will be extremely difficult within 6 months of hire. I'd get to study for a few hours a day at work, which I know my current department would never give me that opportunity and I'd have to self study at home the entire time.
Both opportunities appeal to me. The manager's role would pay more to start, for sure, and I think I'd lose empowerment at the branch job but it's a very low key environment in the branch and I've had really good report with the guys at the branch. I've met with all of them periodically over the past few weeks to network, ask questions, and observe the environment.
The branch manager emailed me today to remind me to apply for the open position. the other job won't be available until December, most likely, and I was told it would have to be approved by my department directors because they don't like to lose good reps to sister departments and I would have to fight to take the job provided I get it after the interview process.
UGH.....It's been weighing on me all weekend long. Turning it over to God. I'm reaching out to different resources. I found a girl who used to work at the branch and moved to this other manager role I'm looking at and I'm having lunch with her tomorrow to pick her brain. I feel so overwhelmed and I know both opportunities would be great. I just need to figure out which one fits the career track I want to be on. I am 49, not a spring chicken so i want to make smart decisions. Sigh....all good things and I'm so grateful for where I'm at today in life, but even this kind of stuff can be important to my future.
Definitely doing the right thing with these kinds of decisions. Give it to God.
Congrats on having so many opportunities open to you!
& 
This is one of those things that others' opinions don't really matter all that much...finding out what you actually want... THAT is the big deal. You are reaching out to 'pick the brain' of someone who is currently (or was?) in the department you are thinking of - a good first step. Then you'll just need to do a simple Pro/Con list and listen to that voice deep inside! LOL!
Good luck! Wishing you clarity of thought!
So - long story short, the company I was placed at offered me full-time employment. At the exact same time, the agency had secured an offer for me with another company. Both were good companies, both positions were good, interviews went well, bosses seemed good, etc. I was young, dumb and really, really stuck with what to do.
I took it to a meeting and had to be reminded that I might be stuck because of past events. For a long while, most of my choices had been between good/bad and I was faced with a choice of good/good, not knowing if one was better than the other, but knowing both would be healthy! What a revelation! I was so afraid of failure that I didn't realize there was truly no wrong answer and what a gift to be employed, employable and wanted!
As I look back on my career, there were times when I was motivated by money, title, growth potential, challenge....I always wanted to be challenged but the other 3 were factors at different points. So, my best suggestions are to use your program to examine your motives, then trust yourself, your data gathering (impressive networking, research, etc.) and just go for what makes sense. You got this!!!
Then I asked my manager for a meeting and I bounced it all off her. She basically steered me in the direction of 'follow your intuition', pray about it, but that she feels I would do well at the branch. Her issue is also that our reorganization in our department is worrying her. She admitted to me that things the upper management are doing don't make sense to her. She was encouraging me to take the chance at switching over to the sales side and if I wanted to come back to the other opportunity, that will most likely be available a year from now or 2 years from now. It's a big company and there's always room for growth. So, I am going to the branch tomorrow for another meet and greet. This is our flagship retail location in Arizona since it's located right next to headquarters. It would still open doors for me and it's still a bump in pay.
My heart has always been drawn to the face to face interaction and I don't think it would hurt to do this for 1-2 years. I'm not committing to it forever and that's what I keep reminding myself. Either step will be a step in the right direction.
Just turning it over to God now.
First, don't take industry advice from someone who is NOT in our industry. Second, do your due diligence, as much as you can, keep doing it, finish it, and then when you are done, do more! LOL. Third, take your time. Time takes time. Patience takes time. Fourth, after you get specific insight, from people who know, directly, people who understand, people who seem to know everything you need to know in order to make a quality, educated decision...THEN...seek out, search for, and make sure you get objectivity.
Most important...do what you feel is best. Do what you are comfortable with. It doesn't matter if it results from praying, a gut feeling, a sign from God, divine inspiration, a rainbow, a lightning bolt, it doesn't matter where it comes from...as long as you feel it is best for YOU, and YOU are comfortable.
All the best.
The branch job will bring me back onto the sales side of things but it will be a position that is salaried without the pressure of sales goals affecting my pay. I'm really excited to apply. Meeting with a manager from a different branch on Monday again because they want me to apply for a higher level role than what I originally intended because of my experience in advice and sales and because I have the licensing requirements. Different location, but still a branch job. The best news about all this is that since we have 2 corporate facilities here in town there is ample opportunity for me to explore other areas, as well, if I find that branch life isn't my thing. I could go into anti-money laundering, compliance and risk, retirement services, private client services, or I could go into sales on the institutional side which has also appealed to me.
I came back to this company after being away for 19 years and I'm glad I did. I like the culture there. I don't dread going to work every day and that says something, I'm sure!
Bonnie--
Just realized I've been enjoying reading all your great news but haven't commented.
You've come so far, so fast. And you have options! Great options! And you are surrounded by people who love and appreciate you.
Wonderful--I wish you more of the same.
Temple