I've been working at my current job for four years now. They pay for my school (Paralegal Studies), I just jumped up to 3 weeks vacation, the pay is good, I'm comfortable here, and I don't have anyone breathing down my neck telling me what to do all day. I also have a lot of downtime. I don't stress about my job because I'm rarely ever overwhelmed here.
With that being said, there is talk of the company getting bought out. No one has a clue what would happen if that should occur. Will we have a job next year? Not to mention all of the permits that the EPA is pulling causing us to shut down mines left and right. Even if we don't get bought out, will there be enough production to keep our jobs? Not to mention that there is absolutely no room for advancement unless someone quits, retires, or dies. And no one EVER quits.
It's not secure to work at a coal company. Everyone knows that. I've been laid off once already from here, but thankfully they brought me back.
Now, why am I stressing? Because I've applied for a job with the city. It's basically the same thing I do here, except $1.20 more on the hour. And I don't think the city is going to be going anywhere anytime soon. Job security. Sounds appealing right? But what if I hate it? I can't come back. What if I lose that laid back environment that I enjoy so much? What if everyone there is mean and hates me?
I know what you're thinking too because Boyfriend keep saying the same thing, "They haven't even offered you the job, why are you stressing?"
Because I am scared to DEATH that they are going to. I know its a great opportunity and there is probably a whole lot more room for advancement, but I am comfortable where I am. I am going to get stuck here for the rest of my life because I'm afraid of changes.
I keep telling myself that I'll leave this place when they make me. When we close down or when I get laid off. Year after year it doesn't happen, so year after year I stay put. I'm in a rut and am afraid to get out. I can think of so many reasons to stay, but one BIG reason to leave. With the city, at least I'll know I can count on having a job the following week, the following month, the following year.
26 comments:
Given the fact that you don't really know what's going to happen with your current job - you have to consider this option.
Working for the city gives you a lot of security, and let's face it that takes a huge priority when it comes to jobs.
You have to consider the fact that you may be comfortable with where you are now, but if you cannot grow within the job, that's so limiting.
If and when you have children you'll want to be making more money - so leaving now, and growing elsewhere makes a lot of sense.
Now I know I would be doing the EXACT same thing, but your Boyfriend is right... worry about it when the time comes!! Everything will fall into place like it's supposed to.
Not necessarily JD - no offense, but it is all over the news about furloughs and layoffs in local and federal government.
Everyone is downsizing - even the municipals.
I say stay put where you love it and enjoy your job. I know it the unknown is scary - but if you like the job that much then the phrase "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" is apropos.
Then again my opinion is worth about diddly. :)
Good luck on what you decide.
JM, I went through this recently so I can relate.
Take into consideration the current job market, the volitility of your job market and most importantly, what is best for you and your situation.
I would find it difficult to pass up a pay raise
I hear you. Am going through something similar right now.
If you love your job, keep it. I understand wanting security, but is that the only reason why you would want to switch to the city job? What else about the job draws you in? Is it a similar position, good work environment (from what you know), etc? I think if there is really no reason why you'd go there other than a guaranteed position, I would really think hard about leaving.
Change sucks, especially when it's job (read: money) related. I just gave my notice at my current job in order to pursue a different career that will inevitably probably pay less money, at least just starting out. My current job has great pay, hours, benefits, I have lots of down time.. but it's wearing at me. Is it comfy? Sure. Do I love it? No. So that was part of my reasoning for leaving.
Long story short: wait until the city offers you the job, then think long and hard. I'm sure Boyfriend will be a big help in helping you decided, too!
Change is scary, darlin. I sympathize completely. Pay raises and job security? That's pretty nice...but I'd be really frightened to leave a place I enjoyed working at. Let us know if you get it!
I work in oil and gas so I know exactly how you feel year to year not knowing what is going to happen.
I can really feel you on this... I am so scared of change, that I have stayed at bad jobs because I was too scared to change it. Now I see the good and the bad on both jobs, but I have to say. In this economy though, I would have to go with the job security and the chances to advance.
Good Luck!
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It sounds like you already have your answer Tress, you just have to decide if you want to take your own advice or not :)
Sitting on the fence afraid of change just may cause you to miss out on a good thing, jobs are hard to find now days and if you are looking at being bought out then everything is likely to change right under your nose anyway, I would go for a sure thing if it were me.
I understand that it's scary to step out of your comfort zone, but sometimes it's necessary. You just have to weigh all your options, make a decision, and stand firm in it. If you make a mistake either way, deal with it when the time comes, but don't worry about things that haven't happened yet. Sending hugs your way.
Seeing as I'm in the same situation the only thoughts I can offer is...
6 months into the future and you look back at this, will you wonder where you could've been & regret not taking that chance?
Fear is the biggest obstacle; once you overcome that the world is yours.
change is scary.
But you've nothing to lose by going for the interview and seeing how it pans out.
not sure what to tell you sweetie sorry hugs
If you can do without the extra money then I'd say stay put, in the last 10 years I've worked in 5 different schools... slowly working my way up the pay scale and I'm at my highest... but as I've moved to different schools in different areas the parents and staff have got bitcher and nastier that I'm fed up but stuck as I need a house.
The thing to remember though everyone has different luck and you maybe one of those people no matter where you go or what you do you land on your feet and people find it easy to talk to you.
I tend to agree with Julie. If you;re lucky enough to get an interview, there's no harm in going along to see what they have to say. How they react with you might help you make that final decision anyway. It really depends if you really desperately need to work from the financial point of view. If you do need the money, then I guess the more secure job must need consideration. Good luck with whatever you decide, and I know that you will let us know the outcome. Another thing is, the job in the city, does it mean longer commuting, or no difference to what you're doing already.
There are no guarantees with jobs anywhere these days, even with City governments. In fact, many cities are bankrupt and forcing paycuts on their workers. With that being said, if you feel you have limited opportunity for advancement where you are then maybe at some point it will be time to make a change. You mentioned that your company pays for your tuition. You could use this benefit to gain credentials that will allow you to move into a new career that offers you more of the things you are looking for long-term like pay increases and new opportunities to learn and grow as a professional. As long as you still have your current job there is no need to make any major changes but putting a back up plan or two in place will certainly help in the event that your company goes through a restructuring. Or maybe you could just put a plan in place that is focused strictly on what you want out of life and your career...
Wow, this is a tough one...I've been at a job I don't like for almost 5 years now, so I don't feel qualified to give any advice on this! Good luck with whatever you choose!
I'm with Julie on this, you have nothing to lose by going and seeing what they have to offer.
Only then will you get an idea of the kind of job/office environment that they have to offer.
If you love your job my instinct would be to stick with it and see what happens but if YOUR instincts are to move on then never ignore your gut instincts cos they are invariably always right.
I hope you get the interview and canna wait to hear how it went. In the meantime, no more stressing :)
Stay where you are until they throw you out or you finish your paralegal degree, for several reasons...
1. BF is looking for a new job and it will be better if you remain stable (if possible) until he finds one and gets settled
2. If your new job is stressful, combined with BF's current level of stress...I'll be getting a call for bail money...I'd give it to you but I wouldn't be happy
3. If you get thrown out before you finish your school, at least you will get a severence package and be eligible for unemployment
4. Your opportunites will be much better with the paralegal degree.
5. You are too young to be making career decisions based on job security...you know I have your back :-)
There are no guarantees in life, JM, just as there are no guarantees in business (even though we like to think there are). Just because a person has a government job does not mean they are immune from layoffs.
Now that I have seen Dad's response, things are a little clearer.
If you have the opportunity to get a degree and get it paid for, take it! Having a degree on your resume` will open doors for you in the future.
Change is never easy and sure there is a chance that you end up not liking it...but what if you do!? The chance for advancement and growth is important in any job and it sounds like a good opportunity for a more secure job.
I know it's scary to face change and leave something that is comfortable. I stayed at my old job too long for the same reasons but 3 years ago started something else and while there was a definate adjustment period I have never regretted my decision. Good luck and keep us all posted.
ordinarily, i'd say "go for it" because of your age (young) and the opportunity for potential advancement at the new job.
but, i have to go with your dad on this one... stick it out until you finish your degree and THEN change to your chosen profession. that is only one change (which looks better on your resume) and not as much stress in the grand scheme of things.
i'm sort of in the same boat. i've been at my job for nearly 7 years and just recently applied for something else, closer to where we're moving to. because of the price of gas and because my management are somewhat of asses when it comes to ron, i decided it was time to try to hang my hat back up somewhere else. i've fought changing because of FMLA but decided that i have to look at the whole picture.
same for you. good luck with your decision.
Sometimes jobs are a crap shoot, it sucks. But I think you should step out of your comfort zone and try this new place. While you might be comfortable where you are, you don't sound very secure. Security is worth more in the long run, so go find the job that will give it to you! You can do it! Rah rah rah! (Is that enough cheer spirit? Seriously though, take the new job).
A lot of people criticize me for this, but I'm a firm believer of the unofficial philosophy, "Que Sera Sera." Whatever will be, will be. It's nowhere near as immature as it sounds. Rather than stressing over what could only be called speculation at its best, you should take things day by day. Worry about what's on your plate NOW and not what's on tomorrow's. Otherwise, you end up neglecting the important things happening right before your eyes. It's good to make plans, and to be as cautious as you have been, but please don't get anxiety issues over this. We don't always get what we want, but we can do our best. That's always been a widely known and accepted aphorism, am I right? Judging from what I learned in your blog and from your dad's blog, you're a resilient girl, who prospers in any situation she's put in. Whether you should leave your job now and take the new one is absolutely up to you, but don't stress about things that aren't concrete. You'll do fine no matter where you are.
I know i seem out of place talking like that, but ever since I started looking at life that way, I've been so calm about everything. I got rejected from all the colleges I applied to, didn't get hired by any of the jobs I applied for, my parents want me to move out.. etc etc. I'm not ignoring the situation but I do my best to alleviate it and move on with my life. You can take things one at a time, and it will be alright!
What state are you located in Jumble? I am smack dab in the center of coal country in Wyoming, and I don't believe coal production is going anywhere anytime soon. Even Environmentalists like heat and light, and well power plants like coal.
Beyond that, I think you have gotten some great advise in here. I worked for years in a field i didn't love and I made many attempts to leave it before running back to the money and security. But I didn't like it, was never going to love it.
So I kept quitting and working for non-profits and other strange places until I finally landed a job I had always wanted, in part because of all of the community related weird jobs I had in between the stable one.
I was sure this was it. I worked like a dog and when i finally stopped to look up from the hamster wheel i realized that my dream job did not make me happy. What? Oh shit.
I am now consulting in the same field (fun job, can still have a life)and have been able to use my skills to branch into the weirdest and most fun fields. The sky is the limit.
Dont be afraid of change. It's a long life and sometimes the beauty is in the instability. Speech ovah.
Really enjoyed the videos Jumble. I have always loved Elvis, but I'm afraid that I don't know the connection here :(
Well I hope that things go well and even if the job in the city is a little less laid back I'm sure you'll be fine.
Just chill out and keep us posted. :)
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