A big decision November 24, 2008
Posted by a1ly in Uncategorized.trackback
I have a really big decision to make and Im unsure what to do, so I thought I would blog and get the words down on paper, see if they make any more sense.
My manager was seconded to another division some time ago, and was due back in December; this has now being extended to February. The lady that was covering her job is going back to HQ in December as originally planned, and so my bosses position is vacant for initially 3 months.
This time around an e-mail has gone out to all us Finance Assistants asking if were interested in covering the position temporarily (and being paid accordingly). I know of one person for definite who is applying and I myself would like the role… I think.. at least.. This is the problem.
Finance Manager is definitely something I want to do eventually, the role is an healthy increase on my current salary – something that I would be happy on, and can see myself cutting down part time hours on when we start a family (part time hours on my wage isn’t ideal).
My boss leaves on Wednesday and the position isn’t going to be filled for a couple of weeks.. It depends on how many apply and then if for example I’m not successful, notice will have to be worked. So… basically some extra work is coming my way in the interim which I don’t mind at all.. Like I said, I want to be thinking of moving that way eventually anyway… also… If im not successful I do have more experience on the division so whoever fills will almost certainly be asking me and the finance Clarke for advice.. so.. Seems daft not to do the job and get paid for it right??
I do have my reservations though… I have only been in my current role just over a year, although Finance Manger is something I want is there a rush?? Were not planning a family yet and are content with the current income.
Also.. Am I ready for the responsibility..? I’m quite happy about the accounting work necessary for the role, having been qualified a few years now.. It’s the other stuff that comes with being a manager.. Managing staff, even if it’s only temporary, im out of my depth. I’d be responsible for the petty cash, signing cheques and banking weekly.. EEK and also the fact that office cover is down to me… and if work isn’t done it down to me. Granted if managed effectively this should be no problem, but potentially I could be having to work extra hours, and if no one turns up to work, I’ve got to go and open up and be available to dispense petty cash in emergencies (and believe me there are emergencies). Suffering with my IBS I never really like to commit too much that isn’t easy to back out of and being forced into situations or feeling like there isn’t any option makes me worse.. And more anxious (a trigger for my IBS). Can I really cope with the pressure?
More importantly, my main issue is my current job. These past few months where we’ve had a temporary manager I’ve been pretty much left to get on with my work, which has been great.. I’m more than competent, but I’ve also made myself indispensable. I’m aware that it would be just as easy to carry on doing my job than to explain to someone else (and who?) what to do.. Money has to be claimed for at regular intervals and I can see anyone else doing that (the current Finance Clerk hasn’t an interest in covering my role if I move up). So how can I effectively do my job and then the Finance Managers job (IF im the successful applicant) am I setting myself up for a big pissy mess??? I’m pretty sure they won’t get anyone in to cover.. In fact im almost sure.. And even if they do that’s not going to be for even more weeks away.. By the time the 3 months will be up and I’d of had to do the work in the interim anyway!
Deadline is Friday and even though im pretty certain im going to express my interest I need to be sure about what im going to say if im offered it??
There is a very good chance that this opportunity will become permanent, and I’m also very conscious that if I don’t get offered it, and it does become permanent, I have lost the chance to move up for a good couple of years.. So would need to look at other divisions for promotion.. I’d be far better working on A division than any other because of the location and also my constantly increasing knowledge and relationships with the officers, inspectors and staff.
I just cant help thinking though that if this was the right thing to do.. I’d be more certain…?
Argghh!!
Hmmm… It’s a tricky one I think. As you stated, If this was something you wanted would you even be thinking about it?? I’d say no, You would surely not give it a second thought and go for it.
IBS link to not going for it – I think potentially getting the job could help with your IBS, You wont have the option to worry about it if you are needed in an emergency, it wouldn’t beable to affect you or you wont be able to do the job. If you seriously think it could have implications on meeting the new roles requirements then this to me would put me of applying, maybe a 9 – 5 finance manager would be more suitable where you wont be needed at the drop of a hat.
Financial – Yes we all go to work for the money, but I am a HUGE believer in being happy in your work. If you are currently fulfilled and content in your job and the extra money is not needed then I wouldn’t consider the financial element in helping your decision,
If it was defo only going to be a temporary position I would have said go for it, you have nothing to loose. If it is going to be permanant, does it have to be? what if you hate it? can you go back to your current role?
I’m guessing all that rambling has been no help at all and I think I would be struggling with the decision just like you.
I’m sure what ever you decide will be the right decision cos you have your head screwed on but think about YOU!!!!
Mwah xxx
OK I will add my 2p even though you really don’t know me.
I get what chelleg is saying, but based on what you have wrote (again tempered with the fact that I don’t really know you either) it sounds like you are looking for reasons to doubt yourself.
It is surprising how often people, when put in a sink or swim scenario, step up to the plate and prove any doubts to have been misplaced.
I would suggest that if you want the job at some stage there is nothing wrong with applying and if nothing else the experience that you gain in applying for that role serves you later when it comes to applying in earnest.
Good luck either way
Hi Ally you dont know me either but I read your blog because I love it!
Years ago I was in a position pretty identical to yours. I was 19 at the time. The only difference is that the job was permanent. I took it for financial reasons and ended up leaving due to the stress. Please do not let that put you off though as I get the impression you have your head a lot more screwed on than I did.
It is nice to be comfortable in your job but sometimes you have to do something a bit scary. I worked at my last job for 10 years because it was comfortable but now have a job which is sometimes scary (I work for the emergency services) but it is both financially and emotionally rewarding. Sometimes you have to make a bit of a scary leap!
Either way, good luck whatever you decide to do. I am sure you will make the right decision but I say go for it, you will do great.
x
Thanks for your comments..
Chelle.. The role is 9-5, but it’s quite a high position, and I think that with high positions it’s quite common to be expected to be available. I don’t know if a role would ever be available at the level I want that extra work isn’t called for every now and again. I may be wrong.. But im not sure. I know for example that if Carl is off work and his number 2 doesn’t go in, he had to cover. I wouldn’t be expected to go in outside of office hours.. Although as a permanent position it could well mean doing some work from home, which im quite fine with.
Also yes, if the role were to be come permanent I wouldn’t be forced into staying, im sure they aren’t going to cover my current job so would have a job to go back to, and may even have to apply in a more official capacity and most certainly take the required financial test.
Your advice was most useful hun, and I appreciate you reading my long winded waffling post to reply!
Mr Geek – every opinion counts and im also grateful for your input…!
Thank you for the encouragement.
Emma – such nice words.. I’ve been in my current role for just over a year and it’s only my 2nd proper job!! Working in my previous job for 6 years leaving and coming here was the single most frightening thing I have ever done, and it was the best decision. Im much happier and secure financially. I agree that sometimes scary things can be good.
I have decided im going to submit my application tomorrow and we will see what happens. I think it’s going to be an interview or a skills based test to determine who is suitable, but I think for someone who is very career orientated it would be silly not to apply. Like Chelle says if after 3 months I don’t like it I can leave the job, or it could turn out to be the best thing ever. Ever the optimist, I may not even get it offered, and the tough decision will have been made for me.. I think with my concerns it will help me to be a gracious loser.