Apparently, I've not figured it out yet.
When I was growing up, I had many different career changes. First, I wanted to be a nurse, like my mother. There were many others. Police officer. Lawyer. Teacher. Veterinarian. You name it; I probably wanted to be it.
I went to college full time for a year after high school, and then quit, and started working full time. My first full time job was as a Document Control Engineer. I worked for that company for a year, and then followed in my father's footsteps and went to work for a major defense contractor. Nearly 23 years later, I'm still there.
When I started at my present company, I wasn't going to stay because I didn't want to be just a number in a big pond. I wanted to make a difference. I laugh at myself, because, obviously, I'm still swimming.
I started off as an hourly employee and held many different jobs: Logistics Clerk, Technical Typist, Administrative Clerk and Scientific Clerical Aid (fancy name for a secretary). Oddly enough, it was that last job, or mainly my boss, who got me promoted to a salaried employee.
I went into Product Assurance and held a variety of jobs there, eventually moving into Finance, which my boss felt would help add some things to my career. I moved around allot in Finance, doing a number of things, and had actually felt like I found my niche.
I've probably stayed in Finance (in some capacity) for the longest. When I got transferred here, I figured I'd do my time, and then start to look around to try something new.
But that was at least a few years away. Or so I thought. Over the past three years or so, I've been heavily involved in proposals, specifically in the non-labor aspect. It became even a bigger part of my job when I moved here. I pretty much can tell you any aspect about non-labor, and what goes into it. Well, that which has to do with the program I'm on.
Two weeks ago, a manager that I have been working closely with this year approached me. She offered me a job in her area. It's a perfect fit, considering my background. Much better hours. Very little overtime.
I agonized over the decision for quite some time. I had some pretty frank talks with my current boss but she believes that her employees need to make moves that will be the right ones for them. In other words, she didn't stand in my way.
I accepted the position, and, after all is said and done (I am trying to rid myself of the guilt), I feel really good about it. To be quite frank, I'm looking forward to the change.
But I feel guilty about leaving the organization so soon. They moved me here, lock stock and barrel, and I only came here a little over a year ago.
Here's an odd one. I really enjoyed my job until I finally decided to accept the new position (which, by the way, has a lot more potential for movement, which is one of the reasons I went for it).
That being said let me ask you something. If I loved my job before I accepted the new one, why am I so miserable there now?
If the political wheels that are rumbling are any indication, it's going to be a while before I can make the switch.
And that just pisses me off more.
Comments
Does accepting this new position mean making another physical move?
My guess would be that the new position offers you something you're not getting in your current position, something you didn't realize was missing until you know you could have it.
-G
Posted by: Garrison Steelle at May 13, 2005 10:32 PM
Good for you! Change is good (most of the time) and keeps one fresh and excited about the job they are doing. Congratulations!
Posted by: Michele at May 14, 2005 06:02 AM
At the end of the day, you have to follow your heart. If the new role fulfills you and you feel in your gut that it is the right thing to pursue, then go for it and don't look back. Guilt over those you've left behind is a natural consequence of this type of change, but you ultimately have to make these decisions for yourself - not for those who have facilitated your journey.
I am so proud and impressed that you've achieved so much. You deserve it. Keep us posted on how your journey goes.
Posted by: Carmi at May 14, 2005 01:10 PM
Patience or the lack thereof makes it difficult to be happy with the current situation, when you see the new move right in your path. It's also always uncomfortable to be in the middle of change...even though change is good. It's just the transition that's a bugger. Congratulations, and hang in there! Hope you're not moving farther away?
Posted by: Suzanne at May 14, 2005 05:12 PM
Wait till they tell you that the job is in California and you have to move. :P
Posted by: Auritania at May 15, 2005 09:38 PM