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OT: Career Advice
Posted on 10/21/13 at 11:32 am
Posted on 10/21/13 at 11:32 am
Need some impartial advice...
My education and experience is in marketing. After the company I worked for was brought, I took a job that would help me round out my skill set - heavier on communications than my last job. It was also tied to a project, so it was only a 18 month position.
I've been offered a permanent job after this one is over, but it's essentially an Executive Assistant position in IT. Call me a snob, but I didn't come all this way to be an admin. I also see it as a giant stop sign on my career path. Even though the end of my current position is about 6 months away, they've already started training me for the admin position (I haven't actually agreed to take it. They're just assuming I will).
The company has great benefits, and given that we're looking at starting a family soon, that's the only reason I'm considering staying. If I were to leave now, I might not be elilgible for FMLA at my next job. What would you do? Start looking immediately? Wait the 6 months and then leave? Suck it until after we have the kid? I guess even a crappy job is better than no job, but holy hell, I dread going into the office...
My education and experience is in marketing. After the company I worked for was brought, I took a job that would help me round out my skill set - heavier on communications than my last job. It was also tied to a project, so it was only a 18 month position.
I've been offered a permanent job after this one is over, but it's essentially an Executive Assistant position in IT. Call me a snob, but I didn't come all this way to be an admin. I also see it as a giant stop sign on my career path. Even though the end of my current position is about 6 months away, they've already started training me for the admin position (I haven't actually agreed to take it. They're just assuming I will).
The company has great benefits, and given that we're looking at starting a family soon, that's the only reason I'm considering staying. If I were to leave now, I might not be elilgible for FMLA at my next job. What would you do? Start looking immediately? Wait the 6 months and then leave? Suck it until after we have the kid? I guess even a crappy job is better than no job, but holy hell, I dread going into the office...
8
Posted on 10/21/13 at 11:36 am to Miz Piggy
No reason to not be looking now even if you end up taking the EA job.
Posted on 10/21/13 at 11:37 am to Miz Piggy
I always look at jobs from a pay and duty standpoint. Is your pay changing for better or worse? Are they adding more or less duties to you in the new position?
because of the people, the work, or the culture?
quote:
I dread going into the office...
because of the people, the work, or the culture?
Posted on 10/21/13 at 11:39 am to Miz Piggy
Follow that $$$$
Executive assistant? No offense but thats what they call our secretaries here. Is that what you do? If so dont stay there.
Executive assistant? No offense but thats what they call our secretaries here. Is that what you do? If so dont stay there.
Posted on 10/21/13 at 11:45 am to Hogwall Jackson
quote:
I dread going into the office...
because of the people, the work, or the culture?
The work that they're starting to transition to me.
quote:
Executive assistant? No offense but thats what they call our secretaries here.
Yes, the pay is better and there's slightly more responsibility than a secretary, but it is essentially a secretary. I'm honestly a little offended to be offered the position.
The only thing making me consider it is the ability to take 3 months of maternity leave.
This post was edited on 10/21/13 at 11:49 am
Posted on 10/21/13 at 11:47 am to Miz Piggy
quote:
Yes, the pay is better and there's slightly more responsibility, but it's essentially a secretary. I'm honestly a little offended to be offered the position.
The only thing making me consider it is the ability to take 3 months of maternity leave.
Sounds like your best option is to let them train you, take the maternity leave, and find a new job while you are out on maternity leave.
Posted on 10/21/13 at 11:51 am to oklahogjr
quote:
Sounds like your best option is to let them train you, take the maternity leave, and find a new job while you are out on maternity leave.
This is what I would do unless you are ok with putting babies on hold for a bit longer.
Posted on 10/21/13 at 11:56 am to DC RaiseHerBack
quote:
This is what I would do unless you are ok with putting babies on hold for a bit longer.
Nope. Doc says it's time to get busy.
'cause I'm old. I guess I just need to swallow my pride. This will suck.
Posted on 10/21/13 at 12:02 pm to Miz Piggy
If you are financially in a position to pass on the job until you find something better, that's what I would do. If not...take the job and keep looking. No harm there. 3 months maternity leave is worth using them over if you don't find something before your contract is up.
Good luck on the baby making!
Good luck on the baby making!
Posted on 10/21/13 at 12:48 pm to Miz Piggy
Rule #1 Hawgeye lives by....don't let benefits be the only reason for you staying at a job.
There are too many options now better than a company 401k.
There are options in health care that are probably cheaper than what you pay now.
As stated here before and as Drewbie knows, I've got a lot of friends at JBHunt. I had one tell me not long ago that he gets insurance cheaper per month through his insurance guy.
I think for his family coverage he was paying $250 or so a month for health insurance through JB's blue cross set up....said he went on his own and is now paying in the range of $215 per month with $500 less in deductible through Qual Choice(?) I think.
I have coverage for myself and I pay $74/month. $1500 deductible. 80/20 split when I got to doctor. Cover 80% of ER visits. It's through Qual Choice as well.
* I'm also fairly healthy, non tobacco user, no medical issues other than 3 kidney stones two years ago, which put me at a tier 1, which is the best you can be. So of course health rates will vary on any health issues you have.
There are too many options now better than a company 401k.
There are options in health care that are probably cheaper than what you pay now.
As stated here before and as Drewbie knows, I've got a lot of friends at JBHunt. I had one tell me not long ago that he gets insurance cheaper per month through his insurance guy.
I think for his family coverage he was paying $250 or so a month for health insurance through JB's blue cross set up....said he went on his own and is now paying in the range of $215 per month with $500 less in deductible through Qual Choice(?) I think.
I have coverage for myself and I pay $74/month. $1500 deductible. 80/20 split when I got to doctor. Cover 80% of ER visits. It's through Qual Choice as well.
* I'm also fairly healthy, non tobacco user, no medical issues other than 3 kidney stones two years ago, which put me at a tier 1, which is the best you can be. So of course health rates will vary on any health issues you have.
This post was edited on 10/21/13 at 12:51 pm
Posted on 10/21/13 at 12:52 pm to Miz Piggy
I always advise people to never walk away from a paycheck and benefits. There's nothing wrong with actively looking for another job while you train and transition to the Admin position.
The age old adage "It's easier to find a job when you have one" holds a lot of truth. I know that if I was interviewing you for an open position I would rather hear you say "I'm looking for another position that would offer me more of a challange than the one I have now" than "I left my most recent position because I didn't feel it would be a challange".
Good luck with the baby making. I'm sure you will make the best decision for yourself and your family.
The age old adage "It's easier to find a job when you have one" holds a lot of truth. I know that if I was interviewing you for an open position I would rather hear you say "I'm looking for another position that would offer me more of a challange than the one I have now" than "I left my most recent position because I didn't feel it would be a challange".
Good luck with the baby making. I'm sure you will make the best decision for yourself and your family.
Posted on 10/21/13 at 2:25 pm to Miz Piggy
I think it depends on your goals. My goal was to work from home so I could be more flexible with my wife and daughter as well as a business that I work at 1-2 nights a week.
How soon you wanna be knocked up? How does that timing jive with when you take the job?
Were you a contractor before and now an associate of the company? I worked as a contractor for a while and the pay is waaaaaaaaaayyyyy better.
Just something to consider
How soon you wanna be knocked up? How does that timing jive with when you take the job?
Were you a contractor before and now an associate of the company? I worked as a contractor for a while and the pay is waaaaaaaaaayyyyy better.
Just something to consider
Posted on 10/21/13 at 2:48 pm to sugatowng
quote:
Were you a contractor before and now an associate of the company?
No, I'm a full time employee, it's just a position with limited duration funding.
Hawgeye - it's not really the medical benefits that are keeping me (although the are EXCELLENT and Mr. Piggy would not qualify for good rates - something about having a heart bypass at 46), it more the fact that you have to work at a company for 12 months to be eligible for FMLA. If I were to get pregnant around the end of the year, I wouldn't meet the requirement.
I'm really gun shy because I took the first job I was offered out of college, and to be completely frank, it was below my education/capabilities, in a department with no upward mobility. Took me a while to get out, and I don't won't to repeat that mistake. I wouldn't mind continuing to work here, just not as an admin.
I might look around and apply. If something great comes up soon, I can put off the kid for 3 months or so. If not, I'll just tough it out.
Thanks y'all! I really needed advice from someone not directly involved!
Posted on 10/21/13 at 8:49 pm to hoginthesw
quote:
Good luck on the baby making!
Posted on 10/21/13 at 9:44 pm to Miz Piggy
As much as I hate to say it, I would stay put and stick it out until after maternity leave.
This post was edited on 10/21/13 at 9:48 pm
Posted on 10/22/13 at 10:11 am to Miz Piggy
quote:
The company has great benefits, and given that we're looking at starting a family soon, that's the only reason I'm considering staying. If I were to leave now, I might not be elilgible for FMLA at my next job. What would you do? Start looking immediately? Wait the 6 months and then leave? Suck it until after we have the kid? I guess even a crappy job is better than no job, but holy hell, I dread going into the office...
Not cool to start a new job and then go on leave for a baby soon after. Not cool at all IMO. This is why there is a pay-gap.
Posted on 10/22/13 at 10:48 am to j1897
quote:
Not cool to start a new job and then go on leave for a baby soon after. Not cool at all IMO. This is why there is a pay-gap.
Hey asshat, I'll have been working in the same department for nearly 2 years by the time the kid comes. They'll have plenty of advance notice and can decide whether they still want me to end up taking the job or not.
Posted on 10/22/13 at 10:57 am to j1897
Wow
You realize it's 2013 and not 1951 ?
You realize it's 2013 and not 1951 ?
Posted on 10/22/13 at 11:02 am to Miz Piggy
good luck in whatever you decide, miz piggy. it will all work out one way or another. like others have said, i'd personally be reluctant to leave but by all means keep looking, something perfect may come along.
Posted on 10/22/13 at 2:57 pm to Miz Piggy
Ever thought of doing what you like on an independent contractor basis? Would there be enough of a market need, and money involved to cover your own expenses and insurance? Sorry if this doesn't at all apply or fit your occupation, just a thought.
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