Tuesday, October 31, 2006
My dilemma
So I mentioned a professional issue a few posts ago, and here it is:
The owner of the primary resume writing company I subcontract for wants to promote me to a Resume Manager position. Of course, on a basic level, it's very flattering that she wants me to move up. However, I'm not sure I should on a practical-for-me level. The money she sees me making in the position represents about a 33% annual raise from what I'm making right now, which is pretty impressive. However, I'd also have to work probably 25% more hours per week, I'd have to be available to and working for that company from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. every weekday (they're on Eastern Time), plus likely more, as opposed to my current schedule that's very flexible as long as I meet my deadlines for orders, and the position is brand new, so both the work and payment structures would essentially be seat-of-the-pants and subject to change.
I already make more than enough for me to live on, so the money isn't a necessity, but that size of raise is still a big deal that could help me out in a lot of ways, including letting me save up more toward grad school next year. Also, if anyone knows the value of promotion, increased responsibility, and managing others on a resume, it's me. On the other hand, the relatively short hours I work now (and not needing to wake up at 7 a.m.) are a blessing in a lot of ways: for my writing, for what constitutes my social life, and for my general sanity. And she's not been entirely clear on whether she's amenable to me stepping back from the manager job into a flexible writer position once I go back to grad school, which is what I'd have to do. Finally, the Resume Manager job would require a ton more client relations, which is one area that my writing orders with this company blessedly avoids (the owner and now the managers are a buffer between the writers and the clients).
So I haven't made up my mind yet, but I told her I would within a week. I can't simply waffle and irritate her--whatever I decide, I have to tell her clearly and reasonably. I think the ideal situation would be for me to go to grad school right now and have an established Resume Manager position when I come out, but of course I can't be hoping for things like that. So at this point, I'm just hearing from as many people as I can. What do you think?
The owner of the primary resume writing company I subcontract for wants to promote me to a Resume Manager position. Of course, on a basic level, it's very flattering that she wants me to move up. However, I'm not sure I should on a practical-for-me level. The money she sees me making in the position represents about a 33% annual raise from what I'm making right now, which is pretty impressive. However, I'd also have to work probably 25% more hours per week, I'd have to be available to and working for that company from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. every weekday (they're on Eastern Time), plus likely more, as opposed to my current schedule that's very flexible as long as I meet my deadlines for orders, and the position is brand new, so both the work and payment structures would essentially be seat-of-the-pants and subject to change.
I already make more than enough for me to live on, so the money isn't a necessity, but that size of raise is still a big deal that could help me out in a lot of ways, including letting me save up more toward grad school next year. Also, if anyone knows the value of promotion, increased responsibility, and managing others on a resume, it's me. On the other hand, the relatively short hours I work now (and not needing to wake up at 7 a.m.) are a blessing in a lot of ways: for my writing, for what constitutes my social life, and for my general sanity. And she's not been entirely clear on whether she's amenable to me stepping back from the manager job into a flexible writer position once I go back to grad school, which is what I'd have to do. Finally, the Resume Manager job would require a ton more client relations, which is one area that my writing orders with this company blessedly avoids (the owner and now the managers are a buffer between the writers and the clients).
So I haven't made up my mind yet, but I told her I would within a week. I can't simply waffle and irritate her--whatever I decide, I have to tell her clearly and reasonably. I think the ideal situation would be for me to go to grad school right now and have an established Resume Manager position when I come out, but of course I can't be hoping for things like that. So at this point, I'm just hearing from as many people as I can. What do you think?
Comments:
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Steve:
Regardless of which option you choose, one reality is this:
If you do not take the promotion now, it is likely your time with the company is limited. I do not know the particulars, but I have seen this sort of thing before. A refusal for promotion may very well be a signal to your boss that you lack seriousness she may perceive as essential for her company. Again, I don't know her, or all the details, just what I've seen before.
Regardless of which option you choose, one reality is this:
If you do not take the promotion now, it is likely your time with the company is limited. I do not know the particulars, but I have seen this sort of thing before. A refusal for promotion may very well be a signal to your boss that you lack seriousness she may perceive as essential for her company. Again, I don't know her, or all the details, just what I've seen before.
It's true. Turning down a promotion can mess up your future with the company. Otherwise, I'd say turn it down. More money is great, but not when it comes with too many strings.
Steve,
I agree with the others that turning down a promotion is a negative signal for many managers.
From what I've experienced, every job offer or club invitation I've taken has been accompanied by nothing but positive feelings. Whenever I waffle, I know there's something amiss, something that will bother me constantly. That's always been my gauge, but I'm not sure if it works for you.
Since the job is new, could you attempt to work out some type of alternative arrangement with your boss? Since you know how to do aspects of the job and seem to have a good relationship with your boss, you could attempt to convince her to have a flexible work schedule or some other perk that would keep you happy. Showing that you want the job is important and considering every avenue will demonstrate this. Even if you know your boss will be against it, your initiative will demonstrate a lot. If you had to turn it down, you could demonstrate that you wanted the job and provide ample evidence.
If you're only attending graduate school part time (as I am), working full time and doing school isn't impossible, though it is busy. You just have to learn time management.
FWIW,
Jason F.
I agree with the others that turning down a promotion is a negative signal for many managers.
From what I've experienced, every job offer or club invitation I've taken has been accompanied by nothing but positive feelings. Whenever I waffle, I know there's something amiss, something that will bother me constantly. That's always been my gauge, but I'm not sure if it works for you.
Since the job is new, could you attempt to work out some type of alternative arrangement with your boss? Since you know how to do aspects of the job and seem to have a good relationship with your boss, you could attempt to convince her to have a flexible work schedule or some other perk that would keep you happy. Showing that you want the job is important and considering every avenue will demonstrate this. Even if you know your boss will be against it, your initiative will demonstrate a lot. If you had to turn it down, you could demonstrate that you wanted the job and provide ample evidence.
If you're only attending graduate school part time (as I am), working full time and doing school isn't impossible, though it is busy. You just have to learn time management.
FWIW,
Jason F.
# posted by 
: November 01, 2006 1:39 PM
: November 01, 2006 1:39 PM
I know I've said this before, but a low-res program would allow you to keep this sort of more demanding job AND go to school at the same time...
I think it sounds like you wouldn't like the new position for various reasons, but I agree with others that it's tough to turn this down without making a negative impression. If you do, be sure to state your reasons in a positive light - I enjoy the flexibility of my current position, I'd like to focus on the work itself rather than customer interface, my strengths lend themselves better to this position, etc.
I think it sounds like you wouldn't like the new position for various reasons, but I agree with others that it's tough to turn this down without making a negative impression. If you do, be sure to state your reasons in a positive light - I enjoy the flexibility of my current position, I'd like to focus on the work itself rather than customer interface, my strengths lend themselves better to this position, etc.
Unfortunately, a low-residency program would totally defeat the reasons why I want to go to grad school (an intensive group writing/learning environment).
On the other hand, it sounds like the hours and things may be a little more flexible than what she originally suggested (and/or she REALLY wants me to take the position).
On the other hand, it sounds like the hours and things may be a little more flexible than what she originally suggested (and/or she REALLY wants me to take the position).
I think your impulse to try to defer this promotion is a reasonable one. I'm thinking about Hobbes here: don't overturn the current regime unless you're sure you can install a markedly better one after. ; )
Dude, does the pope shit in the woods? What I'm trying to say is
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# posted by : November 02, 2006 2:06 PM
: November 02, 2006 2:06 PM << Home
