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jah


Dooney & Bourke

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Hmmm...what to do, what to do?
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Sorry, but this is going to be long...


6 months ago I started a new job for a major software company.  I work in a client-facing position (basically, I schmooze people, keep them happy, make sure we retain revenue, they sign new contracts, re-sign old contracts, etc., etc.).  Anyway, when I signed on for the job (one that I love, by the way), I was placed in the telecom solutions group, because I was in management for a telco and am somewhat of a SME.  Anyway, I have been supporting all of the telco clients of the company for one of the telco products for the past six months.  Things have been good.  In addition to doing the client stuff, I've been picking up extra work (the team is small) and doing product specialist stuff, business consulting, sales support, etc., etc.  Basically, anything the product VP needed done, would get done if he asked me to help. 


Well, on Weds, we had a team meeting with my VP (person in charge of all the people that have positions like mine, a.k.a., account managers) and in the presentation it is revealed that I am going to be taking on two new clients that are HUGE!  The clients are both top 15 clients for the company across all industries (we serve five major industries, telco is the third-largest).  Anyway, both of these clients are in our biggest industry.  This is completely news to me.  I hear about it when everyone else is hearing about it.  I'm IM'd by my director during the meeting and she wants me to call her.  Basically, after conversations with her and the VP, they need someone to take over these accounts quickly and since I am an "experienced AM" that is known to deal with "high-issue" accounts well, I've been assigned the one account that has the most issues and the other account which has the most opportunities.


So, I'm shocked, but I think okay, I can do this.  I mean, I already work 60+ hours a week, but I'll just prioritize and organize.


Anyway, my VP gave a presentation on Thurs and the VP of the product that I have been 100% dedicated to is there and is ticked!  He speaks with my VP and tells her that he wants a dedicated resource and will be opening a rec and will specifically ask me to fill it once the rec is approved.  I find this out from my director who calls to say I'm being fought over.


So, I call the product VP and ask him to let me try this before he opens a rec, that in a month we will assess if I think my current clients and job functions haven't been covered as well and then we will go from there.  He agrees to do this (even though he hadn't agreed when my VP had asked him the same thing earlier in the day).  He tells me he just doesn't want me over-extended and he wants to make sure his product is fully-supported (I totally agree).


So, yesterday, I meet with my VP and I am already starting to feel torn.  I'm told these new accounts will take up 40%+ of my time (I will now have over 10 clients), and I'm already being asked if I can cancel some of my travel for my telco clients.  I can't do this because there is no one else to do the work that I am going to do.


Now, I am thinking perhaps I should have pushed back and told the product VP to open the rec.  I really love what I am doing now.  I know the industry, I get to do many functions and I really feel like I'm contributing.  Plus, the team is excellent and I work well with everyone.


However, the other segment I would be supporting is highly visible in the company.  It would give me tons of exposure and could either make or break my promotion future (depending on how I perform).  But, I know very little about this industry and will be taking on one client that is difficult (at best) and the previous AM has left many strings and issues attached...


So, what to do.  I honestly don't know if I proceed and am introduced to the two new accts. if I will be able to get out in a month if I reassess with the product VP and decide the coverage isn't sufficient.  However, I am worried that my current VP will write me off as a team-player if I don't give this a shot and she is known to be a champion for her people and she is a good mover and shaker in the company.  Plus, I have known her for years and she was very influential in getting me to move to the company.


HELP.  What do I do.  I feel like my future rests on this decision, and I don't know what to do next!


Thanks, ladies.  Sorry it is SOOOOOOOOOOO Long!



-- Edited by jah at 10:30, 2005-03-12

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Karina


Chanel

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Posts: 3257
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Jah - Will you be able to excel further in your career by taking this job, and are you willing to work hard now so that it can eventually pay off in the future?  Honestly, if I were you, I would take the position. I know it sounds like a lot of work, but it does sound very promising and will be very beneficial to your career.


Good luck with your decision, I'm sure your heart will tell you what to do.


 


Karina



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Joina


Kenneth Cole

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Posts: 470
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jah - I feel for you, trust me.  Have been in that position twice in my career where uncertanties can be so daunting.  I chose to expand my career and go for the visible roles, and have not regretted either choices.


If you want to talk in private, PM me.



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