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subwolley


Kate Spade

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I don't know what to do. *UPDATE*
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A long much needed vent:

So, I thought I wanted to leave my current job. But now I'm not so sure. I am working as a marketing assistant/graphic designer at a university, and I have a job interview next week for a senior graphic designer position at the same university in a different department. (I'm not saying I will get the job, but I feel that I will be offered the job, because they seem very interested.)

As of now, I currently like where I work, except for one thing. Every summer we have to give tours to incoming freshman, once a week for 3 months, and I hate it. I hate public speaking so I usually shy away from talking to groups of people. I always get through it, and have for the last 5 years, and this past year we've been working in teams, which has been very helpful in releaving some stress for me. However, I can't ever seem to stop thinking or stressing about having to do these stupid tours, even during the rest of the year, when they're not going on.

But everything else about my job is fine, and I like the work I do. Part of me feels like I am running away from this one thing that I hate at my job, but then another part of me is like, maybe I should leave. And for the last year in my job search, I thought I really did. But I don't know if I want to. Or at least I don't know if I really want a different fulltime job.

I really love the people I work with. My boss is a little on the nutty side and can be overbearing at times. But I can deal with that. The thought of starting a new job and going through the interviewing process, and working with new people...I don't know if it's what I want. My current job fits my life right now...should I leave just because I really hate on thing? Maybe I should just work on the thing I hate instead of taking another job.

My long-term career goal is to work for myself, to have my own freelance business, to be an illustrator/designer. I feel that looking for another full time job will take time away from me getting to that, when I can work towards that goal at my current job.

Ugh, I don't know what to do. I think I need a glass of wine now to think it over some more. I would love some advice or words of encouragement/wisdom.

worry.gif


-- Edited by subwolley at 14:50, 2009-02-11

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AllieGurl


Marc Jacobs

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RE: I don't know what to do.
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Just a suggestion- but maybe take a class on public speaking to make you feel more comfortable with the aspect the current job you dislike.

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Aurora


Marc Jacobs

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Would the new job be a promotion or step up from your current job? It might be worth thinking in shorter term goals like moving up the ladder rather than in longer term goals. I dunno. Just a thought I had by reading your first sentence.

I will say I'm always nervous and second guessing when to stay and when to leave so I know how you feel and the struggle that is going on within you.

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relrel


Marc Jacobs

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Is there any way at all to get out of the public speaking part of the job? I mean, is there somebody you work with who really gets a kick out of doing the tours who you could trade tasks with? Perhaps there's something they hate doing but you love? It just seems like a waste or something to give up a job that you seem to really enjoy just because there's a small part that you hate.

That being said, how long have you been at your current job as the assistant graphic designer? Perhaps it's time anyway to move onto a position where you are the senior designer? Being able to say that you were once the senior designer for a company/department will have more sway with freelance jobs than being an assistant, right?

Good luck whatever you do. Public speaking can be really tough!

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subwolley


Kate Spade

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Aurora wrote:

Would the new job be a promotion or step up from your current job? It might be worth thinking in shorter term goals like moving up the ladder rather than in longer term goals. I dunno. Just a thought I had by reading your first sentence.

I will say I'm always nervous and second guessing when to stay and when to leave so I know how you feel and the struggle that is going on within you.


Yes, the new job would be a pretty big step up and more pay which is good. I feel that I can do the work, otherwise I wouldn't have applied.

I'm just not sure what move I want to make, and therefore I feel afraid to move in any direction.



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subwolley


Kate Spade

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relrel wrote:

Is there any way at all to get out of the public speaking part of the job? I mean, is there somebody you work with who really gets a kick out of doing the tours who you could trade tasks with? Perhaps there's something they hate doing but you love? It just seems like a waste or something to give up a job that you seem to really enjoy just because there's a small part that you hate.

That being said, how long have you been at your current job as the assistant graphic designer? Perhaps it's time anyway to move onto a position where you are the senior designer? Being able to say that you were once the senior designer for a company/department will have more sway with freelance jobs than being an assistant, right?

Good luck whatever you do. Public speaking can be really tough!



I have told my boss how much I hate doing the tours, and she has worked with me somewhat, but I still have to be a part of it. I don't think she'll ever throw me to the wolves, but I just wish I didn't have to worry about it rolling around every year.

That is the delima I'm facing. Is it time to leave or stay?

Even though I'm a "marketing assistant" I am head of all the design work. It just doesn't say it in my title. I am the head designer, and my current boss does see me as that. It just doesn't reflect that in my job position or pay.

I appreciate everyone's input. :) Thank you.



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Aurora


Marc Jacobs

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Five years is a pretty long time in one job so I can see that you either are fairly loyal or that you really like consistency. Maybe both. Neither one of those are a bad thing and in fact that is very much how I am and it is hard to step out and do something that is different - like a new job. I would say if you are bored and have thought about another job and there isn't much upward movement in your department then it probably is time to leave and try the senior job if it is available to you. It will help you meet and work with some new people and pad that resume some.

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Suasoria


Chanel

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Move on, if you have the opportunity. More pay and more seniority is a good thing!

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subwolley


Kate Spade

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Thank you everyone. I have decided that I should at least go to the interview and not close the door on a new opportunity. Wish me luck! I am nervous! But I have a week to prepare.

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Aurora


Marc Jacobs

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subwolley wrote:

Thank you everyone. I have decided that I should at least go to the interview and not close the door on a new opportunity. Wish me luck! I am nervous! But I have a week to prepare.



 I think that is the best idea.  You'll be able to feel the people out and see if you do want to make the leap.  Good luck!



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subwolley


Kate Spade

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So I had my interview this morning! It went very well! And very smoothly. I was cool as a cucumber. I don't know how I feel about the place. It's not as lively there in comparison to where I work now, which is something I really like about my current job. Eh, I don't know. It was okay. I wouldn't say I'm excited about the job I interviewed for. Luckily I am in a position where I already have a job and can be more selective about any future jobs.

Overall, I'm proud of myself for going and kicking ass. :)

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Suasoria


Chanel

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RE: I don't know what to do. *UPDATE*
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Congratulations! I imagine it would be tough to gauge the environment from a few interviews. Give them the benefit of the doubt.

Besides, if YOU work there, it will automatically become more fun and "lively."

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subwolley


Kate Spade

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I withdrew my application. I just couldn't do it. I don't know what's wrong with me. Maybe I don't really want to leave my job. Or maybe that job wasn't "the one." I didn't see myself there. I'm going to keep looking, maybe the job for me is still out there. Or maybe I should talk to my boss about future advancments at the job I have.

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Suasoria


Chanel

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Hey - you're just not that into this job!

Better to withdraw than get an offer and decline - I say that as someone who has done a lot of hiring. It's a massive emotional letdown when we go "yeah, this is someone we really see ourselves spending eight hours a day with," and then find out they don't feel the same way about us.


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kenzie


Chanel

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If it wasn't right, it wasn't right. No worries about that. You'll find something that suits you when you're ready to find it.

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subwolley


Kate Spade

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Thanks everyone! I'm still feeling right about my decision. :)

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