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babyaustin725
member
Help me think this through (super, duper long)
babyaustin725
member
When Tillman was born, I wanted more than anything to stay at home with him. He was not planned and we were not financially in a state that I was able to do that. We worked really hard over the next almost two years and I was finally able to quit my job. It has allowed us to do some really fun things. I also have him in a co-op preschool that has been really great for him and for me (meeting other moms in the area). I have been home with him for over a year and a half.
I have been doing some part time, mostly at home work for a company that I didn't work at before I quit, but that is very similar to my previous two positions. My manager's boss is a friend of mine that I use to work with. She asked me to come on board doing some work from home to help out the department (one of a few that she is over) that is struggling and I have a lot of experience in. I agreed. It's been great to get a little extra money each week and to use my mind, and she flattered me thinking that I could help.
My manager has not been willing to show/allow me to do anything that would benefit the department in the way that my friend indicated. I have mostly been doing a lot of busy work, which is okay. It's an easy paycheck. My friend has not been pleased with this and has indicated that she thinks my manager is keeping it from me because she knows it's a mess.
Anyway, here's the thing. I mentioned to my manager that it looked like I was running out of this at home work and that if she thought of anything else, to let me know...otherwise, I would just kind of be "on call" to her and when/if she thought of something she could let me know. I didn't need a minimum hours or anything. I am happy to work on an as-needed basis. Okay, so my friend emails me today and says that she had no idea that I was almost out of work and asked me to call her to talk about work. I did. She said that she needs me. She said, "I have to ask you to have a serious talk with yourself about coming back to work." She said the company is going to be having layoffs and my department will be hit. I tried to get the goods from her as I know she's not happy with my manager, but she wouldn't give me specifics. She did say that she needs someone to manage this department, and she needs me. What I think she is trying to wink, wink to me is that she wants to lay off my manager and when she is able to hire again, bring me in as the manager of this department.
This is very flattering and very tempting. It would definitely be a very nice promotion for me when I was expecting to take a step backwards when re-entering the work force (which I planned to do when Tillman goes to Kindergarten). I told her I didn't know what to say. It would be great for us financially as it would be more than I have ever been paid before. Tillman would be able to go to private school like we've always wanted with little/no financial hardship. We'd be able to buy a decent house and get out of this condo in ghetto area of Federal Way. James's face lights up when I mention it to him. He is very excited about the status of me being the manager and the extra money, but he only wants me to go back to work if that's what I want to do.
I don't know how I feel about it. We aren't talking about a job offer right now. They aren't able to hire anyone right now for sure (obviously since they are laying people off), but I know she wants to "trim the fat" and bring in "the meat" when she is able to hire again. I'm thinking if I could get him in a full day preschool (which I have been wanting to do anyway) next year (pre-k), I would do it. I don't have a problem leaving him to work if he's in school, but I don't want to leave him in daycare again.
Sorry it's so long, but does anyone have any comments, thoughts, or anything. I can't get my head around leaving Tillman to go back to work, but I had planned to when he went to Kindergarten. It's a year early. PLUS, this company can be very flexible, so I could potentially do some work at home and I wouldn't miss field trips or special events or anything with Tillman.
With the economy the way it is, it seems stupid to ignore this opportuity.
I'm all over the place. Thanks for reading it and if you have any thoughts, I'd love to hear them.
T-man (07/27/05, 2:52pm, 10 lbs, 2 oz, 22")
My Blog
TTC #2 for a million years: SA normal, CD 23 bloodwork shows nothing amiss, ovulation detected. Next step: ? maybe CD3 bloodwork to check eggs? All out of pocket, so limited IF tests/treatments.
TTC #2 for a million years: SA normal, CD 23 bloodwork shows nothing amiss, ovulation detected. Next step: ? maybe CD3 bloodwork to check eggs? All out of pocket, so limited IF tests/treatments.
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Help me think this through (super, duper long)
Like you said, in these times turning down a job offer might not be the smartest thing. Especially if the offer is for something you want to do. See what comes of it and then go from there. I could still be a few months out right?
I don't have kids, but as a mom wannabe here are my thoughts:?
I agree with pp that it can't hurt to throw your name in the hat. ?If you determine that it isn't right for your family you don't have to accept the offer.
?I think that being home with T for the first few years has probably had a huge impact on him, you're both really fortunate to have had that time. ?I also know that this economy sucks and hopefully its about to get better, but in the meantime this might help you and your family have a little extra to stock away.
This must be a hard choice, but as long as you do what is right for you and your family, everything else will fall into place.
Good luck!?
ditto
I think its a great opportunity for you and your whole family. If it works, it works. If it doesnt, then things will go back the same. Flexible companies are great to work for. Would a potential caregiver/daycare be near this company? I work 40+ hours a week but I am able to take a long lunch and take Meg to dance class on Tuesdays, I get off early to take her to swim on Friday's and I have lunch with her every day but Tuesday (since I already spend an hour with her at dance). I'm a hard working mommy, but still feel I spend a lot of time with her.
I'm sure you will find the best choice for you.
Steal my kids picture or pretend they are yours, I will find where you live and ship all of their dirty diapers to your doorstep. Promise.
I think it's worth pursuing. YOu can always quit if it doesn't work out... The other thing you could think about is asking this boss if there would be any part time positions you might be good for for the next 2-3 years, with an eye towards moving up after that. That could get your foot in the door, but not tie you down to full time til you're ready. If they like you this much, they might be able to make something flexible work.
Well... I'm definitely the odd one out here but I would not throw your name in the hat unless you are ready to accept the offer. I'm not sure what field you are in, but in my line of work, interviewing for a job you are not prepared to take is a career limiting move. If you are looking to go back full-time in the next two years, turning down a formal job offer may not be a good idea. You are definitely wise to think about how you will handle a potential offer now. That way you will be prepared to make the right decision.
With all that considered, I would ask yourself if you will enjoy the manager job. If the answer is yes, absolutely do it. In that case, it is an opportunity you cannot pass up. The timing may not be exactly what you had hoped, but with Tillman in full-day preschool, it will not be much different than your original plan. If you won't enjoy the job though, then it's a totally different story. Then I would wait and enjoy the extra year with the little guy.
Good luck on your decision. I'm sure it will be a tough one!