Conflicted over opportunity

CYBURRCHIC · September 2012

I love the company I work for and have risen through the ranks in the last 12 years including moving to other regions of the country for opportunities. While out on maternity leave with my first child my direct boss has taken another job outside of our office but in the company. I have been asked if I was interested in interviewing for his job but they need to know ASAP. I am conflicted as a new FTM to take more onto my plate. Although the hours and travel would not be any different than my current. I would also be reporting to a manager that I have worked for before and respect. But this would be a manager role that I haven't done before and there would be a learning curve. Would you take on a new position as a FTM? bite old I be biting off more than I can handle? Thanks for any input.

SoldiersGreenBean · September 2012

What are your long term career goals? If they include advancement, then I would do it.

I would interview. You can make a decision to accept or decline when they offer you the position. What do you have to lose by interviewing?

cindybaf · September 2012

I'd interview. Some opportunities don't come along much, this seems like one. I bet you would rise to the occasion in a new position.

CYBURRCHIC · September 2012

Basically the way my company works, there is a list of people who get these chances. They don't come along very often. If I interview, get it and decline then they will take me off the list. It is considered bad form.

Nechie122 · September 2012

I'd go for it, especially if the travel is the same and the hours aren't overwhelming. Just because you're a mom doesn't mean you need a job you can do on autopilot.

When my DD was born, I switched to a part time WFH position and HATED it. I hadnt jumped through all the hoops I had for the past decade to mommy track myself. I ended up changing not only my position but my entire job and company. I travel now, I work hours that can be long. There was a learning curve. And it was so worth it.

lazysusan · September 2012

each child i had I switched jobs during maternity leave. (i've had 2

)It was not on purpose, but worked out that way. My first switch was to a new field altogether. It was on my career path. I learned a lot, but it was definitely busy! The second job I got asked to interview for. it was for a better agency, less hours, lots of flexibility, closer to home, still in my career path. I chose it, and couldn't be happier!

ChicagoWeded2007 · September 2012

I started a whole new job after my maternity leave and it was a great decision. You've got to think about what's right for your career and it might just turn out to be better for your family anyway!

GlinkaGirl · September 2012

Sounds like I am in minority but I wouldn't take it. As a FTM my head is not in the game right now at work. I personally couldn't handle the new and different role. That said, I think alot depends on your long term goals.

SilliRy · September 2012

Interview! I did it--I accepted a promotion in December and my LO was born in February (this was almost 2 years ago now). My new position was as an executive director of a non-profit, and while I wasn't thrilled about taking on a more stressful position with a newborn on the way, it worked out just fine. DD came with me to a lot of events (when appropriate) and she and DH travelled with me a couple of times for conferences. We made it work, and ultimately I couldn't pass up the opportunity and experience.

LCSW&PhD · September 2012

I applied, and got, a very similar position while on leave with DS. We're now almost 4 months in and it's been great! I took a spot as a manager with no history of formal management experience. I have to say, I wake up and I really like my life every day. I enjoy the challenge of the new position. Yes, it was a lot to take on at once with a 12 week old, but there is a reason take out exists! And just don't tell my mother how infrequently I vacuum.

For me taking the new job, way out of my comfort zone, was the right move. Good luck!

brewcitybride · September 2012

I accepted a new role as a manager when I was pregnant with DS. I had reservations because when I came back from maternity leave, I was coming back to a new role with new and greater responsibilities, and as a mom of two kids! It's all been great, though, I have greater autonomy over my time and my goals, and I can delegate projects to the two people I supervise.

Brady77 · September 2012

I am another FTM who took a new job on maternity leave. It was pretty different from my other position, but with a group of mostly women higher ups they were very understanding of the new mom stresses that I was facing. It has wound up being probably the best decision I have made so far in my family and my career.

I would definitely interview for the position.

CYBURRCHIC · September 2012

Thanks ladies. I had to let them know today and decided to interview. Really appreciate the feedback and experiences you shared.

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