LeVar Burton starts his week of Jeopardy! hosting tonight! I'm so glad we're not in a market where it airs later and is therefore affected by the Olympics.
Post by seeyalater52 on Jul 26, 2021 14:53:31 GMT -5
My first day back at work after a week long vacation and this morning my boss tells me she is leaving for another position. Man, the past 2 months have been such a rollercoaster. We won a huge new grant, prepared to ramp up our entire project accordingly, then a couple of weeks ago found out that our longest running funding source is pulling out at the end of 2022, effectively meaning both me and my boss will lose our jobs then unless something major changes (and we can't hire the new team members we were slated to.) I went from expecting a meaningful promotion to staring down a layoff. Now with today's news it's changed again: I'm still likely to be laid off in 2022 or 2023, but my boss thinks she can convince our organization to give me her job in the meantime, which means a massive promotion for me.
I'm so sad. And scared. I don't know if I can do it. I don't know if I have the energy to do it. And mostly I just don't want to. But I'm also too exhausted and stressed out to face trying to find another job, so I guess I've got to work with what I've got.
I'm so sad. And scared. I don't know if I can do it. I don't know if I have the energy to do it. And mostly I just don't want to. But I'm also too exhausted and stressed out to face ...
That sounds super stressful! If you just needed to vent and don't want any advice, just know that I'm thinking of you and hoping it all works out in a way that meets your needs and brings you joy. And stop reading.
If you don't mind unsolicited advice, here is what I'd do if approached about interest in the job:
Don't say, "yes" right away. Unless you think there'd be reason to fire you immediately, be prepared with a list of questions about what the role would look like for you, what the performance measures would be, if there would be any ability to have development to close the gap on where you are today and where your boss currently is (or if they might give some of her higher level responsibilities to someone else and you only take on SOME... that might be ideal).
Ask all your questions but don't show your full hand. If they ask why you have all the questions, be transparent to a point. From my outside opinion, that would mean basically saying that the funding changes have caused a lot of uncertainty about your future job security there, and you want to be sure to balance job security with a level of responsibility for which you can assure them of success. You are open and excited about a stretch and/or advancement opportunity but need to weigh all the information carefully to make sure you don't overcommit to anything and underdeliver.
This choice of words communicates confidence and an outward focus, without putting all your insecurities out there.
One key question I'd also include is if they want you to take on more responsibilities, could it be in an interim capacity so you both can get a feel for how it goes. I'd also be sure to ask if the budget restrictions mean that you will be a team of one (in other words they won't backfill her job) for the foreseeable future. If that is the case, take any promotion and extra money because you will be doing the job of more than one person and will deserve the recognition!
I'm so sad. And scared. I don't know if I can do it. I don't know if I have the energy to do it. And mostly I just don't want to. But I'm also too exhausted and stressed out to face ...
That sounds super stressful! If you just needed to vent and don't want any advice, just know that I'm thinking of you and hoping it all works out in a way that meets your needs and brings you joy. And stop reading.
If you don't mind unsolicited advice, here is what I'd do if approached about interest in the job:
Don't say, "yes" right away. Unless you think there'd be reason to fire you immediately, be prepared with a list of questions about what the role would look like for you, what the performance measures would be, if there would be any ability to have development to close the gap on where you are today and where your boss currently is (or if they might give some of her higher level responsibilities to someone else and you only take on SOME... that might be ideal).
Ask all your questions but don't show your full hand. If they ask why you have all the questions, be transparent to a point. From my outside opinion, that would mean basically saying that the funding changes have caused a lot of uncertainty about your future job security there, and you want to be sure to balance job security with a level of responsibility for which you can assure them of success. You are open and excited about a stretch and/or advancement opportunity but need to weigh all the information carefully to make sure you don't overcommit to anything and underdeliver.
This choice of words communicates confidence and an outward focus, without putting all your insecurities out there.
One key question I'd also include is if they want you to take on more responsibilities, could it be in an interim capacity so you both can get a feel for how it goes. I'd also be sure to ask if the budget restrictions mean that you will be a team of one (in other words they won't backfill her job) for the foreseeable future. If that is the case, take any promotion and extra money because you will be doing the job of more than one person and will deserve the recognition!
Thanks. This is good advice! The main issue is that they won’t backfill her position since we have such a short timeline in secured funding (technically 11 months right now, but will probably be able to stretch till end of 2022) and a hard deadline for the project end. So my options are either to rise to the occasion and make a lot more money doing probably not a ton more than I’m currently doing - although much more publicly which is definitely a risk - and be able to leverage that better title and experience into a new position when the time comes, or back away from it and probably still get left holding the bag on more responsibility.
We can afford to backfill MY position, and likely would if I took this promotion. I think I’m most worried that no one except my boss thinks I can do the job, which I’ve effectively been doing in partnership with my boss and my boss before her for a while, with increasing responsibility. The only way to add more capacity to the team is to take the leap, and I think they will look really poorly on anything that reads as me balking. The attitude I have to work against is that this is an accelerated promotion timeline and I’m younger than average for the role. Plus I’m an anxious fucking mess with insecurity issues.
But you’re right I want to go in without all my cards on the table with everyone except my boss and project an air of confidence and ask for what I need to be successful. I know that I can do this it’s just SUCH bad timing for me on a personal level. I want to be leaning out instead of in. But that’s a problem for me 18 months from now to sort through. Not worth the risk when I have a fairly secure path to promotion here in a job I’m mostly already doing.
I know that I can do this it’s just SUCH bad timing for me on a personal level. I want to be leaning out instead of in. But that’s a problem for me 18 months from now to sort through. Not worth the risk when I have a fairly secure path to promotion here in a job I’m mostly already doing.
Given this perspective, I would maybe plan for what you need to do if backing out of or quitting the job is a requirement, especially since you have anxiety. I struggle with anxiety and depression and am having some flashbacks to taking a big step a few years ago while reading this.
I took a Director role several years ago at an unexpected time. I was ready, but there was no transition because the person who left the organization that allowed for my promotion went home one day and died. And he was taking on responsibilities for someone who retired. So I took on 2 people's responsibilities with no notice. I worked closely with the person who resigned, but again, zero transition period (and the retiree tried to be helpful but kinda wasn't). I felt emotionally ready but knew it would be a challenge. Adding to that, we were ramping up to convert our HR system from a mainframe to a windows-based ERP. And none of our main super users had windows-based ERP experience. As a key SME on HR operations, I was heavily involved in the project on top of my other 2 new areas of responsibilities.
Then a series of almost unbelievable tragedies followed. I didn't take care of myself. I kept trying to plough through and prove I was ready for the promotion. My health suffered tremendously.
Don't shy away from taking on a new challenge because of anxiety and/or very valid fears... because you already know you are mostly doing the job anyway.
But maybe write down some goals and expectations for yourself for what being in a happy and healthy place look like 3, 6, 9, 12 months down the line. If you accept the promotion, schedule a time to revisit those goals and how you are handling everything and make sure what you are doing is in line with what you had hoped and expected, and give yourself permission to second-guess the decision AND CHANGE YOUR PATH if you decide it is best for your health.
Chances are you will get promoted and rock the hell out of this. Just take care of yourself too. <3
I know that I can do this it’s just SUCH bad timing for me on a personal level. I want to be leaning out instead of in. But that’s a problem for me 18 months from now to sort through. Not worth the risk when I have a fairly secure path to promotion here in a job I’m mostly already doing.
Given this perspective, I would maybe plan for what you need to do if backing out of or quitting the job is a requirement, especially since you have anxiety. I struggle with anxiety and depression and am having some flashbacks to taking a big step a few years ago while reading this.
I took a Director role several years ago at an unexpected time. I was ready, but there was no transition because the person who left the organization that allowed for my promotion went home one day and died. And he was taking on responsibilities for someone who retired. So I took on 2 people's responsibilities with no notice. I worked closely with the person who resigned, but again, zero transition period (and the retiree tried to be helpful but kinda wasn't). I felt emotionally ready but knew it would be a challenge. Adding to that, we were ramping up to convert our HR system from a mainframe to a windows-based ERP. And none of our main super users had windows-based ERP experience. As a key SME on HR operations, I was heavily involved in the project on top of my other 2 new areas of responsibilities.
Then a series of almost unbelievable tragedies followed. I didn't take care of myself. I kept trying to plough through and prove I was ready for the promotion. My health suffered tremendously.
Don't shy away from taking on a new challenge because of anxiety and/or very valid fears... because you already know you are mostly doing the job anyway.
But maybe write down some goals and expectations for yourself for what being in a happy and healthy place look like 3, 6, 9, 12 months down the line. If you accept the promotion, schedule a time to revisit those goals and how you are handling everything and make sure what you are doing is in line with what you had hoped and expected, and give yourself permission to second-guess the decision AND CHANGE YOUR PATH if you decide it is best for your health.
Chances are you will get promoted and rock the hell out of this. Just take care of yourself too. <3
Thank you! That sounds awful. We have about a month and a half to transition which isn’t too bad. Thankfully (or maybe not?) it’s time limited since this position will also sunset with the grant end in 2022.... so I don't need to stick it out for very long if it’s not a good fit or I feel like I’m not quite ready. Because it’s time limited I’ll continue to job search throughout just in case something awesome comes my way before that. It also might make it easier to transition to a different role internally once the end date happens. I haven't quite figured out what that might look like.
My first day back at work after a week long vacation and this morning my boss tells me she is leaving for another position. Man, the past 2 months have been such a rollercoaster. We won a huge new grant, prepared to ramp up our entire project accordingly, then a couple of weeks ago found out that our longest running funding source is pulling out at the end of 2022, effectively meaning both me and my boss will lose our jobs then unless something major changes (and we can't hire the new team members we were slated to.) I went from expecting a meaningful promotion to staring down a layoff. Now with today's news it's changed again: I'm still likely to be laid off in 2022 or 2023, but my boss thinks she can convince our organization to give me her job in the meantime, which means a massive promotion for me.
I'm so sad. And scared. I don't know if I can do it. I don't know if I have the energy to do it. And mostly I just don't want to. But I'm also too exhausted and stressed out to face trying to find another job, so I guess I've got to work with what I've got.
Hug. You don’t have to make any decisions right now.
My DH is a retire-now person, and I'm a retire-never person. We started talking about doing a month a year elsewhere as a compromise - either working remotely or extended vacations. And now that's all I can think about. I have a list of so many places for the near time (while dogs are still alive) and for the far time (when we can easily live abroad for a month without worrying about dogs)
I've even started looking at AirBNBs
(don't come at me with real life issues to this plan - let me live in the fun space for another little while)
“With sorrow—for this Court, but more, for the many millions of American women who have today lost a fundamental constitutional protection—we dissent,”
My first day back at work after a week long vacation and this morning my boss tells me she is leaving for another position. Man, the past 2 months have been such a rollercoaster. We won a huge new grant, prepared to ramp up our entire project accordingly, then a couple of weeks ago found out that our longest running funding source is pulling out at the end of 2022, effectively meaning both me and my boss will lose our jobs then unless something major changes (and we can't hire the new team members we were slated to.) I went from expecting a meaningful promotion to staring down a layoff. Now with today's news it's changed again: I'm still likely to be laid off in 2022 or 2023, but my boss thinks she can convince our organization to give me her job in the meantime, which means a massive promotion for me.
I'm so sad. And scared. I don't know if I can do it. I don't know if I have the energy to do it. And mostly I just don't want to. But I'm also too exhausted and stressed out to face trying to find another job, so I guess I've got to work with what I've got.
(((Hugs))) I just got a major promotion because my work BFF is leaving for another position. We’re in the very short transition right now and it’s been… something. Super stressful and a whole lot.
It’s overwhelming and a tad scary, but I can do it, and know you can too!
Post by eponinepontmercy on Jul 27, 2021 8:58:05 GMT -5
DH has already told me that I'm overthinking this, but I want to brain dump a bit.
My sister is getting married next year and she asked me to be her matron of honor. I love her to bits and her FI is a great guy. Another BM is planning the bachelorette weekend, and I'm not sure if I should go, because we have a 13 year age gap. Will they want to hang out with a 41 year old woman? Will I feel out of place? They are planning on a weekend in the Poconos in February but I don't know any details other than that.
I assume that if she didn't want me to participate, she wouldn't have asked me, but that's not how my mind works all the time.
DH told me to go and enjoy myself, which is what I'll probably do. I'm not a big drinker so if we go out anywhere I can drive and make sure the house is stocked with gatorade and advil.
eponinepontmercy, of course you belong. It’s for people who love your sister and want to send her off into marriage with a good time. I think you meet those qualifications. 😉
I'm looking for a new work bag. Why do so many bag companies not take pictures of the *inside* of the bag? Yeah, it looks cute, but will it hold and organize all my shit?
DH has already told me that I'm overthinking this, but I want to brain dump a bit.
My sister is getting married next year and she asked me to be her matron of honor. I love her to bits and her FI is a great guy. Another BM is planning the bachelorette weekend, and I'm not sure if I should go, because we have a 13 year age gap. Will they want to hang out with a 41 year old woman? Will I feel out of place? They are planning on a weekend in the Poconos in February but I don't know any details other than that.
I assume that if she didn't want me to participate, she wouldn't have asked me, but that's not how my mind works all the time.
DH told me to go and enjoy myself, which is what I'll probably do. I'm not a big drinker so if we go out anywhere I can drive and make sure the house is stocked with gatorade and advil.
GO!! I mean, maybe my view here is skewed, but many of my mom's best friends are 10+ years younger than her. Just channel my mama. Not me though. No fighting. (SHUT UP NewOrleans !)
And yes, eponinepontmercy , you need to go. You're a good time no matter how old or sober you are. LOL!
My favorite eponinepontmercy moment was some post here or on FB about a white dude acting horribly like they do, and she just replied “found the incel.”
I'm looking for a new work bag. Why do so many bag companies not take pictures of the *inside* of the bag? Yeah, it looks cute, but will it hold and organize all my shit?
Don’t know your needs or budget, but ML turned me onto Lo & Sons a couple years ago. At the start of quarantine, they did an enormous sale and I bought a bag, and it is my favorite work bag I have ever had. It really helps me stay organized. I don’t know which one I have, though. I also have one of the OG bags for travel and love that one as well.
It is also a small business and owned by an Asian family. The lady is an immigrant who fought for social justice.
Post by picksthemusic on Jul 27, 2021 10:05:10 GMT -5
We have a new manager. My old manager was let go because 'she's not a numbers person.' She did nothing wrong, and it's complete BS. That being said, this new manager is not my cup of tea. She is someone who is super rigid, no excuses for anything, and little to no real people skills that I can see. She's already causing waves and folks aren't happy.
I'm halfway looking for new positions. I'm being head hunted regularly by other entities, so I know the jobs are there, but I have a 5 minute commute and a great schedule, and a great provider. I'm happy in every other way.
We have a new manager. My old manager was let go because 'she's not a numbers person.' She did nothing wrong, and it's complete BS. That being said, this new manager is not my cup of tea. She is someone who is super rigid, no excuses for anything, and little to no real people skills that I can see. She's already causing waves and folks aren't happy.
I'm halfway looking for new positions. I'm being head hunted regularly by other entities, so I know the jobs are there, but I have a 5 minute commute and a great schedule, and a great provider. I'm happy in every other way.
What exactly do you do? We're always looking for great folks at Premera.
We have a new manager. My old manager was let go because 'she's not a numbers person.' She did nothing wrong, and it's complete BS. That being said, this new manager is not my cup of tea. She is someone who is super rigid, no excuses for anything, and little to no real people skills that I can see. She's already causing waves and folks aren't happy.
I'm halfway looking for new positions. I'm being head hunted regularly by other entities, so I know the jobs are there, but I have a 5 minute commute and a great schedule, and a great provider. I'm happy in every other way.
What exactly do you do? We're always looking for great folks at Premera.
Hey! I'm a certified medical assistant, but I'm a Jill of all trades. I've been in medical for 15+ years, and would love more info - can you PM me?
I just listed some final items on Facebook groups to sell, and I remembered why I hate doing that. "Is this available? How much? What is the size?"
All questions that are answered by reading the description. READ IT.
Oh i ignore those. every time I've sold something on FB I pick the least annoying person and they get to be the winner. Like, if four people message me within the same hour and three of them ask dumbfuck questions and the 4th one says, "I'll give you $30, will pay venmo, can pick it up in 3 hours, pls provide address and venmo details" that person gets the item.
There has been a SHOCKING amount of interest in some of the random shit i've unloaded on FB marketplace though. LIke, the bikes, I get that - they're hard to find right now. but I also gave away a totally broken and rusted out grill and had like half a dozen people asking for it. random closet shelving parts. A duckpin bowling ball. some small furniture goods. All sold within a day or two. (all very satisfying to get the hell out of my house too. I love getting rid of stuff)
I start grad school in about a month. We jump into our field placements with local human services agencies during the first week. I haven't "worked" in a traditional setting in 12 years. I have zero work clothes. I have no idea what kind of work I'll be doing and the culture of the agency until I get my assignment on Aug. 22. I'm kind of freaking out since the last time I wore real pants was probably 12 years ago. LOL!
Post by 1confused1 on Jul 27, 2021 14:47:27 GMT -5
I went white water rafting for the first time this past weekend. I hated every minute of it, I guess you shouldn't start out with class 4 rapids for your first time!
I went white water rafting for the first time this past weekend. I hated every minute of it, I guess you shouldn't start out with class 4 rapids for your first time!
I've never had any desire to do it. Bouncing up and down and being sprayed with super cold water while trying not to die? No thanks.
I'm looking for a new work bag. Why do so many bag companies not take pictures of the *inside* of the bag? Yeah, it looks cute, but will it hold and organize all my shit?
Don’t know your needs or budget, but ML turned me onto Lo & Sons a couple years ago. At the start of quarantine, they did an enormous sale and I bought a bag, and it is my favorite work bag I have ever had. It really helps me stay organized. I don’t know which one I have, though. I also have one of the OG bags for travel and love that one as well.
It is also a small business and owned by an Asian family. The lady is an immigrant who fought for social justice.
I have two of their bags - the OG and the Brookline (I don't see it on the website anymore). They are so well made and sturdy. And help me stay organized. Plus they do show you how much shit you can fit inside them which I appreciate. Or at least they used to.
What exactly do you do? We're always looking for great folks at Premera.
Hey! I'm a certified medical assistant, but I'm a Jill of all trades. I've been in medical for 15+ years, and would love more info - can you PM me?
If you are really looking my h does medical/biotech recruiting. He does CMA positions regularly and lots of other things. I could pass your info on or send you his, PM me if you want more help!
I'm looking for a new work bag. Why do so many bag companies not take pictures of the *inside* of the bag? Yeah, it looks cute, but will it hold and organize all my shit?
These aren't really 'work bags' but I love the upcycle-ness and they're a crunchy PDX company: www.looptworks.com/. I bought a small purse from them and really like it so far. It's not falling apart and I haven't damaged it yet.
Don’t know your needs or budget, but ML turned me onto Lo & Sons a couple years ago. At the start of quarantine, they did an enormous sale and I bought a bag, and it is my favorite work bag I have ever had. It really helps me stay organized. I don’t know which one I have, though. I also have one of the OG bags for travel and love that one as well.
It is also a small business and owned by an Asian family. The lady is an immigrant who fought for social justice.
I have two of their bags - the OG and the Brookline (I don't see it on the website anymore). They are so well made and sturdy. And help me stay organized. Plus they do show you how much shit you can fit inside them which I appreciate. Or at least they used to.
I am a fan.
Yes! The Brookline. And I did look this morning g on the site when I was recommending and did not see it either. But I love it and their site was really useful with even videos of packing the bag to show what it could fit where.