I started at one company out of college, lasted there for six years, and then have been at my current place for almost fifteen years. It has always been an interesting ride, and I think they've always done well by me. Also, I've never been complacent about my work, so I'm not even sure I could recount the number of different projects I've worked on without consulting my resume. I.e., it's always been "fresh" to me.

Some of you were aware of my unhappy work situation through the fall. I'd had a difficult year where my supervisor didn't appreciate my work, and my company has been struggling to find its way. I proposed a project to management which didn't fly. This all lit a fire to leave. I had an opportunity outside the company almost materialize last summer, but for reasons that I will not discuss here that didn't happen. Since then, I have moved on to a different group, and I feel like I'm back in the saddle.

We had a massive 20% RIF in January, and I guess the powers that be saw through the difficult year and didn't want me to go. In fact, the entire group that I used to work with (including my manager) was let go, but not me. I'll take that as a vote of confidence, for what its worth.

There seems to be a dim light at the end of the tunnel here if the company can make a few big sales wins, and I have acquired quite a lot of stock and options over time that could really be significant someday. But... the fire of unrest is still burning. This morning I started putting out feelers again and sent my resume to two places in my "network."

What to do? How do you make decisions like this? I'm feeling like I really should be proactive about this, but nothing's making me do so. It's hard to imagine leaving after so long.

 

Thanks Chaz, this is right on time for me. Most of my decisions are made based on emotions and at this age, I can't afford to be so reactive, even though I don't have much time vested in this company, so I'm trying to wait out this lastest fiasco that I posted about in Robb's thread.

I guess you have to take a few things into consideration; where you are in your career, life situation, financial situation, the job market, etc. I'll be curious to see how all the sane people handle decisions like this. I'm beginning to feel real proactive right about now. Indignant would be another feeling.

Glad you weren't riffed, though.

 

My opinion may not count for much as I've been an at-home-mom for the past 18 years but I think what you are doing is wise. Put some feelers out there. See if anything better comes up. If not, hang in there and see what happens. You aren't miserable so stay put and keep those benefits unless something really good turns up. When you hate your job for too long you have to try to change it for your mental health.

 

I made a career change (somewhat) a few years ago after working for a company for almost 15 years. I put a lot of thought into it (about 2 years) before I left. I'm not sorry I left, but I'm working at home now and would really prefer to be employed by someone else rather than being self-employed (benefits, benefits, and benefits - I had some really terrific benefits at the old job and hate that I no longer have a matched 401k and paid vacation, sick, and holiday time - and some really good people that I worked with). I just don't want to jump into something I'm not going to enjoy to get that security back...but how will I know whether I'll enjoy it or not until I try it? I don't so much miss the human interaction in working at home ... I have you guys

I agree with Patty (whose opinion does, indeed, count). You hate to leave a job in which you have some tenure and will probably be among the last to get laid off, only to end up in a new job in which you're low man on the totem pole (is that politically incorrect to use that term these days....whatever...), but if there is something out there that's really attractive to you, you're young...go for it. If it's a lateral move, I'd stay away.

 

I'm so glad I bounced this off you guys... I'm thinking exactly the same things you're thinking, just not as clear-mindedly!

Thanks!

 

Good point on the clear mind part, Chaz. That's what I'm trying to make, a clear- minded decision and that's hard to do when you're mad, hurt, and indignant. Hope more folks chime in.

 

Here's my story, not sure it will help.

I've been at my job (note job, not career) 19 years. Early on, I learned my employer is not an easy guy to work for. I lined up another job, didn't take it for various reasons, BUT the job had benefits and security I will never see in my job. As we think of retirement with health insurance that is not portable, I kick myself for not giving that one a try.

Fast foward about 17 years, and I was still here. I average less than one sick day per year. That year, Rick had repeated shoulder surgeries, my father was gravely ill and passed away, and over a one year time period I took maybe 4 days related to my Dad's illness and death and I think three days for Rick. I used vacation time when my father in law passed away 7 weeks after my Dad, yet still the boss got pissy. It's not that my work wasn't done, it's that he is inconvenienced if I'm not here.Compassion is not in his vocabulary. So after getting some bull$$$$ from the boss, I got real emotional one day and called Rick who promptly told me to quit.

I gave notice. A few days later the boss wanted to talk. End result he gave me another week off and I stayed.

Why am I still here? I only work 35 hours/per week, I'm 10 minutes from my house, I like what I do. I like (most) of the people I work with, and the boss doesn't stick his nose in my work and he's often not here. We have a simple IRA plan, and I have health insurance. And now I get four weeks vacation

Changing jobs is a big decision. I've chickened out twice. If I get aggravated again, these are things I would consider. The benefits/time off at most companies are being slashed at every opportunity how does the company measure up? Is there a commute involved leaving less time for your family? Retirement plan? Can you take health insurance with you if near retirement age? Are they "family friendly"?

Charlie and Angela, I don't envy your decisions. Who knows, if my boss decides to sell this place as he gets older I could be forced into looking for something then.

Edit: I realized this was long winded and maybe more info than you cared for. Maybe we should just sing that song "Should I stay or should I go."

 

I can't really relate to a change of employer because I've had the same one since 1982, and plan to stay here until I retire. But I think it's always a good idea not to get too complacent, and to keep the resume updated and contacts in place should you ever want/need to make a move. Seems as if that is exactly what you are doing. As I recall, you have kind of a niche job with specialized skills, so that can be good in the sense that you are valuable to your current employer, but bad in the sense that you may not be highly marketable outside your niche if there isn't a big demand for those skills.

Ultimately, only you can make the decision about whether it's worth it to jump ship. Good luck!!

 

Chaz,

I will tell you my story later when I have more time, but for now all I'll say is to put out the feelers and look seriously. It's a big, big world out there and you'd be amazed at how much you've missed in the trade off for comfort.

Sometimes when we spend too much time in one place we get tunnel vision.

 

Thank you sooooooo much, guys. This really helps.