Taking an opportunity and leaping out of comfort zone
Discussion
I've been at my current company six years doing analysis, report writing, handling system upgrades, training and general troubleshooting and fixing. For the last few of these I've felt trapped in my role with no hope of any progression, even though this has been promised.
I was head hunted the other week for a new role at another company. This will involve similar aspects to my current job, but has added items such as being the first proper IT worker at the company. They currently outsource and do everything through third party companies. However, due to expansion, they need someone to sort everything out and effectively build the IT department up.
I've taken the job and since handing my notice in I've become aware that my current company do not want me to leave (because I'm one of the few hard workers there), but they don't want to let me progress any further either.
Doing the above has been a big leap out of my comfort zone. I have experience of running projects and related teams, I've never been a manager before though. The opportunities the new role present are amazing, but it's going to be a lot of hard work. I'm not bothered about this, just nervous about the new role, having the proper support and getting up to speed with the job.
I could stay where I am, but it's rotting my brain and I'm deeply unhappy. Add to this the fact that my fiancee is due to pop a baby out in September/October and you have a very excited, but very nervous person.
So, has anyone else taken a leap of faith like this before? Has anyone been stuck in something dead end (but safe) and jumped ship to take up a great opportunity? If so, how did it go?
I was head hunted the other week for a new role at another company. This will involve similar aspects to my current job, but has added items such as being the first proper IT worker at the company. They currently outsource and do everything through third party companies. However, due to expansion, they need someone to sort everything out and effectively build the IT department up.
I've taken the job and since handing my notice in I've become aware that my current company do not want me to leave (because I'm one of the few hard workers there), but they don't want to let me progress any further either.
Doing the above has been a big leap out of my comfort zone. I have experience of running projects and related teams, I've never been a manager before though. The opportunities the new role present are amazing, but it's going to be a lot of hard work. I'm not bothered about this, just nervous about the new role, having the proper support and getting up to speed with the job.
I could stay where I am, but it's rotting my brain and I'm deeply unhappy. Add to this the fact that my fiancee is due to pop a baby out in September/October and you have a very excited, but very nervous person.
So, has anyone else taken a leap of faith like this before? Has anyone been stuck in something dead end (but safe) and jumped ship to take up a great opportunity? If so, how did it go?
[quote=funkyrobot but they don't want to let me progress any further either.
[/quote]
Move....
You have a very solid work history behind you, but you work for an employer with no interest in your development.
You need to take these chances when they come along, being the first person in, is usually a great way to learn a really broad range of skills.
No brainer isn't it ?
[/quote]
Move....
You have a very solid work history behind you, but you work for an employer with no interest in your development.
You need to take these chances when they come along, being the first person in, is usually a great way to learn a really broad range of skills.
No brainer isn't it ?
Stuck in Sheffield in a dead end job, watching everyone else get promoted on their friendship with the boss and how long they had been there, rather than on their skills etc... I was the lowest ranked but most highly skilled.
The last straw was a colleague getting promoted for her good work and me getting a b
king for not finishing a deadline that had quadrupled in work (was a day late) and needing to help out a certain colleague who couldnt do their work (so I did most of it as well) under orders of the boss.
I pointed out in my review that I had done her work under his orders and was not backed up by him (the boss) when I needed his help to keep the client in check on my project, when I asked him to step in and lower the work load or add resource... he just green lighted everything and said I needed to step up.
I was put on an action plan and told to grow up and a be a team player... week later my notice was on his desk and I was heading to London with same company.
He went on stress leave for 4 months 2 days after I left
Went to london with not knowing anyone, broke up with Ex 2 weeks after moving there... so complete cluster fk, knuckled down in my job as I had nothing else and took many risks, took a huge risk 10 months in and landed a job in Investment... that was 2007, not looked back since.
The last straw was a colleague getting promoted for her good work and me getting a b
king for not finishing a deadline that had quadrupled in work (was a day late) and needing to help out a certain colleague who couldnt do their work (so I did most of it as well) under orders of the boss.I pointed out in my review that I had done her work under his orders and was not backed up by him (the boss) when I needed his help to keep the client in check on my project, when I asked him to step in and lower the work load or add resource... he just green lighted everything and said I needed to step up.
I was put on an action plan and told to grow up and a be a team player... week later my notice was on his desk and I was heading to London with same company.
He went on stress leave for 4 months 2 days after I left
Went to london with not knowing anyone, broke up with Ex 2 weeks after moving there... so complete cluster f
k, knuckled down in my job as I had nothing else and took many risks, took a huge risk 10 months in and landed a job in Investment... that was 2007, not looked back since.Gargamel said:
Move....
You have a very solid work history behind you, but you work for an employer with no interest in your development.
You need to take these chances when they come along, being the first person in, is usually a great way to learn a really broad range of skills.
No brainer isn't it ?
Yes. But as a person who worries a bit, it's been a tough decision to make. You have a very solid work history behind you, but you work for an employer with no interest in your development.
You need to take these chances when they come along, being the first person in, is usually a great way to learn a really broad range of skills.
No brainer isn't it ?
Yes, several times.
I went from a safe solid role in a credit card company earning better than average for the area with a low mortgage and few costs to moving 200 miles south to an expensive area, people I didn't know, doing a much more technical role. Money was better but after costs proportionally I wasn't much better off.
I lasted 4 months. I then got headhunted to go to an even more technical role for the same money but no shifts.
That company then went through a management buyout of the division I was in. I could have stayed in the large corporation safe and solid or go to the new entity which would be specialists. There were 6 of us in total. We had one contract at that point, it was a massive risk and could have been out of work at very short notice. Survived that and actually ended up with some golden handcuffs for 3 years when we got sold to a larger company.
Moved to a similar role in another company, more flexibility and scope in the work and much more money. Looked like a good safe move until the Co went into receivership and I was made redundant.
I now work for another company in a related field but different technology. I knew nothing about the specific tech (it was a pre-sales role) and I've been at it just over a year now. I had two other offers on the table both doing what I know already, I took the risky option as it expanded my skill base.
Compared to my wife who has done similar jobs for the same company for 20 years. I can stomach limited risk and nearly all my moves have worked out for me.
I went from a safe solid role in a credit card company earning better than average for the area with a low mortgage and few costs to moving 200 miles south to an expensive area, people I didn't know, doing a much more technical role. Money was better but after costs proportionally I wasn't much better off.
I lasted 4 months. I then got headhunted to go to an even more technical role for the same money but no shifts.
That company then went through a management buyout of the division I was in. I could have stayed in the large corporation safe and solid or go to the new entity which would be specialists. There were 6 of us in total. We had one contract at that point, it was a massive risk and could have been out of work at very short notice. Survived that and actually ended up with some golden handcuffs for 3 years when we got sold to a larger company.
Moved to a similar role in another company, more flexibility and scope in the work and much more money. Looked like a good safe move until the Co went into receivership and I was made redundant.
I now work for another company in a related field but different technology. I knew nothing about the specific tech (it was a pre-sales role) and I've been at it just over a year now. I had two other offers on the table both doing what I know already, I took the risky option as it expanded my skill base.
Compared to my wife who has done similar jobs for the same company for 20 years. I can stomach limited risk and nearly all my moves have worked out for me.
Du1point8 said:
Stuck in Sheffield in a dead end job, watching everyone else get promoted on their friendship with the boss and how long they had been there, rather than on their skills etc... I was the lowest ranked but most highly skilled.
The last straw was a colleague getting promoted for her good work and me getting a bking for not finishing a deadline that had quadrupled in work (was a day late) and needing to help out a certain colleague who couldnt do their work (so I did most of it as well) under orders of the boss.
I pointed out in my review that I had done her work under his orders and was not backed up by him (the boss) when I needed his help to keep the client in check on my project, when I asked him to step in and lower the work load or add resource... he just green lighted everything and said I needed to step up.
I was put on an action plan and told to grow up and a be a team player... week later my notice was on his desk and I was heading to London with same company.
He went on stress leave for 4 months 2 days after I left
Went to london with not knowing anyone, broke up with Ex 2 weeks after moving there... so complete cluster fk, knuckled down in my job as I had nothing else and took many risks, took a huge risk 10 months in and landed a job in Investment... that was 2007, not looked back since.
I know your pain.The last straw was a colleague getting promoted for her good work and me getting a b
king for not finishing a deadline that had quadrupled in work (was a day late) and needing to help out a certain colleague who couldnt do their work (so I did most of it as well) under orders of the boss.I pointed out in my review that I had done her work under his orders and was not backed up by him (the boss) when I needed his help to keep the client in check on my project, when I asked him to step in and lower the work load or add resource... he just green lighted everything and said I needed to step up.
I was put on an action plan and told to grow up and a be a team player... week later my notice was on his desk and I was heading to London with same company.
He went on stress leave for 4 months 2 days after I left
Went to london with not knowing anyone, broke up with Ex 2 weeks after moving there... so complete cluster f
k, knuckled down in my job as I had nothing else and took many risks, took a huge risk 10 months in and landed a job in Investment... that was 2007, not looked back since.I literally carry the workload at my current job. I have a senior colleague who isn't interested, but takes the credit when things are done. My manager doesn't want me to go because he knows this and tries to keep it under wraps.
Funnily enough, when I told my manager the other day it was at the start of my yearly appraisal. Was quite funny listening to him saying how I need to do better, need to do more, haven't done this and that, can grow the role etc. It's all a load of twaddle.
I've just handed my notice in as there wasn't any room for progression, even though the salary was decent enough and I got to work from home. The reason being that I don't see myself doing the job in 5 years time, so it makes sense to try and make the jump back into IT contracting (which I did before this permie role) now when I'm 41 rather than later. So don't worry too much at least you have a job! 
Bullett said:
Stuff.
Thanks. Good to know. My new role will be one hell of a learning experience. However, I'm very keen to learn and develop it. It's like the baby thing. I'm both nervous and excited.
Will be funny when one of the other managers in my office returns from holiday soon. We've had many disagreements because he is terrible at his job and his attitude stinks. For some reason though, my manager (his manager) absolutely loves him.
Apparently, after some of the recent chats, he has proudly told people behind closed doors that it doesn't matter what I say because he is a manager and I'm a 'lowly' system person.
Can't wait to see his face when he gets the news next week.
I'm not a horrible person at all and I've been really tested here. It's just nice that things do eventually come round and ignorant, horrible people get what they deserve.Bluequay said:
I've just handed my notice in as there wasn't any room for progression, even though the salary was decent enough and I got to work from home. The reason being that I don't see myself doing the job in 5 years time, so it makes sense to try and make the jump back into IT contracting (which I did before this permie role) now when I'm 41 rather than later. So don't worry too much at least you have a job!
I'm 35 soon. I said to my manager that I don't want to be in my current role this time next year. No matter what I do, he can't give me the opportunity to progress because that would involve moving his favourite people around. funkyrobot said:
Bluequay said:
I've just handed my notice in as there wasn't any room for progression, even though the salary was decent enough and I got to work from home. The reason being that I don't see myself doing the job in 5 years time, so it makes sense to try and make the jump back into IT contracting (which I did before this permie role) now when I'm 41 rather than later. So don't worry too much at least you have a job!
I'm 35 soon. I said to my manager that I don't want to be in my current role this time next year. No matter what I do, he can't give me the opportunity to progress because that would involve moving his favourite people around. t of promoting friends over knowledge, its annoying when that happens and last time I made the boss justify to HR and he got a bking for it, but they couldnt remove the promotion, as a result I got a bking for not going to him first with my concerns. I asked him how I should go to him with my concerns that he was promoting his friends first no matter of how incapable they were and how he would address it, he couldnt answer it and told me it was done on merit, then the arguement broke out that how can it be on merit, if Im doing their work too as they cant... He left the room and I got an action plan for that one.
As daft as it sounds, it's the IT specific stuff that has me nervous. The company currently use third party support, so initially it will be coordinating this (which I do in my current role).
My main experience is around bespoke production systems and databases. However, with time I'm sure that I can learn the relevant IT stuff.
My main experience is around bespoke production systems and databases. However, with time I'm sure that I can learn the relevant IT stuff.
Du1point8 said:
This is one of the reasons I do contracting/consulting... none of the politics bullst of promoting friends over knowledge, its annoying when that happens and last time I made the boss justify to HR and he got a bking for it, but they couldnt remove the promotion, as a result I got a bking for not going to him first with my concerns.
I asked him how I should go to him with my concerns that he was promoting his friends first no matter of how incapable they were and how he would address it, he couldnt answer it and told me it was done on merit, then the arguement broke out that how can it be on merit, if Im doing their work too as they cant... He left the room and I got an action plan for that one.
The managers in my office are loved, carried and protected by my manager. As long as they are there, there is no room for me to move up no matter what I do.t of promoting friends over knowledge, its annoying when that happens and last time I made the boss justify to HR and he got a bking for it, but they couldnt remove the promotion, as a result I got a bking for not going to him first with my concerns. I asked him how I should go to him with my concerns that he was promoting his friends first no matter of how incapable they were and how he would address it, he couldnt answer it and told me it was done on merit, then the arguement broke out that how can it be on merit, if Im doing their work too as they cant... He left the room and I got an action plan for that one.
For instance, one of them brought down our systems a few months ago because he didn't do his job properly. What did the manager do? Called a meeting tried to tell me off whilst telling the other manager not to worry, it wasn't a problem.
I think that ended it for me.
funkyrobot said:
Gargamel said:
Move....
You have a very solid work history behind you, but you work for an employer with no interest in your development.
You need to take these chances when they come along, being the first person in, is usually a great way to learn a really broad range of skills.
No brainer isn't it ?
Yes. But as a person who worries a bit, it's been a tough decision to make. You have a very solid work history behind you, but you work for an employer with no interest in your development.
You need to take these chances when they come along, being the first person in, is usually a great way to learn a really broad range of skills.
No brainer isn't it ?
a similar situation for myself, broadly speaking.
I moved from a role in finance that after 7 years didn't excite or motivate me in the slightest.
I moved to a family run business on a Support role, a real departure from the previous job. Its been a tough 11 months, on a vertical learning curve but I muddled through it, despite it being a very tough company to work for.
When I realised the role would never grow beyond what it was and that I couldn't continue on the pittance I was earning, I have just jumped ship to a slightly different role with a global investment bank.
The experience I have had over the previous year has been great, getting involved in all aspects of a major (for the company) infrastructure upgrade has been great for me, skills and confidence-wise. But senior management has a truly appalling attitude towards staff, so morale is on the floor and people are leaving as fast as they appear.
What I'm saying is, I have moved based on gut-feeling and each time, things turned out okay. Follow what your heart tells you.
I moved from a role in finance that after 7 years didn't excite or motivate me in the slightest.
I moved to a family run business on a Support role, a real departure from the previous job. Its been a tough 11 months, on a vertical learning curve but I muddled through it, despite it being a very tough company to work for.
When I realised the role would never grow beyond what it was and that I couldn't continue on the pittance I was earning, I have just jumped ship to a slightly different role with a global investment bank.
The experience I have had over the previous year has been great, getting involved in all aspects of a major (for the company) infrastructure upgrade has been great for me, skills and confidence-wise. But senior management has a truly appalling attitude towards staff, so morale is on the floor and people are leaving as fast as they appear.
What I'm saying is, I have moved based on gut-feeling and each time, things turned out okay. Follow what your heart tells you.
Good luck to you OP, nothing ventured nothing gained.
I am stuck in a dead end job. Apparently I am valued and the best they have, yet they won't give me any training or opportunities to progress. I moved from Sheffield to london for them when they needed someone to get them out of a hole. Sure I can move to another role if I go back to Sheffield, but I now have a gf and friends down here, and cannot give up my life down here. Oh and it wouldve been for a pay cut as well.
My manager says they need to look after me, yet all the guys except me and two other site workers (I am contracted out to a company 3 days a week and work 2 days a week from home) are getting training. I aren't allowed training as the company pays for cbt nuggets. When did that become a replacement for proper training?
Only issue for me is that I think I am wellish paid, and don't think I'd get anything near if I left due to skill set.
I am stuck in a dead end job. Apparently I am valued and the best they have, yet they won't give me any training or opportunities to progress. I moved from Sheffield to london for them when they needed someone to get them out of a hole. Sure I can move to another role if I go back to Sheffield, but I now have a gf and friends down here, and cannot give up my life down here. Oh and it wouldve been for a pay cut as well.
My manager says they need to look after me, yet all the guys except me and two other site workers (I am contracted out to a company 3 days a week and work 2 days a week from home) are getting training. I aren't allowed training as the company pays for cbt nuggets. When did that become a replacement for proper training?
Only issue for me is that I think I am wellish paid, and don't think I'd get anything near if I left due to skill set.
Thanks all.
Looks like I'm not the only person who has ended up in a rut.
Had my resignation confirmed yesterday and when I told my more 'senior' colleague about it, his face dropped too. Apparently, my manager had told him that I was thinking of going, but didn't think it was serious. What the hell?
It looks like I did call my manager's bluff the other day when handing my notice in. He had ignore me until I did that. Fancy telling others that I was only thinking of going eh. Lots of denial happening here now.
Looks like I'm not the only person who has ended up in a rut.
Had my resignation confirmed yesterday and when I told my more 'senior' colleague about it, his face dropped too. Apparently, my manager had told him that I was thinking of going, but didn't think it was serious. What the hell?
It looks like I did call my manager's bluff the other day when handing my notice in. He had ignore me until I did that. Fancy telling others that I was only thinking of going eh. Lots of denial happening here now.
Du1point8 said:
Presume the counter offers will come in now...
Remember not to burn any bridges when you leave, some day you might be back.
The counter offer was there is no counter offer. Remember not to burn any bridges when you leave, some day you might be back.
Everything is being left very amicably. I've managed to negotiate my notice and get it halved. I'm also leaving it on a very friendly note with my current manager.
you're doing the right thing OP.
4yrs ago i was feeling the same. totally and utterly demotivated and every day felt like i was working in a vat of treacle. small cog in a large machine. my manager at the time knew what i wanted and tried his best to get me where i needed to be, but then 2500 job losses were announced so i took VR and bailed.
spent a year contracting whilst working out what to do next and then took a chance on a job offer from dubai. way out of my comfort zone in terms of industry, job role and pace of work. turned out fine and been looking for the next step up in .
again, made my aspirations known to the right people and our head of projects has given me a chance. hang on, make that thrown me into the deep end!
a week ago i sat in his office stating my case. this week i am in the arse end of africa project managing the construction and commissioning of a power plant for an oil refinery. its the 2nd riskiest job we have on right now, talk about a baptism of fire.
so, JFDI. keep wanting more, keep growing and if your current organisation can't/won't provide that then they shouldn't be surprised when you look elsewhere. its the only way you'll get any job satisfaction.
4yrs ago i was feeling the same. totally and utterly demotivated and every day felt like i was working in a vat of treacle. small cog in a large machine. my manager at the time knew what i wanted and tried his best to get me where i needed to be, but then 2500 job losses were announced so i took VR and bailed.
spent a year contracting whilst working out what to do next and then took a chance on a job offer from dubai. way out of my comfort zone in terms of industry, job role and pace of work. turned out fine and been looking for the next step up in .
again, made my aspirations known to the right people and our head of projects has given me a chance. hang on, make that thrown me into the deep end!
a week ago i sat in his office stating my case. this week i am in the arse end of africa project managing the construction and commissioning of a power plant for an oil refinery. its the 2nd riskiest job we have on right now, talk about a baptism of fire.
so, JFDI. keep wanting more, keep growing and if your current organisation can't/won't provide that then they shouldn't be surprised when you look elsewhere. its the only way you'll get any job satisfaction.
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