In the past few weeks, I’ve been making some major work-related decisions. I am not happy in my current job. I have an amazing supervisor and some incredible co-workers, but in general, I am not happy with what my job responsibilities have become, and I have a number of issues with how my part of the organization is being run. I wouldn’t say things are being done incorrectly, things are just being done in a way that I don’t agree with. My boss is aware of my current situation, and I think she is trying to get me into a better position within the department, but it’s just not going to happen.
Essentially, I was hired to fill a specific role. That role is no longer needed within the organization. Therefore, I’m getting paid to do all sorts of things, but not the things for which I was hired. I stuck it out for six months, but it’s clear that there just isn’t anything there for me in the agency.
Long story short, I’m looking for a new job. I’m currently placed on a temporary assignment at another agency, and I have to admit, I’m less than a week in and already I would very much like to stay here. But I’m looking all over to see what opportunities are available for me. The concern I have is that I will have to take a pay cut. At this point, I can’t afford to take a pay cut. When I was hired, I was promised a significant raise this September. I have been informed that the pay raise will no longer happen for the five of us hired at that time, but we should still get a very small raise simply based on our time with the government. Ideally, I would like to make an upward move and make more money, but I am at the point where I will take a lateral move, simply to get to a job I love. If it turns out I absolutely have to take a pay cut, I will have to seriously think about my situation.
I’m just sort of watching to see what happens right now, and doing my best to prove to the organization I am currently placed at that I would be a great new hire once my temporary placement is up.
Working in the government will never make me rich. But I think there are a number of jobs here for me that I would find incredibly rewarding. I just have to do my best to get into those positions. And I have to be sure that I’m making the right move. While I am not happy in my current job, it could be much worse. I have a boss I respect, and for me, that’s huge. And she’s trying to do right by me, which is also wonderful. But even with my respect for and dedication to her, I still have to do what’s best for me.
Hey! You’re #1 fan lol
I think you have to go where your heart is. I love what I do but my role ha also changed. I am entertaining several offers and am considering each one based on the pros / cons and what I feel is right.
One job looks to be right up my alley but will require me to travel both home and abroad. I see the pros of seeing the world, with the cons of always being on the road. The pay also helps but if I am miserable, you couldn’t pay me enough to be there. Likewise, if I am happy, then I am willing to take a little less.
I always hate the question in interviews when they ask, “How much do you need to make?” or something like that. I know why they are asking, but I respond that it depends on a number of factors but more importantly I think we should see if this is a good fit on both parts and if you feel I am well qualified then I am sure the total package will be complete and fair. Unfortunately, it’s hard to be a dollar figure on that for you at this time.
Then if they keep pushing I just throw a pretty wide range out there and say it depends on benefits, time off, etc etc…
Good Luck!
P.S. I know you say the Gov’t, but have you considered the private sector too?
Too many typos… it’s almost midnight.. time for bed!
And
“Unfortunately, it’s hard to be a dollar figure on that for you at this time.”
Should have been
“Unfortunately, it’s hard to put a dollar figure on that for you at this time.”
I hate when you say one thing and your body does another. *sigh*
Time for bed.
Tom, I have considered private sector. I’m a lawyer, so there are lots of opportunities for me on that level, but really, not only do I like the schedule and the perks of working for the federal government, I still also believe in the idea of working for America and doing what’s right. It might sound silly, but that’s just where I am right now.