Job opportunity—what to do?
February 6, 2021 5:17 AM Subscribe
I have an opportunity to apply for a new position with my current employer. I’m really torn on what to do and need some outside thoughts!
I’ve worked part time at a public library for nearly two years (took the job after my old job/dept in publishing was eliminated) and have basically been living off my severance package. I can do this for about another year or so before I’d have to start dipping into savings.
I really, really enjoy this job, get excellent feedback and perf reviews, have initiated and implemented several successful public facing programs, and get along well with my dept.
A nonpublic facing manager position has opened up in my library system in the field I worked in for ten years when I was in publishing. It’s a salaried position. I probably meet about 75% of the job description requirements. I’m a female in my mid 50s and feel like there aren’t going to be too many opportunities like this.
I also feel like COVID stress is really coming into play here. My brain is tired of making decisions, and this feels overwhelming. I’ve been going back and forth on whether to apply, and the deadline is this Wed.
PRO
1. Money/benefits.I could actually start saving again and stop debating every purchase I make.
2. I have background in this position, and this library likes to promote from within.
3. I enjoy and am good at managing projects, which is a key role.
4. Limited exposure to the public, which is a big plus in the library world with COVID.
5. Have casually worked with a few people in this dept and like them.
6. Feel like I need to apply to show leadership that I’m serious about working here long term.
7. New challenge—there are some big initiatives coming up that I would be directly involved with and that’s exciting.
8. I have very good rapport with the person I would be reporting to.
CON
1. I totally fell into this field at my old employer and have no formal training—only experience
2. Limited exposure to the public—even with COVID risks, my best days currently are those when I’ve directly helped patrons solve problems or find what they need. I am really good at customer service.
3. I’m used to being second in command—most of my previous jobs have been one step below the top. I’d be heading a dept here, which leads to...
4. MAJOR imposter syndrome at play! Going from 20 hours a week to full time manager with direct reports? Really? I’m more anxious about possibly being offered the job than being turned down.
5. I really like working part time after working full time for so many years—even though I know I can’t keep it up indefinitely. If I didn’t need the financial stability I probably wouldn’t consider applying.
So—what do I do? I’m positive that if I apply I’ll get an interview. No idea how many others—internal or external—have applied. I know applying doesn’t commit me to taking the job if it’s offered, but I also don’t think it would look good if it was offered and I turned it down. I’ve been going back and forth on this for a week now, and I have until Wed to apply. Help!
I’ve worked part time at a public library for nearly two years (took the job after my old job/dept in publishing was eliminated) and have basically been living off my severance package. I can do this for about another year or so before I’d have to start dipping into savings.
I really, really enjoy this job, get excellent feedback and perf reviews, have initiated and implemented several successful public facing programs, and get along well with my dept.
A nonpublic facing manager position has opened up in my library system in the field I worked in for ten years when I was in publishing. It’s a salaried position. I probably meet about 75% of the job description requirements. I’m a female in my mid 50s and feel like there aren’t going to be too many opportunities like this.
I also feel like COVID stress is really coming into play here. My brain is tired of making decisions, and this feels overwhelming. I’ve been going back and forth on whether to apply, and the deadline is this Wed.
PRO
1. Money/benefits.I could actually start saving again and stop debating every purchase I make.
2. I have background in this position, and this library likes to promote from within.
3. I enjoy and am good at managing projects, which is a key role.
4. Limited exposure to the public, which is a big plus in the library world with COVID.
5. Have casually worked with a few people in this dept and like them.
6. Feel like I need to apply to show leadership that I’m serious about working here long term.
7. New challenge—there are some big initiatives coming up that I would be directly involved with and that’s exciting.
8. I have very good rapport with the person I would be reporting to.
CON
1. I totally fell into this field at my old employer and have no formal training—only experience
2. Limited exposure to the public—even with COVID risks, my best days currently are those when I’ve directly helped patrons solve problems or find what they need. I am really good at customer service.
3. I’m used to being second in command—most of my previous jobs have been one step below the top. I’d be heading a dept here, which leads to...
4. MAJOR imposter syndrome at play! Going from 20 hours a week to full time manager with direct reports? Really? I’m more anxious about possibly being offered the job than being turned down.
5. I really like working part time after working full time for so many years—even though I know I can’t keep it up indefinitely. If I didn’t need the financial stability I probably wouldn’t consider applying.
So—what do I do? I’m positive that if I apply I’ll get an interview. No idea how many others—internal or external—have applied. I know applying doesn’t commit me to taking the job if it’s offered, but I also don’t think it would look good if it was offered and I turned it down. I’ve been going back and forth on this for a week now, and I have until Wed to apply. Help!
Go for it! It sounds like you'll be great at it, truly.
I personally have no formal training at what I do, only experience and learning on the fly. I work on a team with folks with letters after their names certifying them as expertly trained in our field. Every day they come to me for help. Experience and a problem solving mindset is golden.
I like helping people, too, and when I transitioned to management/operations instead of facing the masses all day, I thought I would lose that part. Not at all. Take that attitude of customer service and reflect it back on the team. Like I said: people still come to me and need me, just now it's specific people about specific things. Think of the best bosses/directors/program managers you've worked with: probably something they have in common is they are still gracious in working with people as individuals and finding your value as part of the team--the things you like and are already good at will make you so very good at this.
posted by phunniemee at 5:53 AM on February 6, 2021 [7 favorites]
I personally have no formal training at what I do, only experience and learning on the fly. I work on a team with folks with letters after their names certifying them as expertly trained in our field. Every day they come to me for help. Experience and a problem solving mindset is golden.
I like helping people, too, and when I transitioned to management/operations instead of facing the masses all day, I thought I would lose that part. Not at all. Take that attitude of customer service and reflect it back on the team. Like I said: people still come to me and need me, just now it's specific people about specific things. Think of the best bosses/directors/program managers you've worked with: probably something they have in common is they are still gracious in working with people as individuals and finding your value as part of the team--the things you like and are already good at will make you so very good at this.
posted by phunniemee at 5:53 AM on February 6, 2021 [7 favorites]
Basically, same thing as the previous comments. You say you can't keep working part-time indefinitely, so this sounds like the perfect opportunity to apply for something that you like, that you're good at, where you like the people, etc. I'm not seeing a lot of downsides.
(Also, not having formal training isn't a huge barrier in a lot of places. I don't have formal training in my job, but I made a lateral move and now have years of experience in it. Experience matters.)
Honestly, this job sounds great, and great for you. I hope you apply! If you need an internet cheerleader, I can be your internet cheerleader. Go bookmammal!! You can do it!!
posted by number9dream at 5:58 AM on February 6, 2021 [1 favorite]
(Also, not having formal training isn't a huge barrier in a lot of places. I don't have formal training in my job, but I made a lateral move and now have years of experience in it. Experience matters.)
Honestly, this job sounds great, and great for you. I hope you apply! If you need an internet cheerleader, I can be your internet cheerleader. Go bookmammal!! You can do it!!
posted by number9dream at 5:58 AM on February 6, 2021 [1 favorite]
Most of what I came in here to say has already been said, so let me just add this one thing. I also was always used to, and comfortable with, being second in command and when offered a leadership position, wondered if I could handle it. I went for it (in my mid 50s) and was so happy I did. It felt like the culmination of all my previous experience and was so nice to finally implement my own vision rather than implementing someone else's vision. You can do this. Don't let your lack of formal training hold you back.
posted by eleslie at 5:59 AM on February 6, 2021 [5 favorites]
posted by eleslie at 5:59 AM on February 6, 2021 [5 favorites]
Absolutely go for it. No question.
posted by gideonfrog at 6:14 AM on February 6, 2021 [4 favorites]
posted by gideonfrog at 6:14 AM on February 6, 2021 [4 favorites]
Very easy decision. Apply! You're not committing to anything by applying, so don't get out over your skis and worry about what might or might not happen next - you'll deal with that as it comes.
posted by superfluousm at 6:41 AM on February 6, 2021 [4 favorites]
posted by superfluousm at 6:41 AM on February 6, 2021 [4 favorites]
As someone who hires people, I see imposter syndrome way more with women. For context, meeting 75% of the job requirements is a way above average applicant.
Have you also considered looking through to see who works there to get a referral? That is far more likely to have your application get a close look than applying just on your own.
posted by treetop89 at 7:23 AM on February 6, 2021 [7 favorites]
Have you also considered looking through to see who works there to get a referral? That is far more likely to have your application get a close look than applying just on your own.
posted by treetop89 at 7:23 AM on February 6, 2021 [7 favorites]
Nthing you should absolutely go for it. It sounds like a great job for you, and you sound like a great person for the job. I feel like 75% of the JD is a great level - enough where you feel like you can do the job, but where there's still enough stretch for you to learn things.
Sounds like it's a simple fact that you can't continue in this job and at this level of salary forever, so at some point you're going to have to move into something that demands at least a little more of you, whether that's management, time, responsibility, a combination of all of those. At that point in the process you will no doubt have imposter syndrome no matter what, you won't avoid it forever by not applying for this job.
In fact, with this possible job you already have 'credit in the bank' with your employer, having done a great job in your current position, so it seems like the least likely option to cause you long-term anxiety. When you start with a brand new employer, it feels like every single decision you make has huge weight because you've never proven yourself to them before - your first week's work is 100% of what they know of your capability, then your first month's work, etc. Whereas here, they already know you're awesome, and if they promote you, it's because what they've seen of you already leads them to believe you'll do a good job in the new role. Even if you start with imposter syndrome, you'll likely get over it more quickly in this position than if you have to go elsewhere and start building up credit from scratch.
Go for it, without a doubt!
posted by penguin pie at 7:25 AM on February 6, 2021 [7 favorites]
Sounds like it's a simple fact that you can't continue in this job and at this level of salary forever, so at some point you're going to have to move into something that demands at least a little more of you, whether that's management, time, responsibility, a combination of all of those. At that point in the process you will no doubt have imposter syndrome no matter what, you won't avoid it forever by not applying for this job.
In fact, with this possible job you already have 'credit in the bank' with your employer, having done a great job in your current position, so it seems like the least likely option to cause you long-term anxiety. When you start with a brand new employer, it feels like every single decision you make has huge weight because you've never proven yourself to them before - your first week's work is 100% of what they know of your capability, then your first month's work, etc. Whereas here, they already know you're awesome, and if they promote you, it's because what they've seen of you already leads them to believe you'll do a good job in the new role. Even if you start with imposter syndrome, you'll likely get over it more quickly in this position than if you have to go elsewhere and start building up credit from scratch.
Go for it, without a doubt!
posted by penguin pie at 7:25 AM on February 6, 2021 [7 favorites]
So the only con is anxiety? Yes, apply.
posted by kevinbelt at 7:47 AM on February 6, 2021 [7 favorites]
posted by kevinbelt at 7:47 AM on February 6, 2021 [7 favorites]
apply for it and see what happens. Nothing says you have to take it if you decide that it isn’t for you right now.
posted by joycehealy at 8:03 AM on February 6, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by joycehealy at 8:03 AM on February 6, 2021 [1 favorite]
Appling/interviewing is your chance to find out as much about the position as it is their chance to "vet" you; I'm #TeamApply for sure. They know what they need, and what they think the job will take; you might be just what they have in mind but you won't know until you get in there. The early 21st c. philosopher Michael Scott reminded us that the late 20th c. philosopher Wayne Gretzky warned us that we miss every shot we don't take. If you're concerned you won't be right, make them tell you know; don't clip your own wings. You sound pragmatic and adaptable; I'm sure you and your new team can find ways to make the stuff you love about your current job part of this new gig.
posted by adekllny at 8:10 AM on February 6, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by adekllny at 8:10 AM on February 6, 2021 [1 favorite]
Do it!
(I TOTALLY understand the anxiety thing — recently I’ve been presented with the opportunity to change jobs, and even though it’s totally the right move for me, I’m feeling SO much anxiety about it which is amplified by COVID and not having my usual support networks around me. Push through it, you got this!)
posted by mekily at 8:30 AM on February 6, 2021
(I TOTALLY understand the anxiety thing — recently I’ve been presented with the opportunity to change jobs, and even though it’s totally the right move for me, I’m feeling SO much anxiety about it which is amplified by COVID and not having my usual support networks around me. Push through it, you got this!)
posted by mekily at 8:30 AM on February 6, 2021
I've applied for and received 7 different promotions over my 25 year career at my current organization, and I can tell you that every single time I did so, I was nervous as hell. The back of my mind was yelling "What the hell are you doing?!? You're perfectly happy doing what you're doing. You need more experience / training / whatever to succeed in role X." I told that anxiety "Let the managers make that decision, they know me and wouldn't hire me if they weren't confident in my abilities, so fuck off and stop trying to hold me back!"
Apply, grow, and succeed. And if you need advice or thoughts on moving into a people-leader role for the first time, feel free to memail me, I have lots I can share about my expectations vs reality there :)
Good luck!
posted by SquidLips at 9:30 AM on February 6, 2021 [5 favorites]
Apply, grow, and succeed. And if you need advice or thoughts on moving into a people-leader role for the first time, feel free to memail me, I have lots I can share about my expectations vs reality there :)
Good luck!
posted by SquidLips at 9:30 AM on February 6, 2021 [5 favorites]
I know applying doesn’t commit me to taking the job if it’s offered, but I also don’t think it would look good if it was offered and I turned it down.
Also, you are skipping over a potential outcome, which is that they could interview you and not extend an offer. If that happens, it gives you feedback on how to work on cons #1, #3, #4.
I, too, get the anxiety. I just switched into a different role and have really struggled with the "newness" and second-guessing my choices, but I was actually miserable in my old role. The fact that you might be less disappointed staying in your current role for a while longer is, I think, a bit of a blessing.
posted by sm1tten at 9:36 AM on February 6, 2021
Also, you are skipping over a potential outcome, which is that they could interview you and not extend an offer. If that happens, it gives you feedback on how to work on cons #1, #3, #4.
I, too, get the anxiety. I just switched into a different role and have really struggled with the "newness" and second-guessing my choices, but I was actually miserable in my old role. The fact that you might be less disappointed staying in your current role for a while longer is, I think, a bit of a blessing.
posted by sm1tten at 9:36 AM on February 6, 2021
Apply. You don't have to accept if it's offered, but your Cons are manageable
1. no formal training. are you willing to start taking classes? esp. if they pay for them, which is likely. You have tons of experience.
2. customer service. if an offer is made. I really enjoy working with the public; can I make some opportunties to do that for @ 10% of my time?
3. second in command
4. imposter syndrome You can do it. You have the skills and capability in spades. Watch Wizard of Oz, make yourself a badge, literally, then carry on.
5. part time Yeah, that's one you just have to suck up, unless you can finesse the job down to 32 hours/ 4 days.
What if you don't even apply and they give this job to somebody else? You are going to have to do something when the severance runs out, and this sounds like a terrific thing to do. well done, you. Good luck.
posted by theora55 at 11:12 AM on February 6, 2021
1. no formal training. are you willing to start taking classes? esp. if they pay for them, which is likely. You have tons of experience.
2. customer service. if an offer is made. I really enjoy working with the public; can I make some opportunties to do that for @ 10% of my time?
3. second in command
4. imposter syndrome You can do it. You have the skills and capability in spades. Watch Wizard of Oz, make yourself a badge, literally, then carry on.
5. part time Yeah, that's one you just have to suck up, unless you can finesse the job down to 32 hours/ 4 days.
What if you don't even apply and they give this job to somebody else? You are going to have to do something when the severance runs out, and this sounds like a terrific thing to do. well done, you. Good luck.
posted by theora55 at 11:12 AM on February 6, 2021
+1 Apply!
My company is at least attempting to be big on Diversity and Inclusion at the moment and one thing that the CEO mentioned at an all hands meeting is that men will apply for jobs regardless of qualifications (matches to requested skills, keywords). Women apply when they have a good match (like 90%?). So don't let the meeting "only" 75% of the job requirements stop you. That's probably a much higher number than many other candidates.
Please don't sell yourself short and don't eliminate yourself by not applying.
posted by jclarkin at 11:24 AM on February 6, 2021 [1 favorite]
My company is at least attempting to be big on Diversity and Inclusion at the moment and one thing that the CEO mentioned at an all hands meeting is that men will apply for jobs regardless of qualifications (matches to requested skills, keywords). Women apply when they have a good match (like 90%?). So don't let the meeting "only" 75% of the job requirements stop you. That's probably a much higher number than many other candidates.
Please don't sell yourself short and don't eliminate yourself by not applying.
posted by jclarkin at 11:24 AM on February 6, 2021 [1 favorite]
Please apply! It sounds like a great job and you sound like you'd be great at it!
posted by emd3737 at 1:26 PM on February 6, 2021
posted by emd3737 at 1:26 PM on February 6, 2021
It's widely cited that women don't apply for jobs unless they think they meet 100% of the qualifications. Ask a Manager says a rule of thumb is you should apply if you think you meet about 80%. You meet 75% AND you're an internal hire? Go for it? Even if it was lower than 75% I'd say go for it, it's so much easier to make a move to a different function within an organization because you're a known quantity.
posted by radioamy at 5:55 PM on February 6, 2021 [2 favorites]
posted by radioamy at 5:55 PM on February 6, 2021 [2 favorites]
Totally nthing all the excellent answers above encouraging you to go for it, but also adding this:
If you find you really miss the opportunity to work with the public and help people solve problems, consider ways you could satisfy that urge outside of work. Answering questions on AskMe is one way to do it; if you have even minimal expertise in any field, there's probably an online forum where you can help people and answer their questions.
Good luck!
posted by kristi at 6:00 PM on February 12, 2021
If you find you really miss the opportunity to work with the public and help people solve problems, consider ways you could satisfy that urge outside of work. Answering questions on AskMe is one way to do it; if you have even minimal expertise in any field, there's probably an online forum where you can help people and answer their questions.
Good luck!
posted by kristi at 6:00 PM on February 12, 2021
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(And if you do get it and turn it down and it doesn’t look great, which I’m iffy about as a premise, so what? If you’re turning down the permanent position, not like you’ve decided to move up the ranks there, so who would you be worried about putting off?)
posted by HonoriaGlossop at 5:41 AM on February 6, 2021 [6 favorites]