Random
Only logged in members can reply and interact with the post.
Join SimilarWorlds for FREE »

Career choices are difficult

I've had a difficult conversation with my boss and the operations director yesterday.
Not difficult in the sense that they made remarks or anything.
On the contrary, I got everything I wanted and will be offered even much more. They praised me to the sky pretty much.

Difficult because they want me to make a choice about my further career with them.

It's not easy because what they prefer (financial management focus) was not what I had in mind, and it's also the most challenging part for me lol.
I don't have an accountancy certificate and what I know is just based on my work experience. What they long for is someone who can do international financial planning, analysis, investment suggestions, full reporting etc.

Inititially, I was hired to do finance and office support as an assistant. In reality, since the previous people left upon my onboarding, I've been managing finances, HR, payroll, fleet and office for our 35 international employees and for our 2 companies. I will also have to set up a 3rd company in the UK and hire someone through a visum procedure there.

Taking everything into account, I want to continue working for them since they will also let me hire someone extra to support me, and I've been feeling a lot better after our open conversation yesterday.
I do love the job, my colleagues and I like my boss(es). I've never been recognized for my efforts as much as I have been there. But I've also never been challenged as much. It's both great but also very heavy.
Mentally I feel like I've been working at the border of my limits constantly for almost a year now.
Through it all, I've contributed to the company a whole lot and saved them tons of money. My boss said he would rather give responsibilities to me "too early" and allow me to learn, than hiring someone new with no track record, and risk to ruin everything I've built so far.

The future challenge will also be heavier, they intend to set up specific goals I need to reach too, and it seems like my responsibilities will only grow.
It's not what I intended when I joined (I wanted to work 80% so I could be with my kid more and take it easier), but I also don't like the idea of turning away from it, because if I don't take their offer, someone else will and will get paid a whole lot more for it at the expense of my efforts.

And so... I'm left with difficult choices to make. Spend less time with family as I had intended or pass out on the opportunity and see someone else reaping the fruits of what I've built. Focus on finance & acquisition, or HR & office management.

Stuff to think about...
Pretzel · 61-69, M
I've been to a lot of funerals over the years and have seen a bunch of headstones

not once have I seen one that said "I wish I had spent more time at work"

you're at the prime age to be management and have proven to them your competence.

you have to think about the time you get to spend with you kid - until they hit 18 or so they will know if they are your priority or not (at 18 they are in college or out on their own, right?)

just some food for thought - I don't know your situation and don't have to live with your choice so my opinion is worth what you paid for it.

the company will be lucky to have you in whatever capacity you chose

good luck
Pretzel · 61-69, M
@kimmy159 I'd have to give it serious consideration - especially if I had support where it was needed with your child.

and it occurs to me that you MIGHT be able to work in the overseas trip so that you kid could go with you (maybe with an older family member and they could do some sightseeing)

if the current time isn't going to change all that much (time at work) AND you're getting compensated well....

I'd have to give it a shot. your bosses seem very approachable - and you need an assistant? where do I send my CV ? :)
kimmy159 · F
@Pretzel I'm lucky to be well supported. My parents in law live about 5 minutes driving from our place. If I'm going to the main office in Brussels (2 hours drive and then 2 hours back), they are always ready to pick up Neil from school if I might run late. Luckily it doesn't happen that often, and Neil genuinely loves them too so he sees it as a fun occurence lol.

My parents love Neil to death too, but they do support less. I didn't expect them to either, considering they were not much around for me either as a kid ;p I could say that they even do more effort for him than they did for me 🙈 but I see that as a good thing.

When I traveled to the UK, I've combined it with my husband and Neil too ^^ So I definitely want to do that more often in the future if the opportunity occurs ;)

My bosses are approachable, but only if you deliver results I guess. I've been a great help to them, so they are very flexible towards me you could say. As HR, I also see the other side of them for people who do not deliver results. But it's an aspect I'm well aware of.
Pretzel · 61-69, M
@kimmy159 well it is a business so sometimes the tough decisions have to be made.

sounds like you have this well supported - if you decide to go for it - I wish you success!
Convivial · 26-30, F
Hard decision ... Two choices, accept or not.

With accepting you can always change your mind later... With not accepting ....
Convivial · 26-30, F
@kimmy159 just remember they were pushing you to do this so you have some wriggle room in the curtains you want as regards family time
kimmy159 · F
@Convivial Depends on how you look at it, I kind of forced that conversation to happen because I was unhappy with doing 48-50h of work each week without even earning as much as the person who left the company. They promised me in the beginning of my joining that they would hire someone over me to fill up that gab, but we're 11 months later and nobody got hired and I got tired of that excuse haha
Convivial · 26-30, F
@kimmy159 bottom line is they are looking after their profits... You have to look after you!
Pfuzylogic · M
Since it does effect your family it seems that your husband would be allowed a bit of input.
kimmy159 · F
@Pfuzylogic The thing is, my husband will not comment on that since he is away from home 50% of the time. He thinks I should accept it since I'm actually doing the work already.
Even if I accept this upgrade, I'm still at home for let's say 90% of the time and weekends. I always spend a lot of my time with my kid then ^^
Pfuzylogic · M
@kimmy159
Hopefully management will actively monitor how the job is impacting you.
They sound like they care what happens to their employees. I think it is awesome you are reaping some rewards for what you have done.
AbbeyP · 70-79, F
No-one says on their death bed, “I’d wish I’d spent more time at work.”
kimmy159 · F
@AbbeyP True!
On the other hand, financial wealth & stability are not as unimportant as people like to admit. Although I'm not putting it over my kid, if I'd be the assistant of someone with such a heavy workload, I'm pretty sure I'd have to work overtime too to support the new person. I'm wondering if it's better to try it. You can always downgrade if you want to, but the upgrading opportunities are quite rare I've found.
SW-User
Take the job offer for your self & then throw me a party to celebrate. 😛
kimmy159 · F
@SW-User Hahah I'll let you know how it went XD The ball is in my camp now to let them know my reply ;p
Dumb question. What do you want to do? Both long and short term. How can you make your goals align with theirs?

No challenge is why I'm bored with my career
kimmy159 · F
@Justafantasy I've decided that I will go for it. When I'm honest with myself, then making a career is important to me. It's not as important as my son but it is combinable I believe.
Children like to see their parents happy as well with their choices in life. I don't want to use my son as an excuse to sit back and relax at work just because it's tough to combine and it makes you have little free time. When I think about it, that's not the example I want to set.
I also believe a challenge is important in your job.
@kimmy159 the kid/work balance seems impossible to get just right. I work away for to long at a time, being home enough doesn't seem to pay the bills though. For career in my 40's I've finally realized the path I've known for the past 20 years and am still nervous but if you aren't helping advance it we're wasting each other's time. Once I've got 5 things in place I'll do it
Fukfacewillie · 56-60, M
They are dumping a lot on you. You should look 5 years ahead. Good HR Generalists can always work.
kimmy159 · F
@Fukfacewillie That’s definitely the case. More and more companies beg for people with international payroll and hiring experience too
But Finance is even more valued here

 
Post Comment