Change...what do I do???

so, some of you may know that I have been having some "issues" at work...basically they are taking advantage of me without any direction and then blaming me when things don't go smoothly or you get what you pay for (no money, no help, no nothing.)

I have been working on this other project, a show for MTV2, which airs Saturday ay 12 pm by the way, and I must say I did a pretty bang up job on what I was given...I am the second credit on the show

Now, my boss "lent" me out to this executive producer so I was given the right to do this, while I have been in the edit they have totally been effing with me. Scheduling shoots and meetings when they know it's hard for me to sit around for talent to show up and yelling at me if I have someone cover it (even when the is beyond capable and the "talent" is E list at best) so I have been swinging both th ebest I can, but it's been hard...especially since I had to wait an hour for a certain rock star to get an hour's worth of make-up on before he sat down for TEN minutes! Besides the fact that I took off on Monday and if I wasn't as crazy as I am checking my blackberry, they scheduled 8 shoots for THIS week that I had to scramble to get space for/research all by myself.

Anyhoo...I have been coming to the conclusion that I may need to move on. I asked to meet with my boss, and she took a week to get back to me and scheduled a meeting for NEXT Friday (and thetime has already been changed twice)

The guy I am working with on this MTV2 things has his own deal, just started his own company (he is the creator of shows like unplugged and worked on the VMA's for a ton of years)...

so long story long, he said what they have me doing is so beneath me and they are being mean. He offered for me to work with him. It would be freelance, but more money and DH gets benefits in 4 weeks for at least a year. I would still be doing stuff for this company, but potentially so much more. He already has a 4 month project he can throw me on...He is up front that he cannot offer me a staff position but says he can employ me for most of the year. I don't know what the H to do...change terrifies me. This would be a HUGE leap, and I have never technically freelanced before. I would be jumping into a pool without looking first...not my style.
I have been at this company for seven years, 6 3/4 that I loved...

what should I do?

Re: Change...what do I do???

Well, sometimes you take on a position at a new place and you get a better title. I've seen so many times in my own company, someone takes a new position with a subsidiary of this company, gets a new title and comes back here to corporate with a VP title. It happens a lot. If you can handle not being a staff employee, I say go for it. I don't have a the personality to not be a staff employee so I could never, but I wish I had the personality to do it. It seems the people that do that always move up. JMHO.

Re: Change...what do I do???

I would meet with your boss first before making any final decisions.. see what they have to say for themselves. If you've been happy there for so long I would wait it out a little before I took a huge leap, especially one that might not totally work out forever...

Re: Change...what do I do???

I would say that stability is hard for everyone to give up.

If I were to tell you right now you can't take the job offer & have to stay at your job for another year doing the exact job with the same people, would you like or dislike the idea?

If it were me, I would think it's an exciting proposal and if I didn't take it, it could be one of those "what if"s. I certainly wouldn't burn my bridges at my current company (yes, stating the obvious here..), but would probably move on.

Good luck with your decision!

Re: Change...what do I do???

Thanks for responding, I just realized how long it was. I was never "staff" until last year...they call it permalance here and it was because I had an amazing boss who just kept me employed for 6 years and fought to make me staff in a company where less than 15% of production is staff. It was perfect at the time because I was PG, but then my boss left for VH-1 and I have been hanging on like a dirty Chad in Florida. Staff is important now that I am a mom...but I literally almost quit last week, so I don't know now...

ETA; Barbara, I don't know what I would say if you gave me that choice, I am indecisive and unhappy...not a good mix. Plus, DH works as a carpenter, which isn't the most stable...stability was something I craved for years, but now, not as much as it's cracked up to be.

Message edited 10/4/2006 2:15:42 PM.

Re: Change...what do I do???

im usually the first person to jump at change- because i honestly love it- but i would wait for something more secure to come along.

this guys offer sounds great- but i think that its super risky to jump into his venture with him, not knowing how he will do and if he will go out of buniess or get bought out in the future

so im just saying its risky and to think alot about it and maybe look for something more secure before switching to another company

Re: Change...what do I do???

Re: Change...what do I do???

I would go for it, just don't burn your bridges, you can always try to go back if it doesn't work out.

Re: Change...what do I do???

Re: Change...what do I do???

My theory - change is always a good thing - you're being undervalued where you are now, and you can't maintain your sanity or esteem going at this pace in an environment that treats you in this manner (trust me, I KNOW!). Even if this doesn't work out, you'll be able to find something else... I would take the plunge - I find that the scariest risks always end up being the ones that are truly worth it in the end...

Re: Change...what do I do???

Go with your GUT feeling.............. If you think working with this other guy will be much better for you down the line then I say go for it. It's all a matter of perspective and what's important to you. At the end of the day, you need to do what will keep you sane and happy.

Re: Change...what do I do???

I am one of those people who prefers stability, and I would probably turn him down (unless freelancing is the norm in your industry).

If I had 3-6 months worth of expenses saved, I *might* be willing to take the risk.

How about looking for another job- just not the one he is offering?

Re: Change...what do I do???

Do you think this new job will be even longer hours for you?

Being a relatively new company usually means a lot of long nights and calls, etc.

Can you swing that with Bella?

If so, I say go for it!!

Re: Change...what do I do???

if your husband is covering the benefits part, I would go for it.

You deserve better and it seems like this guy has a good reputation and you never know where this can lead you.

Good Luck !!!

Message edited 10/4/2006 2:57:35 PM.

Re: Change...what do I do???

I don't know - that is a tough decision...I work in tv as well, I know that jobs permalance or staff are hard to come by and the stability it comes with is great -- however, being someplace you are unhappy at is really no way to go, especially if you are schlepping into the city everday to be there!

I just worry about the stability this guy can offer -- I think change is good, but can you live financially on just what he can give you this year, and then what about next?

would you be interested in freelancing a few places besides just with him? instead staying at this one place where you are unhappy? or what about trying to find a new job (in the same field) all together that is more permanent?

Re: Change...what do I do???

The thing that would be the biggest factor for me would be benefits, mostly health insurance. If you know that DH will have benefits for at least a year, it would give you the flexibility to do this other project and possibly look for other, more permanent work. You clearly don't have time right now to do that.

It is tough to decide, especially since you have a little one now.

Re: Change...what do I do???

I think it sounds like it could be a blast, and he seems to really appreciate you, unlike these people. Can you confront thema nd tell them you're looking to go elsewhere?

Does your DH have a steady job? it seems like benefits are taken care of. I would go for it.

I'm personally not afraid of freelancing, because that's what most entertainment industry jobs are and you can actually get a broader range of experience, which will make you MORE of an asset when looking for future gigs or jobs.

best of luck with whatever you decide

Re: Change...what do I do???

Re: Change...what do I do???

I say go for it!! You NEVER know what sort of new opportunities can come along because of it!! How exciting!

Re: Change...what do I do???

Would freelnacing for this guy open other doors you think? Could you use this as a stepping stone? Would it look killer on a resume if you did need something more permanent after?

Ask yourself these questions and definitely wait to see what your boss says or offers

Re: Change...what do I do???

Re: Change...what do I do???

You're part of a risky industry where a lot of people don't have permanent or secure positions. I don't see a problem with taking a risk if it will make you happy. It seems that at this point, you've reached your peak at your current position. It sounds like a good risk to take, and I think if you stay at your job, you'll probably be miserable and constantly think about the opportunity this guy offered to you. Good luck.

Re: Change...what do I do???

I can relate b/c I am in a similar situation... it sounds so exciting!!!! But, I can understand your reservation in taking on the freelance position.

I would wait and see what your boss says, and take it from there. I think you've gotten great advice already in that if you aren't happy, it's time to move on! YOu're happiness is more important

Good luck to you!!

Re: Change...what do I do???

could you use this job offer as leverage with your supervisor --- say something a long the lines of, I am loyal to this company, put in almost 7 years, and really felt like I was doing some good stuff here and lately I have been feeling undervalued. Such to the point that I am considering leaving unless some things change.
If you said something along those lines what do you think she would say? If she says okay, go, then I would jump at the new opportunity.

Re: Change...what do I do???

well speaking from experience where a company takes advantage of you - I jumped and did a career change and I cant tell you how happy I am and I will never look back.


I say JUMP! your Health benies are covered, where you are now is totally taking advantage of you- go work with someone who does appreciate your work! even if its freelance- it sounds secure and like a great opportunity.
Remember 1 door closes and another one opens, dont let this door close on you!!!!

Good luck!