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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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A fantastic opportunity... what do I do?
I know this will probably be moved... in which case, I'll x-post...
Anyway... I found out today that our office is completely restructuring. The program manager for our office just contacted me and asked me to consider taking a position as an acting team leader. We have a vacancy, and the woman who is currently acting is stepping down. He says he spoke with everyone in the office, and they all believe I would be the best fit.
Now, half of me is REALLY so excited - truth is, I tend to get bored after a while doing the same thing, and I usually start itching for something new within 2-3 years, which is right on target. And I *think* I would make a great team leader, and it's something I really want to flex my muscles in - to take a stab at a supervisory position. This is exactly the kind of thing I need to propel my career into the next step. It would be fantastic experience to get an even better supervisory attorney position down the road, or to take my skills elsewhere, like a firm, or a university position.
But another part of me is SO scared - we are going through a huge office restructuring right now - the morale isn't so good, employees aren't happy about the restructure, and the woman who is currently acting as team leader told me in confidence that it's a complete mess. And, to boot, I'll be coming back to work now with two kids who will need more of my time, and I'm nervous that taking this position will make it harder to balance it all.
What to do? What to do....
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Posted 1/19/10 5:42 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
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MommaG
Yay Spring!
Member since 5/05 5133 total posts
Name:
Gloria
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Re: A fantastic opportunity... what do I do?
Being you would only be "acting" team leader, would you be able to step down if it wasn't working? Would your old job or something similar be available? Would it demand more hours of your time? Different hours? Would you be able to take time off as easily if you needed or wanted to because of your children?
It sounds like you are up for the challenge but not sure how it will affect your work/life balance, and if you'd have the energy/patience/stamina to fix the mess and learn a new job while taking care of your girls. It's a tough choice but opportunities don't always or often come along that would be a good fit, so if you think you'd be good at it and could handle any extra demands, then I say take it.
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| Posted 1/19/10 5:52 PM |
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1stimemom
Love my boys
Member since 2/08 8766 total posts
Name:
Mrs Dee
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Re: A fantastic opportunity... what do I do?
Go for it. Stop doubting yourself. As a team leader, think up real ways to pump up team morale. Take the job and rock it!!!
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| Posted 1/19/10 5:57 PM |
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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: A fantastic opportunity... what do I do?
I feel you really want it. And honestly, I would take that opportunity. It's a major bonus point on your resume and anything that may come to you later. If you want any position in management/supervisory, this is a chance of a life time to get closer to your goal.
What I would wonder is "what if" you don't like it or it's too much for you. Can you step back down? Would it hurt you if you were to step down later?
ETA: In response to stepping down, I personally think it could hurt you. As you are not "capable" to handle it and will be passed later for other opportunities.
Message edited 1/19/2010 5:59:07 PM.
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| Posted 1/19/10 5:57 PM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: A fantastic opportunity... what do I do?
Posted by MommaG
Being you would only be "acting" team leader, would you be able to step down if it wasn't working? Would your old job or something similar be available? Would it demand more hours of your time? Different hours? Would you be able to take time off as easily if you needed or wanted to because of your children?
It sounds like you are up for the challenge but not sure how it will affect your work/life balance, and if you'd have the energy/patience/stamina to fix the mess and learn a new job while taking care of your girls. It's a tough choice but opportunities don't always or often come along that would be a good fit, so if you think you'd be good at it and could handle any extra demands, then I say take it.
Yes, it's acting so if I don't like it, I can step down and go back to my old position as just a regular team attorney. And it IS a federal position, so they can't increase my hours - it would still be basically 9-5pm, just some seriously more stress and responsibility.
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| Posted 1/19/10 6:23 PM |
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LSP2005
Bunny kisses are so cute!
Member since 5/05 19458 total posts
Name:
L
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Re: A fantastic opportunity... what do I do?
I completely agree with SMDL. I think that if you choose to take it, the only way to "step down" is by leaving your job and going somewhere else. Fortunately or unfortunately I feel like offers like these only come once within a company. I agree with pp who said that by not taking this offer, that you will be bypassed for any future offers. It is such a double edged sword.
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| Posted 1/19/10 6:47 PM |
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Jackie24
~We Did it~
Member since 7/06 6718 total posts
Name:
Jackie
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Re: A fantastic opportunity... what do I do?
Did you ever think that the morale is low and everything is a mess due
to the current team leader? Maybe you are what they need! I say go for it.
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| Posted 1/19/10 6:49 PM |
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JessInCA
live laugh love
Member since 8/06 5082 total posts
Name:
Jess
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Re: A fantastic opportunity... what do I do?
Posted by Bxgell2
And it IS a federal position, so they can't increase my hours - it would still be basically 9-5pm, just some seriously more stress and responsibility.
That was going to be my question, whether it would mean more/longer hours. Good that it wouldn't.
In that case, I say go for it! I think that changing positions amid the restructuring in the office might actually work to your benefit, since you stepping up would be one change among many, not the only change, and might mean a little less scrutiny as you become comfortable with the new responsibilities. And having new leadership is always a big opportunity for morale to improve, so I wouldn't let that particular aspect deter me. As you pointed out yourself, there are so many reasons why it would be a great move for you professionally. It sounds like this is the kind of position you'd like to be in, so why not? 
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| Posted 1/19/10 7:07 PM |
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Re: A fantastic opportunity... what do I do?
Posted by Jackie24
Did you ever think that the morale is low and everything is a mess due
to the current team leader? Maybe you are what they need! I say go for it.
I second this!!!
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| Posted 1/19/10 7:43 PM |
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Phyl
R.I.P. Sweet Mia ♥
Member since 5/06 28918 total posts
Name:
The Mystical Azzhorse! ™
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Re: A fantastic opportunity... what do I do?
Posted by TheDivaBrideandTeddyFrog
Posted by Jackie24
Did you ever think that the morale is low and everything is a mess due
to the current team leader? Maybe you are what they need! I say go for it.
I second this!!!
I agree! I have no doubt you have what it takes Beth!
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| Posted 1/19/10 7:47 PM |
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headoverheels
s'il vous plaît
Member since 6/07 42079 total posts
Name:
LB
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Re: A fantastic opportunity... what do I do?
DO IT! You will be amazing at it - we all know that already! And you also know that your DH will step up and help you with whatever you need for your DDs.
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| Posted 1/19/10 7:57 PM |
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Shelly
She's 7!!!
Member since 8/05 14624 total posts
Name:
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Re: A fantastic opportunity... what do I do?
Beth!! That is amazing!!! You should totally go for it! The people want you to do it, you'd be great at it and if you don't like it, you can go back to where you were. It seems like win-win to me!!
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| Posted 1/19/10 9:07 PM |
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timanda
Puppy Love
Member since 6/08 1627 total posts
Name:
Amanda
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Re: A fantastic opportunity... what do I do?
If you think you can handle it then you should totally go for it!!! It may be a mess, and a lot of work in the beginning, but its a great opportunity like you said. You will most likely always wonder "what if" and have regrets if you don't take it!
GL! I'm sure you'll kick butt!
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| Posted 1/19/10 9:27 PM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: A fantastic opportunity... what do I do?
Posted by Shelly
Beth!! That is amazing!!! You should totally go for it! The people want you to do it, you'd be great at it and if you don't like it, you can go back to where you were. It seems like win-win to me!!
That's what Gadi says... it's the best of circumstances to try out the waters for something like this. I think I'm just so nervous because when I went back to work after having Alex, it was a complete, unmitigated disaster, and I'm scared the same will happen, if not worse if I'm going into a position with more responsibility.
But he keeps reminding me this is not the same job, nor the same environment, and I've had 6 months off to adjust this time. And, I'll keep the same hours, and will even be able to continue working from home 1-2 days a week on the slow weeks...
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| Posted 1/19/10 9:38 PM |
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rose825
Best Friends
Member since 6/05 10228 total posts
Name:
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Re: A fantastic opportunity... what do I do?
It sounds like a great opportunity, but I know how you feel. The timing is tough.
I got the call with a similar offer when DS#2 was a day old. But it was the kind of thing you can't really turn down. I was excited, looking forward to the challenge, nervous about what I was walking into to fix, and then guilty and worried about balancing that, with 2 kids at home, 1 a newborn. I started the job when Alex was just 2 months old.
It has been tough, I wont lie, but when these opportunities come you have to take them. Time waits for no one.
Good luck to you
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| Posted 1/19/10 10:00 PM |
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nrthshgrl
It goes fast. Pay attention.
Member since 7/05 57538 total posts
Name:
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Re: A fantastic opportunity... what do I do?
I think you know the answer. Take the job. I'm sure if it doesn't work out, you can always downgrade but I have no doubt you will be up to the challenge.
As far as office morale...the new team leader can help with that.
also when you take over the Eastern region, you know a terrific attorney you can hire in NY. Right, Shelly?
Message edited 1/20/2010 11:28:07 AM.
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| Posted 1/20/10 11:26 AM |
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Blu-ize
Plan B is Now Plan A
Member since 7/05 32475 total posts
Name:
Susan
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Re: A fantastic opportunity... what do I do?
I would certainly pursue it. Really, you have nothing to lose.
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| Posted 1/20/10 2:18 PM |
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karabara
LIF Adult
Member since 8/07 1153 total posts
Name:
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Re: A fantastic opportunity... what do I do?
do it! 
every new job or position has it's risks
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| Posted 1/20/10 2:48 PM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: A fantastic opportunity... what do I do?
Posted by nrthshgrl
also when you take over the Eastern region, you know a terrific attorney you can hire in NY. Right, Shelly?
Already working on it I think teamed together, we would be one hell of a force to reckon with
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| Posted 1/20/10 3:23 PM |
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steph4777
**************
Member since 5/05 11726 total posts
Name:
Stephanie
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Re: A fantastic opportunity... what do I do?
Good luck! Seems like a great opportunity.
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| Posted 1/20/10 7:46 PM |
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