Job promotion with young baby.. to take it or not?

[molly151]

Hi,

Looking for some advice as I seem to have found myself in a bit of a difficult situation at work! I returned from maternity leave 2 months ago and have been offered a promotion to manager of our sales department. It's obviously more money but lots more stress and travel not to mention the work load. Lots of other managers in the same position have left in the last year mainly due to an overpowering boss who rings at weekends and really doesn't understand that people have lives outside of work! Infact I've found myself in this very situation because my current boss is leaving in a month due to similiar issues. The problem is I feel so pressured into taking it as nobody else is really in a position to step into this role and everyone just assumes I'll be taking it. I've been at the company for almost 7 years and am happy in my current role but know my life will be made difficult if I don't take it!! I feel like I can't win. Anybody else faced a similiar position or have any advice? The thing is my husband also has a demanding job and it's been challenging enough going back fulltime as it is. I also commute long distance every day..

[daisydalrymple]

If as you say they have nobody else to step into the position, then that does give you some leeway to have the conversation about the impact on home life, work life balance etc, and how you've noticed everybody who has tried the role has struggled with that side of things.

If you really don't want it, then just explain you wouldn't want to commit if you couldn't go the extra mile with additional overtime on top of already long hours.

Are you planning a dc2?

[cornishglos]

I did it, knowing that I wanted another baby before long so it was temporary and a good way to save money. Are you planning another?

[molly151]

Thanks for the replies! Yes id like another but not just yet! Maybe in a year or so. I agree, id definitely need to have the conversation re work life balance if i was to accept it. Whether or not it would change things though I dont know as the person in question is extremely difficult.. He doesnt have kids, is a workaholic and doesnt even try to understand. Its the pressure from management is all a bit much at the moment . I feel like the decision is not even mine anymore.. They are already acting as if im in the role but nobody spoke to me properly about how im actually feeling even though i have tried to voice concerns and ask for more time to consider. Cornishglos did you return to work after your second baby?

[cornishglos]

I am still on mat leave but I will return to work, and with 2 kids I will lose the responsibility and go back to my old job in order to be part time.

[JizzyStradlin]

Ideally if they're really stuck, that would give you more negotiating room. You may hold more cards than you think.