WIBU to take a job working for family?

[IncorrigibleTitmouse]

I’ve been working in the same field for about 15 years. While I’ve had several jobs, they have all been in the nonprofit sector, but the same type of job (press office).

Honestly, the third sector is making me miserable. No matter how hard I work it’s impossible to get anywhere because movement above the level I’m currently at is pretty much limited to Director positions and I’m not quite there yet. Sad as it sounds, I don’t get seriously considered for the positions I apply for because I’m under 40. (Have been told so, informally, in a roundabout way.)

I’ve also been trying to break into the private sector for about a year, but the feedback I’ve been given is that I don’t have any experience in making a company money so I’m not a desirable candidate, particularly in an incredibly competitive world.

My sibling, who owns a highly successful and expanding business has offered me a business management type position. My AIBU, I suppose, is this:

WIBU to take the job, hoping that it will give me the private sector experience to be able to move on in a couple of years—even though the experience isn’t in my field? And is it foolish/irresponsible to get off an established ‘career track’ and out of my industry at this age, just in case it doesn’t work out?

If the job your sibling offers sounds interesting to you and if you are sure working for your sibling won't be problematic in any way, I'd go for the job.
Your current job is obviously not making you happy and why shouldn't you change tracks? You don't need to stay in the same position/type of position your entire life.

Can you get back into your industry?

Do you enjoy your present job?

Would you enjoy working in the new role?

Career progression is good obviously, but this is the majority of your life, you are spending at work.

My family has a business that I don't work for, with good reason! My brother does though so it can work out. I think you have to be realistic and honest/upfront that you might be looking to leave after a couple of years. Managing expectations with family is the hardest thing because nothing is objective. If you leave you're not just leaving a job, you're leaving the family business. So be open and honest and talk about your decisions, it means they will be consensus driven but that's the price you pay.

Also, and I don't mean to be rude, but do you have the skill to take on a management post in a different sector? That sounds like a massive challenge so make sure you get training and support. Tailor the job as best you can to your strengths or the people under you will be picking up the slack and cursing your nepotistic appointment (and will probably leave).

do you have the skill to take on a management post in a different sector

What experience do you have, how different is the sector from the one you know ?

Most important is to get agreement upfront what support you will have. Knowing that nepotism got you the role can be forgotten reasonably quickly if you are a success in the role. Ideally you would have a reasonably senior mentor who can provide guidance and feedback which is not complicated by family relationships.

And as a PP suggested, have your exit plan agreed up front. Easier to forget it if you do find yourself at home than to have to break it to your relative that after their support you are planning to move on at the earliest opportunity.

Good luck, it could be a great stepping stone for you.

Thanks everyone. I do enjoy the work, I’m just worn down by the politics and lack of mobility. I started working in the third sector because my highly idealistic 21-year-old self left uni wanting to change the world, like so many before me!

I don’t know if I could get back in once I step off the track, if that makes any sense? I’ve never seen anyone do it before. I think that’s what’s so scary about it. I’m 37 with a family and a mortgage and I worry that me exploring my ‘wants’ will end up being financially detrimental to us long-term if it doesn’t work out. DH is supportive of it, but I can’t help second guessing myself.

It’s perfectly reasonable to ask if I can do the job, and for the most part the answer will be yes. I have experience in managing teams and budgets which will be a lot of it. There will also be a marketing/PR element to it which is why DSis has asked me—that’s a large part of what I do currently. I do worry about people gossiping about nepotism and that potentially causing difficulties.

Sorry, I forgot to answer your question @FinallyHere. It’s an absolute turnaround, industry-wise. I think that’s also, in part, why I’m having a crisis about it. I’ll be going from a community development-related charity to a high-end food and beverage brand!

I’m worried that I’m ‘selling out’ for mobility and potentially money in the future (she’s offered my current salary plus £2,000 but it could, as you said, be a great stepping stone).

In your shoes, with that kind of experience, I'd leap at the chance. I'd guess that FMCG will be a breeze for you.

Worst case ... you will not want to go back ever. You might want to just save the extra pay for a year or two, so you have a cushion incase you do want out. I'm guessing that you will not .... 😀

Thank you @FinallyHere that’s made me feel a lot more hopeful! I think you’re probably right, but it’s such a big change. I think my inner critic, Mrs Self-Judgy Pants, is telling me off for wanting to leave ‘hard, meaningful work’ for something frivolous. She’s a pain in the arse like that...

I wouldn’t want to mix family - where family member would be in charge - and my livelihood.

Press office work is transferrable. would keep looking for a private sector - or public sector - press office role.

Thanks @Loopytiles, that really is a big consideration. We have a good relationship and she’s incredibly professional, with a couple of other family members also working there. As others said above, if I take it I’ll have to be clear that it’s as much a career move for me as anything else and set those expectations early.