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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be worried about a new job and to turn it down?

33 replies

Littlewillowy · 18/12/2021 12:41

I've been in a role I enjoy and find interesting/meaningful for almost 5 years. The work life balance is great and management is relaxed. However, there is no career progression, despite me taking on more and more responsibilities each year, and I'm worried I'm stagnating. I started on £40k and had one raise in this time to £42k (average-ish salary for the industry). Financially I'm comfortable, but only because I have a partner who earns similarly and we don't have kids (living in London). My manager isn't supportive and has basically told me to leave if I don't like it. (Essentially, if he's not getting a pay rise or promotion himself, he's not going to help me).

I've accepted a public sector job paying £52k (£600 more a month take home), plus excellent pension. Just waiting for reference checks. I should be delighted, and I am, but for some reason the thought of it is filling me with anxiety. It's going to be much faster paced and I'll be a line manager. I'm worried it will really stress me out. Is this normal? Should I listen to my gut and be grateful/stick with what I've got? I've also never handed in my notice before. I left my last job when my contract ended, previously I was freelance, and before that I was made redundant when my company folded.

OP posts:
Merryoldgoat · 18/12/2021 12:53

Why will it be faster paced?

I went from private to public sector and it was horrific. Everyone kept saying how busy it was and there was literally nothing to do.

Your current role sounds unpleasant so a move is a good idea but beware of LA support functions which are often bloated, inefficient and full of people doing the bare minimum.

Hunderland · 18/12/2021 13:20

You only (mostly) regret the things you don't do...go for it Smile

JacquelineCarlyle · 18/12/2021 13:25

The move sounds good - go for it Op.

Original poster
Littlewillowy · 18/12/2021 13:30

@merryoldgoat It will definitely be faster paced because of the organisation I'm going to work for. The role will be very focused on Covid response and another very high profile issue. Currently working for a very stable charity that happily just plods along.

OP posts:
Original poster
Littlewillowy · 18/12/2021 13:32

(Which on the more positive side would also make the role really interesting, I hope).

OP posts:
Teenagequeenwithaloadedgun · 18/12/2021 13:33

Take the job! It sounds a great challenge, which i'm sure you're well capable of. The extra cash, development opportunities and pension make it the clear choice.

If you stay where you are, nothing will change.

WayneBruce · 18/12/2021 13:33

Your current job sounds awful. Plods along?

Feel the fear and do it anyway!

happytoday73 · 18/12/2021 13:35

Plodding along is my idea of hell...
Additionally you aren't used to actively changing jobs... This is the reason for most of your nervousness I think...

You have a choice... Take control of your life or let life take control of you

Thwackit · 18/12/2021 13:36

If you aren’t happy in your current job but feel the new job isn’t right, that doesn’t mean stay in your current job - it means you should look for another one to move to. Or, you can take the risk.

Agapornis · 18/12/2021 13:43

Just do it. I'm also in a charity that's just plodding along with a shit manager and no career progression. You'll have far more chances to move around in the civil service. Line managing is only as difficult as working with any difficult people - most people are pleasant!

Luredbyapomegranate · 18/12/2021 13:44

You will be fine!

You just have a bit of normal performance anxiety. It's natural.

SimonedeBeauvoirscat · 18/12/2021 13:51

Ok let’s break it down a bit OP. There are several issues here.

  1. leaving current job. Natural to experience some hesitation but realistically are you going to do this job for the rest of your career? No. You’d go mad. You want more development and challenge and interest (and pay). So you’re leaving - great!

  2. going into the public sector. That can be a culture shock. Perhaps start a thread asking for tips, from people who have done it? Again, natural to have some hesitation. Up to you to decide if the public sector is where you see yourself (or worth giving it a try).

  3. the specific role itself - becoming a line manager etc. Also completely natural to have misgivings about whether you feel ready to take this extra responsibility on. Perhaps there are some good business books worth reading about making that transition? Does your new employer offer any professional development resources to help you establish your skill set? It can seem daunting but it sounds like you’re ready for a new challenge. Only you can know whether managing people and the specifics of this new role are the kind of challenge you’re looking for. But again, why not give it a go?

RedRobin100 · 18/12/2021 14:08

Go for it OP

Sounds like you need, and are ready for, a new challenge.

FinallyHere · 18/12/2021 14:14

Congratulations on the job offer.

People tend to leave managers, rather than the actual job. Your manager doesn't sound much good, so moving on sounds like a good idea.

Have you had much training or experience as a manager? It's not just so easy to be good at it, though of course, some people are naturally good at it.

Good luck

altiara · 18/12/2021 14:16

Go for it!

Smilerjone · 18/12/2021 14:21

It’s the fear- I am sure the current role isn’t helping your confidence. Go for it - in 6 months you will have grown and developed so much compared to staying where you are.

Original poster
Littlewillowy · 18/12/2021 14:31

Thanks everyone for your positivity!

I think my main fear is the people management. I managed a team of five a while ago and I liked aspects of it but had one very difficult team member who made my life hell for a year
(because I was promoted over her and she was furious).

OP posts:
Bebedoogoogle · 18/12/2021 14:39

Take the job! Do NOT let fear make important life decisions for you. Do not stay where you are and minimise your potential. Clearly your new employer sees the potential in you?

Please read ‘feel the fear and do it anyway’ book by Susan Jeffers. Be empowered.

You can do this!

Oh and when you do get into your new job, read ‘How women rise‘, it’s a brilliant and accessible book which will help you overcome behaviours I guess are holding you back.

Bebedoogoogle · 18/12/2021 14:41

And another book recommendation from me...

The Making of a Manager: What to Do When Everyone Looks to You- by Julie Zhuo

DramaAlpaca · 18/12/2021 14:41

Grasp the nettle and go for it. You can do it!

Glittertwins · 18/12/2021 14:50

Take the new job, they clearly think you can do the line management otherwise they wouldn't have made the offer!

flowersforbrains · 18/12/2021 14:56

Take the job.

Sounds much better than where you are.

Teethhelp · 18/12/2021 15:15

Take the job, it sounds brilliant.

It's completely normal to feel this way

Merryoldgoat · 18/12/2021 15:57

Take the job absolutely. Sounds way better.

DarlingCoffee · 18/12/2021 16:18

Another one saying take the job OP!