Am I being lazy/unambitious?

[EatYourDamnPie]

I’ve been filling in temporarily at work for a certain job until they hire someone. I’ve been asked if I would like to go for it “officially “. I said no because it’s not what I want to do , I don’t like it, I don’t have the proper training/qualifications for it. I’m winging it atm if I’m honest, and not doing too bad a job, but the only reason I can do it is because I know it’s temporary.

Going for it would mean more money (not life changing), a better “title “ but also A LOT more responsibility and workload . Think like going from TA to teacher.

I’ve been talking to people about it and a lot seem to think I’m just being lazy and have no ambition. Mum said I’m “running away from responsibility “ and refusing to be a proper grownup.

AIBU to not go for it, and hopefully be back in my proper role in a few weeks?

If you aren't in a financial need... I wouldnt go for a job I didn't like.

It would be different if you needed the extra money but why be miserable in a role.you don't like if you don't NEED the extra money

How could it be unreasonable not to want to do a job you don’t like, don’t want to do and haven’t the qualifications for?

I think it depends on what the alternative is: what would you be going back to?

is it actually TA to teacher? I don’t really understand how if its the same company and a similar job the better paid alternative would be worse than the poorly paid alternative.

Can you explain a bit more?

How different is it to your current job?

I don't think its lazy though. There is a lot to be said for being happy.

This depends on a lot of things.
Are you living at home still?
Are you young enough for the new job to become a career which will give you a better life going forward?

Otoh if you're a second earner in a household with a decent income then carry on as you are.

So you have a job you enjoy, are temporarily covering a bigger job, and they’ve asked if you want it permanently.

However you don’t want it as you feel it is too demanding and you don’t have the right skills.

To me this sounds quite logical. I wouldn’t do a job that you didn’t feel you could do or want to do.

However, some points:

• do you lack confidence in your abilities because they seem to think you can do it and do it well
• is money short? If so perhaps it’s worth taking this better paid job
• does your old role have any prospects, if not this might be a rare opportunity to do more
• is this just a job and not a career? It’s ok to just have an easy job you enjoy and go home, not everyone is career minded.

How is it determined whether you’re the first or second earner in a two-income household? Salary size?

We don’t NEED the extra money , but we could do with it (like most people nowadays)if that makes sense. That’s what’s making me pause a bit. OH is happy for me not to take it. Two years ago when I was in a similar situation (and even more miserable) he actually told me to quit because it wasn’t worth the decline in my mental health.

If you were to take it, could it be a platform for a sideways move back to the area you do like but at a higher level?

Yes, sorry clumsy wording.

Are they paying you extra while you cover this position? I’d be concerned that if they think you are doing it well they will drag their feet on getting a permanent employee.

If it was something I didn’t enjoy, then I wouldn’t take it. It ends up making you miserable and you dread waking up every morning.

I agree with @ParisianLady that it is absolutely fine to not be ambitious if you are happy with your job you are and it funds your lifestyle.

I’ll try. Keeping the TA to Teacher comparison, it would like going from being a mainstream TA to being a Teacher in behavioural /SEND unit type place.

No, if you know you don’t want to do it and you don’t like it then it wouldn’t be a good idea to apply for the job, get qualified, etc. You’d just be miserable. It’s not lacking in ambition to say that.

But you could look at other ways to increase your income, gain further qualifications, etc. I think a refusal to consider any other options ever, and a desire to stay in your current role for the rest of your life, are being lazy and having no ambition.

I would say though, your employer thinks you would be good at it or they wouldn’t have asked, so I think you should carefully consider it. One of my biggest regrets is turning down an internal role that I was offered because it was going in a completely different direction than I wanted - but I realised later (too late!) that I would have been good at it and would have enjoyed it.

I’d say yes you are not being ambitious but that’s not necessarily a bad thing and doesn’t mean you’re lazy. If you’ve had a previous experience where a job made you very stressed then you’re bound to be anxious and unwilling to push yourself again.
Only you can decide and remember it will be you doing the job every minute, not your Mum or anyone else. You’ll have more money which would be nice but shouldn’t be the sole reason for taking the job if your life is financially good as you are now.

I’m looking at moving up a level (next performance meeting)and even something completely different if need be.

I see what you’re saying, but I’m doing it now and it’s just not where I want to be, day in and day, day out and that’s without full responsibility/workload. Since I’m not officially in that role I can send most of that stuff up the ladder.

No don’t do it.

You’d be mad to go for a job you don’t enjoy, only pays a little extra and is miles more work and responsibility.

I have no ambition either OP, and I don’t care - I don’t think “having ambition” makes people happy. In fact it’s more likely to make people feel they are constantly lacking and not where there want to be.