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Should I apply for stretch job?

2 replies

parentalunit · 05/06/2014 19:40

I have a job in a large multinational company, which I enjoy (mostly!) and can do well. It isn't much of a challenge any more in terms of learning new skills, although I do have an opportunity to take on project work to expand my scope.

One of my colleagues is moving to another team, and his role is now open. I'm interested in what he does, because it's more forward-facing, (finance planning role, new pricing/products etc) and I'll see the results of my work in the press which excites me etc. It's similar to jobs I've help in the past, so I know I have the appropriate skills to do a good job.

However, the workload is less predictable and overall a little higher than my current role. It can be extremely intense at times, and I would have to do well to be able to keep my job (husband also works, but I do not want to be fired and do want to be successful in my contributions at work).

I have a child at home and another on the way (not yet announced to work). I struggled a bit after the first was born, due to high anxiety levels, and have found it difficult to focus at work and to concentrate, which I think is partly due to pumping 3x per day and general brain fogginess. My work did suffer towards the end of my pregnancy (last 2 months) and for about 6 months after I returned (until child was around 1 year old and I finally stopped pumping at work!), but has come back up to scratch now.

We currently use daycare, and are considering a nanny once baby number 2 arrives (in late Dec/early Jan).

Has anyone been in a similar situation, and can you offer advice? Would I be mad to apply to the new job knowing that I have another child on the way and am fairly likely to have similar anxiety issues etc?

OP posts:
EBearhug · 05/06/2014 23:02

I would say go and ask questions to show your interest.

But you clearly are interested, so I think you should give it a shot. I was at an event last night, where one of the speakers was saying she got two different jobs while pregnant or on maternity - she was made redundant which was why she was looking the first time. The job just came up and she was interested for the second. She was of the opinion that if you're determined, you will find ways to make it work, even if it's not easy.

parentalunit · 12/06/2014 20:30

Thank you for your advice! I decided not to apply for the open role as I really value being able to predict/manage my workload. We don't have any family or support system nearby, other than friends who also work full time, so it would be challenging to make it work, without the children paying a price.

I told my manager I'm interested in taking on some of my colleague's work as a project, if that is possible. He said it might be. At least he knows I'm interested :)

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