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Original poster

Scared to leave a secure job

41 replies

flummingbird · 15/02/2022 22:19

I have worked in the same company for 20 years, doing the same job. There is no room for promotion or progression of any sort, ever, and no payrises over the company wide 3 or 4% that everyone here gets.

I'd love to go somewhere else and have a change and a challenge, but I'm a single parent to a primary aged child and scared of leaving the security I currently have. What if I leave and hate my new job? What if they don't like me and don't keep me after probationary period.

Do I just need to woman up and go looking for something, or am I crazy to leave a stable job even if I'm stuck in a rut for the next 20 years.

OP posts:

ItWillBeDone · 15/02/2022 22:29

I say go for it. But keep going in your current job until you get something new.

Original poster

flummingbird · 15/02/2022 22:35

I definitely wouldn't be leaving my current job until something else came up!

OP posts:

blueshoes · 15/02/2022 22:40

Is it change for change sake or will the new job be a step up, more pay, better benefits or shorter commute?

Do you have a job in mind or is this just mentally preparing yourself to go looking. I would say, as someone who moves jobs every 3-4 years, is it is premature to wonder until you have gone through the interviews and have a job offer in hand.

The interview process is a big part if you are undecided in helping you to firm up your views about the new job and about the move. The interviewers will ask you anyway since you are 20 years in your previous job.

How old are you? Personally life is too short to be stuck in a place without progression for another 20 years. How soon before your dc is 12 because after that your options re: the school run are wider.

AlwaysaLittleBitTired · 16/02/2022 12:50

Just here to give a handhold and word of encouragement. I have just interviewed for a new role, after almost 20 years with this employer. I am waiting to hear whether or not I was successful. It was odd having interviews after so long, but I decided that now is a good time to look whilst I am still comfortable - if frustrated - where I am. If I am offered the new job then it will force me to make a decision, and I am hoping that it will become clear to me how badly I want a change in that case. I don't want to be stuck in the same rut in 5 years time, after I have spent the last 3-4 years complaining to myself already.

The worst that can happen is that you're not a good fit for the role, and they ask you to leave after probation, but that isn't very likely bearing in mind the investment made on their part to get you there and the fact that your current employers are clearly happy with you. Don't doubt yourself. If you hate it, I think you can stick it out for a couple of years whilst you think about next steps.

Good luck!

Original poster

flummingbird · 16/02/2022 20:34

Thank you both. It's not change for changes sake, I could almost do my job with my eyes closed now and I'm better than that. I want to have to think.

@AlwaysaLittleBitTired you're exactly where I am, that's exactly what I needed to to hear. I have an appointment with a recruitment company on Friday so I'll see where I go from there. Fingers crossed!

OP posts:

blueshoes · 16/02/2022 21:48

Good luck with the recruitment agent.

I would say if you decide to leave, don't burn your bridges with your current employer. I am sure you won't and I am just stating the obvious. People have jumped ship and then gone back to their previous employer when the new place did not work out especially if they quit very soon after they join. Does not happen a lot but I have seen it happen occasionally.

Ilikewinter · 16/02/2022 21:59

@flummingbird.... so this was the situation i was in, 20 years with same employer and just so bored. I actually accepted then backed out of a job because of fear / confidence of leaving. However I regretted it within a few weeks.
Fast forward to today and im in week 3 of my new job and its honestly the best thing Ive done.
I've got better pay, im going into a hybrid work model, I've got so much flexibility over my working week.....yes im shattered every night from actually using my brain and I dont like being the 'new girl' or not having that inside out knowledge of my job but I know that will come in time.
My advice would be to have a look and see whats out there, when the right job opportunity comes along you'll know - I certainly did - and have confidence in yourself and go for it!!

Original poster

flummingbird · 16/02/2022 22:03

Thank you!!! I've got my brave pants on, I'm going to give it my best shot.

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AlwaysaLittleBitTired · 17/02/2022 13:42

@flummingbird

Thank you!!! I've got my brave pants on, I'm going to give it my best shot.

I am so pleased to hear that! Keep us posted.

I am still waiting...

pancakes22 · 18/02/2022 20:19

Just another one to say I feel exactly the same! You are not alone!

AlwaysaLittleBitTired · 25/02/2022 14:20

@flummingbird - how did your chat go on Friday? Any decisions made?

I was offered the job I went for - I plan to resign when I can see my boss face to face next week. Gah! Brave pants on here too.

Original poster

flummingbird · 25/02/2022 14:28

@AlwaysaLittleBitTired waaaaaaah, congratulations!! They have me in mind for something apparently, I will know if I get shortlisted next week... feeling a bit more real now. Good luck with the chat

OP posts:

Aposterhasnoname · 25/02/2022 14:36

Do it. I left my old company after 26 years. Was terrified. Now earn double my old salary, and it’s the best thing I ever did.

AlwaysaLittleBitTired · 25/02/2022 15:36

@Aposterhasnoname

Do it. I left my old company after 26 years. Was terrified. Now earn double my old salary, and it’s the best thing I ever did.

I love this! Congratulations to you. My new role is a 60% pay increase, for essentially the same role. Timing appears to be everything...this increase literally translates to an earlier retirement date for me

pancakes22 · 26/02/2022 19:37

Has anyone been happy they left if it was less money....?

I'm looking at potentially a loss of £200 a month if I change from corporate job to NHS but I'm hoping the job satisfaction will be worth it eek

Original poster

flummingbird · 03/03/2022 17:26

I have an interview!!! Next Wednesday, I'm really excited. What do you need to learn about the company though? Everyone says to learn a bit about them before I go, but what kind of thing?? Just about what they do?

OP posts:

AlwaysaLittleBitTired · 04/03/2022 11:43

@flummingbird

Ooh, well done! I spent a lot of time looking at their website, clicking through their publications/careers site/videos, I Googled them and read all the top hits to see what they're involved in and what stories are out there. I also trawled Linked In, searching their name and people who work there now. It was useful to me to see who had jumped ship from my current company to the new one in the past. So yes, what they do, what their vision is, get a sense of their culture if you can, news hits, horizon scanning for your area of work also maybe? As for you, you need to plan the key points you want to get across. What you do now, why you want to move after so long (personal development/new opportunity/don't want to 'stagnate' in an easy role etc), key projects you have been involved in, achievements, difficulties...sell yourself but be you! Good luck!

Ilady · 04/03/2022 15:08

Flummingbird, that's good news re the job interview. I would follow the advice given in the above post.
Do you know the salary scale or salary of the new job? If they ask what are you looking for I would ask what is the salary range for the job and say something like towards the upper end.
Let them make an offer rather than selling yourself for less than you could have got especially with all the experience you have to date. The reality is that in your current job you cant move up and your pay is not going up much either. Good luck with the interview.

Rainydays55 · 06/03/2022 07:56

Good luck @flummingbird ! I have in the last week changed jobs after 10 years in my previous job.
Re the interview I would say like above research the companies website, their social media channels, they may ask you what you know about the company. Also have some questions you would like to ask them.
For those of you who have recently made a change after a long time, how long did it take for it to start to feel part of your normal routine and not so new?! Also did you find it tiring?! And any tips on getting through the first few weeks successfully?!

Littlemiss74 · 06/03/2022 11:22

Following as in a similar position. I need to leave for my mental & physical health but after 14 years I’m really nervous about doing it

Original poster

flummingbird · 06/03/2022 15:25

I actually managed to land a short notice interview yesterday for a position I'm not convinced is for me, but at least I have some experience under my belt now and it wasn't as excruciating as I thought it would be!

@Rainydays55 congratulations! Is it a big change or a step up, or just a change of scene? I'm aiming for a sideways step, to somewhere I can move up. There's no scope in my current company.

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VioletOcean · 07/03/2022 17:31

Been in my current job for 5 years, went for an interview for same company but completely different job and I o was successful. I start in a few weeks. I’ve spent most of today in tears at doing handovers and I still have loads more to do.
I adore my job, it’s hard, often thankless (just the nature of it) but I’m very good at it. New job uses skills I’ve not used for over 10 years. I shall miss my friends as it’s in a different area. It’s so bloody scary as I’ll be starting over. I’m glad I got the job but so so sad at the thought of leaving

Geogaddi · 07/03/2022 21:36

Hello OP,

I totally empathize with you on this one. I've been in my job for 12 years now (when i told my new therapist this she told me that was an unusually long time so i dumped her straight away, bitch)

Anyway, it's the hardest thing to get out of. I get paid pretty well for a job i'm fairly comfortable in. I'm stuck now and I'm not learning many new skills. However, it lasted me through Covid and I suffer from quite acute anxiety, mostly triggered by change, uncertainty, and work. I have no idea how I will ever leave but I don't want to make myself sick so i just keep plodding along. It's a very hard thing to navigate. Good luck with the Interview!

pancakes222 · 08/03/2022 07:08

Been in same company for 12 years and just been offered completely different job in NHS. Eek!!

Original poster

flummingbird · 09/03/2022 16:01

I've got a new job!!! 🙈

Crikey, I can't believe I'm saying that... I'm scared but excited. Have to confirm tomorrow then think about handing my notice in...

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