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Career dilemma

5 replies

Redjellybeans · 12/04/2024 06:56

I am in a middle management role where I feel like I'm constantly pushing water up hill. Overworked, underpaid, but on paper I love my job. By this I mean it could be amazing but only if loads of circumstances were different - the leadership, the pay, and workload is just incomprehensible. Its in an industry I am passionate about. Long term earning potential is limited and most future opportunities are London based (I have no desire to live in or commute to London regularly, our life, friends, family etc is up in MCR). It's felt at times toxic, and I've cried over it more times than I choose to admit.

I have the opportunity to do an internal move in a different discipline, it's much less exciting, but longer term earning potential is bigger and I could have many more doors open in terms of opportunities closer to home.

Throw into the mix that we really want another child at some point very soon, it's tough to know what to do. My initial thought was just to try and get pregnant asap however I dont have a magic wand and another minimum 9 months in my current role makes me feel sick (but I would stick it out if I had to). I guess I'm clinging on to the hope that if I did go on mat leave things might be different when I get back. If I chose to move role it's extremely unlikely I'd be able to go back into my current role.

Sorry this is long, I'm just so confused. I guess I'm looking for any advice on toxic corporate environments, making a jump, and possibly following a career you aren't as passionate about but gives you the flexibility/pay you need?

OP posts:
PickledPurplePickle · 12/04/2024 07:01

If the culture of the company isn't good, then changing department won't change that

You need to look at other companies that offer a better work / life balance and more positive culture

Redjellybeans · 12/04/2024 07:28

Thanks, I do get that and it's something I've considered but leaving is not an option at the moment because it would put everything on hold in terms of having another baby due to having to wait X months to be eligible for maternity package in a new job, which we don't want to do. Statutory would scupper us financially. Hence feeling trapped! X

OP posts:
givebeesachance · 12/04/2024 07:31

“the hope that if I did go on mat leave things might be different when I get back”

They won’t magically get better. They might get worse.

As money and security are the priority for you right now, I’d do the internal move.

dreamfield · 12/04/2024 07:58

If "less exciting" also means "less toxic, less stressful" then I'd probably be able to reconcile myself to less excitement. The long term picture also sounds better with the internal opportunity.

on paper I love my job... but only if loads of circumstances were different

Ok, so in reality you hate your job and it's hideous. Deal with the reality not the fantasy.

Why stay in a crappy role because hypothetical it could be great if only everything about it changed?! Move to the role that can actually be great.

Redjellybeans · 12/04/2024 12:51

Thanks guys feel like I just needed some sense knocking into me/ an outside perspective! Appreciate the comments x

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