Musical Chairs

I have a decision to make.

There is a "life altering" choice ahead, although it might not seem overly grand for most people. For me though, it is something I have to carefully consider, because I don't have as many options as I would like in this area of life, and the ramifications might be large for me and my family.

There is an opportunity to change position at work.

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See... Not so scary.

However, for me at least, it is a big decision, because in Finland, I don't have a huge amount of opportunity for changing company, and even less at the moment with the current state of economy and politics. So, changing role, even one for the same company, comes with risks.

Having said that, another factor is that I like my current role, but I am not sure if I would enjoy the other as much. However, the other role probably comes with more opportunity past that, which would make it a stepping stone and may provide alternative options that I won't get in the position held now.

Maybe the timing is good.

As they say, a change is as good as a holiday and I definitely need a holiday at the moment. I go on vacation at the end of the week though for summer, so that isn't the issue. Still, it might be somewhat refreshing to make a shift into another part of the organization, and ply my trade there for a while at least.

Officially, there isn't an opening at all for a job, but there is a need for someone who has my experience and skills for some time at least. I also get the sense that the team I am in is changing also, and it might not bode that well for me in the next year or two, so getting out before forced out to prove myself in another role might be a good move to make.

I dunno.

There are pros and cons to both situations, so I am thinking that I should perhaps get out of the comfort of my current role, and take the other. After all, that is what I would likely tell one of my clients who are looking for advancement.

I was talking with my company mentor today and asked about diversity in the workplace, which I see as skill and thought diversity, not sex and skin color differences. And, while I might not be good at many things, I do think I have something to offer the company that isn't being utilized in my current role. I also think that changing roles might provide me with more direction for personal growth opportunities, as I would have to "redefine" myself again, go back to the drawing board a bit, and do some additional onboarding into the role to learn that side of the organization, as I haven't had much to do with it earlier.

Am I talking myself into it?

It would be so much easier to make these kinds of decisions if I didn't need a job to cover living expenses, but we are a long way away from that. I haven't lived in the corporate world as an employee for most of my work life, so I am always a bit unsure as to how to "behave" in these situations. This was made even worse after the stroke, but I also changed to a more challenging role afterward, which has also taken its toll on my psyche perhaps. Not because it was challenging, but because of the mental energy it takes to keep up.

This new role would be similar.

This is not a promotion of any kind and at best, it is a sideways movement. At this point, I don't even know if a raise is possible, but I told my supervisor that it was on the cards anyway, so we should discuss it anyway. But, an upward change in salary while welcome, might not cover the risks.

The most dangerous thing to do, is to stay the same.

How about the audience - has anyone been in a similar situation and what kinds of pros and cons did you experience?

Taraz
[ Gen1: Hive ]



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26 comments
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You're definitely facing a pivotal moment with your career brother. Considering a new role can be daunting yet exciting, especially when weighing the potential for growth against the comfort of familiarity. I actually believe the that trusting your instincts and seeking new challenges can lead to unexpected opportunities.. !BEER hoping for the best for you man

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When I accepted the position of investigator at Trebas, I didn't think twice. When I was young, I turned down a student scholarship to France, so as not to be separated from my family. This new opportunity to Canada would give me a secure entry and improve my economic status. And so it was, after 14 years, being the head of the Department and having gained citizenship, I couldn't ask for more. In five years' time, retirement...

I wouldn't think twice, unless it will directly affect the family. Take heart.

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My work always directly affects the family, because I earn a fair bit more than my wife. If that wasn't there, she couldn't support us all.

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In my case I didn't make any changes when it came up but it was my naivety (because I was an idiot)
I did nothing and ended up getting fired from the job and as the saying goes.

  • Misfortune never comes alone
    So because of my indecisiveness (idiot to the highest degree) I lost a lot in my life.
    My advice to you is
  • never wait for a change because you will be passed over and believe me it won't be pretty.....
    I hope you make the best decision and go with what you think and believe is best for you NOT WHAT IS BEST IN YOUR HEART FOR YOU. 🚫💖🚫 ✅🧠✅
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I generally prefer proactivity also, but it is inevitably harder when changing from something comfortable into something less so.

You okay now?

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Mentally yes and I have become wiser.
Financially I am struggling not everything is perfect in life

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Fucken hell, I just posted something similar and came over here and...this post. 🤔😆

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Strange! Perhaps our periods have synced. :D

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Haha, yeah that's almost certainly, most definitely, possibly, maybe occurred.

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Wow, sounds like both you and your brother have some big decisions ahead of you. I know what you mean about the increased salary not being worth the extra stress. That is part of the reason I have kept my job in the public sector so long. Then again, if you think your current job could go away, that puts a different spin on everything.

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Then again, if you think your current job could go away, that puts a different spin on everything.

And this is the challenge - because it is there "for now" in my opinion. The job I did prior no longer exists in the same form either - it got to a certain stage and then, wasn't needed anymore. One of the problems of making oneself irrelevant is, becoming irrelevant.

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Best of luck to you! I know you will make the best decision. Is there one path that means you will have to spend less time with your family? I'd avoid that one.

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For these kinds of things, I would look at them from a objective standpoint. Imagine one of your relatives or friends have this dilemma. Most of the pros and cons look to point to switching as the better choice. As someone who changed jobs before and didn't like it, how is the work culture/team if you're going to move. Mine was toxic where there were comments behind the team's back about work ethic/effort, and whatnot.

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I have a great team, and I think the other team has potential, but it is not quite the same. However, they are in a less mature form, coming together as a group relatively recently and kind of stuck into a team - it takes time to form the bonds and roles.

Imagine one of your relatives or friends have this dilemma.

Yep. As said, I would recommend one of my clients to make the shift.

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I would highly agree on that: "The most dangerous thing to do, is to stay the same."
And consider that pro and con lists never brought me much further in any decision:)
Meanwhile it is a subject spooking around a lot in my head lately, and a very interesting one to discuss at all times, I feel, so thanks for sharing your part of it!

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Can you picture yourself in the changed situation?

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When I can but just not yet exactly, it's usually the right thing...

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I’m h g mad you love your current role. When you’re satisfied with what you’ve got, you tend to do more. But one thing I know is that there will always be a change so a change may come up in your life very soon maybe changing the job or position even though you may feel there are no much opportunities in Finland

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Plenty of opportunities in Finland - but not so many for people like me here :)

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The decisions are difficult; But it is more difficult to not make the necessary changes that one deserves. If you decide to make the change, two things will happen; that things go very well or that they go wrong; and at that point you will realize the changes necessary to move forward; You can see that both options will bring you benefits, so you have to take a risk.

Successes.

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getting out before being forced out to prove myself in another role might be a good move.

Luckily, my partner has been ahead of the curve in this situation twice in the past two years. I would definitely recommend making the move!

I had an option to make a similar move during my 2nd year of employment with the NBA. I turned down a safer job cataloging pictures for the NBA archives to maintain my position working on Live TV as an assistant producer which I enjoyed much more. Well, two years later they moved the entire Live TV division down to Atlanta from New York City to be closer to the Turner TV HQ. I declined to make the move and without any other openings I was squeezed out of my position at the NBA.

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