Taking that big step

LegacyUser

I am on the crux of taking a new job. I worked during college and when I left colleage I took a job at a software company. I have been there for 5 years now having worked my way up the ladder a bit and changing role a few times. I have often been unhappy and had days where I really wanted to leave but on the whole I always felt it was better to stay as I am so settled here and its routine at this stage. I am a low level people manager which is great but lately I have been struggling with coping with extra duties due to lack of staff (which they wont replace) so I am working two roles at present but getting paid the same. I have broached my salary issue a few times but keep getting tole 'its a great opportunity for you you dont necessarily get paid more' . etc etc

A former manager left recently. he was someone i had worked with for years and had occasionally helped out when he was stuck because staff left etc. anyway, he has offered me a job working for him in a different company. I have been offered teh job. Its not much more pay than I am on but its just doing one role and a slightly different role at that. The MD seemed v nice and I have 99% committed to taking it (pending a few things in the contract that I am unhappy with and will be requesting they change). But of course I have the last minute jitteres:
- the job is much further away from home so im stressing that I will be stuck in traffic for hours each evening. It should take an hour but Im worried it will be more. I have a hobby that is huge in my life and ties me up three evenings a week so time is vital
- I am also stressing about the econemy am I mad to move roles now? Afdter 5 years I have security here - if things go belly up I would get redundancy. In this new role, if I mess up and dont hit my targets for a few months I could end up jobless?(although MD has assured me they dont play the blame game in there and will do everything to help me reach targets)
- is it a step down ? i will no longer be a people manager I am worried it will prevent me being on in future ?
- - I amalso worried I will losemy old skillset (althoguh I will learn lots of new skills).

Iknwo that really I am just clinging to my safety net and I need to make the next step in my life before I end up with a CV that reads 7 years in the same place after college. Its been so long since I started somehwre new its very nerve wracking. If anyone has been in a similar situation and could advise please do its much appreciated! My BF and friends are all saying 'leave now' as they have seen show stressed and unhappy I have been on the bad days in here.

LegacyUser

anyone?
I have send on to the the amendments to the contract but am meant to give them an answer by today

MIN2511

Life is all about Risk... the new job is a higher risk in the current economy(no security)...

You can always decline the offer

taidghbaby

life is too short to be working at something you dont like!

if you HONESTLY believe you will enjoy this new job more then go for it.

LegacyUser

well, in the recent economy they have changes my current role its a temporary change but with all the turmoil I dont enjoy it as much at all and I never know whats coming next . We are supposed to go back to our current roles in two months but I have no idea if that will happen.
One of the roles i have taken on recently was a surprise success for me ive done well. the new role is doing the same as this but the targets are much more realistic.
The other issue is my current employers never gove a reference - just a letter saying what dates you worked. so, im thinking if i stay there much longer ive no way to show a perspective employer in the future that I didnt just stick around there.

The new boss didnt even interview me he offered the job on the back of the ex employees reference and I feel id me mad to turn down something working with someone who values me that highly?

How Strange

OP, take out a piece of paper and on one side write down all the good things about your present job including career potential, prospects, advancement etc. On the other write down the bad things including the above.

Be honest and then see if you would prefer to stay in your current role.

Don't stay in this job because you're afraid of what might happen in the future. Only stay there if there are genuinely good reasons to do so.

SarahJ

I think to go for it. I was so worried about leaving my last job to come to my new one, but I'm so happy did!

LegacyUser

Thanks guys for the advice. A friend has helped put it in perspective she said 'if you go its a risk because things change - it may be better, it may be worse. But, if you never go nothing will ever change'.
I love being a people manager but if I stay here I will never get to do it correctly I will always be understaffed and expected to be both on the front line and looking at the aerial view - it doesnt work