Need job advice (kinda long)

Ok here's my whole story. Last August I was promoted at work. The promotion puts me as third in charge of an area in my department. Although the first in charge really doesn't have much to do with the everyday functions and I'm basically the second in charge. I went out on maternity leave in October. I'm planning on returning to work in January. My boss-the first in charge lady- called me today and asked me if I want a new position. There's an opening in the other area of the department that she's in charge of and she wants me to take it. What this new job means is more money, an office, another promotion and I would be the second in charge with only her above me. She's planning on retiring in a couple of years and when she retires I would take her position.

Here are the problems:

1) I don't know a lot about this area. I know I can learn it but I'm not sure if I will like it. I really enjoy what I do at my current position and I was looking forward to taking on the supervisior position once I returned to work. I worked for 5 years to get it and I didn't really get to do much because I went out on maternity leave. I was looking forward to coming back to something I worked for years to accomplish.

2) I don't really like the people in the new area she wants me to go to. I get along really well with my co-workers now. They really help me pass my day and they are a lot of fun to work with. In this other area I only like 1 out of the 8 people that work there. So I'm afraid that my day is going to drag.

3) I'm concerned that if I turn this down that they may not present me with another opportunity like this in future years. I mean this is a big chance for me to really climb up the ladder in the company. Right now I have someone else directly above me. Now she might leave to start a family next year and she did just finish school a year ago for something unrelated to our job. So it is possible that she will leave soon and I would get her job. Which would mean that I get the job I want and get to work with people that I really enjoy. But I don't know when or if this would happen.

I'm so confused about what to do. Anyone have any advice/thoughts? TIA.

That is a tough decision.

Don't not take it because you don't know the area, you will learn.

I went through something similar at work recently so I know how hard this is.

If you pass up on it, you are right, you may be overlooked for future promotions.
But if you love where you are and don;t need the money, it might make sense to stay put.

I think I would take it for the raise. Although I love my job, the bottom line is I work to make money, so I would take the most I can get.

Good luck with whatever you choose.
I am sorry I was not helpful.

I agree with Sunny - I think you need to go for it. It shows your company that you are flexible and willing to work with them for the good of the company. If you really end up hating the position - after you give it a good try for a decent period of time - maybe they would let you move back to your current position - it sounds like they like you and have faith in you so maybe they would be willing to work with you.

Also - you may be surprised about the people in the area. Once you get to know them - you'll prob like more of them.

Best of luck to you!!

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Posted by Sunny

That is a tough decision.

Don't not take it because you don't know the area, you will learn.

I went through something similar at work recently so I know how hard this is.

If you pass up on it, you are right, you may be overlooked for future promotions.
But if you love where you are and don;t need the money, it might make sense to stay put.

I think I would take it for the raise. Although I love my job, the bottom line is I work to make money, so I would take the most I can get.

Good luck with whatever you choose.
I am sorry I was not helpful.

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The money isn't that much better, but it is more.

You were helpful. I'm looking to hear people's opinions and you gave me yours.

I think you should take it - I think it really means alot when the bosses take an interest in you and offer you positions like this. Almost like they have a master plan down the line for your success.
You really don't know if the other woman (in #3) is going to leave to start a family, go to school, etc so I wouldn't count on that.

Why wait extra time to move up the ladder when you can do it now?

Like someone else mentioned you may get along with the new people, you really don't know them that well yet.

Will either of these positions affect your time with your beautiful baby? If not, then I'd go for it.
Good luck!!

take it...

I know it's hard to deal with new people, but you'll have an office...
also, if you are going to be in charge of people it is better not to have a prior friendship that might make them think they can take advantage of you.
if you don't take it, it will take you longer to advance, I'm sure you are going back to work because you need the money/benefits, not because you're bored-know what I mean?
Your boss obviously feels like you are the best person for the job, she feels like you have the qualifications, trust her judgement. You have been out for a while, coming back in to a new position could be a good thing for you-learn something new, more money, a better title, an office, all of which puts you in a higher bracket, it's a step up on your resume, etc.....

Think about how you this will benefit you in the future!!!
Good luck!!!!!!!!!

I've decided that I'm going to meet with my boss to talk about it some more. I want to know what my day to day job will be like, do my hours change, how much more money is it. If I'm comfortable with these answers then I'm going to go for it.

As far as my co-workers go I don't think I'll get along with them. But maybe the area will keep growing and they'll bring in some new people that I will have a say in hiring.

Thank you everyone for your advice. I'll keep you posted as to what my final decision is.