|
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 8,420 Likes: 84
Hall of Famer
|
OP
Hall of Famer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 8,420 Likes: 84 |
Hey everyone,
Normally I don't post personal things like this on a message board too often but I feel like I can with this group since I've been here for such a long time, feels a bit more comfortable.
Anyway, I work at a mid to large sized company, about 3 years out of college and love the current job I'm in where the duties are a mix of programming\analysis\support type of work. Each day on the job seems to present different challenges so the work experience is never dull or boring, there always seems to be something to do and its an ever changing environment with project work coming about every so often. One of the applications is where I'm doing more frontline support, configuration, and setup, this is the bank's Teller system that colleagues use out at the different branches. The other is related to cash optimization dealing with prediction and recommendations for how much currency a branch or ATM should have on hand. I'm the responsible tech manager for this area and really love working with the business area around this, and they like working with me as well. Bottom line, I know both application spaces like the back of my hand, feel knowledgable at both, and know everyone in the area, their role, and get along with people there.
About 3 months ago, my manager's boss called me and another guy on our team into his office where a manager from another application space was there. The whole conversation lasted about 10 minutes. There were introductions, what type of applications (collections, bankruptcy) they had in their area, what type of technology they ran on, and that there were dev\programming opportunities there. Me and the other guy pretty much thought sure, that sounds like a good thing that we'd want to be apart of and we communicated this to the other manager. I don't know if this switch is something that is mandatory.
A lot of learning about this new area for me was put on hold because our application space and the whole company was going through a merger. Now this is over and me and the other gentleman are supposed to be transitioning to the other group over time. I am not schedule to fully move to the other group until June because I'm heavily involved in a project with the cash opt. app I manage. And just the other day the team mate who was originally in the office with me also getting offered the new position revealed to me he was eventually going to move back to his hometown in a few months time.
So at this point I am sort of torn on what I should do. On one hand, in my current position I have heavy knowledge of the applications and get along with everyone in my space great. I am not looking to become a manager of any sort and don't have those kind of aspirations because I don't like managing people. In terms of money, its not the most important thing to me, I make enough that I'm satisfied with that. Sure, more might be nice, but its not something I absolutely need, and I don't know if I would necessarily make more in the new area.
I am confident in my programming skills and other areas, that is not a problem. I'm just a bit worried that I'll move to this new team and either not like the individuals on the team, or the work itself. Its my understanding that the person who will eventually be my manager on the other team hasn't been hired yet. Not a lot of information has been communicated to me after that first meeting, mainly because everyone's been so busy I think. I understand that there could be a lot of pro's moving to a new area where there would be more opportunities to work on more things, be challenged, and learn more. I just don't like the uncertainty there is with something like that but I suppose its natural to feel that way. I just don't want to leave the current team I've been working with for so long high and dry.
I just had to get some of this off my chest and get others thoughts on the topic. I figure its good to get different views and such as individuals have had varying life experiences.
Find what you love and let it kill you.
-Charles Bukowski
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 52,388 Likes: 850
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 52,388 Likes: 850 |
IMO, if you're cool with the pay you're at, and you don't want to become a manager, at least right now, then you kind of already know which way you want to lean. Besides it seems like you're more than comfortable with your current paycheck, which is a good thing.
It seems like you already found your sweet spot, as of now. So don't make a position chanage unless you're absolutely ready to do so. Besides, you don't want to manage, so if you were to make that move, you would be doing a disservice to not only the people under you, but more importantly, yourself.
“To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.”
- Theodore Roosevelt
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,933 Likes: 134
Hall of Famer
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,933 Likes: 134 |
Joe Thomas #73
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 13,205 Likes: 234
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 13,205 Likes: 234 |
Its my understanding that the person who will eventually be my manager on the other team hasn't been hired yet. This would be a red flag to me. It would be important to me, before making a job change, to meet the person I'd be reporting to. It also sounds to me like you really want to stay where you are, but maybe feel some pressure from your employer or someone else in your life to "move up the ladder". I think that if you're good at what you do, like what you do, and are happy with the money, you stay put. Don't fix what ain't broke.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 4,995 Likes: 9
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 4,995 Likes: 9 |
There is never anything called certainty in today's business world except that things will always be changing. About the worst thing you can do is get comfortable because once you do you lose that edginess that keeps you aware of things that you need to adapt to.
If you don't take chances to advance when they lay then out for you then many times upper management will start to view you as untrustworthy because they won't trust anyone who doesn't have the same ambitions they do. They might start to feel you lack the drive to excel in the future. It can make them start to look for younger more ambitious people.
When it comes to business you should always be grabbing new experiences and broadening your work opportunities especially while you can because as you get older they won't come along often if at all. Being comfortable is what leads to being complacent and fired in my experience.
You can't fix stupid but you can destroy ignorance. When you destroy ignorance you remove the justifications for evil. If you want to destroy evil then educate our people. Hate is a tool of the stupid to deal with what they can't understand.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 25,823 Likes: 116
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 25,823 Likes: 116 |
Well good luck with whatever you decide, tasty.
Me Pappy used to say...
"If you are doing what you love, you will never work a day in your life."
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 8,420 Likes: 84
Hall of Famer
|
|
OP
Hall of Famer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 8,420 Likes: 84 |
Its my understanding that the person who will eventually be my manager on the other team hasn't been hired yet. This would be a red flag to me. It would be important to me, before making a job change, to meet the person I'd be reporting to. It also sounds to me like you really want to stay where you are, but maybe feel some pressure from your employer or someone else in your life to "move up the ladder". I think that if you're good at what you do, like what you do, and are happy with the money, you stay put. Don't fix what ain't broke. I would tend to agree in that situation and that its a bit weird that the manager hasn't been decided upon, I definitely don't like that. I've had enough bosses to know that working for a certain someone can either be a joy or a living hell. I mean, I don't think that's too much to ask for to have more information about the situation I could be walking into, or in the least know who the manager will be. On top of that, this is a part I forgot to share in my initial post. My manager of about 2 years and also been there in capacity since I started, left the company. We knew this was coming for a little while and his replacement has met all of us and has spoken with us individually. He seems like a pretty cool guy, has a good sense of humor and the perfect amount of seriousness. I definitely wouldn't mind working for him. Another thing, when originally offered that position, I guess no one informed him that me and my other team member were going to be eventually moving to this other area. So it would basically shrink our current team from 4-5 down to 2 people (besides himself). I heard there was a rumor that he wanted to try and keep us with the current team, I don't know if this is true. So basically, if I stayed with the current team, the other team would eventually hire or give someone that position. If I moved to the other team, my current one would need hire +1 person, which it takes a lot of time to get someone up to speed on some of our applications.
Last edited by tastybrownies; 02/26/17 02:03 PM.
Find what you love and let it kill you.
-Charles Bukowski
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 4,995 Likes: 9
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 4,995 Likes: 9 |
It's a tough choice. I've been through a few mergers myself and its pure hell. Don't be afraid to express your concerns for your current team if you leave your spot. They often like to know that you care about your current department and that you have some loyalty but be careful about being unwilling to adapt to how the new management wants to use you too. New bosses don't like to see inflexible and uncompromising old employees to deal with.
You can't fix stupid but you can destroy ignorance. When you destroy ignorance you remove the justifications for evil. If you want to destroy evil then educate our people. Hate is a tool of the stupid to deal with what they can't understand.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 7,612
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 7,612 |
If you're able to answer one simply question, you'll have your answer: "Are ya feelin' lucky?"  Oppsss.. wrong question. I mean. Which decision makes me more valuable? If you can answer this, the other issues are secondary.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 14,293 Likes: 197
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 14,293 Likes: 197 |
If you're able to answer one simply question, you'll have your answer: "Are ya feelin' lucky?" Oppsss.. wrong question. I mean. Which decision makes me more valuable? If you can answer this, the other issues are secondary. ^Funny!^ You don't always find a good groove like you've got for yourself work-wise. You seem to really like your situation you have now so I would stay there, at least for the time being.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 23,847 Likes: 224
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 23,847 Likes: 224 |
Hey everyone,
Normally I don't post personal things like this on a message board too often but I feel like I can with this group since I've been here for such a long time, feels a bit more comfortable.
Anyway, I work at a mid to large sized company, about 3 years out of college and love the current job I'm in where the duties are a mix of programming\analysis\support type of work. Each day on the job seems to present different challenges so the work experience is never dull or boring, there always seems to be something to do and its an ever changing environment with project work coming about every so often. One of the applications is where I'm doing more frontline support, configuration, and setup, this is the bank's Teller system that colleagues use out at the different branches. The other is related to cash optimization dealing with prediction and recommendations for how much currency a branch or ATM should have on hand. I'm the responsible tech manager for this area and really love working with the business area around this, and they like working with me as well. Bottom line, I know both application spaces like the back of my hand, feel knowledgable at both, and know everyone in the area, their role, and get along with people there.
About 3 months ago, my manager's boss called me and another guy on our team into his office where a manager from another application space was there. The whole conversation lasted about 10 minutes. There were introductions, what type of applications (collections, bankruptcy) they had in their area, what type of technology they ran on, and that there were dev\programming opportunities there. Me and the other guy pretty much thought sure, that sounds like a good thing that we'd want to be apart of and we communicated this to the other manager. I don't know if this switch is something that is mandatory.
A lot of learning about this new area for me was put on hold because our application space and the whole company was going through a merger. Now this is over and me and the other gentleman are supposed to be transitioning to the other group over time. I am not schedule to fully move to the other group until June because I'm heavily involved in a project with the cash opt. app I manage. And just the other day the team mate who was originally in the office with me also getting offered the new position revealed to me he was eventually going to move back to his hometown in a few months time.
So at this point I am sort of torn on what I should do. On one hand, in my current position I have heavy knowledge of the applications and get along with everyone in my space great. I am not looking to become a manager of any sort and don't have those kind of aspirations because I don't like managing people. In terms of money, its not the most important thing to me, I make enough that I'm satisfied with that. Sure, more might be nice, but its not something I absolutely need, and I don't know if I would necessarily make more in the new area.
I am confident in my programming skills and other areas, that is not a problem. I'm just a bit worried that I'll move to this new team and either not like the individuals on the team, or the work itself. Its my understanding that the person who will eventually be my manager on the other team hasn't been hired yet. Not a lot of information has been communicated to me after that first meeting, mainly because everyone's been so busy I think. I understand that there could be a lot of pro's moving to a new area where there would be more opportunities to work on more things, be challenged, and learn more. I just don't like the uncertainty there is with something like that but I suppose its natural to feel that way. I just don't want to leave the current team I've been working with for so long high and dry.
I just had to get some of this off my chest and get others thoughts on the topic. I figure its good to get different views and such as individuals have had varying life experiences.
Having worked in technology for the last 15plus years, I currently Run a department of 54 engineers for a cloud datacenter with a company of about 26k users and support some very large customers. I started out as a contractor, I was given some advice about this industry early on, whenever there is an opportunity to test yourself, get outside your comfort level, and do something that will develop further skills..do it...people that get stuck in the status quo usually end up regretting it. Tech is always changing, you have to change with it or die. Not sure what type of vertical opportunities are there with your company, but believe me, they notice the ones that take risks and step up. If you feel you can do it, and you've done your research on the team and work you'll be doing..I'd say go for it..It's obviously going to be a tough decision. I've always had second thoughts about if I was doing the right thing, but I also knew it needed to be done if I wanted to stay relevant and have opportunity as I went through my career. Either way, Good luck!
Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes into us at midnight very clean. It's perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in our hands. It hopes we've learned something from yesterday. -John Wayne
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 8,420 Likes: 84
Hall of Famer
|
|
OP
Hall of Famer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 8,420 Likes: 84 |
Thank you all for the opinions and thoughts, it definitely helps to hear what others think from an objective side of things. As others say, its almost rare these days to have a job that you truly like to do and work with people that are a joy to get along with. Another team member I knew moved to a different department and every so often he tells me of his experiences, some of them unpleasant.
I also understand the argument that LeadTheWay is making and it makes sense. By moving to another department you would learn information about new applications, gain new skills, etc.
I think I'm going to talk to a few people on that other team who have been there for awhile to get a real feel for what things are like.
Find what you love and let it kill you.
-Charles Bukowski
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 17,316 Likes: 542
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 17,316 Likes: 542 |
I worked in corporate IT for 15 years for a large company that has about 1800 developers. I moved teams a lot and was always into new things. I learned tons of different languages and learned a lot about the business. Some teams and bosses were better than others, but none of it was ever anything I considered horrible.
Lead is exactly right. Always go for opportunities to learn new skills. There is no loyalty in business and if things go south you may want to leave someday. So always look to build up your resume and skills.
No Craps Given
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 7,612
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 7,612 |
quote above by lead:
"I currently Run a department of 54 engineers for a cloud datacenter."
Oh good. So lead, I have two questions:
1) How do I get a little smiley face in Google Sheets in Google Drive?
2) Am I being watched?
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 4,995 Likes: 9
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 4,995 Likes: 9 |
silly fool there is no privacy anywhere in the world because the eyes in the sky are always watching you.
uncle sam ....
russia ...
even worse ...
GOD.
MWA hahahaha >)
You can't fix stupid but you can destroy ignorance. When you destroy ignorance you remove the justifications for evil. If you want to destroy evil then educate our people. Hate is a tool of the stupid to deal with what they can't understand.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 55,499 Likes: 906
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 55,499 Likes: 906 |
I think you answered your own question as to what you should do. None of us are qualified to tell you which position would be better.
I think that you should do what you love and for what you are passionate about. It's not "work" when you love your job. It's a calling.
I loved teaching so much. It wasn't a job for me. It was a chance to help young people. I entered that position after leaving the sales world, where I made over 3 times as much money. But, I hated sales and I never once regretted making the move.
My advice is to follow your heart. Your passion. Which position are you more passionate about. Money is one thing, but it's been my experience that those who follow the almighty dollar and abandon their calling are often unhappy.
You are the one who knows which position is best for you! Follow your instincts. You won't regret it.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 27,233 Likes: 620
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 27,233 Likes: 620 |
Being a man of few words  I am going to tell you the same thing I tell my dogs. Sit and stay.
I AM ALWAYS RIGHT... except when I am wrong.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 15,812 Likes: 151
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 15,812 Likes: 151 |
I don't know if this switch is something that is mandatory. Better find out right away. Especially if this could make or break your current standings with your company.
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 40,399 Likes: 280
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 40,399 Likes: 280 |
I am not looking to become a manager of any sort and don't have those kind of aspirations because I don't like managing people. You may not be now, but some day you probably will. You may be happy with the money now, but some day you will want the increases. I agree with everybody who says it's vitally important that you be happy in your job, and having a good relationship with your co-workers is something that some people take for granted... until it's gone. On the flip side, passing up opportunities for potential advancement can have a lasting impact on your ability to move up in the future. I've seen it happen where somebody passes up that opportunity for perfectly good reasons and suddenly sees other folks who used to be below him on the totem pole suddenly passing him.. and he ended up working for the people he trained. So think about the here and now and what makes you happy, but have the foresight to look down the road and think about where you might want to be 5-10 years from now as well. Which ever decision you make, commit to it and don't spend time second guessing yourself. Wish you the best.
yebat' Putin
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 23,847 Likes: 224
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 23,847 Likes: 224 |
I am not looking to become a manager of any sort and don't have those kind of aspirations because I don't like managing people. You may not be now, but some day you probably will. You may be happy with the money now, but some day you will want the increases. I agree with everybody who says it's vitally important that you be happy in your job, and having a good relationship with your co-workers is something that some people take for granted... until it's gone. On the flip side, passing up opportunities for potential advancement can have a lasting impact on your ability to move up in the future. I've seen it happen where somebody passes up that opportunity for perfectly good reasons and suddenly sees other folks who used to be below him on the totem pole suddenly passing him.. and he ended up working for the people he trained. So think about the here and now and what makes you happy, but have the foresight to look down the road and think about where you might want to be 5-10 years from now as well. Which ever decision you make, commit to it and don't spend time second guessing yourself. Wish you the best. I use an old army buddy as a cautionary tale, gave me my first job out of the military. He was an IT director for a large manufacturing company..he'd been there for about 6 years, we built that place to be top notch, when the oil bubble burst we were at a crossroads, I ventured out and started my company, which i sold and ultimately led to my current situation.. He decided to stay put..He liked the status quo..I tried to recruit him several times, even after I went from startup to doing over a million a year revenue. He declined..Then they sold and he was out of a job, he'd been there 16 years at that point, never learned new skills, just day to day keep the lights on and fires out..He said his biggest regret was not listening to me and pushing himself to do something uncomfortable...he know works as a EDI tech making about 30% less than he was before becuase it was the only thing he had the skills. Regardless of whether you want to be a manager now...always look towards becoming one, even a team lead..those are the ones that get the most notice, the most opportunities and obviously more money. Also being a programmer, the more languages and diversity you have, the more freelance opportunities you have. I make a really nice side income coding firewalls and doing pentests from my home office for casinos in vegas. If you are a proficient programmer and love doing it, your revenue opportunities are endless moonlighting.
Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes into us at midnight very clean. It's perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in our hands. It hopes we've learned something from yesterday. -John Wayne
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,041
Dawg Talker
|
|
Dawg Talker
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,041 |
I am with lead all the way, take a chance and go. Always move forward.
I had a very safe comfy job with the Attorney General's office, I was the only web developer on the team and was an expert in the content management system. I decided it was time for me to go and jump into the private industry to learn new skills and make more money.
Best decision I ever made, I can control my own destiny and now I am working a new eCommerce platform that will be very lucrative for me and my future.
|
|
|
DawgTalkers.net
Forums DawgTalk Everything Else... Job Advice, Stay in Current Role
or Switch
|
|
