Expert: Jodey Smith - 9/9/2008

Question
Can I seek your advise?

I'm currently working in an events management company since July 2008 as an events coordinator, assisting 2 event managers. Previously i'm working as a senior customer service executive (team leader) in an insurance company for almost 3 years. I am a degree holder, going to be 28 soon.

I left my previous job because I feel there is not much career advancement in the department and I don't really like the job. Actually, I like my previous company, the people, the culture and the employee benefits. Overall it is a good company to work with. The main problem is, i shoud say...is the department that I'm working at. It is very stressful and the director of the department is not understanding. I had thought of internal transfer instead of resigning from the company. However, I would like to try out a different field, so when i found out that this event management company is willing to hire me and the salary is 30% more, I immediately jumped to this new opportunity.

right now, after working for over 2 months...i kinda like this job as I get to learn new things, get to travel to certain countries to manage the events, eventhough the job can be rather stressful at times. The main problem is my immediate manager. She is extremely fussy, demanding, very detail oriented and hard to please. Everytime I send her my work, there will be corrections everywhere. Sometimes there are my mistakes and sometimes, she just wants to correct them because it does not match her style. I'm trying my very best to please her, to anticipate her response...but...

Everyday without fail, she will call me to her room and correct my work..I feel very incompetent because it is as though i am always making mistakes..I know her intention is good because she just wants my work to be perfect. but..sigh...sometimes I just could not take it..i guess maybe I just could not stand a fussy and demanding boss..maybe i'm used to my previous company's working style..you dont have to be extremely detail oriented, as long as you are able to get your work done well, without complaints from customers and insurance agents, then you are ok.

Honestly, I am not so happy here, although its only 2 months. I will be very worried everyday..will she call me to her room today? what sort of mistakes that she wants to correct me this time? and the list goes on and on..

last week, a manager from my previous company called me..they are going to set up a new department and she would like to hire me back..i heard from my ex-colleagues that she is a good manager and treats her staff well. I've also communicated with her several times and noted she is a good manager. I assume she wants to hire me back because I have the company's products and processes knowledge, plus I was a team leader in my previous dept and I've also won an award for being one of the best 50 employees in the company.

I'm confused if I should meet her and discuss about this new position. Am i a job hopper or..maybe a loser? someone who gives up easily when the job is not rite? I dont want to continue being unhappy or worried everyday..I want to work happily, at peace..i mean, not all jobs are perfect and not everyone are pleased and happy with their jobs...but...if you are not happy with your job, should you continue to stay? for how long? gosh i dont know wat to do..

Answer
Hi Jess,

Sorry for the delay in responding you you.

I would suggest that you do meet with her to discuss the new position.  That would be a good way for both of you to find out if it would be a good fit for you.  

It certainly does not sound like you are a job hopper.  It's good to try different jobs.  Sometimes you find that a position is not a good match.  Why waste your time and the company's time if is not going to work out?  Just give it your best effort and treat your employer with professional courtesy and appropriate notice.

And it certainly does not sound like you are a loser either.  You have given two examples of jobs that require competence.  You would have been fired long ago if you were not valuable to these companies.  And you are telling me that your previous company even wants you back!

I also want to point out to you that these are not the only two options.  I would encourage you to come up with a long term plan for your career.  You may have some jobs that are not the best fit along the way.   But use the experience to help you discover what aspects of work you really enjoy.

Try to write down the following:
1. Personality Tendencies  2. Skills, Abilities  3. Values, Dreams, Passions.    
Then look for a career application that fits you uniquely.

Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.

You can find some good career materials here:

http://www.lifeaftergm.com/48days.html