I’ve been at work for one hour (tired to the point of continually nodding off) and I'm already at a mental bursting point.
I was settling into a day of entering orders, all the orders we’ve received for July across the country, when Pres came in with the dreaded stat books. I do quarterly reports listing out all the products in each province for 3 of our customers and how much of each product has sold and what the market share is for each. The books I pull the info off of are huge, and the print is at most a size 5 font.
Because the job is directly for the Pres, that takes priority over any other work I have. But the orders need to be entered before the end of the month. It's pretty much impossible for me to get both done before Friday...
Then the marketing manager comes to me and wants to forward me emails from all the sales managers confirming retail prices of all products for one supplier.
Prior to all that, before work even officially started at 8, the employee I’ve mainly been working under (and who is in-charge of hiring, and with whom I’ve had many conversations about whether I’m staying or not because they didn’t know for sure if there would be work for me) requested me in his office.
And he asked how would I like to work for them as a permanent employee.
Finally, right? I’ve been on their payroll for about 8 months, after temping for a couple of months. I don’t have benefits or anything, I’m paid by the hour.
He told me that the pay would be about the same for now, but I could expect to see an increase once I’ve worked here for a year. And apparently the benefits are great.
But is this me? Really… talking about how much money will I get and how are the benefits? I want my work to extend beyond that.
But my job, if I accept the offer (I asked if I could mull it over for a couple of days) would not be in the financial department anymore; it would be in the marketing department, working directly under the marketing manager. That interests and excites me.
Part of me wants to convince myself that because it’s my first full-time job and all, I should take it and be glad for it. But part of me still wants something else. And even though I told myself not to look back, I am. More than that, I’m getting sucked back into being okay with working a “normal” job with benefits and a salary. Is this me?
6 comments:
If you are willing to leave this job, and I mean, really willing, and if you are doing work that is as important (although trivial to you) that it is directly for the pres, I think you should ask for a pay increase before accepting the offer of permanency. If they refuse the pay increase, don't take the job offer. If they give it to you, use that extra income you negociated to help start a project that you fully believe in and are passionate about.
Good advice Phil, thanks... I'm going to have to really think this over. It's a tough call right now.
I don't think you should stress over getting 'sucked into a normal job'. I know you want to do a different type of work with more lasting effects on the world but...until you are in position to do that you still have to have drinking money, I mean, pay the bills :) I'm not trying to tell you what to do but don't be so hard on yourself if you have to spend a few months (or years) working for 'the man' before you can set out to do the good you were meant to do.
don't be so hard on yourself if you have to spend a few months (or years) working for 'the man' before you can set out to do the good you were meant to do.
Thank you Mindy. I could make myself a good five-year plan, or even a 2-year one. I can't look at this job like it's the end of my life.
Hey Krista,
Remember me? Just wanted to remind you that even Superman had a day job and still managed to do good work on behalf of others. Having some marketing experience is essential for us professional writers. It will likely drive you nuts but the experience will teach you alot.
I like what Mindy said. Work for the man for a while. You can always quit when you're ready to set your master plan in action. Besides, you may find that you can do more global good with a "normal" job than you can without one.
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