I've been poached and offered a job outside my normal role and I don't know what to do.
I'm a single mum with 2 kids, I am a Automotive Parts Manager with out the official role, meaning I run an entire parts department in a dealership, I look after front counter, phones, the wearhouse and back counter with 8 hoists, I am in control over everything to do with parts, every single part that comes through the dealership I've ordered, located, and sold! I also run their ebay store for the group banner which includes 5 other dealerships! so I upload parts, answer questions and maintain the entire sale process but I am only employed as a Automotive Parts Interpreter. I work 40 hours a week and sometimes I even work from home doing ebay usually at night or on weekends which is unpaid. My problem with this job is I'm only paid $28 an hour to do EVERYTHING on my own and I'm struggling at home with all the price rises of day to day living, I've had to turn to my parents on many occasions this year and ask if they can pay my mortgage or buy groceries for me and my children. I have asked for a pay rise or to be premoted and paid as a parts manager but they have told me they can't afford it even though I hit ALL our monthly targets of stock orders, parts sales all while reducing obsolete stock by $50,000 since I started 10 months ago.
2 weeks ago I was called and messaged by a recruitment officer who had a completely different role for me and she was determined to get me into it. I sat interviews and they were extremely happy with me and have offered me the job, $20,000 pay rise!!! It's a Precurement Officer job, meaning I communicate with suppliers and maintain all materials coming in so that the company can make and manufacture tankers for farmers, oil distributors and food transportation companies.
I'm worried though! I've been a Automotive Parts Interpreter for 17 years, ive completed all my training and apprenticeship to be where I am today and its taken a long time!. I love who I work with, I don't overly love my job in fact I actually really hate it!! The customers, the work load, the pay and dealing with men who don't think I know what I'm doing daily because I'm female actually sucks!! In this job to i do have the flexibility to take leave when ever I need to and it's only 5 minutes from the school but If I leave early to pick my kids up when theyre sick or other issues arise I dont get paid for the hours after I leave unless I get a sick certificate which is near on impossible to get appointments these days.
The downfall of this new job is I have to start at 7:30am but finish earlier which means before school care or relying on someone else to take my kids to school but how can I deny a $20,000 pay rise as a single mum?? I am worried I might not be any good at this new job too because it is such a change and I feel like I may disappoint myself even trying! I've worked so hard to get where I am today and have the qualifications I have only to never use them again, seems counter productive and a waste of my time! In saying that though to be over qualified in my job and not paid what I'm worth is also soul crushing!!
I guess I need some women motivation and kind words to give me courage to make the right decision.
13 Replies
Omg take the job! $28 an hour wow I make more than that and I'm not even a manager, seriously you deserve the pay rise!
Change is scary. You absolutely can do it. You just have to decide if you want it. Your quals aren't wasted. They've helped you get on the radar for the new job.
I'd talk to the new employer about training, flexibility and expectations. Do you HAVE to start so early, etc.
If you decide you want to try to keep your current job, tell them first, and see if they'll match it and no more out of hours, unpaid work. Then you'll know your worth. Don't listen to can't afford it. M husband's firm tried this but quickly recanted when they found out he'd been contacted by a recruiter. They just think if you're comfortable they can screw you over.
But don't let fear of the unknown stop you moving forward. It'll be an adjustment but will open new doors.
You can get a sick note from any pharmacy these days.
Sounds like a great opportunity, and your current employer is never going to look after you properly.
You can even take the new job offer to your current place and see if you can leverage it for a pay rise. If not you know that your contribution isn’t valued enough!
I’d take the leap. It’s only an hour in the morning and soon your kids won’t need you in the morning. Esp if there is room for career progression where hard work and dedication is rewarded!!
Take it. What you're juggling now (and being used in the process) suggests you will ACE the new role. Sure there will be teething problems but give it what you've got and shine baby. You've earned this.
Wow, congrats, I think you should go for it.
All your hard work is paying off x
Put your predicament to your boss.
Yep, they might offer a better deal to keep you on
Take the job. $28 an hour is crap! If you don’t go you will never know. Stop hesitating. New year new you. You are thinking way too much. Just take it and go from there.
I would be tempted to let your current employer know that you received a job offer and you are considering taking it due to the improved work conditions. They may be willing to negotiate to keep you. If this is the case ensure you have written down what you want e.g. payrise and someone else to assist with the ebay store maybe so it does not cut into your family time 🤔
This really is about knowing your worth. Women often accept less pay and worse working conditions because we do not negotiate the same way men do.
If the current company are not willing to negotiate then I would definitely take the job. You have so much experience if it does not work out, you are not stuck there! Who knows it may wake your current employer up. Be flexible in that thinking and give it a go 😊
TAKE THE JOB!!! You will make it work. Mornings will be a bit hectic but as the kids get older it will be less so. You will also have more time in the evening which is better than more time in the mornings imo. You will feel a lot better as well if you're learning something new and being appreciated better than where you are now. You might snag yourself a farmer! Think of all the positives lol.
I can only say no risk no reward! the new people know this isn't exactly the same as what you do, but your skills of managing and negotiating with suppliers and customers is overwhelming great. They trust your transferable skills will support you was you learn the new bits that are needed for the role. Before such are is not the worst thing, it's government subsidised and you kids will live seeing you in the afternoon to do home work or other activities. How can being paid more not be with taking a chance on yourself. If you keep doing everything you will never be recognised, put yourself and the kids first. I am sure you can do back to parts of this does work out. give it a crack! You have got this!
Wow you sound like an incredible worker!! I would take the job under the condition of a pay review after 6 months.
Have some faith in yourself and go get em tiger!