August 09, 2006

Daddy Needs a New... Job

So, my job is getting a little better. It's still not what I expected, though.

I had expected more face time with the client, more consulting, and less wading through the details.

The details can't be avoided. I accept that. But this job is nothing more than a redundant project management position. I say redundant because there are people with other jobs who are better situated to communicate client needs to technical teams. I'm a middle-guy and that's about it.

I rarely get to talk to the customer.

Although the money is good, this job is a big step back for me in my projected career. The best thing about it (and this isn't a small consideration at all) is that it does bring me closer to the industry (advertising/marketing) I'd like to be in.

Well, on a tip from a friend, I found a job listing at another company that look like it might be more in line with what I'd like to be doing.

The problem is that my 6 month anniversary of starting at this place is just a week away and I'm a little bit against leaving a job so soon.

On the other hand, this industry has high turn-over and this job is not exactly what I was looking for.

Back to the first, I could really burn some bridges by leaving too soon and I'd hate to do that on my first job in the city. This one guy started working here about two weeks before I did and he left about a month later. Six months is a short amount of time, but it's a lot longer than 6 weeks. Our GM was FURIOUS -- it costs a lot to hire someone and train them.

And again to the other side, I don't have a new job YET. I could just send in my resume and see what happens. It's not like I have to make a decision about it now.

I had been thinking I would give this place about a year before moving on.

One of my coworkers and friends here, though, sees nothing wrong with leaving after just 6 months. What do you guys think?

Posted by Flibbertigibbet at August 9, 2006 01:55 PM | TrackBack
Comments

Your BOSS had no right to be furious. He pays people money in return for their time. Unless stipulated in the initial contract, there's nothing that makes an employee his slave until he decides otherwise.

I once worked at a new job for 2 months before giving my notice. It was not the job I thought it would be when I went to the interview so our agreement was void.

He has a right to fire you whenever he pleases as long as he's pays you what he owes you. So you have a right to leave when the arrangement is no-longer to your satisfaction.

I say bugger off and find a job more enjoyable. Employers are desperate for competent staff.

2c

Posted by: Michael Stone at August 11, 2006 09:25 PM

Industries, even in a place as large as Manhattan, are incestuous. 10 years from now you may find yourself in a position in which someone on your current team is the determining factor in a huge contract.

I would recommend the following before making your decision ... research the background (Google, company bios, seduce someone in HR, etc.) of everyone on your team, as well as a couple of steps up on the management hierarchy. Also, try to find out what other companies the clients being supported by your team have contracts with. Resulting information may determine whether it is prudent to leave your company in such a way that the perception associated with you is negative.

Keep in mind, parting employees are scapegoats, and, while the facts of a matter are usually forgotten, the sense that "he's not a good employee" may persist and bite you even a decade down the road.

An alternative suggestion, if I may make one, is to speak with someone up the hierarchy about changing your role. If an employee is not living up to the job requirements, management will often speak to them about improving ... I see no reason why you should not speak to management if their job requirements are not living up to your expectations. Besides, it gives you face time with management, gives the perception that you are committed to the team (if you present it that way), indicates that you aren't pleased with your current role so a failure to respond to that is their decision and not a lack of effort on your part, etc.

Good luck.

Posted by: Render at August 12, 2006 01:07 PM

You're absolutely right, Michael! I will probably stick around another 3 - 6 months, though.

Although the job isn't exactly what I expected, it's not a grotesque deviation from what they told me.

I do appreciate the advice, Render.

I will leave this company, though. They have some really deep-seated problems that I don't care to work to correct. I still feel as if I am learning the industry and I want to go somewhere that has the basic questions answered and is looking to innovate and grow.

I also want to get away from technology.

Posted by: Flibby at August 13, 2006 04:58 PM