Filed under: letters
Dear Ms Theologian,It has recently come to my attention that I was hired at a lower level of seniority than I was led to believe in all my interviews. I was told it was a management position, and when I was offered the job I was told it was the same as what I interviewed for (I have this in writing.) But I come to find it’s really a lead position. Lower level than expected, but same level as my previous position at another company.
The thing is, I’m miffed about this, but am okay with the salary and am actually sort of relieved as this means there are lower expectations and less responsibility. At this time in my life I kind of need a break, and if I eventually have kids then I will not want something with high stress.
At the same time, I’m annoyed because in my old position, I actually did the job of a manager. I had three times more direct reports, a lot more responsibility, and I am coming to find that despite the stress, it was far more satisfying than my current job. I’m also a little irritated as it seems like they are discounting my abilities (which didn’t come out in the interview as they talked the whole time and
never asked any pertinent questions.)
I guess my question is, what can I do to become more satisfied with my job without increasing my level of responsibility and hence my stress?
Signed,
Not Sure if I’m Disgruntled or Not
Dear Not sure:
Ms. Theologian received very little sleep and so her response will be straight to the point. She’s not convinced that managing more people or having more responsibilities will make you more satisfied.
This is more an issue of acceptance of where you are and who you are. You could make a stink about your job level or salary and what you expected and what you got, but it’s not going to go over well and, frankly, you seem to be comfortable with your lead responsibilities. This is all fine.
It’s okay to be where you are. Say it with me.
Yours,
–Ms. Theologian
I suggest reading, “Wherever You Go, There You Are” by Jon Kabat-Zinn.
Comment by G-Man 12.03.05 @ 11:09 amFor me it has taken far too long to have a fundamental understanding of who I am. Weekly visits to my shrink have helped somewhat, but the journey will continue, I hope, after I leave this tired shell.
Good suggestion, G-man.
And it’s a hard journey.
Comment by Stephanie 12.03.05 @ 7:54 pm