Two of my coworkers are leaving the office I work in at the University to take positions else where. Which usually does not happen and since they are positions above mine I have the opportunity to promote. In the past four years positions like this have opened up a few times and each time I have applied & interviewed I have not been able to get the promotion.
I was not expecting anyone to move around in our unit. Our office is rare in that everyone gets along and likes each other. There maybe an occasional difference of oppinion or a few idiosyncrasies but nothing major. A co-worker once remarked how we work in the ideal environment and it is true in many ways.
Each of my co-workers who are moving on just happened to be looking at other jobs and applied out of curiosity to learn more about other positions & companies. Each were really shocked when offers were made to them.
I have had so much stress outside of work that the decision to apply for one of the two openeings in my office was very difficult. I have wanted a break from change & stress lately. If that means I do not move up but can have some room to breathe I would take it. I know each of the open positions will require more work, more contact with departments, more follow up, and more stress.
I also have felt like I do not fit in at the University or at least I do not fit well in my department. I get the impression everyone else is a square peg and I'm the circle. I have no clue how I ended up in the box with a bunch of square pegs but here I am. I get my job done and work well with others but I can tell I am different and do not fit in per say. I have also thought about doing something else or taking a break from work for a while as I figure out what Duane wants to do. I have been educating myself about a business and right now it is a hobby but if it goes well the dream is for it to morph into a full time job.
With all these thoughts, feelings, and all that has happened lately I was sure I would interview the open position but could turn it down. Of course as I am sitting in our Associate Vice Chancellor's office and he is offering me the position it is hard to say no. On one hand I have recognition of all my hard work and ability to do something above the level I have been performing at. It also seemed to validate my belief that I could more than what I have been. When he offered me the job I accepted and will move out of the clerical & administrative world into the professional world. I will also finally have my own office. That will be what I most likely savor more than anything else.
