Q: I started a new job about six months ago at a large
company outside of Boston. I am happy that someone took a chance on me
because before that I had taken 15 years off to raise kids as a
full-time mom. However, I am feeling that my job has turned into a bit
of a grind. I am not nearly enthusiastic about the work as I expected
to be. However, I am working with fun colleagues. It is also close to
my home and they have given me flexible hours. My question to you is
should I make a jump to a more fulfilling role or is it too early?
A: Congrats on re-entering the workforce successfully. Some
companies realize the value and talent of women who have taken some time
off to raise kids, but then want to return to work once their children
become a bit more self-sufficient.
It sounds like there are a lot of positives about your current job –
they probably provided some training early on when you first started
working there six months ago, they have offered you flexible work hours
(which is sometimes as valuable as how they compensate you) and the
commute seems reasonable (a perk especially during the winter months).
However, the work doesn’t seem as challenging or as interesting as you
expected. Six months is not a long time to stay in one job.
However, I
do have a possible solution. You had mentioned it is a large company.
Larger companies often post internal opportunities to encourage
employees to move within the organization. Is there an internal job
posting system that you could check periodically? The job posting
system may require that you remain in your current role for 6, 9 or even
12 months. It may be a good option because your commute would continue
to be reasonable and your benefits would remain intact. However, you
should check whether any new role offers a flexible work schedule. That
benefit may not continue with your next role. The company would
probably view the transfer favorably because they have retained you in
some capacity.
Check out internal opportunities first. If internal opportunities
are not available, you can start exploring opportunities elsewhere but
try to continue with your current employer for one year.
Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.