Do you want to be in charge at your job?
By Emiese
@Emiese (994)
Sweden
February 14, 2010 2:52pm CST
I have been working the same job for three years. Now I am looking at getting another job. But I am not sure whether to go on and improve my skills and improve my career in the area I am working, or if I want to move up in my work place by becoming a boss/manager. If I become a boss I would be working more with administration, planning the business and responsibility for staff instead of working with my area of expertise. I do like the managing aspect, but I am not sure I want my hard earned skills from many years in university to go to "waste".
Therefore, I need your opinion about this, should I continue towards becoming a boss or should I increase my skills in my area of expertise? What is your experience, have you changed your career towards management from something else? What was it like for you?
2 responses
@GardenGerty (157671)
• United States
14 Feb 10
I spent a year doing management at my last job. It was a salaried position and I worked many extra hours. I missed the direct contact I had when I was not management. I would say to you that you should talk with some others in that same position and see what they think. I have left my job and am without work right now, I am close to being old enough to retire. I need to have a less stressful job. In some positions, even if you go into management, you still are able to use your area of expertise. It is different for each type of position and for each person. You are just getting started where you are. If you want a different position maybe you could get more training, then looking for management positions. You never lose or waste what you learn when you go to school. It always has some application in your life.
@Emiese (994)
• Sweden
17 Feb 10
I agree with you, working in management normally would mean much harder work, more hours and more responsibility. I guess I am a bit afraid of how I would be looked at from the staff, I mean, when I am one of the staff we talk about everything, complain about the boss and complain about management issues that isn't handled. But if I become a boss than that invisible line is there, and even though I would hope that people would talk to me still and help me become a good boss by letting me know such issues, I know that that is not normally the case. I would still be the boss and they the staff. Thank you for your input, it was very interesting to hear about your experiences!
@floridia (296)
• Algeria
14 Feb 10
well, that's depends:
if you are quite sure that if you stay in your current position and expand your skills you will bring something new in your job field or you make an amazing successful i advice you to stay.
if not, you should move up and become a boss.
note: when you become a bosse don't forget us ;)
@Emiese (994)
• Sweden
17 Feb 10
I won't forget you :) I think that is one of the things that would make me a good boss, since I have worked with the actual area of expertise and the assignments, I know the problems for the staff. That gives me an understanding of the work they do, and I can put myself in their shoes and work to make their situation better. That would be easier for me than say for someone who only has skills in management but not in my area of work!
