Job fucking security vs Having a go

[Kid Presentable]

This is equal parts venting and asking for perspectives, so I'd love your thoughts. Any experiences you may have would be neato too.

This February, as some of you know, I graduated with an advertising degree. Laughable to some, but hey, it is what it is.

My current job is a trainee program, in a field I'm not really interested in (Construction). For a graduate the money is great, and the hours are sweet. It has a lot of non-monetary benefits, and opportunity for (very gradual) promotion. It's fine, if somewhat uninspiring. Pretty uninspiring, really. I look at the people who have been doing it for years, and I cringe.

People have been asking me since I graduated: "Why didn't you go and work for an ad agency?". In this job there have been opportunities to strong-arm my skills into the role, since there's been a lot of internal communications, stakeholder consults and blah blah that can be linked to my degree. My answer was always to do with security - we'd just built a house, I have a wife to think about, I just can't take the risks that a 23 year old can.

Recently a big ad agency here advertised for 2 full time positions. This is the agency that gave me $500 for graduating at the top of my major. I spoke to them at the start of the year about work and they said the GFC was putting a freeze on recruitment, but to keep in touch. So now I'm thinking about applying.

The things working agains me are still the security and stability issues, and plus the fact that since I've graduated this will be the second job I've left after 8 months. I really wanted to do 12-18 months in my current role just to say I can do it, so I don't look so flakey. But I know for the right role I would happily settle down and get stuck in.

But yeah, I have job security in a role I don't like. Life in the suburbs has made me risk averse, flabby and impotent when it comes to taking the bull by the horns. But I think I'm a real chance for this big agency job. This fucking mortgage and shit, man I can't just think about myself.....

Job fucking security vs Having a go?

[Adam]

Its human nature to fear change but without change people wouldn't ever get to the next level if they didn't reach past it. I say go for it.

If you have confidence in your ability to provide for your family if shit hits the fan then you shouldn't fear having a go too much.

If however you think your role is undeserved and you are keeping onto this current job by the skin of your teeth and life has provided you more than you deserve then turn to page 101 to end the book. <-- which this is obviously not true and its not a book.

[Bob]

as someone who has chosen a career path with no jobs and no security within said jobs, i suggest you choose job security and NEVER EVER EVER LET IT GO

[RobMoney$]

I held the same job for the same company for 15 years and was miserable, but I always feared risking leaving for something better because I was a single dad raising two kids and was afraid of not having a stable income.
I left 3 years ago for an opportunity with someone else.
I look back and can't believe I stayed as long as I did.

It was sort of liberating. I think it's a confidence thing really.
Back in March when the economy was really bad, I watched half the people in my place get laid off.
They marched them out and I had to watch grown men be reduced to a sobbing mess. It was pathetic.
There's no reason to fear change.

And if you stay, you know you're gonna be miserable anyway because you'll always be thinking "what if".

[gbsuey]

It can't hurt to apply surely? I totally get the need for security but( and this is something i need to remember once in a while coz it's easy to sit in that rut)this is it. I mean not a dress rehearsal, and i know you don't want to live the main show homeless but would it really come to that if things didn't go 100% well?? Good luck whatever you decide

[ms.peachy]

How does your wife feel about it? I like to think that in such a situation I would want mr.p to try to do what would make him happy and not just would keep us 'safe'. I'd hate for him to feel stuck if he was really not happy.

[jabumbo]

i often think about how i could probably make a bit more money somewhere else, but i generally don't look very far because i do enjoy the security i have with my current job and the laid back nature of my situation.


it seems like to really need to at least apply for this job opening though. i mean, i don't think it can really hurt. plus, if you get yourself an interview and they bring up the short stints, you can honestly say that this company is what you really want to work at and with the way of the world these days, i think a lot of places are willing to overlook the job hopping if they know its mostly based on just having a paycheck every month.

[Laver1969]

Go for it!

It sounds like this is the kind of opportunity you've been waiting for. What are the negatives with the ad agency...just security and stability? You just graduated and are going into the field you majored in. That sounds very stable to me. Why would the agency be less secure than where you're at now? Is the salary/benefits comparable?

Go for it!

[hpdrifter]

Where is the lack of security in the ad situation? If you apply and get the job is it temporary? Are you afraid you'll crash and burn and get fired?

Doesn't your wife work? It's not like you're in this alone.

[jabumbo]

hpdrifter is the katie couric of the BBMB


i'm a bit flustered about my "salaried job security" since last week i could only pick up 12 hours of pay and this week i'm already looking at 5 hours short. killing the pocketbook!

[ericlee]

Yep. Job security is the key. House, wife and everything else is important.

You have a go, hook up with a different job and it may lead you nowhere so you'll have to keep trying. I wouldn't want to go through it.

I have worked my share of jobs that I hate. I'm at one right now and have been for 3 years but it's secure at least.

[mikizee]

Fuckin have a crack ya prick

[Kid Presentable]

Thanks guys, btw. Thanks for asking the hard questions, too. My fear is really a fear of failing epically. Wife has had a few career issues that seem to be sorting themselves out at present which is good.

I have been to a couple of job interviews for positions I don't want on the sly, they're great ways to meet people. Applied for the agency gig. Hmmmmmmm

[mikizee]

good luck mayne

[Kid Presentable]

Thanks Michael. It will be a fail, but thanks. (y)

[hpdrifter]

As long as you never make anything like what is referenced in this (http://www.beastieboys.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=92921) thread you'll be fine.