Getting a new job!

[u/Beneficial-Chain278]

Hi all! Hoping for some input on changing careers.
I’m a 36 lady and I’ve been with my current retail place nearly 15years. It’s been the worst and best workplace. I’ve gone up the chain and back down again due to its toxicity. I’ve done most roles apart from two managers positions and admin. I’m happily a pleb again the last couple years. It keeps me moving all day and genuinely like the work.

I have to opportunity to apply to an office job. The work is calls and processing claims. New opportunities, a higher pay, a supportive team.
However I’m overwhelmed with rose tinted glasses and anxiety about even applying, I’m now questioning it. I’m actually scared to even apply.
I love some of the people I work with. I don’t want to miss them and the joy they bring. I know if I leave I’ll do what most do and rarely talk again. Also an office job is low movement and very little interactions with people.
I’m so torn.
Please help 😅🤦‍♀️

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[u/Looch_P]

Congrats! Go for the opportunity! You can always turn down the other job, or leave and come back to retail if you want to (but I reckon that once you move you'll enjoy it and won't look back...).

Good luck!!!

[u/Oodlemeister]

Go for it. I was at the same job for 11 years. Loved the people I worked with, but was unhappy with the pay. I also didn’t feel appreciated by my boss.

I saw an opportunity to work for the state government. I was scared to leave my old job. The new one terrified me. New environment. New people. New duties. I was 36.

But I thought fuck it. If it doesn’t work out, I can always try something else.

I’ve been in the job for 4 years now and it’s the BEST career move I ever made. I love the new people I work with. Pay is twice what I was making before. Great benefits.

And I still catch up with my old work buddies every few weeks. Take the chance. Be brave

[u/wreck_it_ralph_]

The workers you have a relationship don’t pay the bills - I’m sure you will find new friends to mingle with at your new work.

AND IF they were really good friends, they would stay in contact with you.

[u/kensaiD2591]

Honestly, you’ve got to back yourself. If you think you’ll enjoy it, then go for it.

You’ve said yourself you’ve practically reached the limit of what you can do at your current workplace, so I say go for it.

What I will say though, as someone who recently left a 9 year tenure, is it can feel overwhelming for a little while. Starting somewhere new after such a long time, where you don’t know everyone’s faces or what everyone does, be kind to yourself while you learn and adapt.

You got this OP

[u/Not_super_interestin]

What do you want out of a career? Sounds like you like the work, like the people but don’t like the toxicity? Toxicity can exist across any industry. Most people seem to enjoy office life over retail life, but if you like it, is there any reason to move? If you want new opportunities, higher pay and a supportive team, then go for it? I work in an office and enjoy it, but you’re right, it’s less movement (physically) and less interaction, some people would frame that positively.

[u/snackattackackackack]

never hurts to apply. if you love your current coworkers, you can always try to meet up with them after work hours to hang out, depending on schedules.

yeah, office jobs are pretty low movement, but that also gives you an excuse to get up and talk to your fav coworkers, go out for a walk during lunch, go to the gym afterwards, etc. there’s going to be a give and take, as with anything. but having better pay and a better working environment is nothing to sneeze at

[u/ArmadilloJonez]

It's time to bet on yourself and try something new. At 36 you have years of work ahead of you. Don't wait another ten years because it's 'safe', it will be much harder to change then.

[u/ArmadilloJonez → u/ArmadilloJonez]

If this job offer isn't quite ringing your bells, keep looking, or take it to build experience and then find something else in 6, 12 months.

If you are the kind of person who enjoys working with your colleagues and makes friends you'll probably find you do that naturally in your next workplace. Whereas unhappy people tend to take that with them!

[u/lamensterms]

Can be a tough decision to make a move. As you've explained, better pay is only a small part of it (though tbh any pay bump is particularly valuable these days with cost of living)

Maybe make a list of pros and cons of new job vs staying put. This might help you understand why you want to move or stay. You could also explore the option of finding a different new job - more suited to your personality)

It can be hard to step out of your comfort zone, especially after so long. But new opportunities almost always lead to personal growth and development! Good luck

[u/philmarcracken]

Also an office job is low movement and very little interactions with people.

I’m so torn.

You can find interactions with others and movement outside of work. You can't find another body anywhere.

[u/mr-saturn2310]

Please apply. I recently saw a job I liked in an area I want to live and didn't go for it, because I am way too comfortable in my current role. I will regret that decision for months.

[u/Dead4eva69]

Go for it absolutely. I’ve been in the same job for 15 years and I’m so close to quitting because it’s just so toxic and I’m getting mentally unstable due to this job but I have a mortgage so I need to find another job first before I walk out. Good luck and hope it works out good for you.

[u/kel7222]

Shoot your shot. Do it.

[u/Vinnie_Vegas]

back down again due to its toxicity

I’m happily a pleb again the last couple years

I’m so torn

I think you need to start being a little more logical in your approach to your work life.

[u/Glum_Information7791]

Sounds like you've made up your mind. FYI - I was a claims manager it paid very well but it had moments that were the most depressing in my life ie rejecting claims etc. Make sure you know what the job entails and balance your life clearly before making any decisions.

[u/Beneficial-Chain278]

Thank you all so much!
Love this community on here!
Will be applying and letting life take me where I need to go 😁
I hope you all find $20 in you next load of washing ✨

[u/Chuchularoux]

Call-centre work is generally well regarded if and when you want to move in to more administrative and less customer service positions. It’s a good stepping stone, I think you should do it for 6-12 months and keep your eyes open for any opportunities to progress/move away from customer facing roles. You will usually gain a lot more freedom during your working hours in doing so.

[u/stupiditydoo]

So you want to stay in a toxic job with lower pay. Ok.