Internal Struggles...

Aside from kicking my own ass about writing, I have a dilemma that now comes from the day job. I like my job. However, I used to LOVE my current job. Here is the issue. We are in a Presidential election year. For a Federal employee that means going through a TRANSITION of philosophy, political appointees, and almost always a shift of focus and creating a new program with the new administration's name on it that probably does about the same thing the last one did. The downside to all of this is the uncertainty. Will the new political boss (translation - appointee in charge of my agency) tell us to cease and desist what we've been doing? It has happened before. The current situation can't be working (a previous administration did that you know) and it must be changed, or at the very least the organization rearranged (restructured) to put new stamp on said organization. But, I digress, as I have a tendency to do...

My dilemma is this. The organization I work for currently has everyone jumping ship in anticipation of a change that will surely come, but usually not for at least 7 or more months. My second-level boss left in February and took with her several people that helped me do my job. Anyway, now my first-level supervisor is leaving - to go with previously mentioned boss.

WTF? Who the hell will they put as my boss now? We have been leaking people like a sieve. Those that are worth anything have had a million things piled onto make up for those who have left. So, my dilemma is "Do I keep my current job and wait for the inevitable limbo to come or do I seek out new opportunities for growth in my career?"

Big opportunities would happen if I were in a position to relocate. Which I can't. At least for another 4 years. So, no chance for promotion due to my geographic location. I currently only have one pay level left to progress to before I would have to join Executive ranks. Almost all are in DC. All the Exec positions would be to.

I know of two opportunities that will be available. Neither gain me any money, just a change in responsibilities and the opportunity to improve my resume for when I seek Executive level. 1) a supervisor job. Problem - it would be supervising MY FRIENDS. That can't be good. My last stint as a supervisor was over a bunch of college age kids with no work ethics, so this would be different, but still. Harder to work at home regularly as I do now and more headache. 2) a program manager. More headache, but it is a position that the last person who held it did not execute as they should have. It has potential to make me look really good if I can turn it around. It involves the big picture and not the weeds. Oh, and I can work at home regularly like I do now. With the price of gas that's something to consider. (Note to self - Wonder if I could talk them into more time at home....??)

One of the positions will be announced next week. The second one not far behind I've been told. What to do???? Apply for both and if (big if) I were offered both I would have to choose, and probably upset somebody either way. I have to be a supervisor sometime to be in the Senior Executive Service, but I just don't know if I want to sacrifice the amenities I've become accustomed to.

Decisions are a real bitch sometimes.