OT - In turmoil over a decision

I am a project manager and have always historically been an absolute workaholic.  Since surgery, I have not had the same level of passion to live for the job - I have been doing little more living for me...

So... I got a call today from the VP in the IT deparment where I am currently contracting.  He wants me to backfill for a Director that is out on long term disability.  I know that it will be high stress, but I also know that if I say no, and don't help them out of the bind, it will not be well received and I rely on repeat business to stay employed.

I need to take contracts as they come and my current one runs out at the end of June - this would ensure me another 3-6 months...  And, it is a "try and buy" type situation for both of us should he not come back from disability and the position opens up...if we both like the fit, it would secure me getting the position.

I am so afraid of letting a high level of stress back in to my life, because that is where the late hours, not working out, not eating right creep in.... but I also need the contract extension...

I know only I can make the decision - my husband and I have talked it over and he supports whatever I want...  I have to let them know tomorrow and my head is spinning.   I am as excited about the opportunity as I am sick to my stomach (or pouch) thinking about it..

Sandra - this came up a few hours after our walk today!

Uhm WOW talk about adding on to the things you already have.  So from our conversations I would ask if you will have good people under you that can help relieve some of the workload?  If not and it is NOT what you want... DONT DO IT.  However,  if you see that there are good people and you think the in the 3 to 6 months you can make it work.  Absolutely its a great opportunity.  Only you know what it will be like or the potential it has.

email me today with what happens.

Hugs

I hear you. I was set to apply for a doctoral program prior to my surgery, Now I cannot fathom it, I spent so much of my energy in work and my education because it was the one area I could excell and feel good in. When I started having a life that drive did not appeal to me.

One thing I have always found helpful in making decisions is a simple pro and con list for both scenarios.That will show you the answer alot of the time. Good luck

I would say see if you can set boundries. I will take the job, I'll come in early and get my work done but at 5-6pm I'm done. I have family obligations. I work in a high pressure job where the hours aren't really set - if a job needs to be done you are there until it is done that could be 5PM it could be 8PM. Luckily I have established that unless it is an emergency I am out of here at 4. I come in at 6:30, many days I eat lunch at my desk, my work is always done early so no one questions things (Expect the people who are jealous because of their lack of time manangement)

Good luck with whatever decision you make!

Liz

I'm gonna take a stab at this.  I think you may be forgetting that you are a different person NOW!  You're not the same person you were before.  Am I right?????  Don't you think you're better equipped to manage the stress and late nights and not return to poor eating habits?  I'm thinking that you've broken that cycle and with good planning and entering this project with your eyes wide open you will be successful.  Don't shy away! Attack it!
Swede  

Excellent insight.  Although...bad habits CERTAINLY creep their way back in when stress rears its ugly head

From an outsider looking in, I would say as long as you can set boundaries (understanding of course that you will need to compromise and probably do some OT etc), and as long as hubby is TRULY supportive of your decision (meaning that he will be willing to do some more things around the house etc) then it sounds like a FANTASTIC opportunity to possibly advance.  Be it in this position, or another one that may come up at another time.

Good luck!  Let us know how it goes today!

Oh, and I meant to say...that Swede has a good point - you DO have coping mechanisms to deal with the stress.  The trick, of course, is to use them when it happens, lol.  You can plan food, pack good choices, and understand that if you do not fuel your body properly, then you won't have the energy to deal with all the stress.  Exercise due to time may be a challenge...and based on my recent post, I don't have a WORD of advice for you on that one because it would be the pot calling the kettle black at this point :) 

Maura seems like you got good advise so far wheat my first thought was could you talk over certain guidlines with the job sorta name your terms that you would come on board in the postion. Explain that you need to have time for your personal life and new healthy living. I think that sounds with in reason.

Love Nicoles idea of the pro and con list and make them often myself.

Good luck keep us posted! 

Maura,

Wow - I've been there and I feel your angst!

The fact that it's contract, has an "easy out" if you don't like it or it's not working out, and that they are coming to you for help (not you responding to a job posting), is all working in your favor.  YOU CAN SET BOUNDARIES.  You do not need to take the job and just take "whatever" they throw at you - you can and should negotiate the specifics of it so that you have the ability to manage your health and your life around it appropriately.  And, you have an easy way to get out if you find it's not working for you.  That's a major improvement over taking a direct employment job and having to "quit" and explaining that on your resume.  

Just some food for thought.

Good luck, follow your heart, be strong in your convictions and all will be well.

Karen