Need some good vibes my way, thank you

[ScrappinFlo]

Hi, ladies. Just need a sounding board right now and whatever advice you can give is very much appreciated.

Three months ago we took a leap of faith to improve our family life and be there for our daughter’s growing years. We moved from the hustle and bustle of the city to live a much simpler life. We decided that it would be better for me to be the breadwinner and hubby to stay home. I also took a paycut and a lower title, which was fine by me at the time. My job requires a lot of overtime during tax season, and we all knew that. However, I’m also a big fan of technology to improve process and efficiency which then also trickles down to cutting overtime.

Just a little after I started, the overtime started, for two months we started going in on Saturdays and then both weekend days for three weekends in a row now. The nightmare ends tomorrow when the corporate tax return is due. My point is I’ve had it with this place. The company is not willing to invest in technology to make things more efficient which will cut a lot of the overtime, not to mention the tons of paper that is wasted because of reprinting the same 200 pages over and over, checking for errors. Training also sucks because the manager is inundated with her own work that she doesn’t have time for us newbies to answer questions. I ended up helping the other staff with her questions since I know a little bit more from experience. I just squirm every time I have to come in every morning.

Here’s the thing. I can find another work but it’s an hour and a half away. If I can negotiate for flex hours or telecommuting at least once a week, I think I’m good. It will be for a higher position which is what I was in my old job before I took this one. It will be for a company that is also forward thinking and fosters mentorship and development of their people. Hubby and I are apprehensive because of what it will do to our family life because of the distance but we know I’m not happy at this job. I don’t know if I’m just being too whiny about the shortcomings of this job so just grin it and bear it or should I go for the one that will make me happy with my career. I feel guilty for even thinking about leaving this job. But man, I’m spent and in tears.

Thanks for listening.

[Misty Cato]

Aww Maria, I'm sorry. We spend so much of our time at work, it can really drag you down when it isn't a great work environment. You said the huge workload and overtime will be done once the taxes are filed, so there is hope things could be better, right?

If you are apprehensive about changing to a long commuter, perhaps you could make an attempt to be a change agent in your workplace before you throw in the towel? Once the taxes have been filed and things settle down a bit, you could mention to your boss that you have some ideas for things that the company could do now to make the busy season go smoother next year. Offer do to some of the leg work in terms of investigating the possible technologies, getting cost quotes and interviewing companies using the advanced technologies. If you get the green light - then deliver a kick-butt proposal that will convince them the new technologies will benefit their bottom line.

I would totally understand if you didn't want to fight the battle and decided to leave. I'm just throwing out a possible course of action if you want to give it one more go.

Either way, I hope you find the perfect situation for you and your family.

[ScrappinFlo]

Misty, cyber hugs to you. Thank you for your insight. The director knows my background as far as a "tax techie" person. In fact this place reminds me of my my old job when I first started there. The difference was my old boss was a visionary and was open to changes so he let me have free reign so to speak. The culture here is a bit different. Anything remotely close to change is shunned. They don't have the budget for it is what I'm constantly hinted at. I've mentioned several times that we can potentially improve the process if they're willing to invest but I feel like I'm talking to a brick wall. Then again, I'm not a good marketer. I let my performance speak for itself, so maybe that hurts me in some ways.

Thank you thank you for your advice and your well wishes. :)