Stepping back from the career ladder

Friday, 11th April 2008 by Julie

On Wednesday, I took what feels like a big step. Letting work know, in writing, that I’m not coming back. Official resignation. Wow. :-o

The company was only expecting me back on 8 July this year, so it’s given them 12 weeks notice. But it was a conclusion that I’d reached a little while ago, so it seemed right to give them the opportunity to move on too.

I heard from my line manager that my replacement contractor had also recently left, so this at least means that they can make a start on the process of hiring a new permanent staff member rather than leaving the vacancy for me to fill.

I’m sure the “why” question will come up. Well, the decision mainly came from the fact that it wasn’t a job that I wanted any more. The position had been gradually devolving into being quite admin-focussed and a lot less software development over the last few years, so the work itself had lost a lot of its appeal.

Chuck in on top of that the complications of needing to find (expensive) nursery care for Jonathan and the fact that I actually don’t mind (and often enjoy) being at home looking after him, and you have all the requirements for saying no to going back.

In saying that, I realise that lots of people don’t have that option financially, but right now we are in the fortunate position of being able to get by without my income. I don’t owe the company anything either, which is handy.

I do rather feel like I’m watching my career drift off downstream, but hey. Opportunities to watch Jon going through these early stages aren’t going to come around again, so I might as well grab this one with both hands… :)

2 Responses to “Stepping back from the career ladder”

  1. Ewan Says:

    Big brave step – congratulations. You are lucky as you say, but I can only imagine dealing with a change like that :-) All I can say is that because my wonderful wife made the same decision some time ago, both myself and our whole family are happier and closer.

  2. admin Says:

    Thanks for the encouragement Ewan :) It’s great to know this worked out so well for your family!

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