Looking for some job advice

I’ve seen some other topics like this previously, and so I figured this would be a good avenue to hear some outside opinions and suggestions on how to handle my dilemma.

My Current job is a research manager at a university. Basically I’m a tech, I take care of the research fields during the spring-fall and then do computer work/data analysis during the fall and winter. I’m 21 and have an associate’s degree in precision ag. This is my first “real” job out of college.

I’ve been in my current position since August 2016.  My current boss hired me on knowing I did not have any experience with a job like this. I have a farming background, but nothing specific to research. I had some guidance when I started from the previous tech, but for the most part learning the whole job has been trial by fire. Learning things only after I make a mistake but overall it has gone relatively smoothly. I like my job for the most part, however I do not like doing statistical analysis. I have never learned how to do it, so I don’t understand what I’m looking at. They get in the way of my other duties that should take priority, and I’m slow at them. Yet, she insists that I do it, so it ends up being a good 30% of my job. My boss is a nice person, she means well most of the time but she doesn’t understand the field side of the things, she can be very worrisome and high strung, which doesn’t quite mix well with ag research. One other thing is she doesn’t take well to other people’s opinions on how to do something. If she thinks it should be one thing shell just talk over you until you’re quiet or tell you you’re wrong and to deal with it.

My dilemma. Another researcher here at the university has quietly offered me a position to come onto the project with him as a second more field orientated technician. I have worked with him and his technician this spring and fall planting and harvesting their plots and I get along great with them. He’s a pretty laid back guy and understands how things work in ag, so things can be pretty easy going. The job would be basically the same. Same title, same pay, the only difference is he has more projects going on so I would be busier, for longer than I am now, as well as having greenhouse projects.

I’m stuck at what to do. I want to be a nice person and not leave my current boss hanging without a tech. I’ve built up some trust with her, and I believe she thinks I’m a good tech. There are pros and cons for each option. I’ve talked to a couple of trusted people here at the university about what they think but I’d like to hear some opinions and thoughts from you guys.

Thanks

If you have a good relationship with your boss just talk to her like a person. Say the opportunity came up and it’s my field of interest.   She’ll understand and want to move you along. If she dosent then you don’t want to work there anymore and you should still take the job. 

Be humble and thankful for all she gave you. It will go a long way if you just ask her opinion. 

Fueled by Caffeine said:

If you have a good relationship with your boss just talk to her like a person. Say the opportunity came up and it’s my field of interest.   She’ll understand and want to move you along. If she dosent then you don’t want to work there anymore and you should still take the job. 

 

Be humble and thankful for all she gave you. It will go a long way if you just ask her opinion. 

/thread

Which of the two jobs will help you move your career in the direction you want to move in?

Also, good managers do expect people to leave as they further their careers. I was always happy to see if one of the people working for me in the past moved on to a better position (if anything, that validated my hiring decision) if they were being adults about it.

The other option is to talk to your current boss and check with her if it's possible to adjust your role to help you move your career in the direction you want it to go. You'd be surprised how often this is possible.

z31maniac said:

Fueled by Caffeine said:

If you have a good relationship with your boss just talk to her like a person. Say the opportunity came up and it’s my field of interest.   She’ll understand and want to move you along. If she dosent then you don’t want to work there anymore and you should still take the job. 

 

Be humble and thankful for all she gave you. It will go a long way if you just ask her opinion. 

 

/thread

Yeah, honestly, there's not much more to be said.  Being a "nice guy" doesn't mean you need to stay in your current position if it doesn't suit your interests as well.  It means you need to give her a couple weeks' notice, tell her why the new job fits your goals better (NOT why you're leaving this one), and thank her sincerely for the opportunities and experience she's provided.

It sounds like you already know what you should do.

I agree with talking to your current boss person to person, but staying in a position just to make her life easier is not the right choice for your long term happiness. I would be sure to leave on as good of terms as possible, but doing a job you enjoy, even if it is more work, vs a job that you like "for the most part" sounds like a better option.

Just my $.02

One other thing: She shouldn't be upset. Or, she should be happy for you and the company/university, and upset for herself. It is a better fit for you and a better fit for the university; it isn't like its treason going from the Hatfields to the McCoys. You're still in the same place, just a better role.

Associates degree?  You’re 21?  Working at a University?   

You are taking advantage of some free tuition employees benefit and working towards your Bachelors and Masters, right?  

That’s  the real situation to focus on. 

Fueled by Caffeine is *not* ignorant.

First off, I appreciate everybodys advice. I think youre right that i've made up my mind. I just need to convince myself to sit down and have that conversation.

In Reply to Datsun310Guy,

I'm currently working toward my Bachelors in agronomy. Unfortunately none of my A.S. credits transfer so I get to start over! However if life plans work out they way we think it will, the girlfriend will get accepted into vet school. So theoretically I'll still have 4-6 years to get it done.

Yeah, Iggy has sound advice today.

I'll back up what others have said. If the other job is a better fit for your long term goals than go for it. But don't just walk in one morning and say, I quit and leave. Unless you think it could be a better opportunity to stay where you are and modify your position I would just accept the offer in the other department and tell them that you will need to give your current boss some notice (they'll wait for you) and offer her a couple or three weeks notice. Explain that you see the new position as a better fit and thank her for giving you a chance. Be prepared that if she does get upset you may be asked to leave right away. This usually happens more when you may be going to a competitor in business, they don't want you taking customers, etc with you. If she really wants you to stick around she may be willing to give you what you want.

Good job on working towards that sheep skin.