Am I in over my head? Getting the spins...

[Tomcat33]

Ok so in the last few years I've made some pretty bold moves in my career and though it has been challenging I have learned a LOT and am so thankful I went the path I did. Last week I applied for this job ad just to see what would happen, but didn't think I would get called in. It is in my industry but kind of on the otherside of what I do so I don't have direct experience with some aspects of the job having been on the opposite side I know the general vibe.

 

Well pretty much the next day they called me in to inteview and I met with them and after sitting face to face with the partner that inteviewed me and hearing of the role I felt a bit overwhelmed but excited all in one. I made a really strong connection since the person interviewing me was very vocal about my potential as well he did some research on me and has found some of my work and complimented me on it. Anyway long story short the very same day he asked me back to do a second interview and now it's all becoming real.

 

This position is demanding and though I feel I could do it once I learn the ropes I still feel a bit overwhelmed. To put it bluntly I think they are more sold on me than I am at this point, I guess my own fears of failure are getting in the way or maybe I need a reality check? This is a fun job and it comes with a lot of perks but it is also very demanding and I would have to travel to events abroad as well. I mean it is a terrific opportunity one where I could potentially catapult my career in a whole new explosive direction and I could really make a name for myself in my industry. I am terrified of letting them down. What scares me the most is I didn't even try hard in the interview and they were pretty much sold.

 

Is what I am feeling normal, or am I getting in way over my head? It's all happening so fast I don't even know what's what....!?!?

 

 

I know it's a vague question to my vague description but as a general concept has this happened to anyone else out there? Did you go for a job that was out of your direct experience yet you knew you had a great number of the components to do it, and at the same time it scared the living daylights out of you?

 

sorry this tunred out long...

[norajane]

It is in my industry but kind of on the otherside of what I do so I don't have direct experience with some aspects of the job having been on the opposite side I know the general vibe.

 

...

 

I know it's a vague question to my vague description but as a general concept has this happened to anyone else out there? Did you go for a job that was out of your direct experience yet you knew you had a great number of the components to do it, and at the same time it scared the living daylights out of you?

 

Yes, I did exactly that when I took my current job, and I felt just like you do. It's turned out to be fantastic - I like this job more than any other I've had, it's a great use of my skills, and it's a great role with a great company. And it turns out, I really like being on this side of the industry even though I was hesitant at first.

 

I found out after taking the job and being in it for a while that the things that looked scary from the outside actually are not so much when you are in the middle of it. You'll have a learning curve, but you've been successful so far and there's no reason you can't learn what you need to learn. Things will come at you fast, but if you stay organized and ask a lot of questions, you'll figure it out. You'll find people who know what they're doing and can give you good guidance. Also, as I'm sure you've learned in your career already, you can break down almost any challenge or problem into smaller pieces and tackle it.

 

Part of what makes it challenging and fun is getting to the point where you are really good at it. You'll feel really good about yourself when you look back and realize what you've accomplished.

 

And, if it turns out you don't like it, you can always try something else or go back to doing what you do now. But you'll have that experience under your belt, you'll have met a lot of new and interesting people, and you'll have had a chance to reach for something that intrigues you.

 

I hope you go for it! Good luck!

[Tomcat33]

AWESOME Norajane! Thank you so much for that. That's exactly what I needed to hear something to balance off my own crazy thoughts.

 

I the thing is one aspect of this job is working on clients with a LOT of money riding on it and any poor move on my part would really hurt the accounts, and this is what scares me. I think what freaked me out the most was when we discussed $$ and they wanted me to name a price I put it back on their lap not wanting to shoot myself in the foot, then when they put the offer forth I nearly fell out of my chair it was almost 40K more than I had anticipated (on my high note) and it was at that very moment I realised just HOW much in the big leagues this is and it totally freaked me out.

[Elena62]

AWESOME Norajane! Thank you so much for that. That's exactly what I needed to hear something to balance off my own crazy thoughts.

 

I the thing is one aspect of this job is working on clients with a LOT of money riding on it and any poor move on my part would really hurt the accounts, and this is what scares me. I think what freaked me out the most was when we discussed $$ and they wanted me to name a price I put it back on their lap not wanting to shoot myself in the foot, then when they put the offer forth I nearly fell out of my chair it was almost 40K more than I had anticipated (on my high note) and it was at that very moment I realised just HOW much in the big leagues this is and it totally freaked me out.

 

I've got a similar thing going on right now in my life. When $$ were mentioned I almost fell off my chair. And just like you it has totally freaked me out! One moment I'm too excited about it and the next I'm getting realistic on myself and telling myself that I need to buckle down and just DO it!

 

It's also a great opportunity to re-evaluate my CPD! Congrats to you - keep on keeping on

[Tomcat33]

Thanks Elena for your nice wishes!!

 

So did you go for it in your position? And what is a CPD?

[norajane]

AWESOME Norajane! Thank you so much for that. That's exactly what I needed to hear something to balance off my own crazy thoughts.

 

I the thing is one aspect of this job is working on clients with a LOT of money riding on it and any poor move on my part would really hurt the accounts, and this is what scares me. I think what freaked me out the most was when we discussed $$ and they wanted me to name a price I put it back on their lap not wanting to shoot myself in the foot, then when they put the offer forth I nearly fell out of my chair it was almost 40K more than I had anticipated (on my high note) and it was at that very moment I realised just HOW much in the big leagues this is and it totally freaked me out.

 

That can be intimidating! I'm making more money than I've ever made before and it DID feel a little scary to consider why they offer it...

 

BUT, you have to realize that THEY know what kind of person would be good in that role, and they obviously think you can handle it. I'm sure you will work hard and be careful so as not to hurt the accounts, and probably will make the accounts more successful!

 

You won't regret taking the chance, although, I think, you would most definitely regret not taking it.

[whichwayisup]

I guess my own fears of failure are getting in the way or maybe I need a reality check?

 

Don't let that get in the way. Having that fear is a good thing - It'll keep you on your toes and help you stay focussed and alert. Sometimes it's good to get out there and just take the plunge - Sink or swim! I have a feeling you'll swim, so just look at this as a life changing opportunity that will be great (that and the money, benefits aspect of your new job too) either way!

[Touche]

Funny, but I was in a similar situation at my last job (5 years ago.) But I figured, "hey, if they think I can do it, and they've seen what I could do in my old position, who am I to say that I can't?"

 

Everything turned out fine. Sometimes I had to fake it until I made it to be honest.

 

And there were times when I just honestly had to admit that I felt a little over my head with a certain project. It was beyond "faking it 'till you make it" But you know what? My superiors told me that they really respected my admission and they helped me through. It actually helped me to admit that to them.

 

You'll be fine. Trust me. They don't offer jobs and good money to people they don't think can do the job. And they're in the best position (better than you are) to know that.

[Elena62]

Thanks Elena for your nice wishes!!

 

So did you go for it in your position? And what is a CPD?

 

Yes I did go for it! I start shortly. Am I scared? Everyday! But it's driving me to take my fears and turn it all around. I can't wait to commence.

 

CPD is continuous professional development. If you have annual reviews your goals are set - you probably need to review those. In fact once you start it may be an idea to get in touch with HR and mention CPD, because some companies like to send you on courses for it. It will help you identify your needs, your strength and weaknesses and what you need to be able to progress - (it's a bit more detailed than that but) hope that helps!

[Tomcat33]

Aww thanks so much guys, and here I thought I was going to get whipped into reality by the no nonsense crowd of LS and in fact you are all being so sweet!!!

 

 

That can be intimidating! I'm making more money than I've ever made before and it DID feel a little scary to consider why they offer it...

 

BUT, you have to realize that THEY know what kind of person would be good in that role, and they obviously think you can handle it. I'm sure you will work hard and be careful so as not to hurt the accounts, and probably will make the accounts more successful!

 

You won't regret taking the chance, although, I think, you would most definitely regret not taking it.

 

You're so right I can't turn away from this because it intimidates me when I first got my start in my field I got a big break and it was super scary and yet I made it, the first two days I was so intimidated it almost felt like I had made a mistake in accepting and within a week I was grooving. Not only was I there for 9 yrs promoted 2 and had the most amazing experiences. I also made the best friends of my life. But this just seems so much bigger.

 

 

 

Don't let that get in the way. Having that fear is a good thing - It'll keep you on your toes and help you stay focussed and alert. Sometimes it's good to get out there and just take the plunge - Sink or swim! I have a feeling you'll swim, so just look at this as a life changing opportunity that will be great (that and the money, benefits aspect of your new job too) either way!

 

 

Funny, but I was in a similar situation at my last job (5 years ago.) But I figured, "hey, if they think I can do it, and they've seen what I could do in my old position, who am I to say that I can't?"

 

You're both right! That's my philosophy too. I need a constant challenge at work or I get bored and distracted and this will definitely be action packed.

 

 

Everything turned out fine. Sometimes I had to fake it until I made it to be honest.

 

And there were times when I just honestly had to admit that I felt a little over my head with a certain project. It was beyond "faking it 'till you make it" But you know what? My superiors told me that they really respected my admission and they helped me through. It actually helped me to admit that to them.

 

You'll be fine. Trust me. They don't offer jobs and good money to people they don't think can do the job. And they're in the best position (better than you are) to know that.

 

Thank you so much for that, this is exactly the kind of stuff I wanted to see if others accepted roles that seemed a bit above their heads and yet managed to really run with it. I LOVE stories like that AWESOME!!

Must be so rewarding when you completed the learning curve but really scary too no?.

 

You are so right in what I bolded, the VP/Partner that interviewed me has been doing this for a long time and has been on both ends of the business as well he was so on the ball so there is no way I could have bullshiiit myself past him. As I said I didn't even try hard it was more our rapport, my CV which he kept complimenting and my work he researched and complimented me on THAT part blew me away so he emphasized though you don't have direct experience in this role I can see a lot of potential with you! It's just weird being at a job that they are trying to convince you instead of the other way around that's what makes me weary I suppose. he also filled me in on other candidates he had interviewed (he offered I would never ask that) who had very impressive direct experience but said they were so dry and serious in person and this job requires strong people skills.

 

 

Yes I did go for it! I start shortly. Am I scared? Everyday! But it's driving me to take my fears and turn it all around. I can't wait to commence.

 

CPD is continuous professional development. If you have annual reviews your goals are set - you probably need to review those. In fact once you start it may be an idea to get in touch with HR and mention CPD, because some companies like to send you on courses for it. It will help you identify your needs, your strength and weaknesses and what you need to be able to progress - (it's a bit more detailed than that but) hope that helps!

 

 

ooooooh how exciting PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE come back here and post updates in this thread? I want to hear all about it!

If I get this we will be having somewhat parallel experiences though I will push for late Sept first week Oct since I want to take a 3 week vacation and go away somewhere before I sink my teeth into this new role and start refreshed.

 

Had looked up CPD and got everything from Cable Price Downer to Certified Professional Drycleaner :laugh: