There have been a lot of thoughts swirling around in my head recently, and when that happens it can be hard for me to narrow my focus to write in-depth about one topic. All of these things deserve their own posts, but for now, here’s a small sampling of what I’ve been thinking about:
Possible trip: My friend Chantal, who lives in the Netherlands, will be visiting the west coast this October with her boyfriend. She asked if I was interested in meeting up with them at one of their planned destinations. One of those destinations is Las Vegas, and I just so happen to have family living outside of Vegas that I haven’t seen in over two years. This seems like it might be a very good idea.
Fitness: I’ve been slacking. At least I know for sure that I haven’t been progressing like I want to. I’m still doing my weight workouts, and I’m still getting outside to do cardio on a regular basis, but I’ve gained a few pounds. And I don’t like it. It must go.
Do I work too much? I have my regular 40-hour workweek, plus 25-30 hours a month doing paid social media research from home, not to mention the 6 posts I write for Blogher (which take at least a few hours each to write, depending on the subject matter, so that’s at least another 12-18 hours per month). And that doesn’t include the time spent writing on this blog. I’m not at the point where I want to cut anything out, but I’d definitely like to have more free time to do other things.
More work stuff: I’ve been approached about taking on more responsibilities at my regular day job (which basically means adding HR-related duties to the Executive Assistant stuff). The good part is that I’d learn something new, which I could add to my resume, but I’m torn on this for a few reasons.
1) Am I just the cheaper alternative to avoid hiring someone specifically to do HR?
2) If I say that I’ll do it, and then I hate it, will it be so easy for me to stop doing it?
3) I’ve been trying to put some thought into what I might want to do in the future. If I decide that I want to pursue something else, it would be easier to do so if I’m not trying to learn all this new HR stuff (which I currently don’t know very much about).
Thoughts?
16 Comments
At my old job, it was so typical to be asked to “take on more responsibility” even if it was completely unrelated to the current role or applicable in the future, so I am automatically wary of what you describe. But then, maybe your organization won’t simply roll it into your job as it is, and it will pay off with your future there. I think it’s good to bring up your concerns to your supervisor. Could you try it for a month or two and see how it goes?
Regarding the trip… sounds like a good time and reason to decompress a bit. I won’t mention the possibility of indulging in the sins of Vegas (if that is your thing).
On Fitness: you gonna hit that goal of 10 push-ups?
I say GO TO VEGAS!
I think you should debate on whether you really see yourself going far in the company, if so – take on more responsibility, if you think you might go then maybe take some new things on but not all of them.
I think it’s alright to say “no thanks” it’s just how you go about saying it.
OMG – you work A LOT! I say, ask if you can try the new responsibilities for awhile to see if you like them – don’t know if they will let you do it on a “trial” basis or not.
As for the weight gain, don’t be so hard on yourself. We all slip from time to time. Just get back on and you will be fine. Oh, and definitely go to Vegas – you deserve it!
ok, as your dad. (1) you might avoid going to vegas this time. sure it’s a great vacation, but, it can also be just another distraction to all the other item’s you have listed. nothing wrong with seeing “good friend’s”. i wonder if they would be willing to travel 3 thousand mi. when and if you go to the netherlands? (2) just a thought! when i use to run 10mi. daily i could eat anything i wanted..alot consisted of several million carb’s a day in the form of cereal. lots of cereal! love it. with this i also averaged 2-3 gallons of milk a week. after the running was replaced for other things the weight started coming back. i went cold turkey on the milk i did not lost a ounce. then i did away with the cereal and started eating balanced meals…salad, chicken, vegie’s, and a even a steak once a week and a variety of other foods… i dropped 15 pounds with 0 effort. i have gotten back to the track for a three miler…run..walk..at least 3 times a week. replace those those snack carb’s at night with something else. (3) I you have to ask yourself..Yes! (4) you probably will be, but approach it with “you” in mind. (a) could very well be. (b) Probably not! (c) this should be put under cat. (3).
“smiley face” i loveu.
Oh my word, you work too much. Well, I can’t say that because if you don’t feel like you are, then you aren’t. I hope you take the trip. I would probably add the HR duties if you aren’t feeling overwhelmed at work because it really will add to the resume. But if you are seriously looking for other opportunities this could make you feel like you have to stay longer. Hm.
On the fitness issue, just keep in mind that when you’re stressed it’s easy to blame those couple of pounds and think you’ll be happier without them…when really you’ll be just as unhappy at a lower weight. Why not tackle the issue of being uncomfortable with your fitness by focusing on what your body can DO (work out to gain strength and feel better) as opposed to what the scale says?
MY suggestion to you is to go out and have more fun. You DO work too much. You need to go out for a run, and think it thru. My best ideas come to me while running.
As an HR person, I’ll say to just be mindful of that on the job. Growth opportunities are great on the job but elevating your job beyond a certain threshold should definitely be accompanied by an increase. I’ve been in a similar position before where I was doing waaaaay much more than I was being paid for. Companies are cutting back so much and getting creative, which often times comes at the sacrifice of the employee. However… the upside is if you’re more interested in moving in that direction. One of the HR directors I worked with in Miami had an art undergrad degree and started as an executive assistant… so could work in your favor. You’re a smart one though, so I know you won’t let them take advantage of you!
you should definitely go to vegas and then follow her back to the netherlands! I’ve heard its quite fun.
Ask for more money to go along with the new responsibilities. It is always good to learn new skills, but there is no reason they shouldn’t pay you for them.
but what if the thing you end up wanting to pursue is HR? you’d be good at it, from what you’ve said about what you are looking for in a job i think you might enjoy it, and it’s a great career with lots of opportunity (and very portable, you could do it anywhere in the world!). if you don’t know what you want to be when you grow up, this is a no-risk way to try something out. if you do like it, this is a great opportunity to get in the door. if you don’t like it there isn’t really any harm done. even if you can’t give back the responsibilities, it’s not like the job you have now is your dream job — you are planning on leaving it to go abroad in the not too distant future anyway.
but i agree with melissa, ask for more money for the new responsibilities.
Yes! I think you work too much.
Re: taking on more responsibility, I would do it only for a raise.
1. GOGOGOGO
2. can I help?
3. a RESOUNDING YES.
I really like HR, so I’m actually happy when they pull me into that, rather than marketing stuff, which I hate. Personally, I think any opportunity to learn new skills is a good thing. Then, when you hit your next year mark, use it to ask for a bigger raise precisely because they *are* saving money by having you do it.