I was planning to take Friday slow, working from home, spending more time finishing the book. Then I checked email before going to the pool for my cross training. I got an email from my boss asking me to apply for a job, a promotion.
Context: Within my organization, we change locations every 3-4 years or earlier if it’s a promotion. Last year at the same time, 2 months after we relocated to Jakarta, I wanted to apply for a dream job and was blocked by my manager. I was furious, disappointed, mad. One year later, he’s asking me to apply. Usually when the hiring manager invites someone to apply, the chance of getting the job is pretty high.
I entered into “panic”. I was not mentally prepared to start the relocation again, although we kind of knew we wouldn’t stay here for 5 years like we did in Manila.
The city is very nice to live, not too far from China (10 hrs direct flight). But the job itself, from my current perspective, is not fascinating that I will jump into it. AND the biggest issue is financial implication, which is huge, as we may not getting housing support.
Yet, it’s a promotion and I’m flattered to be invited to apply.
I talked to husband, same page as me so I decided to seek other people’s advice.
I asked 3 people, talked to 2, and will talk to my mentor tomorrow. What’s the criteria in selecting who to ask for advice? I got this pretty clear, someone who cares about me (as friend, not as employee), someone who knows the organization, and someone who knows me well (my strength, weakness, family situation, and preference).
By 7pm, I have an idea of decision path.
I know this may sound a lot for some of you who have stable jobs for years and decades. Changing jobs even within the organization could be stressful. Unfortunately we have to go through it every few years. But the more times I do, the less stressful becomes, and more exciting it becomes as it opens opportunities to learn new things, explore new places, and get to know people from other parts of the globe.
Stay tuned…. I should have a decision of whether to apply or not by Monday.
Oh… it got me a sense of urgency to visit places within Indonesia sooner than later, and I may move as soon as July 2024.
Our New Journey 
As someone who has stayed in the same job forever, it does sound stressful to switch jobs all the time. Why is that required in your job?
I think it’s wise to think it over and get input from different people. I am very curious to hear your decision!
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Coco, somehow I’m just realizing that you’re doing NaBloPoMo? I missed your first few posts.
This all sounds very exciting. Your life is so different from mine- I’ve lived in the same place (the same house, even) for 20 years. Now I’m thinking I would like to move, but my husband’s work keeps us here.
I can’t wait to hear how this plays out for you!
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Wow! The thought of moving overwhelms me and I’m in awe of how smooth you seem to make each transition.
All the best with your decision!!
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Even if you don’t pursue this, it’s nice to be thought of for a promotional opportunity. My career is so different from yours. Our promotions are generally within the role and just mean a different job title and more pay/higher bonus target. But I like that I can be promoted without having to manage people… or more than the 1 person I am managing. My job has changed quite a bit in the 8 years I’ve been with my company not the change is not as drastic as what you go through with moves and such!!
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If you change positions fairly often withing your company, and have to move, what does it do to your career if you decide to not apply for the position? Will another come along soon? I hope all goes well for you in your decision making, definitely a good idea to talk to your mentor about it.
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Yikes, that does sound stressful! I would definitely not want to move constantly, but, I can certainly see that that would be a very interesting life! And it’s very flattering to be considered for a promotion like that.
I guess I’d want to make sure I actually want the job, because no matter how nice the “promotion”, if you hate the job…well, that could be a real bummer.
What about the girls? It seems they are used to all the moving around, but do you have any desire to be able to settle down in one place say, so she can be in the same school/teams/activities during Sofia’s middle and high school years? Or do you anticipate you’ll keep moving frequently continuously? Would the promotion job be something that you’d likely be able to stay put in for a longer stretch of time? Either way, people adapt and I suppose if they don’t know any other life besides frequent moving, they will probably not think negatively of it, anyway. Good luck with your decision! Looking forward to seeing what you decide. 🙂
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