A Job is Never Safe
I found out today my Section Chief took a new job. He was gone when we got back to work today after the long holiday weekend. No warning. This was not his choice but he was called to fill a vacancy and is the Acting Director of another Division in the State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources as of today.
Many of you know I have a great job with great bosses and co-workers, great benefits etc. I have a flexible schedule (which could now change with a regime shift).
This is a reminder that in a regular job where you are an employee, everything can change in an instant. This was first impressed upon me when I got layoff notices from the State when we did not have a budget (much like the situation with the Federal Government now). I was not actually laid off as a budget was passed at the last minute but I got the proverbial notice saying I could be laid off. So even with a relatively secure government job with union representation, nothing is guaranteed.
The company can always shut down, even if that company is a national or state government.
In my case, the job is still there but the managers could change which totally changes the workplace, the job and the quality of life.
Hopefully my immediate supervisor will stay in place. His boss is the acting Section Chief now so if they all move up, I could get a new supervisor.
This reminds me that I want to be my own boss. I need to have the option to be my own boss. I do not want my fate completely out of my own control. That is why I am here building my online business and also getting into real estate. We have a 4-plex and manage a 6-plex as well. It is just a shame it take 4 jobs for one couple to keep their head above water here.
I will be fine for now, but nothing is permanent. We have to be ready for change!
Onward and upward,
Jessica
Recent Comments
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I am about to face the same thing Jessica, but at least I have forewarning. My boss of 16 years is retiring in April :( I’ve known since last February, the day I joined WA.
I had hoped to be financially secure by the day he left so that I had options but it is not to be.
I have a sneaking suspicion one of the other General Managers has his eye on my section and unfortunately I can not work under him. We have irreconcilable differences :) he’s a drop kick and I don’t like to be micro managed lol.
Anyway what will be will be and in the mean time we work to secure our futures and our destinies.
I hope your new boss is an absolute gem and your working conditions continue to be great.
Hopefully my immediate supervisor won't change. We will get a new boss at some level though and I hope they are nice whoever they are! It is SO nerve wracking.
I am so sorry for your situation Heidi. That sucks. I hope you will get through it somehow.
Unfortunately in this country there are many who don't bother to try very hard. Government help is the first stop not the last stop.
Been there done that Jessica. It is best to roll with the punches thrown at us in life.
Just remember that when one door closes another one opens. You are an asset to DNR I can tell. You have built a back-up plan that will make it so you do not have to depend on somebody else’s whim or demand
Barry
Thanks Barry! I appreciate your faith in me! I should be fine as I get along with with the remaining two bosses.
Just last week we found out our Director left to take the Deputy Commissioner job as well. The Deputy Director took the Director job etc. I have been there at DNR (in two different units and 5 different jobs) for 10 years now so all of these bosses know me. The real frustration is that I could take a manager job there myself if my health would just cooperate.
I felt this on my skin 2 weeks ago when my manager dropped my hours from 33 to 21 per week. That was because the cafe is very quiet and the company spent too much on another project which didn't profited as expected.
I am not going to search for another job just because of this 10 hours, but that is only because I have an internet business that covers everything.
If I didn't have this alternative income, I would be desperate now, living paycheck after paycheck and trying to find a second job. Double the time would be wasted on the commute and more headaches.
So, yeah, having an internet business or another side hustle can save you from the ups and downs of your regular job.
I know the feeling. I have a new boss and I know there will be plans made on my behalf which will impact my current flexibility and quality of life. I must have flexibility because of my kids.
Everything is a juggle already. Sigh.
Yes. My co-worker was in tears over it today. It is hard when we need flexibility and lose those great bosses who understand.
I hope your new boss is good!
Hi Jessica, your story resonates, I love your last sentence "we have to be ready for change!" One thing that I have learnt is not to wait for other people to decide when that change is going to come! success here in WA.
Yes! Between property rentals and websites, we hope to "retire" early. It is still a ways away but in a few more years at least one of use should be able to.
So true Swangirl. I was a director of 2 companies but a simple country move left me unemployed for 3 years.Life hits you from different angles...
Wow, yes. It can happen to any of us at any time I guess! Thanks for that example. I hope you recovered.
Absolutely, Jessica! Change will be awesome when the time comes. But, until then, I know things will work out for you. Your co-workers are Blessed to have you working there! I wish you all the best, my dear! So proud of you!
Erin :)!
So true Jessica!
I was made redundant just before Christmas.
This is why I am looking into online work and needs to be my own business, so that I will never feel threatened again....hopefully!
Wish you success :0
kris
Thanks Kris! I wish you success too! I need the flexible schedule with my health issues so it is a big deal to me if that is taken away.
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Hi Jessica I have been living the new boss nightmare for 18 months, hope it all works out for you!
Jenny
I hope it works out Jenny. For both of us.