anniebeth24
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,033 
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Post by anniebeth24 on Jun 5, 2017 12:40:17 GMT
For the most part, I've been a SAHM for over 20 years. I have a very part-time, work-from-home gig for a non-profit, but it's not going to be enough income or fulfillment once DS goes off to college in the fall.
A board member for the non-profit has offered me a position in his company, strictly based upon what he's seen me do for the non-profit. He's planning to let someone go and thinks I'm the perfect fit to replace her. Says he needs someone who is organized and yet flexible, willing to learn new software, able to handle stress. The hours and benefits sound great.
However, I don't have a clear picture of what I'll be doing. At all. It's an engineering firm and I have zero experience in that field and I'm intimidated by what I don't know. I feel insecure about working in an office after all these years, so I know that's playing into my doubts.
This is definitely a gift - a job being offered without my even searching! but how do I know I'll like it or be good at it?
What kinds of questions can I ask that will help me know if I should move forward?
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Post by myboysnme on Jun 5, 2017 12:57:03 GMT
I can't answer what questions you should ask if you know the location, salary, benefits and hours, and those are generally in a job announcement and don't get mentioned in interviews too often.
It does concern me that he can fire someone to make a place for you, unless he is already firing the person and wants to have someone ready to step in. It always bothers me when I hear someone is out the door, because I wonder why they didn't work out.
I would take the job if I was you. If you don't like it you can leave or negotiate for something else possibly. You really don't need experience in a particular field if what you need to bring to the job is computer skills, organizational skills, etc. Just take it and see what comes.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 19:49:22 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jun 5, 2017 13:05:44 GMT
You don't need to know the technical aspects of the business to be able to work in the office. You'll pick up bits and pieces eventually, but it sounds like he just wants someone he can count on to update reports, file and other things that office personnel do. I've worked as a secretary for a construction company. I can barely hold a hammer correctly. But I didn't need to. I just needed to type up estimates, etc. And be able to file things so that my boss can locate whatever he needed. If you are organized and can handle learning new computer programs, sounds like it would be great fit! Good luck!
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Post by freecharlie on Jun 5, 2017 13:13:08 GMT
I don't think you ever know before you try. Positions I thought I would hate turned out to be the biggest blessings.
I say put the doubts on hold, take the job and see what happens. You can always resign if needed.
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Post by mrssmith on Jun 5, 2017 13:27:17 GMT
Ask for a job description and a sample project that the person is working on. That will give you a better sense of what's entailed.
If it seems OK, try it out! You're not an indentured servant and if it's not the right fit, you don't have to stay. Don't doubt your skills. This guy seems to think you have the right ones.
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Post by mikklynn on Jun 5, 2017 13:29:21 GMT
Go for it. I think you are letting fear of the unknown hold you back. What is the worst that can happen? You don't like it or you aren't a good fit, so you explain that and resign.
Obviously the person who offered you the job thinks you are perfect, so I bet you are!
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Post by kristi521 on Jun 5, 2017 13:37:27 GMT
I don't think you ever 100% know that a job is right for you until you are in it and have been trained/have been doing it for some amount of time. It seems like a no lose situation. You don't seem to have to take a job, doing it to fill up your time. If you take it, give it a try and decide you don't like it, then you can put in your notice and go from there. Then there is always the chance that you will LOVE it.
My advice is to go for it.
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ddly
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,066
Jul 10, 2014 19:36:28 GMT
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Post by ddly on Jun 5, 2017 13:38:14 GMT
I would go for it! What good timing and an excellent opportunity!
Good luck!
Lisa D.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 19:49:22 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jun 5, 2017 13:54:08 GMT
For the most part, I've been a SAHM for over 20 years. I have a very part-time, work-from-home gig for a non-profit, but it's not going to be enough income or fulfillment once DS goes off to college in the fall. A board member for the non-profit has offered me a position in his company, strictly based upon what he's seen me do for the non-profit. He's planning to let someone go and thinks I'm the perfect fit to replace her. Says he needs someone who is organized and yet flexible, willing to learn new software, able to handle stress. The hours and benefits sound great. However, I don't have a clear picture of what I'll be doing. At all. It's an engineering firm and I have zero experience in that field and I'm intimidated by what I don't know. I feel insecure about working in an office after all these years, so I know that's playing into my doubts. This is definitely a gift - a job being offered without my even searching! but how do I know I'll like it or be good at it? What kinds of questions can I ask that will help me know if I should move forward? Ask what types of tasks you'll be asked to do. Just because it is an engineering firm doesn't mean you will be doing anything engineering related. More likely you'll be involved in things like tracking who is working where, correspondence, maybe some travel accounts and those sorts of office things. But that is what I would ask. I started in higher education in a similar way. I was asked to fill a position in a small seminary and I knew nothing about anything related to university workings or much about theology for that matter. My job was to answer the phone and re-direct the calls, sort mail, answer mail (which I learned how to answer it as I went along) and re-create a workable file system. But I was good at managing the office aspects. The position grew as I learned and it became a springboard later. |
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Post by ~summer~ on Jun 5, 2017 13:59:24 GMT
You won't know until you start the job and are six months in - but that's how it is for all jobs  . My advice is to take it - and unless it is a horrible fit give it 6-12 months to make any decisions - new jobs often take a while to get comfortable (and the first 3 months are usually the worst!) Congrats - sounds like a really great opportunity! |
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RedSquirrelUK
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,077
Location: The UK's beautiful West Country
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Post by RedSquirrelUK on Jun 5, 2017 14:04:33 GMT
Congratulations! I just got offered a new job after interviewing for 2 years in my current, unvalued, part-time job - and I'm feeling great!
Everything the others have said is great advice. I say ask the questions and then bite the bullet. If you don't like it, it's easier to move into another job whilst employed than unemployed. Good luck!
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River
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,627
Jun 26, 2014 15:26:04 GMT
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Post by River on Jun 5, 2017 14:15:32 GMT
Sometimes it is those around us that see our strengths much better than we can. Take the position and surprise yourself with the ability this person saw in you!
I had such a person in my young life that plucked me from working an assembly line and put me in the office. It turned out she was right, I had more potential than I knew. A year later she pushed me to apply for a drafting position, I didn't even know what "drafting" was, but I applied. I got the job based solely on her recommendation and it was the start of my very full filling career as an Engineer. I changed focus at college, got my drafting degree at the same time being trained at work. Then went on to Mechanical Engineering and NEVER would have dreamed this career was for me. But it fits like a perfect glove!
I would likely still be on that assembly line if it were not for those around me that saw my potential and urged me on. I sport a bad habit of self doubt and fear of the unknown. It took those around me to push and I'm so thankful they did!
Congratulations and good luck!
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anniebeth24
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,033
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Post by anniebeth24 on Jun 5, 2017 14:50:22 GMT
Thanks, everyone! I so appreciate the encouragement.
I know in my head that I'm a capable person, but my confidence really needs this kind of boost. I've never been one to jump into the unknown.
The position is for a "project coordinator" - using project management software and assisting with proposals. All Greek to me at this point!
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janeinbama
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,257
Location: Alabama
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Post by janeinbama on Jun 5, 2017 15:17:38 GMT
Project Coordinators use organizational and people skills and it sounds like he has spotted the potential in you with his firm. They can teach you what you need to know about Engineering.
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Post by disneypal on Jun 5, 2017 17:00:19 GMT
I would ask the board member if there was someone I could speak to (the person you would be reporting to) about the position to see what all is expected of the job.
It sounds like a good opportunity - but like you, I would just want to know more of what their expectations are and what kind of tasks I would be doing.
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Post by jenjie on Jun 5, 2017 17:40:52 GMT
Sometimes it is those around us that see our strengths much better than we can. Take the position and surprise yourself with the ability this person saw in you! I had such a person in my young life that plucked me from working an assembly line and put me in the office. It turned out she was right, I had more potential than I knew. A year later she pushed me to apply for a drafting position, I didn't even know what "drafting" was, but I applied. I got the job based solely on her recommendation and it was the start of my very full filling career as an Engineer. I changed focus at college, got my drafting degree at the same time being trained at work. Then went on to Mechanical Engineering and NEVER would have dreamed this career was for me. But it fits like a perfect glove! I would likely still be on that assembly line if it were not for those around me that saw my potential and urged me on. I sport a bad habit of self doubt and fear of the unknown. It took those around me to push and I'm so thankful they did! Congratulations and good luck! River I love your story! Thanks for sharing. Annie Beth it sounds like he sees something in you that he wants for his business! The others have great suggestions. |
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Post by julieinsweden on Jun 5, 2017 18:05:12 GMT
It is easier to find a job when you have a job. The experience will look good on your cv even if you eventually decide this is not right for you. Got for it.
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Post by kristi521 on Jun 5, 2017 18:44:37 GMT
Thanks, everyone! I so appreciate the encouragement. I know in my head that I'm a capable person, but my confidence really needs this kind of boost. I've never been one to jump into the unknown. The position is for a "project coordinator" - using project management software and assisting with proposals. All Greek to me at this point! Based on you saying it is a project coordinator position, the job duties mentioned to you by your fellow board member are exactly in line with a position like that. It does take a lot of organization and staying on task to make sure tasks are being completed (either by you or making sure others are completing). This is something I am sure you are showing to the board member and that is why he is offering you the position. Bringing new employees is a lot of work and is expensive, so I am sure he has been watching you for a bit, he might have even tested you a time or two to see how you respond. |
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anniebeth24
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,033
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Post by anniebeth24 on Jun 5, 2017 19:59:23 GMT
Bringing new employees is a lot of work and is expensive, so I am sure he has been watching you for a bit, he might have even tested you a time or two to see how you respond. Hadn't thought about him testing me, but you may be right! |
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. My advice is to take it - and unless it is a horrible fit give it 6-12 months to make any decisions - new jobs often take a while to get comfortable (and the first 3 months are usually the worst!)
