Robo - this really sounds like a great opportunity. I've worked in gov. HR for 30+ years so maybe these thoughts will help. As for leaving the unionized position - it may seem like a much riskier position to be in in terms of reduction in force, but remember that employment laws would still apply to someone in management. Also, I would think that it would be likely that you would have RIF rights earned by your classified service in the unionized environment. Check with your own HR dept. as to your rights and responsibilities - there may be more to it than just "employee at will". The other "cons" you mention seem more like fun challenges that would present themselves in any employment change situation. Good luck Robo!

All I can think of is, all this, plus a newborn, a new person and responsibility who you will love beyond all reason. Are you planning to have a nanny or full-time help with your baby? I just can't imagine two new, major things happening at once.

The plan would be - job 10 weeks, mat leave 6 months, husband takes pat leave 6 months, then we would both be back at work at 12 mos. There is some potential that he could be a stay at home parent but we would have to make some major lifestyle changes to accommodate that, I'm not the best person with money unfortunately and government directors are well but not lavishly paid.

This is a fill in position for someone who may or may not be back so is not a sure thing in the long term.

Based on your OP I would already have said yes. What might give me pause is what you just mentioned about the "fill in position." Is that how it was explained to you?

Good luck whatever you decide!

Well my old job will be waiting for me until such time as the new job is finalized so in that way it's low risk! Edited to add -- in this government/union environment there is a whole set of rules about leaves, employment, acting positions, etc. So a lot of jobs get posted as term positions.

I am on my phone and only skimmed. I say go for it!!! Will respond in detail later. Congrats

Go for it, I think the pros outweigh the cons. Having some more seniority, being able to directly influence policy AND have no direct reports is a dream! It sounds great.

I am a risk taker so I say go for it especially since they think so highly of you. I also see some of the cons as pros.

I had to push DH into a position (at a different company) 2 months after DD was born, and I was a SAHM. He was scared to start over with a new baby, but I knew it was the right position for him, and he's still there. Full disclosure a dream told me to push him into it so I'm not sure how much of it is just me being amazing. ;)

If you plan on continuing to work, long term, then I think you should absolutely take the promotion. It is much easier managing motherhood and work when you have a better paying job, which in the private sector, usually means a more flexible job.

No travel...government is way too cheap for that! We can barely go to national conferences.

The deal is done and very quickly too, so as of tomorrow you are looking at the Acting Director of ... (I guess I should preserve some anonymity!)

Unfortunately I found out as Acting I'm only entitled to a 10% pay bump -- not insignificant but less than I would get if I got the full job. But that will help with my mat leave finances too!

This could help set me on an executive management career stream within government -- which equals a lot more politics but some interesting opportunities as well.

I would like to take the time to respond to everyone in detail but it's been a weird and hectic day as you can imagine :)

robo, I, too, say go for it. Don't believe you have to worry at all about the new position not being in the union.

Congratulations! Great decision. It looks like an ideal opportunity to try out new responsibilities and get executive level experience. I think it's a sign of confidence in you that you were sought out, and your director and executive director will give you any support you seek. I wouldn't worry at all about the union and job security, especially while you are acting.

So happy for you Robo, new job will be a perfect fit, I'm sure of it.

Congratulations! Hope you enjoy your new role.

Congratulations. Do you bump up to full salary when you are acting more than three months? The 10 percent thing seems odd.

Congratulations Robo!

Big congrats, Robo!

Yay! And congratulations! I support your decision entirely. Having worked as both a government program manager and then as a Director in the private sector, I know you will handle it well. Sure there was a slight learning curve in my case, going from Gov to private sector, and a few other things, but I had a similar situation where I really liked my V-P and the company president as well as our business development manager, so we really had a great team overall. I'm sure you will enjoy this new phase of employment and opportunity for career growth.

Congratulations!

Good decision. Congratulations.

Whoa. A lot happened between the beginning and end of this thread. My first thought was that I hope you know how much work a newborn is and how hard it is to leave him with some else, but if you've got the first year covered, you will be okay. I agree that more seniority means more flexibility as far as time especially if you you have no one reporting to you. You made the right choice! This will work out so well for you.

Congratulations!

Congratulations! Eh government jobs and their silly rules. It sounds great, and I agree this sounds like a better fit for you down the road.

Well, that DID move quickly .. congratulations!

Honestly, I can't imagine a better opportunity because you get to try it out before committing 100%. If it turns out you prefer the structure of your previous position or that it's just not what you expected, you can return comfortable to your position. No harm. No foul. I don't really see that happening, but I am looking at this from my own eyes and my own circumstances.

I never worked a union position but given that they sought YOU out, I think you aren't likely to need the kind of security a union position offers. Personally, I MUCH prefer director-level work.. and the freedom to self-direct, collaborate with other leaders, and craft new strategies. That's the work that gets me fired up and excited to go to work. I imagine the same for you... just think of the impact you can have when you spread your wings!

That said, the major con for me is the politics.. but it sounds like you have a good relationship with your exec director and you know the range of politics you'll need to deal with. (I am especially sensitive because as I type, I am fielding emails/texts regarding an annoying political issue at my current place of work. I am really not cut out to tolerate such childish and petty games --but this is over the top even for government)

Congratulations! It's a great opportunity and I am so happy that you accepted . ( Lucky you, you were about to get the whole "ships in harbors and that's not what ships are made for… "speech)

Congrats Robo. I am happy for you.

Well, today was my first day and it was very hectic. I'm taking over about eight projects in various stages. They are going to try to find someone else to cover while I'm on mat leave and this may be more temporary than I originally thought, although if they post the position for a longer time period I can certainly apply. Until then I will enjoy the growth opportunity and the view from my new office…

Is that a ship in the harbor that I see…? LOL. Love the view.

I would have taken the job simply for swapping the cube for that view, lol!! Big Congrats! You got this!

An upgrade for sure:)

Congratulations! I would truly take the job for the view and for more variety and flexibility. Like you, I'm a decent supervisor but I don't love it. The HR aspects of managing and motivating a team are not what energizes me but projects do. I really like what you've described about your new position.

I'm also impressed with how helpful the mat policies are there in Canada. How wonderful that you can accept this new position knowing that you or DH will be with Baby Robo for the first year! This is one of those sweet spots in life, for you. Savor and enjoy. You deserve it.

Ok I'm sitting down and putting my feet up during a busy weekend ("end of summer" cleaning of cottage, had the godchildren over) and thought I'd go back through all the amazing and thoughtful replies to this thread.

Skibby - thanks for your perspective as someone who works in HR! There is been a lot of tumultuous change in my department over the past few years, and I have seen a lot of people leave, but to be fair they left for comparable positions elsewhere (I would say they were "managed out"). I think that's an OK risk to take considering the boost to my earning potential.

Linelle I am a little worried how my priorities and energy level might change over the next 8 months!

Oaktown - it's funny you say about the fill in because in my head I was dramatizing things and going straight to "I will have this job forever!" instead of what I was clearly told which is that this is acting, the person might come back and if not they will of course have a job competition for the position for which I will choose whether or not to apply. It is however also a chance to show whether or not my skill set is a good fit for the position. The person who had the position before me had a lot of strengths that I don't in terms of immaculate record keeping and documentation. Things I can do but often choose to ignore. I think I have a better understanding of the types of research and data coming out of the department. There is no direct admin assistant but I share an exec admin with a few other people so they might be able to help me with filing.

Sochi thanks for the words of encouragement! I agree the ten percent thing is a bit of a ripoff. Not sure why that happens but I'm sure it has something to do with the union and non-union positions, for now I will stay in the union until I win a job competition.

Iowacommute thanks! I always thought I was a risk taker but turns out I am pretty conservative when it comes to career path...maybe ten years in the bureaucracy would do that to anyone!

Rita and mtnredux: I know it is true that having more money and flexibility will make it much easier as a working parent. I told my husband that depending on how expensive this child is (ok I know they're really expensive) I might even be able to get my housecleaner back!

Now in my old job they knew me very well and I had almost ultimate freedom and flexibility based on my long track record as a performer in that division. Jumping into a new job with a new boss is a little intimidating for that reason. But I have been doing a lot better lately with some of my weak spots (being scheduled, being more organized) as well as developing my strengths (strategic vision, coalition building).

Congratulations Robo!

Such exciting times! Have fun with it robo!!! Congratulations!

Congratulations, Robo! Hope you love it and that it becomes permanent! Your office view is amazing and I would spend all day just staring out the window! I know you won't, though, or only now and then-a great de-stresser!

Well since this came back up to the top I'll update that:

things are going well

sometimes I think I was a bit kookoo to take on a big job in the final weeks of pregnancy

my executive director said I am doing amazingly and a real lifesaver

I have made some big changes to some of the programs my predecessor was in charge of

my ED reminded me I could apply for the job when it came up despite being on mat leave

Robo - Thanks for the update. Nice to know that after the trepidation that you're doing well and that you're valued,.

Just wanted to come back and post another update! Things have been very busy.

Yesterday I had my first "challenging" meeting with very senior stakeholders and two head honchos stopped me in the hall this morning to say I handled it well, hope they weren't just throwing me a bone.

The job has been posted for two years as of this morning and my executive director encouraged me to apply.

Several of my fellow directors have expressed sentiments like "I can't believe you're going on mat leave soon, you will be missed."

Working on my application and trying to emphasize how leadershipy and seniory I can be.

Are you still working? You get yourself home and get your feet up!

(Says she who worked up to the day her first was born)

4-5 weeks left! My doctor has started talking about 39 weeks as an end date...so I'm on a deadline! So far still feeling good but slowing down a bit. Listening to legislature tv right now as we are "on call" to respond to requests for information. Getting a little feisty right now!

Not waddling yet but close...

OMG, you are just too cute. You are brave taking on motherhood and a more senior position at work at the same time.

You certainly don't look like you only have 4 or 5 weeks lieft. I think you look amazing.

You look great, and so happy, happy! Glad the new position is still working out well too.

You look great.. and so glad to hear you will apply for the position. You will do great on all your new adventures!

Great to hear the update - so happy for you - the baby, the job. All good!!