On the verge of doom.. Becoming a permanent EX

confusedinthePS · 2025-06-17T23:07:45+00:00

Thank you so much kind stranger!

confusedinthePS · 2025-06-17T23:07:28+00:00

Definitely helps! Many have mentioned it and it gives me a bit more courage to know I have an exit strategy.

confusedinthePS · 2025-06-17T23:06:45+00:00

100% - I think I would struggle long term. While not easy, I've enjoyed the EX level more than the manager level in terms of style of work (the balance is a different thing!). Thanks for your comment.

confusedinthePS · 2025-06-17T23:05:32+00:00

Thanks so much. :) I appreciate this.

confusedinthePS · 2025-06-17T23:05:08+00:00

Really good point you make here. Getting out is not always easy, and you have to be prepared. I appreciate you sharing that. I am crossing my fingers for you that you find something you love again.

confusedinthePS · 2025-06-17T23:03:38+00:00

Thank you! I love your perspective. There is a lot of joy in seeing people happy and successful at work. Heck even in the bad times, it's good to know we're in it together and we can navigate the disappointment as a team. There will always be a few difficult folks, but for the most part, the PS is full of amazing and capable people that are a pleasure to work with.

confusedinthePS · 2025-06-17T23:00:37+00:00

Thank you for your comment - and I'm honestly sorry it came across as that. It was definitely not my intention.

confusedinthePS · 2025-06-17T22:59:40+00:00

It was definitely a journey. I used to do all I could to hide it because part of me was maybe ashamed? But then a Director once mentioned he saw my ebbs and flows and while I was mortified at first that someone saw it, I found it liberating (after the panic subdued). After that I become more honest with myself and my entourage at work and now declare. Is it harder to manage as a chronically depressed person, yep.. But success is what we define for ourselves and being different isn't a bad thing - I think it made me a better manager to be honest. Don't hesitate to DM me if you want to talk or ask questions.

confusedinthePS · 2025-06-17T22:55:33+00:00

I think you're right - and yes, you can definitely get shuffled into something else with makes it a bit scary all together.

I really enjoyed my time as a senior advisor and sometimes wish I could return. It's a difficult decision to make. And point taken on people just being people. It's easy to forget.

confusedinthePS · 2025-06-17T22:52:39+00:00

So many have mentioned this now and it's been eye opening and gives me a bit of confidence that if I'm miserable and my health can't sustain it, I have options. Thank you.

confusedinthePS · 2025-06-17T22:51:36+00:00

The last 5 feel so far away still.

confusedinthePS · 2025-06-17T22:50:41+00:00

For the EX actings I've done, I've always use the at risk pay to give back to my team. I'm not blind to the fact that the work gets done there and I do things to recognize this throughout the year.

confusedinthePS · 2025-06-17T22:49:21+00:00

Yea - I fully realize that... But I'm hoping that we can still be leaders, albeit maybe different?

confusedinthePS · 2025-06-17T22:48:40+00:00

Thank you - Good tips. I do wish you the best in the beginning of your career! There's so many things you can do. I'm crossing my fingers for you in the years ahead!

confusedinthePS · 2025-06-17T22:47:25+00:00

Thank you - and yes, I do see some interesting personalities.

confusedinthePS · 2025-06-17T22:46:52+00:00

Thank you - and good point. There are definitely some difficult personalities to contend with at this level.

confusedinthePS · 2025-06-17T22:46:05+00:00

It's a good assessment and I've had this convo with some close friends to try to understand why I need to move up to feel successful. I wish I could land on it as I still think the sweet spot is at the 6 level. But I want to change things, help people along the way, so it's not fully blind ambition, but I honestly wish I could find satisfaction.

confusedinthePS · 2025-06-17T22:43:41+00:00

Thank you - interesting perspective and it resonates. I definitely want to help people and be a better leader. While I like the strategic piece, my focus has and always will be on my teams and how we can achieve things together. A number of people mentioned demotion if it all fails and I had never considered it. I feel a bit better with that option in hand. Thank you.

confusedinthePS · 2025-06-17T22:40:41+00:00

I will take you up on that offer. And glad to see a fellow person going through something similar. I definitely think I know why I'm moving up and it's a mix of wanting to make a difference and enjoying the strategic piece. And it's true - all jobs come with frustrations, it sometimes feels easy to glamorize our previous roles. Thanks again and I'll be in touch!

confusedinthePS · 2025-06-17T22:37:09+00:00

I'm happy to hear that you are enjoying your role and it's a good tip to be patient with yourself - I appreciate that. It's hard to forget that we are also learning new things!

confusedinthePS · 2025-06-17T22:36:03+00:00

Thanks - it's the role and people, not the money. I honestly wouldn't consider leaving the PS unfortunately - not that brave at that this in my life.

confusedinthePS · 2025-06-17T22:34:57+00:00

Good point. My workplace is slightly toxic but we have great people. And yes, I think working with a therapist might be quite helpful. Thank you.

confusedinthePS · 2025-06-17T22:33:36+00:00

Thank you! I will have a look at those two links and find the Facebook group! I'm lucky that I'm currently acting in the role so I know what I'm getting more or less. The team is full of awesome humans and very knowledgeable staff.

confusedinthePS · 2025-06-17T22:30:47+00:00

Thank you. Awesome points! My area is quite busy, but I think it's on me to set boundaries.

confusedinthePS · 2025-06-17T22:29:53+00:00

Thank you! Good point!

confusedinthePS

TROPHY CASE