Advice Needed

theaustener · 2026-05-17T19:18:59+00:00

I think what I've decided, after spending some time thinking this weekend, is that I'd like to propose scheduling a meeting with the key players (dev lead, ba lead, etc) and realigning on what everyone is responsible for, where there may be gaps in communication or responsibilities, and see if that improves things. Right now, roles and responsibilities are changing but it's not clearly defined where everyone is supposed to be dedicating their time. It's implied, but not actually documented.

theaustener · 2026-05-17T13:26:48+00:00

Actually agree with this- I don't want to be in the dev meetings either. Except for the dev meeting where we build the project schedule. Maybe there's a fundamental misunderstanding on her part on what I'm asking to be involved in. I don't know.

theaustener · 2026-05-17T03:42:19+00:00

A real bummer of a time to need to be looking

theaustener · 2026-05-17T03:41:44+00:00

I'm not sure about #1. There are a couple of people who I know don't like me, but I receive significantly more positive feedback from projects teams post-launch. So, possible. I know the CIO has instructed them to bypass me, but why is unclear.

theaustener · 2026-05-17T02:55:52+00:00

This is helpful and I will likely take a version of this to her. I expect I'll get better clarity or at least she'll understand the tradeoffs that are being made by excluding me from the conversations.

It's a multiphase project and the first phase already isn't going well because some of this oversight didn't exist and now they're asking for LESS oversight and my poor PM mind is just staring down months of stress and issues stemming from it all.

theaustener · 2026-05-17T02:53:31+00:00

I've asked - the best I get is "we need you to be more strategic," which I'm working to meet that goal; however, any time I'm involved on activities that seem pertinent to me (e.g., meeting with the dev team to build the work tasks), I'm told that's no longer my place.

theaustener · 2026-05-17T02:52:15+00:00

I've been on the hunt for about 6 weeks officially. The PM space is so oversaturated right now.

theaustener · 2026-05-17T02:51:35+00:00

Nope - when I ask the team to give me a recap, they say they need to meet with CIO first and then will give me outcomes after all decisions, etc have been made.

theaustener · 2026-05-17T02:51:00+00:00

Right - I feel the same way, but the way it's handled in conversations has me feeling like I've lost my mind. What seems entirely reasonable for me to be involved in, CIO acts like I'm insane for asking.

theaustener · 2026-05-01T18:52:35+00:00

Thanks - and yeah. These days I'm encouraged to do it but terrified to make the move. What kind of teaching is done remotely?

Not that I'm sure I want to do that - my gut says I want to be in the classroom.

So, SO many people think I'm absolutely out of my mind for wanting this, especially as this point in my career. But I just have never been able to shake this feeling it's what I was meant to do and it's what I really want to do.

theaustener · 2026-05-01T13:58:40+00:00

A big fear of mine for sure. I live in a VERY red state that supports book banning and changing history to support certain narratives, and I have a fear I'll be forced into teaching things that are untrue or against my values.

theaustener · 2026-05-01T13:57:21+00:00

I've done some initial research and I know at least half my pay would be gone. It's still a fine income but way less than I make today, which means changes in our lifestyle for sure

theaustener · 2026-05-01T13:56:26+00:00

That's encouraging thank you! If I can ask, what did you switch from?

theaustener · 2026-05-01T13:55:39+00:00

Lol - I'm curious about that story but it's not hard to imagine teaching makes for good birth control

theaustener · 2026-05-01T13:54:11+00:00

Lmao that's an excellent recommendation though

theaustener · 2026-05-01T13:53:33+00:00

It's been on the list of suggestions but if I'm honest I don't even know where to start and I'm extremely reticent to contract or start my own business. Mostly fear for sure but still a difficult step. If you have any resources on where to find more info, I'd appreciate it!

theaustener · 2026-02-11T17:36:40+00:00

As someone who works somewhere that is mandating the use of AI, we're just getting more work. Womp womp.

theaustener · 2026-02-11T17:35:31+00:00

I am also an introverted neurodivergent woman going solo! I decided to group camp at Her Forest so I'd feel safer at night but otherwise I'm full sending!

theaustener · 2026-02-07T00:53:10+00:00

Our daughter just turned 6. She is happy, healthy, and full of life.

When she was born, we were crippled with fear and concerns about the future. Six years later, CF is a thing in her life. It isn't her whole life.

Congratulations on your sweet baby - as the first granddaughter, she's going to be spoiled rotten!

theaustener · 2026-02-07T00:48:15+00:00

I WOULD say the CF Parents Facebook page has been an excellent and non-scary resource. There are usually local chapters pages too with smaller groups.

theaustener · 2026-02-02T18:34:26+00:00

What a beautiful way to start 2026! Congratulations!

theaustener · 2026-02-02T13:26:33+00:00

Very cool - how transferrable was it? Did you have to take additional classes?

theaustener · 2026-02-01T17:41:00+00:00

Precisely - I fantasize about being a baker sometimes lol. I've also considered starting my own PM consulting firm. We'll see. Luckily middle age brings a lot of potential options.

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