Should I quit my overwhelming and financially limited job?

Hi Aunty B,

I need your help! I started a new job three months ago as the head of marketing.

Previously I was doing similar things but under a marketing manager.

We are very under resourced and financially limited as well. I find the position challenging (and fun) but sometimes I just feel like “What am I doing here!” as I don’t have any resources (except myself!) and I find it overwhelming.

The job is not exactly what I expected but still it’s along the same lines. I don’t want to give up in three months, especially because there are quite a few new long-term initiatives I’ve started. Please tell me if I should stay or leave? I am really confused.

Thanks,

Help!

Dear Help,

The positives? The job is fun and along the lines you expected. You have also taken that next step and are a manager, so congratulations. (It always astonishes me how many people don’t want to take the next step in their careers! I mean, why wouldn’t you?)

And because you already have some long-term initiatives in place, you clearly understand the vision and strategy. (Do you know how many employees don’t understand their company’s strategy and go around doing whatever they like?)

The negative? You are overwhelmed. That’s great! That means you are outside your comfort zone, learning new things, problem-solving and being innovative.

Your company is financially strapped. Whose isn’t? You have no resources? Sounds familiar.

Here is what you do. Make a plan. You are going to build an empire! Well, a small empire…

The plan covers the next six months. You outline what you are going to do and how it can be measured. And then you are going to argue that you need one person ­– a junior to train up to come on in February. You will then show them a plan of what you can achieve with that extra person. If they argue against this, insist they come on in June so you can train them over July and hit the ground running next financial year.

That extra resource, I think, will make a big difference to you.

Just a tip: Boards always question marketing costs because traditionally they have been hard to measure. Of course online has changed all that and it is very easy to measure ROI unless, of course, you still market in print publications.

So make sure you clearly outline in your plan how you will measure results and how you will communicate these results to your CEO.

Be smart,

Your Aunty B

To read more Aunty B advice, click here.

Email your questions, problems and issues to auntyb@smartcompany.com.au right now!