Remember this post about not being tempted to leave my current job?

At the risk of sounding fickle, I have a new tale to tell.

I went to lunch with a girlfriend of mine who is unhappy in her job. I have a huge network of job resources and hear things through the work grapevine so wanted to see if I could help her out. I asked her to tell me what she really likes doing and what she's good at. I have a fairly good idea anyway, because I've worked with her in the past.

Then suddenly, DING!, the lightbulb came on. Another good friend of mine recently lost two employees in her department. One of those jobs would be perfect for her. I collected her resume and sent it to my friend. I got the job requisition number and sent it to my job-seeking friend so she could see the details of the job (job level, expectations, etc.) My friend emailed me and said that she was worried because this job was two levels higher than her current job and our company has a strict policy of not allowing employees to bump up more than one level.

Here's the deal. I didn't know this job was at that level. I pitched in and helped that department out a few months ago because, frankly, I was lacking in things to do. I don't like twiddling my thumbs so if my manager doesn't have enough work for me, I go find it for myself. I had a BLAST doing that work. I worked until 11 and 12 at night because I'd not noticed how much time had passed. In other words, that job is fun. It also is a huge outlet for my creative side. I also fully believe that if I wanted it, I'd have the job in the bag. The end users of my work loved it and raved about it because my work was different from anything they'd ever seen.

Now, remember the part about me not being tempted to switch jobs when the last job was mentioned? I was really feeling like I'd gotten a handle on the "snake" situation at that time, and things had really settled down. Right after I declined that job opportunity, the snake was back at full force. He's annoying the living daylights out of me, to the point where I feel that I over-reacted to a situation last week. I was angry with myself and frustrated that I'd allow him to get the best of me.

When I mentioned the latest incident to my manager, adding that the snake was lying about his involvement and being extremely defensive, my manager said, "well, you've probably made him hypersensitive".

Hmmmm. That answer wasn't very satisfactory, nor did it feel particularly supportive. Really, I like my manager very much. He just doesn't get why this is an issue because he's an administrative (in name only) manager. He's never been in my field of work.

My answer back was, "apparently I haven't made him hypersensitive enough because it's not stopping him." The topic was then changed.

So, when the snake episodes started back up at full force, I started really regretting my decision of not looking into possible opportunities. I tried and tried to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Instead, I saw a train heading my way. It's amazing how one person can affect me like this. But he does. I feel defeated.

Seems like a simple choice I have in front of me, doesn't it? I know I'd still get to telecommute, and I'd get that in writing because although I trust my friend, I do not trust the reporting chain. I'd also keep my great salary (no raises because it's the same level that I'm at now.. another company policy). The bottom line is that I still wouldn't feel as if I'm running with my tail between my legs. I've made it a point to never run FROM a job. I've always run TO a job.

Well, as I wrote that, I wonder if it's not a little of both.

I'll be making a pro and con list over the weekend and will decide by Monday whether I want to pursue this or not. Part of that decision is to make sure that this would not affect my friend getting a job. I'm not like that. There are two jobs available right now. If it ended up that there was just one, I'd back out.

The thing that I'm wondering about is, is this a test? Why was I not tempted with the other job and I'm highly tempted by this one? The other job would have been more money, a promotion and all the other perks I currently enjoy. The thing is? I am sill not even REMOTELY interested in pursuing that other job. Huh?.

Geez, I have a lot to think about. Maybe I should buy an 8 ball.