Is this it?

August

After my boss rejected my request to work part time, I updated my resume on the organisations resourcing system, and started to look around. I was excited to come across one job which is virtual, meaning the person is designated to work from home. But the job description is not that attractive, involving systems change management. Blergh. Besides, the person would have to travel frequently to affected countries. Another blergh. I check from time to time, but nothing.

October 8

My colleague, F said to me with a smile, “I’ll be going back to Sabah soon.”
“Really? You’ve found something?”
“Not really, but I’m working on it. Looks like you might take up my position sooner than expected.”
“Well, it’s not really firm.”
“I’m recommending you. You basically know everything, except that one item RM. During the meeting in Kuching also, boss also hinted as much.”
I smiled, but didn’t reply. Perhaps F noticed that I wasn’t as enthusiastic about the good news as I should be. “Why?” he asked.
“I don’t know - I’m quite certain that I want to do part time. If I take up your post, I’m quite certain I won’t be able to. I’ve already asked boss.”

October 12

A colleague, K, whom I regard as a mentor, called to catch up. She just got back from a 2-year unpaid leave and is now working in Indonesia, looking after supply planning for 8 countries.
“How many years have you been in your current job?” she asked, after we exchanged pleasantries and news about our families.
“Four,” I answered.
“That’s quite long. Aren’t you looking at the resourcing system?”
“Well, I think I’m designated to succeed F.”
“Ah... that’s good.”
“But… I’m not sure. I want to work part time and my boss said no. I wanted to ask around, but I don’t know how.”
“Hmm… Are you sure that’s the wisest thing to do? As you know, we are going through a major reorganisation – things are not stable. You might send the wrong message. Perhaps you can just sit through this one, and wait for awhile.”

October 14

I received the email about noontime. It was an automated notice listing available vacancies. Because of the reorganisation, the HR arranged for a big round of vacancy posting. Usually, an email would notify me of 3 or 4 vacancies, but this time, there’s 120! Is there something there for me?

I went to the website and started viewing selected vacancies. One stood out. Under the field ‘Flexible work option’ it stated there ‘Both full time as well as part time and/or job share possible’. It’s the only one stating that, out of the twenty or so positions that I viewed. The job itself is not too bad - I think it’s something I can manage (hopefully). I would be far more comfortable taking up F’s position of course, but I know that in order to get what I want, I need to get out of my comfort zone. Another setback is the job group. If I apply and somehow get this job, it will be a lateral move, something highly uncommon in this organisation. F’s job would be a promotion. Another thing, the listing clearly stated that preference is given to candidates with MBA, which I don't have. How much chance do I have? I noticed that 2 people have submitted their applications. Of course I can still try.

Is this it? Should I go for this? Should I tell my boss if I do? Am I prepared to jump outside my comfort zone and take the risk? What if I don't like this job?

Dub dab. Dub dab. Dub dab.
The deadline to apply is October 25.