Do I stay at M&S, or go to GWR?

If GWR is something that interests you, then I would go for it. You have been at M and S for quite a while, and it is only natural that you would want to do other things. Whilst it is a comfortable job for you and you enjoy it, you want to be able to find something that excites you, challenges you.

Your colleagues would understand too. If transport is one of the areas that you wanted to work in, it would make sense to accept the job offer.

Thank you. I do really like my current job. It's just transport was always something I wanted to go into. I'm just worried now, because I do enjoy it at M&S, I won't enjoy it at the job I've been offered, and will want to just go back to my old job.

The thing is, you haven't started the GWR job yet. How do you know you won't enjoy it? Give it a chance!

If things don't turn out how you hoped, you have gained a lot of experience at M&S to get a good retail job at M&S or other shops.

That's true. I think I'm just panicking because I've always enjoyed it (other than if it's been short staffed) and I guess as it's my first ever job too, I've grown comfortable with it.

Thank you for all your help (it would't let me give you a second positive rep sorry).

You've been at M&S for at least a year, and in that time you've spent a month as a section co-ordinator? And you've been told that within a year you could be a section manager?

To me that doesnt really sound like very fast progress. It actually sounds quite slow. In that kind of job, a lot of people are only there because thats all they can do or because it suits them and their needs. If youre there with the intention of moving up, you should be able to do so much quicker if youre ambitious. I think youre reading a bit too much in to managers telling you youre doing a good job. Thats what they do.

Its easy to develop a reputation/image of yourself. How do you think your managers see you? As someone who is reliable and willing to work hard and will just keep doing what youre doing? Or someone who they actually plan to advance within the company? If you think they are serious about progressing you, other than tell you that within a year you 'might be a manager' what have they done? Have they sent you on any extra training courses? Have they suggested you spend time in different departments to increase your experience? Go to other stores where vacancies might be available?

Personally I'd be taking the new job and approach it with the attitude of wanting to get promoted as soon as possible. Its up to you to define how people see you. Go in, show ambition and show you want to progress and be seen as that. Rather than someone who is just plodding along without showing ambition.

That is quick for them. It’s just there aren’t lots of vacancies for managers etc, so they can’t progress people quick. You can’t be doing a supervisor position for a month then suddenly jump to being a manager. It’s totally different.

When you think about a company that finds it hard to progress people, and for over 1 year recognise they have a decent employee but make no effort to find them a way to progress within the company does that make you think theres a long term successful future on offer?

The point is, if they value you as a supervisor, they find a way to keep you as a supervisor. My experience is companies find it easy to recruit in general, but difficult to recruit strong employees who are willing to put the effort in. Good companies should recognise employees who they think can be future leaders within their business and make efforts to keep hold of them.

When you think about a company that finds it hard to progress people, and for over 1 year recognise they have a decent employee but make no effort to find them a way to progress within the company does that make you think theres a long term successful future on offer?

No problem! It is a normal thing to do, but once you start something new, most often those worries seem like nothing. Good luck with everything!

You've been at M&S for at least a year, and in that time you've spent a month as a section co-ordinator? And you've been told that within a year you could be a section manager?

To me that doesnt really sound like very fast progress. It actually sounds quite slow. In that kind of job, a lot of people are only there because thats all they can do or because it suits them and their needs. If youre there with the intention of moving up, you should be able to do so much quicker if youre ambitious. I think youre reading a bit too much in to managers telling you youre doing a good job. Thats what they do.

Its easy to develop a reputation/image of yourself. How do you think your managers see you? As someone who is reliable and willing to work hard and will just keep doing what youre doing? Or someone who they actually plan to advance within the company? If you think they are serious about progressing you, other than tell you that within a year you 'might be a manager' what have they done? Have they sent you on any extra training courses? Have they suggested you spend time in different departments to increase your experience? Go to other stores where vacancies might be available?

Personally I'd be taking the new job and approach it with the attitude of wanting to get promoted as soon as possible. Its up to you to define how people see you. Go in, show ambition and show you want to progress and be seen as that. Rather than someone who is just plodding along without showing ambition.

I'm guessing you're on about £15k-£20k atm. Another £5k, similar chances to progress, better perks and less pressure is a no-brainer.



This.

Its decision day tomorrow.

I've given my notice in, but my Manager has given me 24 hours to think about it as she doesn't want me to leave.

She said I'm doing a brilliant job at it and everyone is pleased with my progress. She said she doesn't want to get in the way of me wanting to leave, but she said don't let something silly make me want to leave.

What do I do?

Its decision day tomorrow.

I've given my notice in, but my Manager has given me 24 hours to think about it as she doesn't want me to leave.

She said I'm doing a brilliant job at it and everyone is pleased with my progress. She said she doesn't want to get in the way of me wanting to leave, but she said don't let something silly make me want to leave.

What do I do?

The thing is, you haven't started the GWR job yet. How do you know you won't enjoy it? Give it a chance!

If things don't turn out how you hoped, you have gained a lot of experience at M&S to get a good retail job at M&S or other shops.

You've been at M&S for at least a year, and in that time you've spent a month as a section co-ordinator? And you've been told that within a year you could be a section manager?

To me that doesnt really sound like very fast progress. It actually sounds quite slow. In that kind of job, a lot of people are only there because thats all they can do or because it suits them and their needs. If youre there with the intention of moving up, you should be able to do so much quicker if youre ambitious. I think youre reading a bit too much in to managers telling you youre doing a good job. Thats what they do.

Its easy to develop a reputation/image of yourself. How do you think your managers see you? As someone who is reliable and willing to work hard and will just keep doing what youre doing? Or someone who they actually plan to advance within the company? If you think they are serious about progressing you, other than tell you that within a year you 'might be a manager' what have they done? Have they sent you on any extra training courses? Have they suggested you spend time in different departments to increase your experience? Go to other stores where vacancies might be available?

Personally I'd be taking the new job and approach it with the attitude of wanting to get promoted as soon as possible. Its up to you to define how people see you. Go in, show ambition and show you want to progress and be seen as that. Rather than someone who is just plodding along without showing ambition.

Personally from what you have said I would go with the GWR job, more money, less stress, similar or better progression chances etc, you are interested in trying transport.

If the manager valued her best staff that much she would try do something to keep you rather than go 'oh I think you're silly for leaving' especially when transport is something you're interested in. imo it is just her way of trying to plant doubt in your head.

Hey everyone!

Just thought I'd give an update on this. I went over to the new job, and it was one of the best decisions of my life. I wanted to quit at first because it was all new and new people, but I stuck with it. I love the job. I'm so glad I left M&S. M&S are a dreadful company to work for.

My old manager had me in the office for 2 hours saying she'd make me a section manager. She was crying her eyes out. She now tells me that I made the best decision.

Thank you all for your advice

That's good to hear! Sometimes change can be risky and scary, but it can work out for the better if you take that chance, and I am glad you are enjoying your new role. Best of luck with everything!