Why I Can Say Yes

My faith in my company is restored.

I had a meeting with my new boss (VP HR) and the HR Director from Ireland yesterday. When last we met, we tried to come to an agreement on what would work for me, my family and the company, a win-win-win scenario. We had a few disagreements during that conversation . . . part of the reason that the situation was a throbbing mass of stress.

During our meeting yesterday, they presented me with the new offer, which was exactly the way that I had hoped it would turn out. I gave a little and the company gave a little. All in all, I'm satisfied with the situation.

As it turns out now, I'll be signing a three month lease for an apartment when I get back over to Dublin, with an option for a monthly renewal. After three months, we'll have a better picture the plan to roll-out the software. I expect I'll be there for 4-5 months, then returning to the US to do a 3-6 month project before heading back to Dublin to test & roll out the software.

In addition, we've gotten two new team members added to our team, so we're no longer understaffed. There will be some long days, but my company has stepped up and made a commitment to me and to making the project a successful one.

Why I Can't Say No

I've gotten some feedback on my first post to the blog. I was asked why, if the assignment is (as I put it) "a throbbing mass of stress in my head," don't I just say no. In order of pertinence, here are the reasons that I can't say no:

1. Job Security - If you read Monday's Blog, you'd know that my boss was recently let go. It was explained to me that his position had moved to Ireland and since he did not wish to relocate with his position, he was let go. I don't fully believe that's why he was let go; I think there were other factors. However, in light of the fact that my position is also moving to Dublin for the short term, I did not think it wise to turn it down. My wife gave up her career to be a stay-at-home Mom, something we both feel strongly about. As the only bread winner in the family now, I need to make sure that they are taken care of.

2. Opportunity - I truly like the project and believe in the project. It is an excellent opportunity to for me and my career.

3. Personal Experience - During the last six months on the project, I've met some wonderful people and seen some extraordinary places. I'd really like to share these experiences with my family. Who knows when we might get another chance?

Beth and I would like to adopt again. To remain active in the adoption pool, we need to maintain residency in Illinois. Thus, I'll be working in Dublin and they'll be living at home. They do get to visit a couple of times, though. I will get a few long weekends at home as well.

That's it in a nutshell - why I can't say no to the project and why they can't come with me full time. Too much is at stake for the security and well-being of my family.

Have you ever felt handcuffed by your job? Let's hear about it!

Catching Up With the HRputer Story

One week from today, I begin a 6 month assignment in Ireland.

I haven't signed the offer yet. It sucks. Four months ago, this was going to be the best thing that ever happened to me. Now it's just a throbbing mass of stress in my head. Some stress is good; some stress isn't. Let me recap a brief time line:

June 2009: I participated in a 5 week High Level Design for our company's SAP implementation. It was based in Dublin. I had a blast!

September 2009: Detailed design begins. I'm told that I will receive an offer to relocate to Dublin for 12-18 months by the end of the September.

October 2009: Detailed design continues. I enjoy a few weekend trips in and around Dublin. Still loving the experience, but I haven't yet received my expatriate/relocation package.

November 2009: Detailed design continues. We do a week in Tralee and I have time to tour County Kerry. Absolutely beautiful. A colleague of mine, Conor, takes time to make sure I'm comfortable and looked after while there. Still I have not received an expatriate package. Home for Thanksgiving with a week off to enjoy the company of my wife and my infant son.

December 2009: Detailed design continues. The package finally comes. I'm underwhelmed. I'm asked to sign and return the forms in 5 days. My wife sends me an email in frustration as a huge snow storm has hit the midwest and she's thrown her back out. I book a flight home and use this as an excuse not to sign the package.

My wife as it turns out is OK, but was frustrated because I hadn't gotten everything done that I needed to get done at home before heading back to Ireland. Regardless, I'm overjoyed to be home an extra week for the holidays with some extra time to do research on what expatriate packages should look like, but have a limited time to do so. I know my company will be looking for an answer after the holidays.