Career Moves: What would you do?

[Dead Rabbits]

So here recently out of the blue I got a call asking if I would be interested in managing a 500 cow, seasonal, organic dairy farm on the west coast. I wasn't looking for a job and do not even have a resume/CV current. They said that I came highly recommended by a consultant friend of mine.

I have been at my current job for two months. It's not what I would call my dream job, but I like a challenge and there is a " possibility " of being a manager in the future. My guess being after 5 years or so. Since turnover is so high you just have to be the last man standing. It is also relatively close to my hometown so I can visit friends/family.

To be honest though my heart isn't in the style of land management here. I really like a more holistic approach to farming where all factors are taken into account. Where there is more of a focus on the health of people, stock and land along with profitability. Not just a strict focus on KPI s. Some of the things done (or not done) here really bother me.

To be clear I have not managed a farm before. I have had a "look at the books" at my last job. The owner was very open with finances and how/why decisions are made. When I used to be on harvest I was crew foreman and learned a lot about people management from a great boss. So I think I have a lot of the raw skills and ability to operate a farm. The right opportunity is just needed to refine and grow.

So my question to everyone is: What would you do? Given the limited amount of info provided. Is this a good career move? Feel free to ask more questions.

I am 26 by the way and single.
Thanks

 

[Happy hillbily]

Go for it, what's to lose ? Your hometown, friends and family will still be there in years to come. If you don't like it, come home, no shame in trying things !

 

[Pieces_of_Eight]

Can't decide if you're trying to talk yourself into it or talk yourself out of it.

What does your gut instinct say?

Why are they looking for a manager? How much freedom would you get?

 

[wasted years]

Your consultant friend would not have put your name forward if he /she didn't believe you could do it, their reputation isn't helped if you are a tool.
I would say do it, you can always leave if it doesn't work out.

 

[Frodo]

Go and see it. Sounds like an opportunity, but if if in a remote place working all hours and away from all friends and family might be too high a price to pay.

 

[Zippy768]

2 months into your current job probably isn' really enough time to have settled in. However if you aren't happy with it now..... .
Maybe a peek at finances and an explanation from ur boss will help understand why they use the approach they do.
If this possible new job seems more in line with what you believe in then you shoulf certainly listen and see what they have to offer.
Then go with your heart

 

[RushesToo]

Go and talk to them, be honest and see what you think.

 

[Sharpy]

Short version. Where you are is not how you want to work. You will however become manager eventually by a process of attrition.
Where you have been offered a job do things how you want to do things. Now.
So do you want to manage? Or not.

 

[Dead Rabbits]

Can't decide if you're trying to talk yourself into it or talk yourself out of it.

What does your gut instinct say?

Why are they looking for a manager? How much freedom would you get?

Weighing my options I guess. I always like to hear others opinions on things.

Gut says go check it out at the very least.

The current manager left on good terms to manage a ranch, which is more his passion than dairy.

Not sure on freedom but they sound open to ideas. I know they are struggling with pasture management and that's something I am very confident with.

 

[Alicecow]

Go for it, what's to lose ? Your hometown, friends and family will still be there in years to come. If you don't like it, come home, no shame in trying things !

This ^^^
Waiting 5 years and hoping that you are the 'last man stand' is no way to live, you'll go mental long before that. As your present workplace has such a high turnover of staff then if the west coast job doesn't work out then they may well still have you back, especially if you can part on good terms. Explain to them that this opportunity has come up and you need to give it a try otherwise you'll be wondering 'what if' for the rest of your life.
Leaving friends and family is never easy. Make new friends while you are there. Visit family and existing friends as often as you can. Speak on the phone every day if you can. Just wondering how old/young you are? This will be a factor in your decision making too.
Go for it if you can at all.
Good luck

 

[Dead Rabbits]

Short version. Where you are is not how you want to work. You will however become manager eventually by a process of attrition.
Where you have been offered a job do things how you want to do things. Now.
So do you want to manage? Or not.

Fairly accurate synopsis. I am a hard worker and don't like to quit. All my previous jobs have been for an agreed upon period or the owner died. So this would be the first job I have actually quit.

Yes I want to be a manager. Confident in my abilities, but it would be my first management job so still a lot to learn.

 

[Will Wilson]

I would go and see them - nothing ventured, nothing gained - and get as much detail from them as possible face to face. House? Pension? pay? Time off? Write these answers down and email them back to the potential employers within 12 hours because they may try to back out when you take the job.

And I would also find someone you trust to ask these sort of questions to face to face - do you know anyone locally (not family) maybe an old teacher or neighbour? Someone who knows you and can see the bigger picture.

There are good decisions and bad decisions, the worst type of decision is, unfortunately, no decision.

 

[Pieces_of_Eight]

Go for it.

I left my hometown and went to Uni 300 miles down the road, then never went back apart from odd days visiting family.

Best thing I ever did.

 

[Pieces_of_Eight]

Fairly accurate synopsis. I am a hard worker and don't like to quit. All my previous jobs have been for an agreed upon period or the owner died. So this would be the first job I have actually quit.

Empty your head ,

You won't be quitting, you will be promoting yourself.

 

[Dead Rabbits]

2 months into your current job probably isn' really enough time to have settled in. However if you aren't happy with it now..... .
Maybe a peek at finances and an explanation from ur boss will help understand why they use the approach they do.
If this possible new job seems more in line with what you believe in then you shoulf certainly listen and see what they have to offer.
Then go with your heart

I agree two months is short. I really don't like quitting and would be leaving my coworkers with even more of a load.

Things that I don't agree with here aren't justified by financial means under any circumstances. Although seeing the finances and how the business is run is part of my job here. Just too busy calving right now for much else.

Thanks

 

[Will Wilson]

Find that mentor.

 

[Zippy768]

There are good decisions and bad decisions, the worst type of decision is, unfortunately, no decision.

Very true
By not making a decision, you are making a decision to stay as you are.
Something I'm guilty of all too often

 

[Sharpy]

Empty your head ,

You won't be quitting, you will be promoting yourself.

As above.

 

[Alicecow]

I agree two months is short. I really don't like quitting and would be leaving my coworkers with even more of a load.


Thanks

I've never worked with anyone yet who wouldn't take an opportunity if it arose. Mostly they wouldn't have a second thought for their co-workers. Many people don't even realise they have co-workers! they only see themselves, although they might know that there are other people where they themselves work.

 

[Roger Perry]

Where are you based now..?