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General Category => Off the Record => Topic started by: CountDeMoney on June 20, 2012, 12:03:59 AM

Poll
Question: What position within your environment do you prefer?
Option 1: I'd rather be a Big Fish in a Small Pond:  Gimme powah, control, visibility and responsibility votes: 12
Option 2: I'd rather be a Small Fish in a Big Pond:  Room to grow, quietly, with limited responsibility votes: 9
Option 3: I get all the Big Fish fired in my Pond with my uber733t PowerPoint Presentation skillz votes: 0
Option 4: Other: Self employed, solo artist, freelancer, etc votes: 5
Title: Job organizational preference: Fishes and ponds
Post by: CountDeMoney on June 20, 2012, 12:03:59 AM
What position within an organization suits you more? 
Do you prefer to the high-end visibility and responsibilities that come with a greater position within a smaller organization, or do you prefer the quiet life within a large organization, one with limited responsibilities but with perhaps a greater sense of security?

Which one are you now?  Do you enjoy it, or would you prefer it the other way around?  Master of the Universe, or Johnny Mono Punch Clock?
Title: Re: Job organizational preference: Fishes and ponds
Post by: Tonitrus on June 20, 2012, 12:32:12 AM
Small fish, but not a Mono-cog. 

If I manage to get as far as military retirement, I could easily be happy working retail somewhere (that I like, not a crap place), teaching english overseas, or some other humble role. 

Now...if I could go back and do things over, I'd have pursued being a National Park ranger...and work hiking trails somewhere, telling kids not to touch the bear scat, or even tasing drunk camper-tards.  But still a small fish...wouldn't want to be the head ranger or some crap like that. 
Title: Re: Job organizational preference: Fishes and ponds
Post by: 11B4V on June 20, 2012, 01:33:07 AM
#1

Title: Re: Job organizational preference: Fishes and ponds
Post by: katmai on June 20, 2012, 01:37:28 AM
I work with  small groups (usually less than 10, at most on biggest shows/productions 50-75) so never in a Big pond.
Title: Re: Job organizational preference: Fishes and ponds
Post by: Martinus on June 20, 2012, 01:42:31 AM
Quote from: katmai on June 20, 2012, 01:37:28 AM
I work with  small groups (usually less than 10, at most on biggest shows/productions 50-75) so never in a Big pond.

I don't think the question was about you being physically the biggest, though.
Title: Re: Job organizational preference: Fishes and ponds
Post by: Martinus on June 20, 2012, 01:43:38 AM
As for me, I guess small fish in a big pond, at least as far as job is concerned. But if it comes to e.g. living in Poland and being in the top 1% of earners, or living in the UK and being in the top 10%, I prefer the former.
Title: Re: Job organizational preference: Fishes and ponds
Post by: Josquius on June 20, 2012, 03:33:10 AM
Big companies offer more respect and usually higher wages. Plus being able to keep your head down and not absolutey everyone relying on you pulling through or else...its good. Leads to better work.
Title: Re: Job organizational preference: Fishes and ponds
Post by: MadImmortalMan on June 20, 2012, 03:44:13 AM
I am comfortable with responsibility. I'm also that guy who everybody puts on their resume as a reference for some reason. I get a couple calls a week from that. I'm a professional mentor/therapist. Most people in my field need a therapist.
Title: Re: Job organizational preference: Fishes and ponds
Post by: Monoriu on June 20, 2012, 03:55:10 AM
I prefer to be plankton in an ocean  :ph34r:
Title: Re: Job organizational preference: Fishes and ponds
Post by: Eddie Teach on June 20, 2012, 04:38:53 AM
I'll take my own puddle and scare all the other fish away.
Title: Re: Job organizational preference: Fishes and ponds
Post by: Brazen on June 20, 2012, 04:57:59 AM
I went for option 1, but it doesn't half limit your promotion potential.
Title: Re: Job organizational preference: Fishes and ponds
Post by: Richard Hakluyt on June 20, 2012, 05:32:35 AM
Other.....hate working to a boss.
Title: Re: Job organizational preference: Fishes and ponds
Post by: Octavian on June 20, 2012, 06:25:20 AM
Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on June 20, 2012, 05:32:35 AM
Other.....hate working to a boss.

Aren't you married?
Title: Re: Job organizational preference: Fishes and ponds
Post by: CountDeMoney on June 20, 2012, 06:34:08 AM
Quote from: Tonitrus on June 20, 2012, 12:32:12 AM
Now...if I could go back and do things over, I'd have pursued being a National Park ranger...and work hiking trails somewhere, telling kids not to touch the bear scat, or even tasing drunk camper-tards.

A guy my Dad used to clerk with at the FBI in the 60's became a ranger after college; Park Service gave him a pick-up truck, a horse trailer, a horse, a rifle and sent him the fuck out west on LRRPs.  Dad said he was one of the few guys he ever knew that got the job he truly wanted.
Title: Re: Job organizational preference: Fishes and ponds
Post by: Barrister on June 20, 2012, 09:04:45 AM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on June 20, 2012, 06:34:08 AM
Quote from: Tonitrus on June 20, 2012, 12:32:12 AM
Now...if I could go back and do things over, I'd have pursued being a National Park ranger...and work hiking trails somewhere, telling kids not to touch the bear scat, or even tasing drunk camper-tards.

A guy my Dad used to clerk with at the FBI in the 60's became a ranger after college; Park Service gave him a pick-up truck, a horse trailer, a horse, a rifle and sent him the fuck out west on LRRPs.  Dad said he was one of the few guys he ever knew that got the job he truly wanted.

I dunno man - the conservation officers I've known didn't seem like they loved their job all that much.

In typical languish style, when asked a direct question, I'm going to try and split the difference.  I want to be a big fish in a small inlet, but one that is still connected to the ocean.  That is, my ideal has been to work in a small regional office of a large organization.  You get all of the back-end support and stability (think training, benefits and stability) but day to day you're really left alone to do your own thing.

That of course was my last couple of jobs.

A year ago I jumped into the big ocean.  It has been better than I thought it would be, but I still don't prefer it.  I had a conversation with a fellow lawyer in the elevator - I had to look at his name badge to remember what his name was.
Title: Re: Job organizational preference: Fishes and ponds
Post by: DGuller on June 20, 2012, 09:24:10 AM
I generally like to be a big fish in a small pond, because I believe that happiness is determined much more by relative things like status rather than absolute things like income.  However, when it comes to work, stability is supreme, so in that case bigger pond is better.  My current situation is about perfect;  my company is big enough to be big, but not big enough that running into a CxO is like running into Obama.
Title: Re: Job organizational preference: Fishes and ponds
Post by: PDH on June 20, 2012, 09:26:14 AM
I do both.  I don't try to hustle for enough adjunct hours to sort of pay the bills while still not having healthcare, so I work for the University full time and teach a class each semester.  That makes me both a little fish and a (somewhat) more big fish - at least I get to do what I want without interference as long as SOMEONE teaches the freshmen.
Title: Re: Job organizational preference: Fishes and ponds
Post by: The Brain on June 20, 2012, 12:37:48 PM
I do what I have to do to pay the bills.
Title: Re: Job organizational preference: Fishes and ponds
Post by: CountDeMoney on June 20, 2012, 12:45:27 PM
Quote from: PDH on June 20, 2012, 09:26:14 AM
at least I get to do what I want without interference as long as SOMEONE teaches the freshmen.

My sister became an adjunct instructor this semester, and taught her first two freshman/gen ed requirement Biology classes for the first time.

It didn't take long to utterly destroy her faith in the future of America with today's youth.
Title: Re: Job organizational preference: Fishes and ponds
Post by: PDH on June 20, 2012, 12:47:17 PM
I get some good kids, to be honest.  Still, there are the mind numbing ones that just make me want to bring out the "claw-hammer" method of instruction.
Title: Re: Job organizational preference: Fishes and ponds
Post by: Jacob on June 20, 2012, 01:00:41 PM
My preference is to be a biggish fish in a small to medium pond, or even better, in a small to medium cove of the ocean.
Title: Re: Job organizational preference: Fishes and ponds
Post by: Zanza on June 20, 2012, 01:08:56 PM
Hard to say. I've never really worked in a company that has less than a few thousand employees, so I only know "small fish in big pond". It certainly has its advantages and disadvantages and I can understand it's not everybody's preferred work environment. I am occasionally doubting that it is the right thing for me too, but then it's all I know, so I don't know if "big fish in small pond" would be more my thing.
Title: Re: Job organizational preference: Fishes and ponds
Post by: Iormlund on June 20, 2012, 01:12:51 PM
My case goes similarly, but the other way around. I've worked in places with at most 30 employees and a distinct lack of hierarchy.
Title: Re: Job organizational preference: Fishes and ponds
Post by: Zanza on June 20, 2012, 01:16:09 PM
Quote from: Iormlund on June 20, 2012, 01:12:51 PM
My case goes similarly, but the other way around. I've worked in places with at most 30 employees and a distinct lack of hierarchy.
I currently have five hierarchy levels above me (manager, senior manager, director, vice president, board member). My department (headed by a senior manager) has more than 30 people.

I can't spend a Euro without approval by my senior manager and have to check with my manager for a lot of operational decisions too.
Title: Re: Job organizational preference: Fishes and ponds
Post by: The Brain on June 20, 2012, 01:18:28 PM
I won't share details regarding my job with you people.
Title: Re: Job organizational preference: Fishes and ponds
Post by: Grey Fox on June 20, 2012, 01:46:57 PM
Quote from: The Brain on June 20, 2012, 01:18:28 PM
I won't share details regarding my job with you people.


We know, monkeybutt.
Title: Re: Job organizational preference: Fishes and ponds
Post by: The Brain on June 20, 2012, 02:44:07 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on June 20, 2012, 01:46:57 PM
Quote from: The Brain on June 20, 2012, 01:18:28 PM
I won't share details regarding my job with you people.


We know, monkeybutt.

WTF no way I parrot him constantly.
Title: Re: Job organizational preference: Fishes and ponds
Post by: Barrister on June 20, 2012, 03:29:18 PM
Quote from: Zanza on June 20, 2012, 01:08:56 PM
Hard to say. I've never really worked in a company that has less than a few thousand employees, so I only know "small fish in big pond". It certainly has its advantages and disadvantages and I can understand it's not everybody's preferred work environment. I am occasionally doubting that it is the right thing for me too, but then it's all I know, so I don't know if "big fish in small pond" would be more my thing.

Well in my experience working in a "small pond" your co-workers know you better and your direct supervisor has a much better ability to assess how you're doing.  That leads to generally greater trust in your ability, and less bereaucratic nonsense.

The downside, of course, it that fish grow to fit the size of their tank.  You can only go so far up the ladder in a small pond.

I was probably at a point in my career where moving to the big main office was a good idea.  But it sure is easy to get lost in the crowd, and hard to stand out.
Title: Re: Job organizational preference: Fishes and ponds
Post by: Legbiter on June 20, 2012, 04:47:26 PM
By birth and location I am a small fish in a small pond (oh, hello Mrs. Prime Minister).
Title: Re: Job organizational preference: Fishes and ponds
Post by: Ed Anger on June 20, 2012, 04:50:40 PM
Quote from: The Brain on June 20, 2012, 02:44:07 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on June 20, 2012, 01:46:57 PM
Quote from: The Brain on June 20, 2012, 01:18:28 PM
I won't share details regarding my job with you people.


We know, monkeybutt.

WTF no way I parrot him constantly.

I'd give you a cracker.
Title: Re: Job organizational preference: Fishes and ponds
Post by: mongers on June 20, 2012, 04:55:34 PM
Quote from: Barrister on June 20, 2012, 03:29:18 PM
Quote from: Zanza on June 20, 2012, 01:08:56 PM
Hard to say. I've never really worked in a company that has less than a few thousand employees, so I only know "small fish in big pond". It certainly has its advantages and disadvantages and I can understand it's not everybody's preferred work environment. I am occasionally doubting that it is the right thing for me too, but then it's all I know, so I don't know if "big fish in small pond" would be more my thing.

Well in my experience working in a "small pond" your co-workers know you better and your direct supervisor has a much better ability to assess how you're doing.  That leads to generally greater trust in your ability, and less bereaucratic nonsense.

The downside, of course, it that fish grow to fit the size of their tank.  You can only go so far up the ladder in a small pond.

I was probably at a point in my career where moving to the big main office was a good idea.  But it sure is easy to get lost in the crowd, and hard to stand out.

Ponds have ladder now ?

You'd be better of with changing the analogy that Marti could vet for you.
:P
Title: Re: Job organizational preference: Fishes and ponds
Post by: Richard Hakluyt on June 20, 2012, 05:02:11 PM
He needs the fish ladder to get to the next pond or further upstream, only then can he spawn  :cool:
Title: Re: Job organizational preference: Fishes and ponds
Post by: Admiral Yi on June 20, 2012, 05:05:07 PM
My experience in a Small Pond has led me to the conclusion that it is totally dependent on the personalities around you.  Not so much in a Big Pond.
Title: Re: Job organizational preference: Fishes and ponds
Post by: Barrister on June 20, 2012, 05:07:23 PM
Quote from: mongers on June 20, 2012, 04:55:34 PM
Quote from: Barrister on June 20, 2012, 03:29:18 PM
Quote from: Zanza on June 20, 2012, 01:08:56 PM
Hard to say. I've never really worked in a company that has less than a few thousand employees, so I only know "small fish in big pond". It certainly has its advantages and disadvantages and I can understand it's not everybody's preferred work environment. I am occasionally doubting that it is the right thing for me too, but then it's all I know, so I don't know if "big fish in small pond" would be more my thing.

Well in my experience working in a "small pond" your co-workers know you better and your direct supervisor has a much better ability to assess how you're doing.  That leads to generally greater trust in your ability, and less bereaucratic nonsense.

The downside, of course, it that fish grow to fit the size of their tank.  You can only go so far up the ladder in a small pond.

I was probably at a point in my career where moving to the big main office was a good idea.  But it sure is easy to get lost in the crowd, and hard to stand out.

Ponds have ladder now ?

They most certainly do!

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hagedon.net%2Fimages%2FMore%2520Skagway%2FFish%2520Ladder.jpg&hash=375b429ed20bce6aee624bba5eb6b8f0720761ca)
Title: Re: Job organizational preference: Fishes and ponds
Post by: Monoriu on June 20, 2012, 06:02:53 PM
Bureaucratic nonsense is good. 
Title: Re: Job organizational preference: Fishes and ponds
Post by: mongers on June 20, 2012, 07:00:30 PM
Quote from: Barrister on June 20, 2012, 05:07:23 PM
Quote from: mongers on June 20, 2012, 04:55:34 PM
Quote from: Barrister on June 20, 2012, 03:29:18 PM
Quote from: Zanza on June 20, 2012, 01:08:56 PM
Hard to say. I've never really worked in a company that has less than a few thousand employees, so I only know "small fish in big pond". It certainly has its advantages and disadvantages and I can understand it's not everybody's preferred work environment. I am occasionally doubting that it is the right thing for me too, but then it's all I know, so I don't know if "big fish in small pond" would be more my thing.

Well in my experience working in a "small pond" your co-workers know you better and your direct supervisor has a much better ability to assess how you're doing.  That leads to generally greater trust in your ability, and less bereaucratic nonsense.

The downside, of course, it that fish grow to fit the size of their tank.  You can only go so far up the ladder in a small pond.

I was probably at a point in my career where moving to the big main office was a good idea.  But it sure is easy to get lost in the crowd, and hard to stand out.

Ponds have ladder now ?

They most certainly do!

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hagedon.net%2Fimages%2FMore%2520Skagway%2FFish%2520Ladder.jpg&hash=375b429ed20bce6aee624bba5eb6b8f0720761ca)

Oh that'll be one of those 'special' ponds with one dimension surprisingly long, anywhere from 20-4000 miles across, but rather narrow across the other way.   :P

edit:
though your analogy is far superior to Marti's, his would have to include concrete, Flemish lace-making and day trading.
Title: Re: Job organizational preference: Fishes and ponds
Post by: Admiral Yi on June 20, 2012, 07:18:31 PM
Christ.