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Thanks for the replies. Most of what you say I have thought about but it's still nice to hear it from someone else.
Dennis you said, 'Are you attracted to the challenges of the new role in both heart and mind, with a passion, or just because it is there?'. Someone else said almost the same words today. One of the things I've been asking myself is what would constitute job satisfaction. One thing that I've realised is that I wouldn't want to be a manager of anywhere else. Certainly not Arts nor Commerce, not even Biology or Chemistry (despite having a major in chem). I might consider an earth-science dept elsewhere but at the moment I feel I can't leave Wollongong (despite the skies). So I suppose the satisfaction would be seeing the place run well and going forward but of course that isn't solely up to me, and could even happen depite my 'contribution'.
Marty, exactly that question has been much on my mind. Even more so in that the leadup to the creation of the position included an external review by a manger of another faculty. It was met but almost universal condemnation by academics and general staff alike. Amongst other problems, they simply didn't realise the specialisation amoungst our staff and what was involved in any sort of technical work. I'm sure they won't employ anyone so naive but I still fear they will get a generic manager who then has to learn the ropes. A couple of academics have said I would be a good candidate because I know most of the business of the school. So another source of satifaction might be looking after our other general staff. Personnally I am fairly well protected because my position was created specifically to work for one academic and he is very possesive and an OK person to work for.
I spent yesterday thinking this through and my inclination is to not apply. I think I'm a tech rather than a manager. But strangely this evening I'm back to applying. I think it will be a real soul-searching week.
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