Less than a year ago I took a position in a new industry, and it was a step down from my previous position.

Anonymous

January 26,2023 at 3:00PM UTC

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Less than a year ago I took a position in a new industry, and it was a step down from my previous position.

I really just wanted out of retail, where I had been in management for a long time. Instead of getting another position as a manager, I became a supervisor instead.

The money was about the same, so I was OK with the position downgrade. I have learned my new position quickly, and I have taken on additional responsibilities without being asked. I am the go to when someone is looking for information. I felt ready to move up a level, so I applied for a posted position. I never got an interview because apparently no one saw my application. One of my teammates was chosen for the position. A few weeks ago I applied for another position, and made it

clear to my management team that I had done so. I sent them an e-mail detailing why I would be a good fit. Once again, one of my teammates got the job, and i didn’t get an interview. I have gotten great reviews, and my managers always tell me they appreciate me. I like elements of my current position, but it’s been a super long time since I have been at this level. I am used to not even having a manager in my building and having people like me as my assistants. I enjoy my new industry. It’s fast paced and super technical. I’ve now started applying to other similar places for a higher level position. The problem is, I really want to stay where I am and grow within my company. One of my manager’s thinks I would be a good fit for a position that we don’t have approval for yet. Should I wait it out, or should I just move on?

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AnonymousJanuary 26,2023 at 3:21PM UTC
Since you love where you are and want to grow with the company, that should give you a real reason to try and wait it out. If you feel like they are just "dangling a carrot" to keep you from looking, that is an entirely different situation. Since your reviews have been favorable, and you seem to have some backing from the management team, it sounds like they are just waiting for you to have more time with the company. Often, when all things are equal, seniority wins.
I'm not saying to give them forever, but don't jump ship too quickly. It would be best if you intermittently asked about the new position (or others like it, as things change before they are approved). Then if it suddenly disappears, you may want to consider moving on.
AnonymousJanuary 26,2023 at 4:57PM UTC
It is common for internal candidates to be in their current role at minimum 1 year. Also, make sure after the appropriate time in this role that you know the path of next positions and what you need to have in your knowledge tool kit. I think too often people want to move 'up' in roles but aren't really vetted in their current roles long enough. It's good to aspire for growth, some decisions of positions on growth openings can be very fluid. The decision maker isn't often the HR rep or the hiring manager when positions are put on hold. I think you need more time in your current role. Ask for stretch assignments. You call yourself the 'go to' and taking on tasks without being asked. I think you need to make sure of the value added with those. I have also seen people's ideas of them self identifying as ready when they truly aren't. Work on certifications and leverage leaders. I think you need more time in the current role, tbh.
AnonymousJanuary 30,2023 at 6:28PM UTC
I would see about the role upcoming and then make a decision. If they are unwilling to consider you for higher level roles, find out specifically why from HR and your direct manager. Ask the manager to endorse you for that sort of a move and if they are unwilling to do so or you feel that you are being kept in this tactical position because you are so valuable as the "goto" then its time to take what you have learned and shop it at their competition. Good luck.