DISCUSSIONS

Manager keeps pigeon-holing me based on ancient experience

Anonymous Image

Anonymous

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

Manager keeps pigeon-holing me based on ancient experience

I've been asking my manager for a new role for the past year, but they keep suggesting roles based on my past experience in a field I have no longer have any interest in and that I left almost 20 years ago.

My resume shows years of experience taking on higher-level work, but my manager ignores that and keeps saying, "we need someone who can handle (let's say) data entry, and we know you are an expert!" Yes, I've handled data entry, but I did this work a very, very long time ago and have no desire to return to it.

I'd rather management consider the interesting, much more challenging work I did right before they hired me a few years ago overseeing creative projects. How can I gently redirect them to my more recent experience that qualifies me for the higher-paying work I'd rather be considered for? I get it, the "need" someone to handle data entry, but find someone else as I already paid my dues and don't want to take on that work at this stage of my career?

As a side note, I do feel that management is saving the better jobs for certain favorite staffers and pawning off the undesirable roles to others who were hired before the new regime took over.

Why women love us:

  • Daily articles on career topics
  • Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
  • Advice and support from an authentic community
  • Events that help you level up in your career
  • Free membership, always

Like

9 comments

Share

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

9 Comments

Join the conversation
  1. Laura

    I know you mention "gently redirecting" them but what about just being direct? "I'm not interested in X roles, I'm looking to move into a Y role." If they feel like you're leaving the door open they may keep trying to push but when you're firm they know that door is closed.

  2. Anonymous

    "I'm not interested in the type of work I mastered 20 years ago. " I'm more aligned with xyz using my current skills and applicable experience. " I want to focus on growth and building my career so I can offer greater value to this company.

  3. Anonymous

    There is no gently guiding them, just say, no thank you. I am far past data entry. I'm looking for this type of position within our company. Should this be available, I'd like to throw my hat in.

  4. Elizabeth Stiles West

    Try showing them a demonstration of your more recent accomplishments. If you have a new certification, by all means provide a copy. If you have taken classes, give them a copy of your updated transcript(s). Also consider a compromise; you are willing to work on the data entry every (name one day of the week) while you will work on using your new skills the other days. See if they accept that. If the answer is still no, you may have to apply elsewhere and wait for a new job offer to be able to do what you enjoy more at work. However, always look before you leap. Consider pay, benefits, insurance, retirement accounts, and amount of paid time off as well as the enjoyment factor; if you are well-paid and your work hours are reasonable, you can do the data entry at work and do fun things during your time off.

  5. Anonymous

    Sounds like they’ve told you multiple times they’re not moving you into these desirable roles, and are instead keeping them for management favorites. Time to look for something new, there are no indications that you have a supportive manager (that wants to see you advance) you’ve hit a ceiling there.

  6. Anonymous

    Have you had a talk with them on when they think you would be ready for the position you feel you are ready for? If there is a true succession plan in place they will have you noted for those positions in say Q3, Y2 (3 quarters, 2 years) so you know what they are thinking for your progression? Have they said anything other than offer the other jobs? Hard to know what to do next if you do not know what their plans are for you at the company in the future.

  7. Dr. Patty Gross

    By now it is time to get the message that they have no interest in putting you in that type of position, so you can either give them an ultimatum and then leave if they don't meet it, or if that isn't an option, you can start looking for some organization that has a "real" opportunity for internal growth and jump ship when the job offer comes.

  8. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    You said you've been asking your manager for a new role for a year. What has been your response when they suggest this undesirable position in the past?

  9. Anonymous

    Create a plan and share it with them showing the strong experience and some samples of it from work you have done in the zone of interest. Keep pushing toward that, bring HR into the conversation if it exists and ask for their help to grow your experience there. If after 90 days you have not moved an inch, it's time to consider going elsewhere where the challenges and work content you seek exists and where a manager supports you to do this.

Browse recent posts

jljl3ph
Plan construction projects with the Concrete Calculator, a practical online tool for estimating material quantities, calculating concrete requirements, managing costs, and simplifying building work.
Hiii everyone!
I'm. Current looking for remote jobs
Your trusted partner for a cleaner, healthier home in Los Angeles, California. At Quick Clean Carpet Care, we've been providing top-notch carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, pet accident treatment, hard floor cleaning, rug cleaning, window cleaning, and house washing services for over 9 years. Our team of experts uses eco-friendly solutions and state-of-the-art equipment to leave your home sparkling clean and germ-free. From stain removal to deep cleaning, we've got you covered. Serving Los Angeles and surrounding areas, we're committed to delivering exceptional customer service and unparalleled results. Call us today to schedule your appointment and experience the Quick Clean difference!
Your trusted partner for a cleaner, healthier home in Los Angeles, California. At Quick Clean Carpet Care, we've been providing top-notch carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, pet accident treatment, hard floor cleaning, rug cleaning, window cleaning, and house washing services for over 9 years. Our team of experts uses eco-friendly solutions and state-of-the-art equipment to leave your home sparkling clean and germ-free. From stain removal to deep cleaning, we've got you covered. Serving Los Angeles and surrounding areas, we're committed to delivering exceptional customer service and unparalleled results. Call us today to schedule your appointment and experience the Quick Clean difference!
See more
Fairygodboss VIP
Achieve your career goals.
Be part of the largest online career community for women to find jobs, advice, and support — for free.
Fairygodboss members