Is it time to move on?

Anonymous

October 25,2022 at 4:25AM UTC

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Is it time to move on? I have been struggling with this question since the pandemic yet I found myself staying in my current position. The biggest dilemma is that promotion and professional growth are a little hard to come by in my company. Yet, I was willing to stay because the people I work with are nice, less stress and the benefits. Almost 4 years into the company, no promotion or raise since 2 years ago. I have been casually looking but never gone hard core applying. Is it about time?

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Sharon GrehanOctober 25,2022 at 4:55AM UTC
2 years without a promotion is not unusual (unless that's the norm with your company). Professional growth is different - you should feel you have opportunities to grow professionally throughout the year - have you asked for opportunities to build the skill sets you want to focus on? If not, start there - ask about stretch assignments as one option and link the ask to the skill sets that will make you an even stronger asset to the team. Focus on your development and a promotion will follow - think lateral moves vs. promotion too for professional growth.
Hold on Lee LouOctober 25,2022 at 1:16PM UTC
Are you waiting for a promotion or raise, or are you actively working for them?
If you haven't yet, try looking for projects or other opportunities that both expand your skill set and show that you have broader value than your current position. Be around the decision makers when you can - are there occasional happy hours or outings? Those are great situations that allow others to see you in a new light. Basically, start working as if you're auditioning for the role you want.
Have you had a review in those 2 years? If not, ask for one. Approach your manager as if you're asking them to partner with you on your career - "I am really interested in an account manager role. What are some things I can do now to work toward that." "Are there new skills I can learn to be a stronger member of the team?" etc.
And, ask for a raise directly. Inflation has diminished your paycheck pretty drastically over the last two years. You need at least a cost of living increase, if not an overall bump.
If you tried those things and feel like you are driving your own growth, and they are still not receptive, maybe it's time to get the resume in order. Unfortunately, job-hopping is a new norm in career and wage growth these days.
Kathryn MontbriandOctober 25,2022 at 7:23PM UTC
hi there - I shared a blog post today that talks about a similar situation. You could do some digging at your current company to figure out what is going on with the promotion eligibility. Then if you don't get an answer that meets your career goals start to ramp up your search elsewhere .
Blog post: https://www.kathrynmontbriand.com/when-i-grow-up/013-im-an-mba-graduate-three-years-in-how-do-i-prove-i-am-ready-for-a-promotion