Where do I go from here?

Anonymous

April 23,2023 at 1:13AM UTC

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Where do I go from here?

I have a masters degree, about a decade of professional experience, and I am in my early 30s. About one year ago I started a project manager job that is highly specialized within a large nonprofit. I took the role because the compensation was the best I had ever been offered, and the work sounded promising.

However over the past year I have not really synced with the way the company is run and I don't see how I can ever move up when I'm in such an isolated department. Colleagues also report that promotions and pay raises come slowly. I feel like I am slightly wasting my most ambitious years coasting in a mid-level position where my skills are not being developed much.

SO I am wondering where do I go from here? How do I know when it is time to stop looking for new opportunities and just settle into the role I have? I really thought I would be in a director or other leadership position by this point in my life, but it seems like I will just never get there by staying where I am.

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Barb HansenApril 23,2023 at 3:47AM UTC
For me, there is never a right time to settle.
I do think that "settling" for a job that's not prefect can be worthwhile if that job aligns with other aspects of your life (family-needs, educational-needs etc), but that's not the situation that you're in .
I started a whole new career when I was 34.
I left a pretty stable job when I was in my late-40 because that company won't give me a promotion.
Don't let your imperfect but current job stop you from looking for your next great opportunity.
AnonymousApril 24,2023 at 1:59PM UTC
Being in your early thirties, project management can be a good step toward a directorship. I would give it another year or so and start looking for program management or associate director jobs that will move you forward in your career. You should have great accomplishments and a portfolio by that time that will enhance your CV and your master's degree. Try as we might, things do not happen overnight.
AmyApril 25,2023 at 12:29PM UTC
That is a hard space to be in. Are there outside training or growth courses you could take to accelerate your career? Is your management team aware of you ambition to learn and grow? If not then that would be a great conversation to have.
If there really isn’t much growth in your current organization maybe start interviewing and see what other companies can offer. Be specific in interviews that you want the growth, development, and training.
best of luck
AnonymousApril 26,2023 at 6:01PM UTC
I think you need to plot your own roadmap for where you want to be, be honest with yourself about what skills you deeply have and what you lack to be in the role you want. Apply to companies where the role you want is in there and talk to a lot of folks who are in the role you want. Then you can decide do I stay or do I go. Never settle but if you are paid fairly work life balance is good and you work with good people sometimes that is enough. Other times it's not...you will need to decide what matters most to you at this point and whether the pressures and expectations of bigger badder things is worth what you hope for. You will figure it out if you take stock of what is and isn't and where you want to go.
Debra SesholtzMay 1,2023 at 6:04PM UTC
You should never just settle if you are not satisfied in your current role. You should evaluate what it is you want and go after it. If project management roles are what you seek, would your current management support you in getting PMP certification? This would help towards your advancement.