I recently interviewed for a position that was for a more senior title...

Anonymous

August 9,2023 at 1:53PM UTC

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I recently interviewed for a position that was for a more senior title...

I was told in my current role at a junior title, there wasn't much room for growth and my boss could try and find some goals for me to eventually get me to the Senior level.

I have over 10 years of work experience and know my skill set and expertise warrant growth in my current role and career. Needless to say, I applied for an internal role within my current company that has a bump in title. I think I may get it as I am one of the finalist in the hiring process.

I am very comfortable in my current position and I do great work. But it is no longer challenging and hearing there is no room for growth is disappointing. This new role would be a pretty big shift from what I do now. I KNOW I can do it, but like any change it will have new challenges.

I am not sure now if I should make a move. I am afraid I may fail at this new position, when I know I am currently succeeding in my current role.

Any advice on if I should stay or go? Is it always good to look for other opportunities just cause I want and think I deserve I better title? I really wanted it before I thought I actually might get it. Now I am second guessing myself.

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AnonymousAugust 9,2023 at 2:30PM UTC
There is nothing wrong with coasting and playing it safe. Especially when there are huge things going on elsewhere in your life that demand a huge portion of your energy and focus. Sometimes it OK not to be ambitious and to want to stall your career for a bit (think babies, house renovation, caring for a loved one etc).
But if you want grow as a professional, build a career, achieve work goals then taking risks, being scared and even failing are part of that journey. No one will hand you success, growth or true advancement. You actually have to earn that. And that requires taking risks.
It all comes down to what you personally want in a career.
SrPM-SFAugust 9,2023 at 4:28PM UTC
I agree that if you want to grow your career you have to stretch yourself.
AnonymousAugust 10,2023 at 1:30PM UTC
Very well said!
KellyAugust 10,2023 at 2:07PM UTC
Thank you for your words of encouragement and advice!
AnonymousAugust 9,2023 at 3:14PM UTC
Albert Einstein said that failure was success in progress.
So without failure there would be no success. You need to at least try to succeed in a higher role.
KellyAugust 10,2023 at 2:07PM UTC
Thank you for your words of encouragement and advice!
Alexis GladstoneAugust 10,2023 at 12:25PM UTC
Growth almost always means taking ourselves out of our comfort zone, and that can make us uncomfortable, scared, and unsure. It's up to you to decide whether you are ready for this step. As one of the other responders pointed out, sometimes there are times in our life when taking on a new challenge isn't right for us.
Some things I would consider are: Are the challenges of this new job ones that will help me grow in the direction I want to? Do I think that the new manager and/or team members will be supportive as I learn the new role? What will I gain? What might I lose out on if I don't take it?
I'm sure there are other questions you can ask yourself.
One final thought. The biggest growth I had professionally was when I accepted a job that I felt completely unprepared for. I was shocked that I actually got it. I was lucky to have a good friend who had the experience in what I was hired to do. She encouraged me along the way and was my cheerleader. That's what gave me the confidence.
Good luck with your decision.
KellyAugust 10,2023 at 2:06PM UTC
Thank you for your words of encouragement and advice!
AnonymousAugust 10,2023 at 1:29PM UTC
The only way you fail at the new position is to back out now when you know you can do the job. Change is often scary, but this is what you have worked for. You've got this. Go for it and show them.
KellyAugust 10,2023 at 2:06PM UTC
Thank you for your words of encouragement! My friend recommend me posting here and I do feel a lot better with all the good advice!!
KellyAugust 10,2023 at 2:07PM UTC
Thank you for your words of encouragement and advice!
Grisel Scarantino, Career and Work-Life Fulfillment CoachAugust 10,2023 at 5:12PM UTC
Hmmm, it sounds like that pesky imposter syndrome is sneaking its way into your mindset.
Sure, you know what you know about your current role and you're succeeding at it... but are you growing there? Or have you outgrown that role and are ready for more?
If you think you deserve a better title, then you do.
To answer your question... Yes, it's always good to look for other opportunities. Keeping your options open is a smart strategy.
You don't want to have all your eggs in one basket because at any time, the rug could be swept our from under us. Unfortunately, no job has a 100% longevity guarantee, so we always have to be prepared to be agile.
From what I'm reading here, it sounds like you're someone that cares about career growth. And there are reasons why you're so good at your current job. If I had to guess, whenever you encountered something you didn't know how to do, you either asked questions or were resourceful and found a solution by other means. Own that, because you will be able to do the very same in this new role. The same things about you that make you exceptional in your current role are the SAME things that are going to make you exceptional in the new one.
I don't have to tell you that going outside of your comfort zone can be scary, but growth happens outside of our comfort zone (cliche, I know, but it's true).
Don't let imposter syndrome rob you of the confidence you need to show them why you are the best candidate for this new role. If you need an extra boost of confidence, talk to 5 of your most trusted supporters, ask them why they think you're awesome or why they think you would excel in this role. Listen without judgement, just be open to what they have to say. And let their stories remind you of how badass you are. Use that to anchor your crown on your head and get that new role :)
KellyAugust 11,2023 at 2:38PM UTC
Wow! Great words of wisdom! Thank you!!
Grisel Scarantino, Career and Work-Life Fulfillment CoachAugust 12,2023 at 8:25PM UTC
It’s my pleasure, Kelly :) Not sure if you’re the OP, but either way, let me know if you have more questions. I’m a career advancement coach.
AnonymousAugust 12,2023 at 7:57AM UTC
Very well said.
AnonymousAugust 11,2023 at 5:39PM UTC
You should decide personally do you want safe and cozy or stretch and grow...the answer will reveal itself when you are honest about who you really are after 10 years in your field. If you stay in the role the limiters are that if you do have an event, a RIF, layoff or get terminated it will be looked upon as why did you stay in that one role for so long especially if you decide to move up from the event happening suddenly. IMHO not knowing you but being a coach to others in the same situation I say take the leap if it is offered to you. At least doing so within the confines of a current company vs a new company where everything is new will make it easier. Don't project until you know you have the role and if there are specific fears before you make the move have those tough conversations about training and onboarding into it and ramp up so that you are not blindsided. You got this sister!
Shelly EdwardsAugust 13,2023 at 8:37PM UTC
Do it! You are likely over thinking and getting in your own way. If they hire you for the position, trust that they see your potential and you can do this. Challenging yourself is scary and hard to do but without challenge you can’t grow. You’ve got this!!
Lisa WilsonAugust 14,2023 at 12:18PM UTC
You won’t know until you try! And You’ve got this! I wonder if a little bit of anxiety will keep you on your toes.
AnonymousAugust 14,2023 at 2:03PM UTC
Change is always scary , but learn to embrace it , try to be more confident in yourself and honestly if you couldn’t do the job I doubt you would have gotten this far or received help from your manager , I have never heard of promoting someone just because they ask so you have skills and you’ll learn more it will be energizing and exciting go for it !