Am I being promoted or pushed out?

Anonymous

November 16,2021 at 1:58PM UTC

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Am I being promoted or pushed out?

The context: I've been working in TV production for the last 7 years. Before that, I've changed a lot of jobs, so I'm a self-taught who started this career from scratch.

For the last 4 years, I've been working on a very well-known TV project. I've also grown from an intern to a production assistant. There are 3 of us, however.

Some days I feel exhausted bc we crunch a lot and just cry.

Some days I feel extremely happy and satisfied with what I do. I tried to look for a quieter place but I guess I'm addicted to crunching (also, never talked to anyone about that)

Today my boss told me that he is planning on moving me to another project. And I would be super excited about that if it was something new and bigger.

But he was talking about a smaller TV project that has been going on for a while with smaller people and a much slower production pace.

My colleague worked there for 3 years and she always told how she envied the 'liveliness' of our project team, bc there was so much going on all the time.

I felt a bit discouraged tbh, so I asked my boss why he thinks transferring me is a good decision. He said that he feels that we have too many experienced people in one team, while the other project needs someone to get it moving (I was told that all my benefits and my salary will remain the same).

But still, they will need to hire another person to deal with my tasks so I'm confused whether it's just a way to push me out (and sometimes I feel that I'm not as great as the other production assistance). I've been working on a similar project 5 years ago, but at some point, I felt stuck.

Just wanted to hear your thoughts about this one and I would appreciate learning from anyone who's faced the same situation. I'm worried that taking this step will be the dusk of my career.

Thank you!

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Alexis GladstoneNovember 16,2021 at 2:09PM UTC
While I am the first one to say trust your gut, in this case I would start with, if you trust your manager then trust what he said to you about why the move. It sounds like taking your experience to the slower project might be a way for you to really shine!
I would go in with the attitude of really making a difference and see what happens. Keep your eyes, ears (and gut) open. While you said you really like the face pace of the current project, this might be a nice change for a short time. Keep the lines of communication open with your boss so when the time is right, you can ask for a move if the new project doesn't suit you.
Eloisa JacintoNovember 16,2021 at 3:31PM UTC
I agree with Alexis’ comment that if you trust your boss then you also have to trust his intent for your move. Maybe the new project needs to turn around and your being there will help them do that. Your experience and inputs could bring value to the production and in turn, can help open up new opportunities and learnings for you. Good luck!
Robin WNovember 17,2021 at 1:30PM UTC
I would look at this as an opportunity to show your experience and shine in your new roll. I also think you need to consider what you want your next career step to be and then work toward that. Once you think about where/what you want to do you can gain skills, shadow someone who does that job, and ask someone in that position to mentor you, so you can grow professionally. Plus, right now is a great time to keep your eyes open for new opportunities. Good luck, you've got this.
AnonymousNovember 17,2021 at 1:42PM UTC
I would think of this positively and a chance to increase your visibility on the smaller show. He may trust that you have what it takes to move the smaller project in the right direction. I would ask him what he thinks the project needs and what would it needs to succeed. If you demonstrate your skills on the smaller project, it may lead to other great things!
Maggie StoneNovember 17,2021 at 1:43PM UTC
Take this moment as an opportunity to slow down and breathe and evaluate your next steps.Is it possible that even though you haven’t talked about it, others are picking upon your stress and exhaustion and that is the reason for the move? In other words, could they believe you are burnt out and unhappy there? Go to this new production and shine, and I doubt this will be the dusk of your career.
Crystal Miller-O'BrienNovember 17,2021 at 3:17PM UTC
The downside to this anticipated move: you don't have any control over it, really. The upside? You get an opportunity to stand out, even if it is just as someone from a much more bustling production to one that requires less, but more pointed professionals. I would venture to say that most would see nothing "downgrading" about that type of move. It speaks to your increasing skills stage.
Once there? Do your best to show up as your best you and network and remain open to connecting to and learning from people.
As you know, the entertainment industry (like most) operates through relationships. You never know who you will meet on your new project. The "stars just may have aligned" and placed you among people who have the ability to change your whole life and career. Just embrace the opportunity and if you feel disinterested in a few months/years? You can work within your network and design the best way to get yourself connected to another project. In this situation, I say trust yourself to know when to pivot and navigate your career in another direction and trust the Universe to present you with continuous opportunity that you may have the discernment and ability to grasp when the time is perfect. Best of luck!
Karen GongawareNovember 17,2021 at 4:46PM UTC
I would say your boss wants your enthusiasm and knowledge to light a fire under the other team. And what the heck did you mean by "smaller people?" Sounds like you already have made up your mind and are being judgy. This is a great opportunity to show you can be a leader!
Rosa GoesNovember 17,2021 at 8:35PM UTC
I agree with Karen. It sounds like a good opportunity for you to shine! You could be seen as the person who as your boss said gets the project moving.
AnonymousNovember 18,2021 at 3:38AM UTC
This sounds like a lateral transfer, not a step down. If it turns out that you are being pushed out, there's nothing you can do about that other than look for another job & start therapy to help you with the transition if you need it. If you are addicted to drama, you could become a problem that will need to be dealt with in that slower-paced situation.
You may wind up being a team lead or positioned for a promotion after this, so watching out for training opportunities would be a good idea, too. If you decide to move along, that training will help you find the next best place.
Joycelyn M. SiameNovember 22,2021 at 3:42PM UTC
I don't think it's a push out. Instead, I think your boss believes in you and your work to light a fire under the other team at the smaller project. Just as someone stated below, use this experience to help you stand out from the crowd, and build your confidence, knowing you are just as good as the other assistants.
Trust me, if they wanted you to leave, they probably would have just fired you...
You'll be fine! Don't worry.