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Good job but little to no room for growth

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Good job but little to no room for growth

I've been in my position for a few years and am starting to feel as if I need to just accept that things are going to remain status quo for at least the next 3 years-- acceptable enough raises, same tasks, same goals, etc-- or decide to move on, which could be risky. I asked about being moved up to the next promotion level, which would significantly increase my salary, and was told I basically need to lead a few projects to prove my worth. Well, the problem is that we already have a handful of project leaders who launch projects. I don't feel like I'm even welcome to lead projects-- I'm usually assigned to support the project leaders. I think I would be encroaching on their territory if I tried to assert myself as a "project leader" and said, hey, I want to launch xyz to support the client, can you support me? I think they're both pretty protective of their positions (based on my interactions).

So, here's the thing... they've been there for only 2 years longer than I've been there. In addition, I have the same work history/experience as they do, and also a graduate degree, which neither of them have. They just happen to be at this org 2 years longer than I've been there, and I think that's more or less why they're above me in rank. Neither is moving up anytime soon, so I don't think I'll even have a chance to move into their roles.

Is it time to get out? I think I can ask for a lateral move to a whole new area, which could open a new door, but that's not guaranteed. I like the job overall. I'm just getting antsy and bored with the lack of opportunity to do more than "support."

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  1. Anonymous

    You either choose safety and comfort of doing the samething with no growth or choose growth and find a new job.

  2. Anonymous

    Meet with your manager and provide a proposal of a project you would like to lead. Explain how long you’ve been there you are ready to lead vs. assist, If the answer is no, ask for a lateral move to another dept. that may provide you advancement. Or take your fantastic skills to another company, it sounds like you are not challenged and are ready to take your skills to a higher level.

  3. maria rose

    You, the OP, have answered your own question, but are hesitant to follow through because you don’t like to deal with the hassle of changing jobs and/or staying in place with the security of earning/learning/development because you feel undervalued and also don’t want to push yourself to succeed. You, the OP, create your own path and don’t need us to hand walk in deciding what to do. Stop wavering and decide even if you don’t achieve immediately what you want learn from your mistakes and move on.

  4. Julie E

    Sounds like my job only the lead in my group has been there over 20 years and her job isn’t that much different than mine. I haven’t been able to move up because we’re in constant reorg/layoff mode. Sounds like we both need to search out new roles in 2025.

  5. Anonymous

    I think there are some important things to consider in your situation. You have said that you enjoy the work. You have.

    Received acceptable raises every year and I am assuming you have a decent benefit package also. It sounds like you have stability and the work.Environment is not toxic. Ok...I get it!!! But it also sounds like you have mastered your current responsibilities and want more challenge and growth, But you don't see a way to .Do that without creating tension with your coworkers. I want to point out that job stability, Decent pay and benefits, And not working in a toxic environment is huge!!!!! That doesn't mean that I am suggesting you settle but rather, Take a deep breath and look at what you really have compared to your peers in the world of work. I am suggesting that you try to find a way to uniquely.Differentiate yourself from others in the workplace...initiate a holiday gift drive or food for the homeless. Volunteer to head up a benevolence program for coworkers who are out sick. Start a potluck once a month at lunch... Now you might think all these things sound rather silly, But these are important activities that will make you stand out amongst the homogenous crowd. Offer to Submit an article of interest to the company newsletter... Don't expect any of these activities to work right away but I think in time, You will be noticed and in a good way. I would try that approach before jumping ship, Considering all you have going for you right now. In the meantime, You will be developing a side network through all of your volunteerism, and you never know where that will lead.

  6. Anonymous

    Talking to your manager about your promotion opportunities is really important. If you’ve been told you need to do XYZ to move up then now it’s time to hold your manager accountable for giving you those opportunities. If you can’t just go take a project from someone then it seems the person who can make that happens needs to do so. That’s what a manager is for—to support your goals and your growth. It’s great you’re at a good company and you enjoy your work, but that doesn’t mean you should let other people stifle your career because they’re insecure. If others are already in the higher role they should have no problem letting you lead some projects. I can’t imagine you getting promoted is going to impact their role. So if you can’t get your colleagues to openly assist you with leading the projects you need in order to advance then you have to be very clear with your manager that your goals for the upcoming year are to lead projects, receive effective feedback on your leadership so you can have the skills and work product to show you’re ready for the next level.

    And if you’re not being supported in these goals you may need to look to another team or even another job—IF promotion is that important to you.

  7. Frank Presten

    Решил поехать за границу работать строителем. На сайте нашли для меня вакансию в Бельгии. https://jusstjob.com/vacancies/ помогла с оформлением и жильём. Приехав, быстро включился в работу, всё по договору, коллектив русскоязычный, атмосфера хорошая. Понравилось, что руководство учитывает уровень опыта и предлагает задания по навыкам, чтобы не было перегрузки.

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