advocating for a transfer

advocating for a transfer

I've been in my current role for about five years and have been feeling a little bored and antsy for something new. I like the current project I'm on, but I'm starting to feel like it's getting a bit repetitive, and as a result, I'm starting to lose enthusiasm for the work. I asked my supervisor for a transfer last year when an interesting opportunity popped up, but he said the project team I'm working with really likes me and it would be very hard to fill my shoes (steep learning curve). He invited me to apply and for whatever reason, I didn't get it.

I got wind that the company will be offering another transfer opportunity, and it's really up my alley. However, I'm afraid that again I'll be told the project I'm on needs me and therefore management isn't supportive of yanking me from the team.

Any thoughts on how to approach this again? It's not even that I don't like the work nor the team, it's just that I feel like it's time to move on and grow. I think it's fair to say even that, but again, I don't want to be told no and forced to sit in a role I'm tired of after five years. Thoughts?

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3 Comments

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  1. Anonymous

    You should think about reframing your transfer request. There’s zero chance I’d advocate for someone’s transfer if their reasoning was: I’m losing enthusiasm and tired of my current role.

    I’d also try to figure out why you were passed over for the last transfer opportunity. Throwing your hands up and shrugging your shoulders will do nothing to help this new request.

    What do you know about the person who did get that last role? Were they internal as well, what did their experience or leadership skills demonstrate that yours didn’t?

    No one is forcing you to stay in this role. You’re not a victim so change your situation.

  2. Anonymous

    Since nobody could help fill your gap before, was there anything you tried to do about that? Is there another member on your team you can mentor to bring up to your level? Even if you don't have power to hire new people to train, there are probably team members that could enhance their skills, so that the next time you get the objection "you're too hard to replace" you could respond with something like, "I've been working and mentoring with[team member] in the details of this job in the anticipation I could move forward in my career. I like this company and feel ready to move forward here or elsewhere." Being indispensable can be and is deadly.

  3. GirlBossanova934974

    You need to find out why your last request for transfer did not go through. Were you an internal candidate that the new hiring manager simply passed on OR did your current manager refuse the transfer request? I can't tell from what you are saying here. IF it is the former, well TRY AGAIN! If you current manager is able to give the thumbs down and stop you from transferring, you need to address that with your current manager and/or HR.

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