Should I apply?

Anonymous

March 8,2023 at 1:37AM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

Should I apply? I was just promoted into a senior management job at my company and have only been there for a few weeks. However, I just saw a position advertised in the company that I used to work in a few years ago. It looks really interesting and might be more up my alley. It might be great for my career. Might be. I’d have to learn more. The timing is terrible because any other time I would absolutely apply for this new position and find out more.

But should I not apply because I just started the job I’m in now? Would taking that job, if offered, be perceived as disloyal and flakey? I really don’t want to burn bridges with my current company because I can see potentially wanting to return some day. (I like my current company and this other job is time limited.)

I’ve always found that keeping an open mind to opportunities is a good thing. But I’ve never been in this situation. I’ll take any advice!

Why women love us:

Daily articles on career topics
Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
Advice and support from an authentic community
Events that help you level up in your career
Free membership, always

8 comments

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

8 Comments

Join the conversation

AnonymousMarch 8,2023 at 2:02AM UTC
What is a red flag about the job with your previous company is that it is time limited. I have considerable misgivings about any time-limited position because they either end up being a never-ending contract job (without any of the benefits of permanent employment) or end at the end of the term.
The big question is, what do you think about your new senior management role at your current company? Leaving this soon would certainly jeopardize any chance of returning. Spending time enhancing your career versus being miserable is a no-brainer. If you are happy where you are and feel like it enhances your career (which it sounds like it does), I would pass.
AnonymousMarch 8,2023 at 2:05AM UTC
You’re only going to get one bite at this apple. Neither company is going to entertain this flip-flop back and forth for the long term.
You asked if taking this job, if offered, could be perceived as disloyal and flakey. This is absolutely a risk.
Best of luck in your next steps.
AnonymousMarch 8,2023 at 12:35PM UTC
Always do what's right for you. There is no offer on the table but it might be worth exploring.
AprilMarch 8,2023 at 2:01PM UTC
Bridges are present so that you can cross over to the other side. That is my opinion. I recommend considering a bit of loyalty to yourself by actually taking a chance at a job that by your own words “ is up my ally”. This implies that your current role may not be your rather job.
There is no guarantee that you will be granted an interview or will be offered the role after applying. I can almost assure you that you will have a few days of regret if you do not try.
Confidently. Discreetly. Privately . Submit your interest. let’s see where it takes you.
IntentionGirl136408March 8,2023 at 4:10PM UTC
It's hard, but I would ALWAYS keep my eyes open, and apply for a new position if I felt it would be a growth opportunity for me. YOU MUST OWN YOUR OWN CAREER... no company is going to make sure you keep getting promoted or grow as a person. GO FOR IT!!
AnonymousMarch 9,2023 at 3:12PM UTC
A senior management person should not be jumping from one position to another. Yes that is very flakey and you will be talked about in the small circle of senior management. Stay put. If you’re that good you can move on in a year or two to another company and position.
AnonymousMarch 9,2023 at 8:00PM UTC
There is no harm in applying to learn more. Then you can think more deeply about leaving.
The decision to leave, however, needs to be grounded in your career goals - not loyalty.
AnonymousMarch 12,2023 at 6:08PM UTC
I would not apply to the position, you left that company for a reason, and you returning is not going to change your perception or fix whatever was wrong to make you leave. Sounds like you are doing a great job at your current job and they promoted which speaks highly of you and the company.