Please help!

Anonymous

October 22,2021 at 10:11PM UTC

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Please help! Been at the same agency for 6 years... Should I stay or should I go?

I have been employed at a nonprofit agency for over 6 years. In that time I have worked in various youth grant funded programs in which made things exciting at times. However, I have had no real opportunities for advancement other than a former male colleague offering me his job because he was being promoted to a "newly created" position.

Recently (about 2 weeks ago), an internal posting for a "Senior Career Coach" was announced. I immediately expressed interest to my direct supervisor and she invited me to apply. However, when I visited the posting through our internal system, the position was unavailable. I tried to find the posting a few more times to no avail. Around this same time, my supervisor mentioned that she had to contact HR since the posting kept disappearing and reappearing.

Today I planned on trying to apply for the position again. However, before I could try to apply I received an email to the entire department stating that the position was closed and they were moving forward with interviewing. I was shocked, sad and angry. After I got over the frustration, I emailed my supervisor a professional but direct email. Now I am back in a position where I have been tottering for years, should I stay or should I go?

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AnonymousOctober 22,2021 at 10:37PM UTC
It sounds like you're comfortable and like your job since you've been there for 6 years. Maybe this latest position within your organization has sparked a need to experience something new but if you're asking and you really don't know I would casually shop around outside your company and see if it's wanderlust or you are truly up for a challenge. Network and ask around if there are any companies you should be focusing on. Maybe some with new funding for the new year which might indicate new programs and new hiring. Since you're new to all this, start making a list of the things you'd like in a new job.
ChristineOctober 23,2021 at 3:10PM UTC
Thank you for your advice! I will continue my networking. Hopefully, I will figure out something soon.
Lorna Rose, J.D., M.S.October 22,2021 at 11:43PM UTC
It sounds like you're ready for a new challenge, so I say start looking around! Nothing wrong with "window shopping" for jobs. Things have changed a lot in the last 6 years and you may find new opportunities available that weren't around before. Perhaps the agency would be open to creating a new role for you like they did for the former male colleague you referenced? You know your company politics best, but just something to think about!
ChristineOctober 23,2021 at 3:06PM UTC
Thank you Lorna! I definitely will!
AnonymousOctober 23,2021 at 6:55PM UTC
I believe that if they'd wanted to interview you for this/wanted you to move up, they would have let you apply or even encouraged you to do so. Pay attention to what they did. They are speaking loud and clear. I'd start looking.
ChristineOctober 24,2021 at 11:14PM UTC
I appreciate your input. It makes a lot of sense. I will definitely be paying attention.
Maggie StoneOctober 25,2021 at 2:30PM UTC
Her supervisor did invite her to apply when they discussed the position. But you are correct, a lot depends on the tone of that invite.
Tabitha AshuraOctober 25,2021 at 12:45PM UTC
Agree with folks below. In general, if you don’t feel you’re learning and progressing it’s likely time to start window shopping for what’s next (unless you absolutely love your job and feel well compensated).
AnonymousOctober 25,2021 at 12:48PM UTC
I agree, as someone who works on the hiring process - if the system was down, your manager should still have asked for your resume and opened up the interview process to you. I get resumes from other colleagues all the time and if it's an internal candidate, they are at least guaranteed an interview.
ChristineOctober 25,2021 at 6:31PM UTC
Thank you. Yes I agree. Although they seemed supportive, their lack of concern and the lack of a deadline for the internal position gave me a few things to consider.
Elizabeth RagoneOctober 25,2021 at 1:13PM UTC
At 6 years in, it's imperative you're still learning in order to stay. If not, look elsewhere. To grow your career you have to show progression and growth in responsibilities, skills, experience. If it's not here, find the place that will stretch you, and make you even more valuable.
ChristineOctober 25,2021 at 6:30PM UTC
Thank you!
Maggie StoneOctober 25,2021 at 1:33PM UTC
I don’t blame you for feeling hurt, angry, frustrated, and disrespected. However, because your supervisor was initially supportive and there were some tech issues, it doesn’t sound like they deliberately cut you out. They may have been under a time crunch to fill the position. It does sound like you want a new challenge. If that is the case, keep looking internally and externally. Best of luck.
ChristineOctober 25,2021 at 6:30PM UTC
Thank you.
AnonymousOctober 25,2021 at 2:24PM UTC
So being able to apply for this position and consideration is the deciding point on your happiness with this job? If that's the case then you need to seriously start your exit plan...
ChristineOctober 25,2021 at 6:29PM UTC
You have a great point. Let's just say they do not have much to offer..
Focused721350October 25,2021 at 3:03PM UTC
Good Morning,
MOVE ON!!!! REALLY! WHY STAY??? I wouldn't want to work for a place that is so "DISRESPECTFUL"!!!!
Good Luck and God Bless... ;)
Rosa GoesOctober 25,2021 at 3:35PM UTC
There is nothing the agency can offer you. The senior position is closed and they are moving forward without you. I would entertain the other position from your male colleague. If that doesn't pan out, talk to a recruiter to have them help you find what your looking for in your career.
JaimeOctober 25,2021 at 4:58PM UTC
My thoughts are to see if your supervisor can get you an interview by explaining the situation with the tech issue. If they can't or won't it might be time to consider a different place to work where you have internal mobility.
ChristineOctober 25,2021 at 6:26PM UTC
Thank you. My supervisor reopened the position today and I applied. I'll see what happens next.