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Moving up at current workplace.

Captain Chaos

Captain Chaos

Dec 27, 2005
3,348
2,421
Florida
#1
I've been working at the same company for 10 years and had a discussion with my boss last year about more responsibilities, he said he was going to work on a plan for me so I can eventually move up. Never heard anything back from him so I discussed the same topic with another manager 3 months ago with same result. Now last week my boss' boss stopped by and we talked for about 5 minutes and he said he will make it happen but I'm not really sure. Time to move on and look for another challenge?
 
#5
I was at my last job for more than five years, jerked around about advancement the entire time. I finally found something that is less hours, less stressful and pays 20% more. Hang in and find something better, they will regret seeing you walk out the door with a smile on your face and that is priceless.
 
#6
twocargar said:
^^ +1

Polishing your resume and going on interviews can also boost your self confidence and show you any areas of opportunity you might have. It's a good way to gauge what's out there as far as jobs go.

Don't do anything rash! We don't want to read a thread about you rage-quitting your job. ;)
Click to expand...


Always easiest to be hired for a new job when you are currently employed, don't quit until you're hired for the new job.
Perhaps the others here can offer some advice on what to put in the job application space asking if they can contact your current employer...do they still do that?
 
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#7
I left my last job because the writing was on the wall regarding my opportunity for promotion. It wasn't that I was unable to do the job, but, rather, there was a line of people already in place looking to swoop in who were more tenured than I was and more willing to play office politics the way the higher-ups wanted it done.

It took me around 6-8 months to find a new company that would allow me to move up into the role that I wanted. The added bonus was that the job paid more, was closer to home, and allowed me to work more traditional hours. The downside to this job, as I've recently found out, is that my job security is somewhat up in the air (as I've discussed in a thread I recently started). :eek::dead:

But yeah. If you're not getting the opportunity you want then keep your head down at your current job and begin looking for new opportunities. It might take some time, but it's definitely worth it if your future isn't looking to bright where you currently are.
 
#10
I'm going to possibly ruffle some feather here... finding a new job is great and all, and likely a somewhat easier way to get promoted, more money etc. I can't imagine sticking around in one place for 10 years, so I can totally get behind the idea of looking outside the company.

With that said... I wouldn't leave these conversations the same way you have, OP. I'd ask for the opportunity to get more work (as you have done), and if told that a plan would be developed, I would ask how soon to check back in. If not given anything firm, I'd give it a month or two, max, before bringing it up again. If my present boss isn't too keen on executing that plan, I wouldn't feel too badly about jumping up another level to get the ball moving as well (after talking to my direct boss at least a couple of times).
At the same time, I'd keep my own eyes open for things I could do that are beyond my responsibilities. If someone else is doing higher level work, I ask to work with them while they do that task, and learn from them. Then, next time, I ask if I can take the wheel and give it a go myself. I would also keep an eye out for work that isn't being done by anyone, that can improve efficiency, bring more money in for the company, elevate your team's position in the company, make the boss look good and so on. Both of those things will show much higher initiative than waiting around for someone else to make your future for you. Also, learn on your own time too - I don't know what industry you are in or what you do, but there's always something to learn to better yourself.
 
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#12
Be careful what you wish for. Not knowing your current position (worker-bee, supervisor, mid-level manager, VP?) and what you are looking to be promoted into, it's hard to say. From my experience the hardest jump was from worker-bee to supervisor. Hated being a supervisor. Manager/director was OK, a bit more "power" as you can influence direction and how budgets are allocated - but that's a double edged sword. I'm happy being the worker-bee again (professional scientific R&D environment). Oh, and there'd better be more money alongside those additional responsibility.

I can tell you this though - the acid test is when you give your two weeks notice; either they'll bowl themselves over to keep you...or not!

I always think of this when going for promotion...."Senior Bartender?!?!"

 
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#13
I had a boss try to use a title change to make me happy. It didn't work very well. More money did. I think he ended up giving me about a 40% raise. That made me very happy, especially because I had just figured out that I was woefully underpaid for the work I was doing. Titles aren't worth printing on toilet paper as far as I'm concerned.
 
#16
I was in the same position a little over a year ago. I started working on a business plan and in June of last year, I gave my notice and stepped out on my own. I didn't have a paying job yet when I did that as I tried hard to not burn my bridges with my former employer by selling my services while I still worked there. Fortunately, things in my line of work are busy. I got my first job a week after leaving to do this on my own, and I've been crazy busy ever since then. This year, I've already matched my previous salary and it's only August.

I don't know what you do, but if you can work for yourself with the skills you have, it's a liberating feeling to do it. Once you get past that whole crapping your pants because you just quit your day job thing, that is.
 
#17
I actually make the same or possibly more money than my super. I pointed out to my boss ( above my boss) that what I do that keeps the customers happy and that if I were to leave it would certainly mean a loss of cash flow.

To be a bit higher in management means you have automatic tenure ( for no good reason) and you receive a bit too much money and practically have nil responsibility. Of course no one in the office is respected one bit, they do make a ton of cash for being incompetent though.

Not a day goes by that I don't have to deal with several of their oversights, and I do mean several. It's like working with babies that have been dropped on their heads.
 
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