by Beks
A position has opened in my department at work. Unfortunately, it’s two levels above mine.
I have a healthy fear of rejection. I also have a slightly more than healthy fear of authority. Combine the two and I am destined to push paper for the rest of my life.
I knew about the opening for a week before they made a public announcement and all I could think was…I don’t want to be an admin assistant forever.
Finally, at the end of the week, after six hours of nervous jittering, I loaded myself with fake confidence and marched into my boss’ office. Rather than ask him for consideration for the position, I asked him the ever dangerous, ‘What does my future look like?’
A smile spread across his face and he said, ‘I’ve been waiting for you to ask that question for six months.’
We spent the next half hour reviewing his plans for my future. It was one of the most rewarding conversations I’ve had in a long time. He even encouraged me to throw in my hat for the new position but if I don’t make it, he has another opportunity in mind for me at the beginning of next year.
It’s easy to sit where we are because it’s safe, but sometimes… you’ve got to storm the castle.
Beks is a full-time government employee who enjoys blogging late into the night after her four kids have gone to sleep. She’s been married to Chris, her college sweetheart, for 15 years. In 2017, after 3 long years working the Dave Ramsey Baby Steps, they paid off more than $70K and became debt free. When she’s not working or blogging, she’s exploring the great outdoors.
Well, cool!
I’m so glad you spoke up. Good luck!
So true, I did this jsut recently in regards to a raise. I used to be a rather shy person who wouldnt push the envelope in most areas. But i decided that if i didnt at least ask for it, my boss wouldnt even know where i stand in regards to my position and pay. It paid off and i got my raise=)
Preferred Financial Services
Congratulations on mustering your courage! That kind of stuff at work used to petrify me.
Good for you!
Congrats on finding the courage to take that walk and ask that question! I’m still recovering from an attempt outside my safety zone that didn’t work out as well as I’d hoped but seeing it work for you has helped me move a little further along. Thanks!
As a manager I can say this. Those who don’t try, don’t get it. Those who don’t get, don’t get it. If you do not let your manager know what you want to do, they (meaning me) think you are happy where you are at. Its YOUR career, if you don’t take charge of it, I won’t either. I have my own career to worry about.
congratulations! I know how hard this can be. well done! keep going!!
Beks, do you know how blessed you are with this job? Your boss sounds amazing. I really hope you get that job. 🙂
Thanks everyone! I’m a total wimp but this time it worked out!
Claire – Absolutely true! I have a great job.
Joe Dirt – Thanks for the honest thoughts. I agree!
This is another step in digging out of debt, finding a way to earn more income…. Good job! I am also a supervisor who wants to help my motivated team members advance their career. Keep it up. Once you make your willingness to advance known, a good boss will think of you when opportunities come up.
I am in a position where it will be hard for me to move up for a long time, however, I can bring more tasks into my team. Another team under my boss is very busy supporting many products (We are IT). My group has mastered our area and ready to take on a new challenge. I spent almost a year mentioning to my boss that we could take over supprot for a product that is closely related to what we already do. It is starting to bear fruit.
You go, girl! So cool. You got the smarts, skills, and gusto. Get some!!
This is so inspiring! I don’t even have a job (student) and I feel like demanding a promotion! You’ve got guts lady and you’re proof that calculated risk equal great rewards. Even if you don’t get the promotion, you’ve just developed a better relationship with your boss, and THAT is a wonderful thing. 🙂