I’ve known for a while that if I wanted to be promoted at work I’d need to seek a new role within the company. That’s how it works in HR at my company. So I’ve been applying for roles that come up at a level higher than mine for the last couple of months. Surprisingly there’s been quite a few. I’ve applied to all for which I had even a chance of being considered.
In the midst of this, I was contacted by a Senior Manager with whom I worked previously to let me know about a role that was being opened within her department. I had told her previously that I was interested if anything should open up with her group given that they’re global and do a lot of the architecture around our internal HR processes. I indicated that I was definitely interested. Let’s call this job Role B.
Lo and behold, yesterday I was offered a role (let’s call it Role A) related to one I’d interviewed for previously. This role would be doing much of what I’ve been doing except at a higher level – operations-focused, more involved in stats, reporting and actually supervising people. At any other time, I would have jumped at this role. But knowing there’s this other position (Role B) working with a group that rarely has open positions… Well, let’s just say I’m a little torn. I let the Manager who offered me the role (Role A) know that – I was honest and transparent. And she said she can hold off on making a decision for about another week so that’s good.
This morning I was contacted by another Senior Manager; this one related to the role that I’ve been offered (Role A). He wanted to get an idea of why my preference is the way I say it is (Role B, then Role A) and was hoping – I think – to convince me to take Role A. I was open with him as well and I could tell he listened to and understood my preference. I don’t think he liked it, but he understood.
Meanwhile, this afternoon I had a phone call with the original SMgr – Role B – about the position. She indicated that I’m in their top 3 for her role and that she wants me to talk with someone else since she feels a little biased (she knows personally 2 of the 3 people they’re considering). She’s hoping they can make a decision by mid-week next week. I’m nervous about this other interview but at the same time, I’m confident in my ability to represent myself competently.
I’m in this weird spot now, emotionally. I’m going to be making a change, soon and while that’s exciting – whichever Role I take – it’s also kind of sad (because I love my current team) and also kind of scary (what if I’m not right for the Role – whichever I take?)
It’s this see-saw of emotions – one minute up and thrilled because darnit, people WANT me! On the other side, I’m anxious about doing well – maintaining my reputation as someone who gets the job done.
It’s going to be an interesting week, that’s for sure.
The Tauntress 