feeling stuck in my division and no way out

[Anonymous]

I've been with my organization in the same division since I was hired more than three years ago. I've had three different supervisors who've retired who transferred to other divisions. FWIW, the division I'm in is a shitshow, so I don't blame them for leaving at all. I've been trying to get a transfer for the past year with no luck-- the available positions pay lower or are frozen due to funding issues. I was actually close to landing another role and leaving the org altogether last year, but that job got pulled at the last minute.

So, now I'm going on four years this summer and I'm dejected because I feel like I'll never get out of this division. I've been trying to use my time well taking training classes and getting to know managers in other areas I'd like to move to, but nothing's going to result in the change I want for the foreseeable future. My most recent supervisor, who I really like, just announced she's leaving in a few weeks, so I'm feeling stranded on an island I want to leave. Any other way to cope/change my mindset other than quitting because I can't quit and the salary and benefits are quite good. I'm not going to find anything better out there, and I know it.

[Anonymous]

Any chance you can go with your supervisor? Do they like you? I would try to bring along people in your position. Talk to them about what you’re feeling and see what they say. If I were them, I’d at least try to help where I could.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Any chance you can go with your supervisor? Do they like you? I would try to bring along people in your position. Talk to them about what you’re feeling and see what they say. If I were them, I’d at least try to help where I could.

OP here. Where she’s headed, there may be a role where I’d fit but the pay would be significantly lower and commute longer.

[Anonymous]

Are you in consideration for her job? Maybe you should step up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are you in consideration for her job? Maybe you should step up.

She’s high up and I’m an SME. I’d need another degree to qualify.

[Anonymous]

What about other jobs in your industry? Seems like the situation has not improved in all the time you've been there. Doubtful it will suddenly chagne now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What about other jobs in your industry? Seems like the situation has not improved in all the time you've been there. Doubtful it will suddenly chagne now.

Most others would be lateral moves and require relocating. Not worth it with kids in middle school doing well in our district.

[Anonymous]

I am starting to consider lower paid stuff that’s close to home, but it will probably take about six months to land something. Really don’t like taking less money, but there’s just no future in this commission and I’m afraid of who they’re going to bring in to replace my supervisor. It’s a pretty large order, but you need certain special taste to move around or take a few years of training and pursue a different degree which I just don’t know if I can do at this point.

[Anonymous]

I would discuss it with your supervisor. Maybe they have a plan for you that you don’t know about. They could recommend you for something lateral where you are.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would discuss it with your supervisor. Maybe they have a plan for you that you don’t know about. They could recommend you for something lateral where you are.

OP here. I would accept this. When I first took the job, it was sold as a good role, and the evidence was there... high priority initiatives and many opportunities to not just lead but take on interesting, resume-building work. At this point though, I see no growth potential. I support one team most of the time and would like to move to that team, but they need me for my specialities and seem to like me exactly where I am. What I've learned over the past few months is how important it is to really look at a position you're considering and determine if there really is a career path there, or if you'll just be seen as a warm body very skilled at holding down the fort more than anything else while you watch others move around with ease.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would discuss it with your supervisor. Maybe they have a plan for you that you don’t know about. They could recommend you for something lateral where you are.

OP here. I would accept this. When I first took the job, it was sold as a good role, and the evidence was there... high priority initiatives and many opportunities to not just lead but take on interesting, resume-building work. At this point though, I see no growth potential. I support one team most of the time and would like to move to that team, but they need me for my specialities and seem to like me exactly where I am. What I've learned over the past few months is how important it is to really look at a position you're considering and determine if there really is a career path there, or if you'll just be seen as a warm body very skilled at holding down the fort more than anything else while you watch others move around with ease.

OP again-- the one time I was offered something it was for a dud role that my boss thought she could sell me. It was an obvious misuse of my experience and all the knowledge I'd gained. I almost wanted to say are you out of your mind, you want me to go from supporting a major project to doing the exact work I did 20 years ago in a previous life? But I held my tongue and told her no thank you. I do get the feeling that certain roles are actually reserved for certain people, and maybe I'm just not one of the blessed.