WWYD re: more responsibility (LONG)

wheelenl

Let me start with a couple of things to get it out of the way.

Money is not the issue, so I wouldn't accept a promotion with that as my motivator.

I have a newborn.

OK, there we go. Here is the deal: We are going to be doing some restructuring at my organization, and with it my department will likely be changing. As a part of that, there likely will be a new sort of middle level between my boss and me.  I have told him I'm interested in this position that would be a step higher than my role now. He seemed a little surprised, but I'm not sure why, and we haven't had a chance to discuss it.

My deal is, I'm 30. My whole "career" I've always added more responsibility with each job. I took this job more for lifestyle reasons, and I'm passionate about the product, but also I would be around a really creative team and learn some new skills. And my boss is amazing.

But in some respects, I had more responsibility at 25 than I do now. I've also turned down jobs with more seniority since I've been here, mostly for lifestyle reasons. 

However, these other jobs I've been offered have been more in the specific area of communications in which I've got a great degree of experience. I went into this job thinking, well, this is not exactly what I've been doing but it's similar, and it will round out my experience. 

Now I'm thinking, I might be "sacrificing" gaining more experience in the area in which I'm highly specialized, and for which I can ask a premium price for freelance work (just for perspective), and I don't feel that I'm learning a lot more since I've been at my job now for 2 1/2 years.

So, the question is, do I fight for the promotion? Do I even want it? It's not a matter of whether or not I'm qualified. It's a question of, should I just tread water until my LOs are a bit older, or should I worry about not adding onto my skill set and experience?

Thanks.

akl0506

Go for it!  If you aren't feeling challenged now, a promotion might be just the jump you need to really enjoy your job and be at that nice point of being challenged...but not totally overwhelmed. 

GL!

luvmagoldn

If you are at all interested I say go for it.  The opportunity may not present itself again - or for a long time.  Go get it!

Spenjamins

I was a little confused by your post. Would the job be more fun for you but you are worried about the committment and the fact that you might prefer something in another area?

But then you said you would get cool experience which you could charge a premium for if you freelanced?

It has always sounded like you really like your job and the benefits  - so I say go for it!

 

14years

So there are three alternatives -- stay in your position, try for the promotion or look for a different job/company?

Since it doesn't sound like you are seriously considering leaving the company, I think I would go for it.  Would your workload increase a lot or just your responsibility level?  If the latter, I definitely would do it.  No point in treading water at this particular company if this position interests you.  You can always look for a different job later when you kids are older if you want to change focuses again.  Also, promotions are great to show that you weren't stagnant in a position or company.

shouldbworkin

If it will bring you more experience that will help you grow professionally, I would go for it.  You might have a short period of time where you need to get up to speed, but I firmly believe that it is easier to be away from your kids if you enjoy what you're doing and you're growing.  Might as well make the time worth it, right?