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I need advice
I know this will be shocking to EVERYONE since I never, EVER mention it - but, I'm unhappy with my job. Long story short (because I might not have talked about the "why" before), I love the organization I work for - it's a non-prof and we do great things. However, my director was promoted to the head of the organization (another great thing, I love my boss). Since that time, I've had to take on many of his responsibilities - none of which I have any training for and none of which I particularly enjoy. Had our organizational structure stayed the same, I probably would've been promoted to the position he vacated when promoted. However, his plan after taking over was to merge two departments and hire a director of that super-department.
Still with me? I know, it's a lot - but I want to give you the full picture.
SO we're currently hiring for that position - I did NOT apply for it because I only had 1/2 the qualifications (since the two depts. were merged). I am in on the interviews and none of the candidates are even remotely good. He has said that if none of the candidates are a decent fit, he has no problem thinking about restructuring again - most likely to fit the people we currently have. Essentially, if this happens, this would be my only opportunity for a promotion (we're a pretty small org.). I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this happens for obvious reasons - and it looks like it has a good chance.
NOW, the tricky part - we just posted a job in another department that I've always wanted. This would be a lateral move (manager to manager) and I wouldn't be supervising staff (I currently have 15 PT employees under me that I ADORE), BUT it would be professional growth AND responsible for bringing in a lot more money for the org. than I already do.
So...I should apply for the manager position, right? I'd rather have the director position (more money, better title, more responsibilities, I'd still get to supervise the same awesome people) but since there's no guarantee we won't find a good director candidate, I should pretend that's not even an option, right?
I'm torn.
If you need further details, I'm currently in operations/facilities, the lateral position would be events, the director position is currently in operations...but who knows what it would be (or even if it would be a director position, honestly) if it was restructured.
Sorry this is long, but I need outsider perspective.
Thanks for reading! Here's a drink: 
January 2, 2010
EDD October 10, 2013
Re: I need advice
Well, the first question is which one would you be happier in? If you wake up every day hating your job and wishing you had a day off, it doesn't matter how much you make, how many people you manage, etc.
Second, what's more important? I, personally, would want the advancement. I would feel very accomplished having a new title, more income, plus the people are great. If those aren't that important to you then it's moot.
Another option would be applying for the other department manager position but still hope for the director position. Is there some reason you cannot apply for both and choose the better option when that time comes? Must you pick now, with no guarantees on either end?
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To be honest, I think I'd be just as happy in either. Maybe a bit more in the "director" position since I enjoy having direct reports, but happy either way. I'm with you on wanting the advancement.
I definitely don't have to choose - I guess I'm just trying to sort out my thoughts on all of it...? I think you're right, a good option would be to just apply for the lateral position and hope for the upward - I was afraid it might make me look like I didn't want the "director" position if I applied for the manager one, but since there's no guarantee either way I might as well go for it, I think. I guess it's much more confusing in my head...like everything else!
January 2, 2010
EDD October 10, 2013
You know, that's the weird thing about my org - there's not a ton of promoting from within. This seems to be changing, along with the company culture (mainly because my boss was promoted). Another part of the reason I didn't apply for the director position is because before it was posted my boss told me it would definitely be an external hire.
We've actually had pretty candid conversations about possibilities (the proposal I submitted for responsibility realignment was a merge of my job with the events job, actually - it was dismissed because he thought it would be too much work. I was still encouraged to apply for the events job) and I have encouraged him to re-work the director position because it's far TOO MUCH for anyone - but I should just outright say I'm interested. He's out of town until next week, and we finish up interviews on 1/21 - if there's no one worthy, I think I'll have a conversation with him then.
I was planning on working on my cover letter over this weekend for the manager position - do you think I should hold off on applying until interviews end for the director position next week?
January 2, 2010
EDD October 10, 2013
Ditto this. I musgral has it right.
All I have to say is good luck with whatever you choose!
The only knowledge I have of jobs is what goes on in school systems..very different than the real world!
I agree with musgral and starjay. I definitely think you should sit down with your boss and let them know you are interested - even though you feel as though you only have half the qualifications, since you already work there, they may be willing to work with you. Depending on how it goes, apply for the job that is the lateral move. Either way it sounds like you'll be happier. Good luck with everything!!
Alright, I bit the bullet and applied for the lateral job. When interviews for the director position conclude on Friday IF we haven't found a good candidate, I'll speak to my boss about that.
He did just assign a large director-level project to me this morning, so I know he's been giving it some thought.
Thanks for your advice and encouragement, everyone! I'll let you know how it goes.
January 2, 2010
EDD October 10, 2013