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Q&A: When the Economy Stalls the Progress You Were Promised
Dear Tammy,
I am at a crossroads in my career. In my early 30s, I have been a process engineer for the past 4 years and in my current role for almost 3. I have been able to stand out among my peers to the point that I have placed on myself a relatively strict 3 yrs “up or out” goal. After a little over 2 years at my current firm, I was approached for a promotion package with relocation and selection into a competitive leadership development program.
Then between the economic crisis and some major reorganization going on within the company…nothing. I had to call and call and call and found out that all relocations and positions were frozen. Now, I find myself in a new group with a new boss starting, it appears, from scratch.
The company has been nothing but good to me but I don’t see a clear “next step” in my career or at least it will take me starting over to get to where I was just a few months ago.
Recruiters have contacted me, I have gone on a few interviews to keep my options open and even in this economy a couple offers have come forth, but again, I really like this company and would like to stay. Also, is it too risky to start somewhere new if I have something relatively ‘stable’ right now?
Please offer some advice…Thank you very much.
Greg
Dear Greg,
Unfortunately, I think the severity of the economic downturn caught everyone off-guard. I suspect the reason you had so much trouble finding out what was happening to your promised development opportunities was that no one really knew. The folks running the program were probably almost as disappointed as you, to find that their budgets were being frozen—and undoubtedly embarrassed to have to back-track on the things you’d been promised.
I think you’re being prudent to keep in touch with the external market—while, of course, working to succeed in your new role.
It’s very difficult to predict what will happen in your firm. On one hand, as business rebounds, I’d like to think that you’d be at the top of everyone’s list to get back onto the fast track. Unfortunately, corporate realities often don’t work that way. It’s entirely possible—in fact, from my experience, likely—that the game will be reset. In other words, when the leadership development program begins again (and I do think it will in some form), the selection of the participants will start with a clean slate, looking at those who have excelled during the recession. It’s essential that you continue to excel at your current company—and, it’s wise to keep your eyes open externally, as well.
Best wishes for continued success,
Tammy
Filed under: Career Strategies | Published: 01/15/11
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