The Career Doctor™
by Dr. Jacqueline Hornor Plumez
Looking for a first job? Thinking of changing careers?
Facing a lay-off? The Career Doctor™ is a Larchmont psychologist
specializing in career counseling. If you'd like to ask a question of
your own, use our anonymous form, and she
might answer you here. Read more about the Career Doctor here.
Contact information is here.
ASKING A MANAGER FOR NEW OPPORTUNITIES
Dear Career Doctor:
I have been in my current position for 3 1/2 years (and have thoroughly enjoyed it), but would like to
take on new and more challenging opportunities. What is the best way to approach a manager/director
when asking for change?
Pat
Dear Pat:
Go to your manager and say how much you have enjoyed your work. Then say that you feel you are ready
for some new and challenging assignments -- and ask how that can happen.
A supportive manager will try to give you the challenge you need in your current department -- or
will help you find other opportunities in the company. No manager likes to see an enthusiastic
employee leave, but a good manager realizes it is unfair to hold good employees back.
Unfortunately, not all managers are that supportive. So if you suspect that your manager
# 1. has no challenging opportunities to give you, and
# 2. is the kind who will be angry and consider you disloyal if you want to move to a different
department, you could be risking your job if you ask.
If you do not think your manager will help you, here's another possibility: Try to meet managers in
other areas of your company and explore what they do in their departments. Hopefully, one will
recognize your worth and enthusiasm and offer you a position.
The Career Doctor
The Career Doctor™ is Larchmont
psychologist and career counselor, Dr. Jacqueline Hornor Plumez.
Her office is at 90 Beechtree Drive in Larchmont, 914-834-1982.
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