Etiquette about leaving/applying for jobs? WWYD

[PearlescentIridescent]

I got a new job in 2019 in an organisation I have wanted to work for for years.

They have in the main been very supportive as I was pregnant when I started the job and have taken a year out and have only been there for a couple years by now.

I am currently the only team member below my line manager so the only person dealing with all the day to day stuff. I want to apply for another role that has come up that would really suit my interests.

I am however feeling really guilty about applying, knowing that they will be really short staffed without me.

Would you apply? Is there any way it would count against me given the role is internal?

Apply - if it's internal they can't complain.

Of course apply! You have to do what’s best for you. You don’t have to tell your manager you have applied until offered the role. Might be worth having a conversation with HR about keeping your application confidential.

No offence but no one is indispensable, they'll cope without you.

I'd apply as it's internal. If they feel they will be understaffed perhaps they won't offer it to you.

But also, I would check the company requirements BEFORE applying.

Quite a few years ago, whilst at a very large company, I was approached about another internal role. It was one I had wanted to do for a while and was a big step up.

Company requirement was that you had to tell your immediate Line Manager you were applying. They then were to inform the Area Manager.

So I spoke to my Line Manager, then applied for the role. Received an interview appointment as a formality and which the Area Manager was cc'd in on. Well, she hit the roof as apparently my Line Manager hadn't informed her. He denied I had told him (even though it was said in front of two of my colleagues). It was more he was cared shitless by her (he was a real management suck up tosser)
The day of my interview which was in Camberley, she sent me over to sites on the IOW.
I eventually got the role six months later when she left the business but it left a bad taste.

Sorry, bit long-winded but make sure you follow their rules.

But good luck if you go for it.

Absolutely apply - it shows interest if nothing else.