Would it be u professional to stop helping out now that they are hiring somebody else?

[MandalaYogaTapestry]

I have recently had quite a bit of free time and volunteered to help out in a new emerging department of the company where I work. My line manager allowed this - I have been asking for more duties for ages and it's the same area - and I have been helping out for over 6 months.

Feedback from the new dept has been super positive, they kept involving me in new things which I very much welcomed as in my office I have been pretty much stuck.

Then my line manager expressed concern that I was getting too busy and had a talk with the other dept. Now I am finding out that they are recruiting a new full time person and won't need my help anymore.

All is fair enough but I think they should have offered me a chance to apply as I have already demonstrated that I am capable and interested - very much so. But they said that my line manager said that he needs me in his department.

And nobody actually asked me what it is that I want myself. Both the new department and my manager all just decided without me.

Is this how it's done? I feel disappointed and not a tiny bit peeved off. WIBU to stop all help now and not wait until they have hired a new person? Or would it be unprofessional?

"The question is if it is ok to bow out now? I don't know when the new person will be starting."
No, of course it isn't ok. That would be being totally unprofessional and immature. It would show they were right in not considering you for the role.

Having said that, if they haven't recruited anyone yet, I would formally apply for the position. If you secured the role they can always advertise your current role.

Just because a department needs you isn't a good enough reason to stop you from progressing.

One tip- it's never 'helping' it's 'working'

Just a word change, but you are working and earning money

Talk to your current manager. Let him know you want to apply and that you will be disappointed if he doesn't support your application. Subtly let him know that you will be looking elsewhere is there isn't growth opportunities where you are.

Given you seem incapable of taking initiative and standing up for what you want, I wouldn’t want you in the new job either.

Also, wasn’t this an episode of friends?

Idontwanttotalk first they said that they couldn't consider me because of my manager, then they said that they are looking for a slightly different background.

Whichever one it is, I don't think it was right for them to tell me just one month ago that they are not hiring at all. I did ask back then. I never even knew there would be a position to apply for. When I found out they were already interviewing.

This is all confusing and the main thing, nobody told me anything at the point when I could actually say something to my manager. I was under impression that we are continuing with the arrangement.

Apply for it. They probably don't want to poach you but would be delighted if you apply.
Go for it.

In answer to your question, continue to help it will stand to you in the long run.