AIBU to apply for a new job with the exact same job description?

[ChiefWiggumsBoy]

This sounds stupid, I promise it makes sense!

This time last year I applied for a new job in my current company, a lateral move, which I was really excited about. The role seemed really exciting and just want I wanted to do. I was so happy to get it.

And then...I was put into the team but in a bit I seriously did not want to be in. I can't think of an equivalent, so I'll tell you - I applied for the Product team and was put in Product Governance. I hate it. I understand the importance of it, but it's not what I thought I was going to be doing and not what I want to do, at all. As a consequence, I'm really working at my lowest ebb and I'm really unhappy.

I told myself I'd give it a year, and I have. I'm still not happy. Job role has been advertised that is word for word the same description, but in another department. I think I've got a good chance of getting it, but I think the part that is making me pause is that I will need to explain why I'm applying, and I'll also need to tell my manager - both of which I'm struggling with without just saying "you put me in role I really dislike and I don't want to do it anymore".

Help me word this so I can have a conversation with my boss about it at some point. I have a fortnightly 121 with him and haven't been up front about how I'm feeling, because I didn't think it was worth rocking the boat. But now I feel I should - plus the closing date is in 2 days for this new role.

Not really sure what I'm asking from you all really, maybe just confirmation that people aren't going to think I'm a tit if I'm honest?! I was in my last role 7 years and when I was interviewed they thought that was a looooong time, so I don't want them to think I'm job hopping!

I think it's fine to say that the context of the team means the role isn't playing to you strengths and that you feel you'd add more value to the company in <product> rather than <product governance>. It's not as if you just hate the manager or the team, it's just not the best fit for your interests and motivations.

Good luck!

Thanks @Franklet.

Why is it when I come to do things like this I forget all my words?! Adding value and playing to strengths is absolute classic corporate speak and I forgot it?!

Absolutely be honest. Say that you wanted to give it time, but that it's just not a fit for your strengths.

Any Manager worth their salt will understand that you don't get the best out of someone who isn't happy in their role. I'd be looking to encourage and assist you in applying for/getting the other role and then back fill with someone who has an interest in governance.

Do you have to apply formally?

Can't you just speak with your manager or HR and ask to transfer across?

Be honest and explain you like working for the company but are not enjoying the work involved in that team.

Unfortunately there's no equivalent roles in my team, the one I've seen the ad for is in a different dept.

@ChiefWiggumsBoy

Can't you just transfer to the new team rather then apply formally?

No it's in a completely different arm of the company. I think it's even a different legal entity (there's a couple which most of the time isn't an issue but can sometimes be a real pain!)