Outgrowing a role?

[GiveItYourBestFucker]

The short version...new head of division, having introductory meetings with all of the team. Invited to share any concerns or issues. I'd like the chance to take more responsibility and use more of my skills, I said.

Not possible. Do the job you're paid for or feel free to look for a new one.

Is that normal? I'm a bit taken aback.

Its kind of fair enough really. You are employed and contracted to perform a particular role. Whilst many organisations will welcome employees who would like to progress, many more will simply want you to do your contracted job, particularly in this economic climate.

It's harsh but tbh I'd much rather hear that than the parade of false promises that I've experienced in the past. The ball's now in your court you know where they stand are you happy to stay in a role with no room for growth?

Looks like time to look for a job where you feel valued and appreciated!

Thanks! I agree, it's at least good that I know where I stand.

Depends what sort of job it is - is the sort of job where you expect to progress (working in a finance department as a trainee then newly qualified accountant for example) or is it just a job where you wouldn't expect to be developed, where you are there to do a job and not really to progress a career, iyswim.

If the former then there is in my experience usually an expectation that you will move onwards and upwards as you get more experience and so what your new boss said isn't normal. On the other hand if there isn't a natural career progression then career planning isn't something that can be expected and what they said is normal.

It's a professional role in the public sector, though there's no formal progression.

sounds pretty poor to me. I assume you were saying you'd like the stretch whilst still doing your existing job? I would always look to stretch my team.

My last mid-year review (after a lot of discussion, during which I pointed out my manager could do with improving the way he gives feedback, among many other points,) at the end, he said, "You're in the wrong job really." Which was very constructive and helpful...

He now denies saying it. I'm being gaslighted!

That's weird. Is there any written record of this? Do you think somebody heard about this and had a word with him?

I was going to say are you sure that he said do your job or look for a new one and then realised that if he is indeed gaslighting, that is exactly what I would say.

It was certainly the message I took away from the meeting!

What words did he actually use?