Not offered progression -- how to best handle this?

[Pochemuchka55]

I recently got a seasonal job at an RYA accredited watersports/outdoor activities centre, which has been enjoyable. But, out of my cohort, I was the sole person not placed on a powerboat course (apart from another guy who had his license already) or offered inductions as activities instructor/basic training elsewhere on the premises to progress my skills. I have the same level of experience as the rest of the seasonal team (i.e. those who aren't instructors).

I queried this with management, receiving a vague response (i.e. 'maybe I'll get added to one of the courses in future'). Patiently waited a few weeks, didn't want to make it into a big deal but it kept gnawing away at me. Had another meeting with supervisors who again weren't helpful, saying they can't afford to train everyone and that someone has to miss out. Asked them if it was related to my performance, they said no.

Tried to forget about it again, the job means a lot to me as I was learning new stuff from the instructors every day. I come from a serious sports background (albeit unrelated to what's on offer here). Eventually, a supervisor took me aside saying he was impressed with how hard I work. Later that week I was taken out for my first sailing lesson and on a PB and was taught how to drive it, which went well. It looked like things were shifting.

Until, one day, I found out that a new PB course was added that I haven't been put on yet again. Without a PB license there isn't much you can do in the job, as those with any experience in the industry will know.

I opened up to someone I trusted from the management, asking what I should do. He said that they appreciate the hard work I do, but offered no suggestions.

At this point this has become so painful that I cried my guts out for an hour after every shift. Nobody knows about it and I keep myself to myself.

I don't want to leave the job, but at the same time I don't want to just swallow this and don't think I should.

Long-term, I am pursuing music after a BA from Cambridge / an MA from the Slade, but everyone I know in the industry has another job. Like I said, I have a keen interest in the industry and am attached to this centre, they're just not letting me progress.

What is the best possible way to handle this?

I work FT, the benefits include paid holiday, paid sickness, employer pension contributions, some over time, some other benefits etc

I would love to have a fun outdoor job too But the reality is that I have bills to pay

Thank you. My plan.

Get a PB license this wk. (An aside: this centre is not poor. They're training many people. I wish they could understand how unfair they've been to me given my family circumstances, but I doubt they will).

Only have to decide is whether to do it here or externally. People have been hard on me here so it may be more satisfying to present them with my license one day.

I hope that suffices as proof for my serious intentions on instructing, and that they pay for my other RYA qualifications. fingers crossed

Have you thought about getting a FT job Mon to Friday. Doing your RYA at the weekends ?

Your family circumstances are outside work
Everyone has a life outside work

No I'm sole income earner feeding/caring for 3 people. Different

this centre is not poor. They're training many people

But they're training those people as an investment. Have you given the impression that you don't see this as your long term career? Because if so, they (quite reasonably) won't invest in you.

I know the industry and margins tend to be very tight.

And lots of people have dependents. Including people working in the outdoor industry.

So I will pay for the course. Got to

How is a PB accreditation going to give you viable long term career and half decent income ?

I know that industry sector reasonably well via my DHs leisure interests and from what he tells me, the money/prospects don't exactly set the world on fire.

So Im assuming the 3 people you care for have some form of income or benefits ?
Do they/you claim carers allowance ?
If they are on benefits are they receiving the correct amount ?

If this is a seasonal job, what are you going to do for work in the winter ?