Do I want to take this opportunity?

[StoorieHoose]

I am a member of a small team and there is an opportunity to become a Project Manager for 18 months and I'm considering applying. I only have low level Pm experience but this may be a good stepping stone for me and working under an experienced Pm who will help guide me

However my team is already one person short and there is a rumour that our Head of Service is leaving too which would leave the team severely understaffed. I'm sure that I would end up trying to be a PM and still do current job so would be rubbish at both!

Apply, it's not up to you to sort out other staffing issues

Even doing the interview process would be an education.

And a bloke would never think what you are thinking.

Do it! Your responsibility is to yourself, it's up to those more senior than you to make sure they have enough resources. One thing I've learned is never take on more than you should as it just masks the problem and it never gets fixed.
Maybe think of it this way - which choice will your future self thank you for, taking a chance on a career development opportunity or holding yourself back to look after something that shouldn't be your responsibility?

Their shortcomings in proactive recruitment and succession planning are not your responsibility to fix.

Go for it!

Thanks all. I'll make sure that any contract changes specify what happens at the end of the 18 months and that I can go back to my original role