Sorry for the long post!
I started a new job this year, industry i have lots of experience in but a new discipline. Everything is going well.
5 months in my manager resigns. My manager approached me on several occasions to apply for their role. I was apprehensive, whilst I have some managerial experience the technical side of the role I am still learning. I was offered assurances this would not be a blocker and everything could be learned.
I considered and decided to apply, my own expectations were that I wouldn't get the role but maybe it would put me in good standing for any future promotions.
I didnt even make the sift and wasnt invited to interview. The feedback was a lack of experience. Disappointing but not unexpected. So I continued on in my role, no hard feelings.
Fast forward a couple of months and it is apparent there is a leadership power struggle, lots of conflict between my out going manager and her boss. Apparently a long standing issue between them but new information to me. The recruitment process continues, some candidates have withdrawn (picking up on the politics) others in the running but no one outstanding.
The team I am in are also being moved within the organisational structure, but details of where to and who the new reporting structure will be are yet to be confirmed.
Its a mess, lots of uncertainty for myself and colleagues.
Then yesterday my manager calls me, they have 2 weeks left until they leave. Their role is still advertised and another internal candidate has applied. My manager is very frank, that they do not like or feel this candidate is appropriate. This candidate previously reported to my manager and has been a member of the team holding technical knowledge but not managerial experience. Some of my colleagues have said they will resign if this candidate gets the job. The general feeling I get is they were not well liked. My manager has again, without asking me, pushed my application for review.
I am now being offered an interview.
However, im not sure I want the role. Im now aware of the company politics, the uncertainty of where the team will align, no clarity on the new reporting structure. I dont feel confident in my technical ability to lead the team, although I am confident in my leadership and people management skills. I have children and i am concerned the role might stretch me alittle too thin, causing burnout. I have already dealt with rejection for the role once and im not sure I want to deal with it again.
Should I go to the interview, see where it leads, chalk it down to experience? Or follow my intuition, withdraw gracefully and see how everything plays out?