I recently got promoted. While I enjoy many aspects of my job, like my colleagues, the pay, and the benefits, I have not found it professionally satisfying for the most part, pre- or post-promotion. I wonder (1) how I can better advocate for myself and (2) whether I should reorient career-wise. More inside.
My current organization does work that is broadly in line with my quantitative social science background, but despite my strong track record and (fruitful) efforts to further my technical skills, I have mostly been assigned to low-level data monkey projects (pre-promotion) or high-level project management-type projects (post-promotion). I have reframed these projects, especially the latter type, as opportunities to grow and have set up systems to motivate myself to perform well.
However, I find it discouraging to see my colleagues get assigned to "mid-level" projects I would be much more interested in, in areas I suspect I am better versed than them. I don't think I am being delusional with regards to to that last point: this is subject matter I have credentials and past experience in, and that I have also taught. Some of these more interesting projects are being assigned to colleagues without this kind of background.
I have explicitly discussed my interests and relevant experience with my supervisor and, while he seemed understanding, not much has changed. Perhaps there is not enough technical work to go around? Am I not being assertive enough ? Maybe I should take more initiative and join projects on other teams? Maybe it's sexism (though it seems unlikely)?
I am planning on signing up for a university-level computer science classe to (1) get intellectual stimulation in my day-to-day because work is not providing it, (2) gain some more skills that might open new avenues at my current workplace and perhaps even reorient careers if I enjoy it as much as I suspect I will. (Another benefit is that factor there are substantially more computer science-related jobs in my area than jobs within my current niche.) I have experience with writing code to solve equations and to carry out statistical analyses and I love the type of problem-solving that requires strong technical skill and/or subject matter knowledge. In this kind of setting, I experience a state of "flow" and time flies. I would like experience this more often at work. I thought I had the academic background (I have a quantitative, academic master's degree) and experience for this. However, I love school and would be happy to re-skill in my free time if it will help me be more fulfilled at work. Is this a sensible path? |
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