Be a bit impatient
I think it's best to be a bit impatient. Have you ever been told any of these..."Just keep doing what you're doing," "you'll get that promotion eventually," "I'm sure a role will be available soon," "that next opportunity will have your name on it," "good things come to those who wait."
I disagree. There's been one point in my career to date where waiting was the right call. Once.
It's generally not best to wait. Waiting doesn't create the role you want.
Often you're given this 'waiting' advice by people who are more senior and experienced in their careers. They tell you to slow down, that you've got a 40 year career, what's the rush?
With respect to various mentors over the years, I've always found that logic pretty patronising and singular. What is right for one person isn't necessarily right for you.
My pace has always been a bit faster than average, meaning I've had to push against a few of these barriers and bring people with me.
So if you know you're capable of more, and you don't want to wait, here's what you can do:
1) get clarity. What exactly is needed for you to get that next promotion or next role? Don't accept vague feedback - ask for specific examples. When you know what it is, you can work on it.
2) talk to your boss. If your current role isn't stretching enough, find out what else you can take on over and above your day job. There will always be something. For example running training for people new to the team, running a project on one of the teams strategic priorities, helping with recruitment.
This also helps in the longer term as you build your skills for that next role.
3) set boundaries. Contract with yourself on how long you'll wait this out. If they tell you the opportunity is 6 months away how does that sit with you? If it's fine, manage them to it. Check in every 2 months to ensure it's on track.
You should also have a Plan B for if it doesn't happen. When does it become a deal breaker for you? And what will you do? Interview for another firm or try a different career option?
In summary, this isn't about antagonising your employer or being unreasonable. Being impatient can sometimes appear unprofessional and immature. What we're aiming for is a BIT impatient.
You're polite and courteous, but crystal clear on your next step, timeframe and action needed. So seek out development feedback and stop waiting for the next role to materialise. Get after it!
I think we're all patient most of the time. What can you do to be a bit impatient? Try a bit more impetus and urgency this week. Let me know how you get on.
