How I did it: I invested time and hard work in a position as an assistant to a big-shot. He came to trust me with important projects and I became his right hand person by specializing in area that had not been done well in the past (budgeting, confidential personnel issues). I helped systematize the functional areas in our division and was respected for it by superiors in other areas and clerical staff. I also made an effort to make contacts in the organization out side of my specific office and to take an interest in the projects my boss cared about. To that end I did some side reading to become more knowledgeable.

When the time came a few months ago for a dreaded re-org I proposed a new opportunity for myself and had a person in mind to take up my duties. My boss was surprised, but since I had taken an interest in his 'pet project'  he created a position and moved me into it.

I still keep my hand in the game with a few projects and continue to manage budgeting for job security, but it has definitely been a promotion.

Now I'm an Assistant __Title__ rather then an Assistant TO the __Big-Shot Title__.

Lessons & tips: I took a promotion for better work, but did not ask for a raise. I manage the budget an knew they didn't have the funds (we had just laid off a staff member) and decided it was worth it anyway. I actually do about the same amount of work as before and have more flexibility because I am not as tied to daily operations.

Advice: In a time when companies are still cutting staff it may be better to take a promotion (better work, supervising more people, new title etc) even if there is not a monetary reward. My new title shows progression in my career and opened an opportunity for side work that brings in an extra 10-15% monthly.

Resources: Initiative--get some

Oct 05, 2009, 04:34PM PDT | 0 comments | 3 cheers