Switch Teams, or Stay?
Posted by SteptoeButte@reddit | ExperiencedDevs | View on Reddit | 1 comments
I have around 6\~ years of experience as a software engineer, 3 in my current company, currently a mid level engineer (L4/E4 equivalent for all of the large tech companies, L5 at Amazon). I have been going for promo the last 2 cycles (we do a mid year and an end of year cycle for promotions), and have been passed over twice. I have switched managers probably 4 times in the last 1 1/2 years.
I'm debating whether or not to switch teams. A lot of it I admit is a bit emotional right now. I'm pretty discouraged that after 3 years at the current company, that I have not been considered for promotion. I have done all the responsibilities of a senior software engineer. It does feel like I have a lot more responsibility and a lot more to prove compared to my co-workers. I have seen my previous manager give projects to another mid-level engineer, and has gotten promoted, while his only feedback was "you should find projects yourself" during our last review cycle.
We recently had a re-org, and I am under a new manager. My current manager has been great, and has overall cared about my growth as an engineer. However, I am still finding myself needing to constantly prove myself by finding projects myself, while I do see others have projects given to them.
It has gotten rather discouraging, and I feel I am falling behind, despite having done a substantial about of work at the senior level. I have the rest of my coworkers constantly asking why I have not hit the senior engineer level yet, and it does continuously eat me up.
I am now wondering if I need a change of scenery to get a fresh perspective on everything. Things have been changing, and my current manager got almost 6-7 more additional headcount, so it does seem like things are improving. However, I cannot shake the animosity that does exist. I am currently working with a lot of negative emotions, and it hasn't been healthy. Though I do acknowledge things are getting better, and the team is growing really well, I am still personally concerned since it does feel like a carrot-on-a-stick scenario.
Would it be better for me to stay with the positive changes, or move teams for a fresh start?
HobbyProjectHunter@reddit
My 30,000 ft view from above is that in this economy having a job is already a win 🏆
Diving more deeply into your issue, I’d say since you’re optimistic about your current manager, I’d say ask him how you could shine amongst the competition when it comes to securing a promotion spot. Tell him that you feel a little discouraged about the past and want his help and advice.
Lastly, you do need to mentally be okay with the idea that a promotion may not happen this cycle or next. And if that’s the case, will staying here that long drive you crazy. If so, how likely is it that you will find a job that gives the comp and role that you’re seeking.