Early February this year, I wrote this in my post on mistakes women do that sabotage our career:
Yep, I’m stuck in the nice girl phase. I know for a fact that I’m a fast learner, that’s my ultimate selling point. In fact, my bosses recognized me for that during my first year. But that’s the thing, being a fast learner would only get me so far. In terms of being promoted, or being seen as a leader, I have to step up my game. I’m still in my 20s but I surely want to climb the career ladder, fast.
– Then I went on to share what I learned from the book – Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office: Unconscious Mistakes Women Make That Sabotage Their Careers.
Little did I know that few months after that – I got promoted. Not only did I get promoted, the promotion actually came way ahead of time even passing over some colleagues. In my line of work – I still want to keep this private – promotion to a senior position usually comes after 4 years in the job. And I did it in 2+ years. Crazy, didn’t expect this.
Financially, this came with a 17% raise. I could’ve pushed for more if not because of the ongoing pandemic. My goal with this extra income is to not get trapped in lifestyle inflation.
Personally, this doesn’t affect me much. I’ve always made it a point to aim for a work-life balance, so I just continue living this way. It can be difficult sometimes when the workload is high, but I’ve learned to follow the flow and manage my energy accordingly.
Professionally, this promotion kinda pressures me because (a) I’m considered as too young/junior, experience years’ wise, and (b) this comes too quickly. Now not only do I have to play catch up to make sure I’m up to speed on par with others at my level, but I also have to manage the expectation of people around me.
After a quick Google research, apparently this is a common issue:
- The Young and the Clueless – Harvard Business Review
- Ready to lead? The perils of being promoted too early – The Sydney Morning Herald
- Can You be Promoted Too Quickly? – Plotline Leadership
Anyway as they say the only way forward is up, so now time to tackle the challenges that come with it.
Let’s continue figuringgitout!
congratulations!!!
Thank you Shamini!
Congratulations! You’re rocking it!
I can relate to this!
I asked for a pay raise 2 years ago and turns out, I got a promotion along with it, which was not discussed at all.
I am grateful for it but it just felt like I was promoted too early on. Hence lots to catch up and lots of pressure to suddenly be leading a team of people almost your age (but at junior level).
( I am a woman in corporate world btw. My advice to all young women out there is to just speak up for yourself if you think you deserve it. Of course do make sure you have noted down all your achievements and why you think you deserve a pay raise / promotion. Good luck! )