Twice a week we publish problems that will feature in a forthcoming Dear Jeremy advice column in the Saturday Guardian so that readers can offer their own advice and suggestions. We then print the best of your comments alongside Jeremy’s own insights. Here is the latest dilemma – what are your thoughts?
I’m a 31-year-old public sector employee and I am employed by a research organisation as a website and social media account manager. I’ve been in post for just over two years and have been demonstrably very successful in managing and promoting the organisation’s online brand, to the point where I am often asked to lend my expertise (sit on advisory groups, give workshops) to other parts of the sector I work in.
I’ve reached the top of my salary band and, while I love my job, I am also looking to the next step in my career. My problem is that the level I am on seems to be the limit for doing the specialist online work that I enjoy. I’ve been looking at other jobs, both private and public sector, but in order to advance, it seems like I would have to give up a lot of what I like and venture into management territory; however, I have no interest, skills or experience in that side of things.
Am I being naive to think that I can advance without also having to manage people eventually? Any advice on working out what to do next?
Do you need advice on a work issue? For Jeremy’s and readers’ help, send a brief email to dear.jeremy@theguardian.com. Please note that he is unable to answer questions of a legal nature or to reply personally.
