Dear Liz,
 
I have been with my current company for almost nine years. In that time, I have gone from telemarketing for filling seminar seats to customer service manager. However, we are a software company, and I don't have a programming or consulting background. Therefore, according to HR, there are really are no other opportunities for me here. I'm finding myself bored and unmotivated, and know that I need to "jump-start" myself. Any suggestions on how to re-charge here, or find the motivation to change jobs/careers? At 43, I'm afraid I may have created a rut for myself from which I don't know how to escape.
Thanks!
 
KC
 
 
Dear KC,
 
First off - 43 is the new 32! You don't get to use the word "rut" to describe your situation, since you've already shown this company how you can take on more and more responsibility. Truly, it gets under my skin to hear about HR people saying "you don't have the right background to move up" when a big part of their jobs is to GIVE you those opportunities to learn. Anyway, you DO have some consulting background if you've been a successful CS manager. You've had to deal with clients, problem-solve, build internal and external relationships, and manage people. And you know the company for Pete's sake! Go to your boss and talk with her or him about your desire to keep growing and not stagnate. You can change jobs, but I'm not sure you need to. Put together a good argument that shows how you've learned the business, have grown as a manager, understand the product(s) and the customers and can contribute more. If he or she can't make a commitment toward a bigger job right now, use the meeting to design a 'roadmap' that will get you there over a year's time. That roadmap could involve your participation in task forces or non-Customer Service meetings; face-to-face client visits (perfectly reasonable for an up-and-coming Customer Service manager in any company) and assignments with people in other functions you're interested in. If you get a blank stare or a real cold shoulder, this is not the company you should be working for. Then write again and I'll tell you that you already have the motivation to make a change! Good luck -
 
Liz Ryan

Every week Liz Ryan, founder of WorldWIT, will answer questions readers have about their career paths, jobs, and balancing work with their families.  If you have a question you would like Liz to answer in a future issue of Thinking Aloud please write to laurenc@worldwit.org.