[Anonymous]

I’m trying to figure out a tactful way to approach my manager about being promoted and could use some advice. A little background: I’ve been with my company in my current position for a little over 2 years and my manager has made it a point to tell me several times that I’ll be promoted after 2 years, just like my coworker was, who recently left the company. He did mention that while he could push to promote me, HR could hold it up due to freezes and things of that nature. I had a really good annual review back in January & he noted a few times that I’ve taken on a lot of responsibility over the past year, which I have. I’ve finished my CPA exam, got licensed, and took on a bunch of projects that I initiated, outside of our normal work. The other thing that’s in the back of my mind, is that I’ll be taking maternity leave from July-October and I feel like if I don’t push it now, it’s going to be forgotten.

[mla1169]

Too bad you didn't bring it up during your review, that would be ideal! But if its a promotion I'd simply ask “we've talked before about my moving into a senior role, I believe I am ready, can you tell me what the next steps are?”

Normally I wouldnt suggest that approach but I think you're well set up for it.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Anonymous]

@mla1169 I actually did bring it up 🙂 He mentioned that our VP might put it on hold until I'm done with this big project I'm working on. Unfortunately, there are circumstances that are well beyond my control that keep holding it up and it looks like it wont be done until the end of April, at this point.

[mena je twa]

Amanda,

This is how I look at it, if I were your boss. You are going for maternity leave soon, that means you are not going to leave the company, if I decide not to promote you.

So its a win-win, your boss knows you are not going to leave and interview with another company, so he has much more leverage.

He will come up with lame excuses likes, HR wont approve it for now, VP says that our numbers are low and not the ideal time to promote, blah, blah…

Licensed CPA, Texas - 2012

[jbarwick]

Read up on woman not being vocal enough when wanting promoted. My wife has a tough time with this but these are the conversations that need to happen to move forward. State your case as to why you should be promoted and bring up the maternity leave that you will still X, Y, and Z to make sure you don't fall behind.

Journey Started - January 2015
FAR - 4/2015 - Passed
AUD - 7/2015 - Passed
BEC - 8/2015 - Passed
REG - 11/12/2015 - Passed

[Anonymous]

Could you possibly ask to get a plan in writing. set the goals that need to be accomplished, timeline and position/pay. Then its on the table and everyone knows what to work towards. I'm a big believer in two things, covering your butt (get things in writing) and knowing your worth. Unfortunately I think a lot of employers will do as little as they have to and make you feel like you should be grateful.

[reg_mackworthy]

@mena je twa

Exactly.

[Anonymous]

@mena ja twa- I completely disagree with you. I could very easily find a new job while on maternity leave and decide not to come back, in which case they would be screwed as we are already short staffed. If anyone has leverage, I feel like it's me, as plenty of women choose to go somewhere else after maternity leave, either for personal or other reasons. Not getting promoted would only add to that desire. However, my manager is definitely not the kind of person who would use that as leverage.

@jbarwick- I agree- women are not vocal enough. I had a male coworker who had no problem letting his manager know constantly that he needed to be promoted or he was going to leave.

Thanks everyone for the advice!

[Author]

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