[Love&Toil]

Hello Gang, just wondering if there is anyone else out there like me? I have been climbing the ladder in the same government job for 13 years and have finally hit a plateau. Without meaning to sound arrogant, I am very good at what I do and am ready to move on to the next level. However, it is totally new, unchartered territory with lots of judgmental eyes watching, so I am freaking out a bit. I am applying for the new job but am scared that I will make myself fail due to anxiety and nervousness, and lack of experience. Just had to get that out there. Thanks for listening. Anyone else been in my shoes?

[kaliope]

I am proud of you stepping up to move forward despite your anxiety. I am good at what I do but my fear keeps me where I am. I will stay at my job till they kick me out rather than tolerate the anxiety of going somewhere else and risk myself at something new. good luck in the future.

[Love&Toil]

Thanks for weighing in Kaliope. I have been there for many many years, in a holding pattern because its comfortable and stable. But my finances and growing family are pushing me to move to the next level. It's tough to move outside of the safe zone to try something new. Gulp.

[Little Lulu]

You are asking a good and honest question ... to stay where you are comfortable or move into a position with more visibility and responsibility. I assume you will get an interview for this job and maybe that process will make things clearer for you. One question I would ask myself is how might the demands of this job affect your family.

After grad school I took a job with a much higher level of responsibility. It was a big adjustment and I had a heap of self-doubt and anxiety to work through but I don't have any regrets.

Really listen to your gut during this application and interview process and perhaps the way will show itself. Best wishes.

[Love&Toil]

My gut tells me this will be totally worth it if I get this position. Thanks Little Lulu.

[jadzea]

Do you work for local, state or federal government?

[Jay267]

You have 13 years experience working for these guys, despite it being new unchartered territory you have a lot of experience to back you up that you should be able to apply some of to the new position! You know how things work even if you don't know exactly how things work specifically for this new job.

You can do this!

I'm in a similar position but far less experienced than you but I'm going for it anyway. If we both get the jobs we can share our funny fail stories together

Just remember it's human to not be perfect and to make mistakes. Everyone does it ALL the time, even higher up managers. We just have to fix it, learn from it and move on. And hopefully laugh about it later, much later... Haha...