My old manager said something at lunch that wrecked my whole week

We grabbed tacos on Friday after I finished a project and he goes "you know you're the backup, right? not the lead." I thought I was doing great, he gave me all the hard tasks for like 6 months. Then he admitted he only does that so I don't get bored and quit, not because he trusts me. I'm 31 and been at this company 4 years, how do I even ask for real growth now without looking ungrateful? Has anyone else had a boss flip the script like that?

2 comments

2 Comments

logan_thomas873d ago

That's a gut punch, real talk, and I feel for you, @hugos67 nailed it about being the safety net.

hugos674d ago

Man, that taco talk sounds like it came with extra salt. I once had a boss tell me I was the "safety net" for the team, which sounds nice until you realize it means they’ll never let you jump. Took me two years to learn that being the reliable one just gives them permission to keep you in place. You’re not ungrateful for wanting a real ladder, you’re just tired of being the step. Maybe ask him straight up what a lead would need to do, and if the answer is “stay quiet,” then you’ve got your answer about the job, not your worth.