Three Steps To Take When Considering a Temporary Offer

Dear Tanja,

I’m being asked to fill in temporarily for a management role. I’m qualified, and I’m ready for the opportunity, but a little discouraged that the company is posting the position externally. If I say no to stepping in temporarily, I might not be considered for the role. But if I step in and they hire someone else, I’ll be even more disappointed. I don’t want to set myself up for a letdown. How should I handle this?

I’ve seen and heard about this situation many times. It is a tricky situation to navigate. The main reason is that there isn’t a clear process being followed or transparent communication taking place. That is on the organization, not you.

Crossroads like these are pings from the universe. They remind you to check in with yourself and evaluate your goals. I say crossroads because it is not a clear path. You are being invited to weigh your options and make a choice. Here are three steps you can take to consider the temporary offer in a way that is aligned with your future goals. 

Take a moment to reflect. 

Is this opportunity something you want? Visualize this next step and ensure it aligns with your goals. I want to emphasize the value of this step. So often we follow the path that is presented to us, without taking a moment to consider if it speaks to our heart. So again, is this what you want? Knowing this will set the stage for the next step.

Make a plan. 

Once you know what you want, make a plan and go all in on it! Let nothing stop you.

Is this what you want? Consider a timeline for when you want to see yourself accepting a role of this kind. This is an important step because you can set non-negotiables. For example, let’s say you decide you want this position and you end up stepping in. For how long are you willing to step in? What is your plan if you do not get the position? What are your expectations for a new salary? What is the plan for you to transition into the new role, and not keep the old role? Know exactly what you want out of this opportunity.

Maybe after some thought, you realize this is not what you want. While this can be a hard reality, it’s valuable data. It shows you that a career change is on the horizon. Maybe you do accept the temporary position, or you don’t. Regardless, make a plan for what that looks like, and in this case, you'll begin to incorporate a career pivot into that plan!

Communicate. 

This might be the hardest step, but with the last two steps in place, you are confident with your vision and expectations. You have nothing to lose. It's time to communicate with your management team.

Even if it feels obvious to you, they might not know that you plan to stay at the company for x amount of years and grow into x types of roles. Be clear, be confident, trust yourself. Bring them into your plan, and show them you put thought and effort into this.

Side note- if your plan includes a career pivot, you do not have to communicate that. Only tell them what they need to know. You will step in, or you will not + your expectations.

How the organization proceeds is out of your hands. What you do moving forward is in your hands. Doing the work of #1 and #2 will help you navigate any outcome with alignment and intention.

Above all, I want you to remember that you are worth your goals. Did you get passed up for the promotion in this situation? Do not let that stop you from applying for the growth opportunity elsewhere. Did you realize there is another path out there? Don’t let the uncertainty of change stop you from finding something completely different. Did they pull the posting and promote you? Take a moment to recognize that you made that happen!

What would you add? What will you try? Share in the comments. Let’s keep working together to keep the office vibes up!