Asking for a Transfer

[Joffrey]

Can't believe I'm asking this cause I know the answer I would give someone else, but here goes.

Been with my current office for over 4 years. It's a great job, but I'm not happy. I'm generally in the field I studied for and I'm very interested in: intersection of international affairs/politics and commerce. However I'm in a niche, highly technical portion of it. The length of time I've been here suggests I should move now or soon otherwise stick it out as a career (which I'm loathe to do). My office has been generally great to me - I've been promoted regularly, get good feedback during annual reviews, and was allowed to detail to a different office for a few months (though I'm convinced I was prevented from detailing at a more attractive office), they're also being flexible with accomodating my part time graduate studies (though they aren't funding any part of it). Apart from the unattractive subject matter, I'm pretty fed up with my superiors' management style and personalities (type A, exciteable, abrasive).

I have my mid year - review in a couple of hours and I'm tempted to discuss my unhappiness and opportunities to transfer/detail elsewhere (as I will be asked how I think I'm doing). Unfortunately, it's a ****** time to ask as my portfolio is pretty busy. A friend and co-worker (different department) says not to mention anything and just look on my own (which I've been doing). I'm weighing the thought of asking/raising the issue as I've learned of other people in different offices arranging transfers (usually after a detail) with their management.

TL, DR: Is it ever a good idea to request a transfer with your boss, or discuss your unhappiness (when the only solution is leaving and they will be short staffed for a while)?

 

[VinnyMac]

Don't tell your boss that you're unhappy and ask for a transfer. If you can't be transferred then you've painted yourself into a bad corner. Even if you can be transferred, it probably won't happen overnight.

During the review there should be a segment devoted to your career aspirations and growth opportunities. Tell your boss about where you want your career to go and the types of positions within the company that you think will help to get you there. Ask him about what you need to do to get there, and ask him to help you put together a growth plans that will actually get you there. Show your boss that you're serious about it. If you don't let your boss know that you want to move up, then he may think that you're just another guy who's content with punching the clock.

If you're engaged and don't let the issue drop after the review, then your boss will either help or you'll know that it's time to go.