Dear Lee – I'm New. Can I Transfer?

I recently started a new job. I don't have a lot of experience in this specialty area, but I thought it would be exciting to try something different. Unfortunately, I've found that I really don't like it, and although my supervisor seems to like me, I don't feel like I'm doing a very good job.

I recently heard that there's an opening in another department for someone with my experience. Should I ask for a transfer? How will my supervisor react to a request for a transfer from someone who has only been working for a few months?

Sincerely,

New Kid Off The Block?

When I graduated from university, I got a job in sales. I worked hard and I believed in the service I was selling. I also liked the company I worked for, and my boss seemed to like me. But I just wasn't a good salesperson. As a result, I found the job frustrating and I was unhappy, and even depressed.

Then I heard about an opening in another department. I knew it would be a better fit for my skills and interests, and I thought about asking for a transfer, but I was worried. After all, this was my first "real" job. How was my boss going to react? Would I lose my job? If I did, how would I pay my mountain of student loans?

What finally helped me make my decision was my friend's question: "What have you got to lose?" I realized that the biggest risk was losing the job – a job that not only I didn't like, but I wasn't very good at. I figured it was only a matter of time before my boss realized what a dud I was and canned me anyway. So I asked. Luckily for me I got the transfer, and I ended up working happily in the new position for two years.

How did I make the change?

I knew that it was important to handle things carefully, because not only did I really want the transfer, I didn't want to close any doors at the company.