Ask HN: I want to do X, manager is reluctant

[fooboy]

Hey all, alt name since my real account is heavily linked to my IRL self.

I've expressed interest in transitioning from my current role (engineering) into something more aligned with my background (applied statistics & machine learning). Both my manager and my boss's boss speak about my interest in this role very cautiously, and either (a) offer suggestions on preparing for this role (stating it could take me "a year or two" to get there) or (b) mention others on our team who are more qualified for this role.

Both are extremely non-committal about this potential shift, despite assuring me I could "easily fill" the role at another company.

I don't know what to make of this. I'm definitely taking my manager's advice on preparing (my previous comments will show you that I've overextended for positions before). Should I read more into this and start thinking about other options, though. or just get to work on improving my skill set?

Thoughts?

[FurrBall]

Isn't it obvious? They want you working as an engineer.

Their goal is to generate revenue. They don't want a vacancy on the team that's supposed to be generating revenue. Your jump to the statistics team makes their engineering team look like a sinking ship.

[fooboy]

It's arguable that the team I'm aiming for is even MORE responsible for generating revenue, fwiw.

They clearly want me aboard as a dev, but the question is whether they're actively discouraging me or simply avoiding promises they may not be able to keep.

[benologist]

Replacing you while transitioning you into a new role means they basically end up with two new employees instead of one.

You should take their advice and easily get the job you want somewhere else.

[fooboy]

I don't follow. Your point is that my departure will yield a new developer?

I don't think my departure would be a good thing for them. I'm on a small team, and my leaving would greatly decrease their capacity.

I'm also being encouraged to take on more responsibility while I'm still around, so I'm not getting swept out the door or anything here,

[benologist]

They're filling two jobs if you move - your old job and you in your new job. It's more disruptive than just bringing one new person in to fill one new job.

Their capacity issues etc are not your problem. Your problem is how to get from where you are to where you want to be, if you're happy with more responsibility instead of a different role then stay.

[fooboy]

To be fair my direct manager is supporting me on this--he's giving me more quantitative work and the work time to knock it out. If I stay it'll be because of that.