5 Signs Youre Ready to Move Up at Work - The Muse

5 Signs Youre Ready to Move Up at Work - The Muse5 Signs Youre Ready to Move Up at WorkWhen youve had the same title for what feels like years and it doesnt look like youre getting a new one anytime soon, its easy to feel stuck in a rut. You might start to worry that your skills are stagnating and youre going to fall behind. But Im here to tell you that just because your title hasnt changed doesnt mean youre not improving. Yes, your boss should be acknowledging when youve grown (and if you havent gotten a raise or promotion in a while its worth evaluating why), but it may not always come in the form of a promotion or raise. Thats why Ive put together five signs youve definitely increased your skill set- without even realizing it1. Youre Getting More Positive Feedback (and Less Constructive Criticism) on Hard AssignmentsProbably an obvious statement, but its also something you tend to overlook in the hustle and bustle of your day-to-day. Notice how your feedback has changed over time. Maybe when you first started, you were constantly critiqued on your work and used to go through several revisions before getting it right. Now youre making your way through these same kinds of assignments with ease- and while your work isnt always perfect, your managers clearly giving you more praise than they did when you started.2. Youre Working Faster (and Smarter)Not only are you receiving less constructive criticism, but youve also found that you can complete projects in half the time. Youre no longer flipping between your company handbook and that spreadsheet, or asking your colleague tons of questions before sending that email, or losing all your afternoon to writing one report (in fact, you can now crank out multiple in that time).Sure, speed isnt everything (and sometimes it can work against you). But the sheer fact that you can work fast if you need to says wonders. 3. Youre More Confident OverallA while ago you couldnt bring yourself to raise your hand in meetings, carry out a task without asking your boss if it looked OK, or do anything that wasnt specifically asked of you. Today, youre a self-assured, outspoken, and involved member of your team. You feel confident of your value and in the work you accomplish, and arent afraid to push yourself and try new things.4. Youre Receiving New Assignments With Less OversightNot only are you confident in yourself, your boss is, too. Youre not just asking for your boss approval or weigh-in less- theyre letting you move forward without it. This means your manager trusts you. This is big. 5. Youre Completing Projects You Never Thought Youd Be Capable of Even StartingThink back to six months ago, a year ago, when you first landed this role. Did you imagine youd be doing the kinds of work youre doing now? If so, did you feel ready?Chances are the thought of tackling your current to-do list wouldve terrified past you. If youd had to or attempted to do them, you certainly wouldnt have felt confident in the outcome . And yet now here you are, getting it done and done well.What does this all mean? Well, its probably time to ask your boss for more challenging work and to take on more responsibility. Use your next one-on-one (or, sit them down) to talk about what youre currently doing and other projects you could take on.Or, use that time to actually advocate for that promotion youve been eyeing. See, its possible while you see these improvements, your boss doesnt. So, prove to them youve made serious strives and deserve some recognition- this worksheet can help you organize all your accomplishments so you go to your manager with concrete evidence.Finally, relish in this moment Youve come a long way, and thats something to be proud of.