Should I meet with the regional VP? And how should I address this situation?

Question

To this point in my career I've have been highly successful- three degrees, numerous certifications, had a few highly respected positions. 6 months ago I took turned out to be a bogus job offer for a company that was in sales negotiations-- I was a bargaining chip. Long story short-- now that the dust has settled I am an overqualified salesperson working a job that I hate. I am not challenged and don't respect the work I do. The career path this puts me in is not where I want to go. In fact, my skills and career goals would be highly valuable to the company but there isn't currently a position for what I do. I have tried discussing this with my boss, who agrees but says I am too good to let go elsewhere. His boss is the one that made me the bogus offer, so I am not comfortable speaking with him. I tried speaking with his boss' boss, but wasn't taken seriously. So about a month ago, I called my boss' boss' boss, who was very open to setting up a meeting, which is coming up this week. When I set up the meeting, I really wanted to discuss 1) that I am not using my skills or being challenged and 2) that I want to do something completely different. Now I am questioning things. Am I jumping the gun? Is this appropriate? Should I go through with this meeting? Am I trying to accomplish the right things?

Thank you so much for any insight......

Answer 1

Good question and as long as you are willing to move on this is a good move.  I wonder why you are giving this company additional chances when it would appear that many other companies would want your talents and be willing to use them appropriately.  One of my mentors said that you never know what you are worth until you test the market.  Your backup plan should be to explore your options outside your current company in my opinion.  Good luck and I hope you make good decisions in this matter.

Answer 2

Since you have already made the appointment, I suggest that you go on with the meeting. Jumping the chain of command is a serious action. You may have burned the bridges with your boss and his/her boss. As you say, you are in a losing situation. I suggest you also be prepared to seek another job. Good luck.

Answer 3

Nicely presented question, btw.

It seems to me that there is only one downside to going forward and honestly presenting your thoughts and ideas: If they are rejected, you have sort of poisoned the well at this company, so to speak. From what you have said here, though, so what? Eventually, there are only two possibilities here anyway: either the company finds a better and more valuable way to take advantage of your talents, or they don't, in which case you are going to leave.

If you're not afraid of leaving, then go for it. That's my advice, anyway. And the best of luck to you.