So let's address the elephant that most of my colleagues have been wondering about. I have been asked a lot if I was taken into consideration for a new position at work that is considered an advancement. I have, and by the time I post this article, the decision should be made as to whether I got it or not.

In the meantime, there has been a lot of thoughts that I have been toying with when it comes to this career advancement. Before jumping into it, all things should be considered. I feel that in order to do that job proficiently, all angles (pros and cons) should be addressed. Hopefully in writing this article I set my mind to ease.

When is the right time for career advancement?
​Career advancement usually happens for a few reasons. One reason being is because of a vacancy due to another's promotion, or transfer to another department. There is a void there and it needs to be filled. Another reason may be because of new credentials earned that opens you to a higher paying position. These are valid reasons to look forward to an advancement. However, reasons such as the feeling of mental stagnation and other's perceptions should not influence you. The time to truly take career advancement seriously is when your superiors take notice of the work that you provide.

Are you truly ready?
When I write articles I usually write something like: don't take yourself too seriously.Well here, I'm going to write something different. 

When you are taking career advancement seriously, you need to be completely un-bias and critical of yourself. You need to look harshly at your work ethic. Take some time for self reflection on a day to day bases. What did you do exceptionally well today? What could you have done better? Why didn't you? Are you in your own way? If you are having a hard time seeing your actions objectively, reach out to a trusted superior in order to gain insight. Be receptive of this individual's criticism. I wrote trusted there for a reason. They will be able to give light to things you didn't even think about.

Do not let your ego be over inflated by those around you. You may have unconditional support from friends and co-workers, but if you are not ready then you are not ready. The choice of whether or not you are ready for a promotion is not yours. It is your superiors. Stop trying to control everything. Breathe, and let be.

Learn your role thoroughly before applying for a promotion. More often then not, you will be leading those in your current role and will be asked a lot of questions. You should be prepared for them by application of work experience and knowledge of corporate policy guidelines.
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You're ready. Now what?
If you have objectively decided that you are ready and the position has been offered, by all means take it! You should know a few things when you do:

1. Be receptive to the new role. In order to be good in any career change, you have to be open to the change itself. You may have done really well in your previous position, however you are playing a new game, with new rules. Take the time to know them.
2. Have patience with yourself. You are not expected to know everything all at once. You are expected to put effort in attaining that knowledge. So put in the effort. 
3. Understand that with change comes challenges. Some foreseen, some are undetectable. Therefore, it is important to have patience and be able to adjust yourself to meet every challenge that comes your way. You are allowed to scream and cry on your own time. However, giving up is not an option. 

​I don't know what's going to happen in regards to that promotion at work. What I do know is that either way, I will be okay. If it's not my time to lead, then it's not my time. If it is though, I will be ready.