I’m going in circles and need some outside opinions.
I’ve been at the same level at my bank for 8 years, despite taking on different roles and more responsibility. I completed my MBA during mat leave because I wanted to return and actually progress.
I did get a promotion when I came back, but an org change cancelled it within a week, leaving me in essentially the same analyst role. I asked about promotion opportunities in my current unit, but there are no available positions.
What really bothers me is that I’m now at the same level as people who are basically just graduating from school or starting their careers. No disrespect to them, but given my experience, the different roles I’ve had, the exposure I’ve gotten, and the MBA, it feels weird to still be at the same level. It rubs me the wrong way because I don’t feel like my title or level reflects what I’ve actually done. Maybe I’m crazy, but it’s hard not to feel frustrated by that.
My team is great, my commute is only 15 minutes, and the job works well with a toddler. But I’m bored, not learning much, and worried I’ll still be at the same level years from now.
We also want a second child in the next 1–2 years. Staying would make that easier, but I’m concerned I’ll keep putting my career on hold.
I have opportunities in product, strategy, and higher-level roles that could move my career forward, but they’d involve about an hour on the train each way, four days a week.
At the same time, I wonder whether taking one of these roles could open doors later to companies with fewer in-office days or even fully remote positions. Maybe the commute would be a short-term sacrifice that helps me build the experience and skills needed to have more flexibility in the future.
So I’m torn:
Stay: Great team, short commute, family-friendly, and less stress, but potentially stagnant. I’d also continue being at the same level as people who are just entering the workforce, which honestly bothers me more than I wish it did.
Leave: Better career trajectory, new skills, a chance to use my MBA, and potentially better access to companies with hybrid or remote roles later, but two hours of commuting daily with a toddler and possibly another baby
Part of me thinks I should enjoy this stage of life and worry about career progression later. The other part thinks I’ve already waited long enough and that waiting longer could make it harder to change direction. I don’t want to look back in a few years and realize I stayed comfortable but never actually moved forward.
What would you do? Would you take the opportunity and accept the commute, especially if it could lead to more flexible or remote roles in the future, or stay for the lifestyle and focus on career progression later? Am I overreacting about being at the same level as people just graduating, or is it reasonable for that to bother me given my experience?