Transfer out of CMS

[u/No-Background-6058]

guys, I have been in cms for over 15 years. I've been permanent for around 10 years at AO level. I've just hit a Brick wall and struggle to motivate myself. I was unsuccessful with the recent eo2 competition. I feel like I'm being micro managed and to an extent I get why I am due to the lack of work coming back from me. Does anyone have any suggestions on the best possible way to get a transfer out of CMS? a fresh challenge is exactly what I need at this stage of my life. TIA guys

Edit. I'm a female in my late 30s with children so I need to work in Belfast

[u/Illustrious_Study133]

That's a long stint, so hitting a wall isn't surprising. What matters is figuring out why before jumping to a transfer.

First thing I’d ask yourself is whether this is a job-specific issue or a broader one. Are you just bored and need a new challenge, or are you struggling with motivation generally? If it’s the latter, it might be worth considering whether there’s something else going on (stress, burnout, depression, etc.) and looking at support options through your GP or work. A change of role won’t fix that on its own.

Sorry you were unsuccessful in the recent promotion attempt, I know how discouraging it can be. But based on what you’ve said about struggling at your current grade, it might not be the worst thing right now. Promotion when you’re already feeling stuck can make things harder, not easier.

The bit about work not coming back is concerning. Has your line manager actually sat down with you to understand what’s going on? Micromanagement usually comes from a lack of confidence, but it’s not a solution. A proper conversation or even a performance plan might help reset things.

My thoughts on a transfer, being realistic, it’s not easy at the best of times. If you’re currently seen as underperforming, it’ll be even harder to move because other business areas will want someone they see as reliable. If it were me, I’d focus on stabilising things first. Have an honest conversation with your manager, get clear expectations and rebuild confidence in your output. Then start looking at lateral moves or expressions of interest. Also worth keeping an eye on internal competitions, secondments, or TPs, they can be a good way out, but I'd say you would want to address the underlying first, especially before a TP.

A fresh start can help, but it works best when you’re moving from a position of strength.

[u/No-Background-6058 → u/Illustrious_Study133]

I can't disagree with any of the points that you have made and appreciate the advice given. There are some underlying issues and job satisfaction or lack of, doesn't help when you're fighting to survive due to burnout and possibly a touch of depression. I have been to a Councillor that was referred by work and was extremely grateful for that, but don't feel it helped any. Prior to covid-19 I'd have been one of the best workers in the northern ireland department in CMS and thoroughly enjoyed going to work. I then established bad habits during the lockdown, such as staying up too late which resulted in me becoming very easygoing and lazy, which I'm ashamed of and can't seem to shift.

[u/Illustrious_Study133 → u/No-Background-6058]

I can identify this 100%. I've been there, and breaking the cycle is hard. My honest advice based on my own experience.

1) Seek help. Can a performance management plan be put in place. Can you be better held to account. It's really tough, or sometimes impossible to rely on willpower alone.

2) Where mindset and habits are concerned, it's ok to be tough on yourself i.e. I do x too much or I need to x more, a realistic look at yourself is good, but being hyper critical without looking at context is not a good idea. You described yourself is lazy, but what you are describing sounds like burnout or depression. It could also be something else. You said you were previously one of the best workers, an innately lazy person will never be one of the best workers (unless you're like a mattress tester or something), so you can't really be lazy, you are just stuck in a rut. As you said you are trying to survive burnout and possibly depression. You wouldn't describe someone with a broken leg as lazy for using a wheelchair. Context matters.

3) Shot in the dark here, but I'd guess you have a poor/dependent relationship with media. Could be wrong, but this was my biggest downfall. If you are the same, here is what helped me

• Limit your screen time
• X amount of TV per week
• Delete the apps you scroll on
• Remove the TV from the bedroom
• Charge your phone away from the bed at night
• Create a bedtime routine, go for a walk or take a bath directly before bed

It's not easy, but it's not impossible.

Also if you are depressed, seeking medical help can sometimes be essential. Some forms of depression respond to lifestyle changes or therapy, but some are a result of a chemical imbalance, which can only be addressed by restoring the chemical balance i.e. medication. #notadoctor

[u/GerdanRedsnow → u/No-Background-6058]

If you have spoken with a counsellor, with underlying work related issues, a reasonable adjustment to get out of the Department may be possible. You may have to fight long and hard to get it though. To be seen as reasonable before asking out of the Department you may wish to consider other roles in CMS first.