Consider that you are good at your job, have been around for several years and have a good relationship with your boss. You have made it known in annual reviews, etc., that you would be interested in advancing with the company but so far there have been no opportunities.
Given these circumstances, would you tell your boss that you had applied for a job in another part of the company?
I think it is good to confirm in her mind that I am serious about be willing to move for the right opportunity. She would never move for a job because her whole family lives within a few miles and I think she has a hard time remembered that I don't have the same situation and would be willing to move across the country no matter how many times I have said it. And it would actually be much better with her if I look for opportunities within my company where a gradual transition would be possible and I would still be available for questions rather than jumping ship for another employer.
My work BFF thinks it is terrible that I told my boss. She thinks that disloyalty bells are going off and I am going to be shunned. She has applied for several internal positions and each time she has heartburn over the possibility that people are going to ask our boss about her and let the cat out of the bag.
I equate it with trying to find a boyfriend while refusing to admit that you are single. Why on earth would you keep it a secret? How can the opportunities come to you if no one knows that you are open to opportunity?
I just a friendly gal looking for options.
