So I have been a research tech for 32 years (for 2 different supervisors) and now my current boss is leaving for a department chairmanship (different state). I don’t begrudge her that opportunity, our current basic research program is going down the tubes. But I have to now “repackage” myself to move from bench work to a more supervisory position. I know I can DO it, but I really am more of a hands-on, jack-of-all trades lab grunt. Honestly, that’s what I like . And plus, I’m OLD. Having trouble selling myself. Advice?
Be open minded. You may find yourself liking this new position and may still be heavily involved with the program. I would think the new position may come with some added financial benefits. The new position will challenge you and will be a nice learning experience.
Best advice I can offer is to be open to being asked to do something outside of your comfort zone - my job keeps changing and they keep asking me to do things I know nothing about but I keep saying “yes - I can” rather than “no I can’t” or “i’ve never” done that. Fake it til you make it is another mantra to go by!
My H had a position that literally required him to undergo MAJOR changes every 6 months or so. He worked at that job for 45 years! You can do it and may find new interest and excitement in your job as you “reinvent” yourself. I have re-invented myself several times over the decades. Each time it was definitely a bit scary but turned out nicely and introduced me to new skills and people that I enjoyed. I wish you the best moving forward! 
Find a few people who are already doing the new job (in other companies or other parts of your company) and take them to lunch. Pick their brains. Learn from them.
@balletmom- you can so do this!
I know it’s a bit scary cause I’ve been doing it for 38 (yikes) years now in the “same” technical non management position. Yet I’ve been “invited” along the way to participate in projects and committees I’d never have sought out on my own and that were definitely outside my comfort zone.
I think I tend to underestimate my skills but that’s a story for another day.
Each time, I came away with new contacts, experience, and value to my organization. So even though my job title remains X, I’ve become a go to person for several other key functions in my department. Not a bad thing for whatever passes for job security these days.
I love the fake it till you make it line, one of my new mantras.
Thanks, all for the pep talk! What I needed, now am forging ahead. Spent this holiday weekend thinking and walking, I think I can do this.
As a female engineer, I have observed that guys seem to have an easier time faking it! Now when I’m presented with a challenge I’m not sure of, I try to think of it as my husband would. If a guy can do, I know I can! 
Join linked in and start following Harvard business review. They post a lot of things about managing. Be the manager or supervisor you want to have. Think through what that means to you. It should include clear expectations, good training, support and encouragement, and holding people to the same standards. Give more praise than criticism.
Getting discouraged. Don’t want to relocate, so have been trying to get something in my current hospital system. Only 4 positions have been posted since June, I didn’t get called even for an interview. I also applied to a local college for a teaching position (I have some teaching experience and a master’s degree) and while not rejected outright, have not been called. Still “under review”
Keep chugging. Keep applying. Sometimes things take a looooong time. This isn’t that much time at all, in the overall scheme of things.
Is that because women tend to be held to higher standards of honesty and the like? A woman might get a reputation of being a corrupt liar for minor acts of not telling the whole truth (even if she did not actually lie), while a man with far more lies, scandals, illegal activities, and other deplorable behavior can get away with it.
Following this because I am trying to rebuild a career after many years as a SAHM. I’m finding it difficult to navigate between “stay put and do good work” and “keep moving to move up.” Good luck @BalletMom!
Ucb! Your agenda of trying to drag conversations around to HRC vs DJT isn’t as subtle as you think. You do this all the time!
Update! Finally got an interview on a Friday, they offered me the position the next Monday afternoon !!! I start after Thanksgiving, here’s hoping I do a good job (!) Leaving my old “career” behind.
Congratulations! And best of luck.
Congratulations!!! Best holiday present. Good luck.
Congrats! Is it at the hospital or college?
Absolutely perfect!! Congrats.
Congrats @BalletMom. What will you be doing?