Our division lead's second in command offered to help me white board and get promoted.

This dude is one of my major role models. He would become my boss instead of the sexist, backwards tyrant of a bastard that I currently report to.

I asked him a question and wound up being told to join their study group and to let him know what I need help with in terms of resume, etc.

There are a few lights at the end of this hell hole of a tunnel. I have a few other options, too.

That's great! 👍

yay

Congrats! Hopefully you leave all that behind.

@ThatDude will do. Just fought with boss about it, but my company backed me up. I feel appreciated by them, even though they're only ok with the training because they can charge customers more once I get my certs 😂

@QueenMorgana in this case it seems like an acceptable means to an end! Good luck.

@wiredgecko yup. I'm so excited. I can tell a few people are hesitant because I'm so young and don't have the experience, but I think it'll be good for me

@QueenMorgana clearly your mentor feels you are ready so just go with that.

Sounds like you're ready, just based on the support you're receiving and from what you've said about your own sense of your readiness for this step.

@wiredgecko I don't fully trust my own sense. I tend to jump first and think after...

@QueenMorgana I was listening to a podcast yesterday about advice for junior devs. One of the suggestions they made is to pursue opportunities that seem a bit more advanced than you currently feel capable of.

The one host said that if you don't challenge yourself, you don't grow. If you just stick to what you can do now, you'll remain at the level you're at, and basically stagnate.

In this case it seems like you have an opportunity to grow, and work on stuff that is a bit new or more advanced. On top of that, this mentor believes you are capable and is offering to help you.

Your instincts seem to be validated, go for it.

@QueenMorgana Besides, often that instinct to jump and learn how to fly on the way down, is a great way to learn and grow too.