I've been working as an assistant in a state job for the past three years, and I'm set to be fully vested in 2028. While the guaranteed money down the line is appealing, my current situation is frustrating. I was promised career development opportunities during my interview, but now, under a new director, I've learned that I don't qualify for a promotion due to my original job description. Despite taking on more responsibilities and successfully managing tasks typically assigned to senior positions, HR doesn't see a difference in my role. My director is supportive and has even mentioned pushing for a title change, but I'm feeling stuck. I've started job searching, initially aiming to stay within the public sector for various reasons, including work-life balance. However, I'm disheartened by the prospect of private sector roles that I might have considered if they weren't outside my preferred sector. I applied for a senior position that recently opened up, but I didn't get an interview due to strong competition from candidates with more experience in that specific role. I'm eager to move on, especially since I'm currently doing the same amount of work as seniors in my department while earning significantly less. A meaningful title would enhance my job prospects, especially as my husband and I plan to relocate closer to a major city in a few years. I'm at a crossroads: should I stay in the public sector for two more years until I'm vested, or should I broaden my search to the private sector to secure a more relevant position sooner? I love my job and the flexibility it offers, but the lack of upward mobility is a significant concern.