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Dear Quota Team,

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I've been crushing my quota for two years straight in a small territory, consistently hitting 125-140% while building solid client relationships that generate steady repeat business. When a larger, more lucrative territory opened up recently, I asked my manager about the opportunity, expecting this to be a natural progression given my track record. Instead, he brushed me off with a "maybe" and when I brought it up again, he was more direct: he doesn't want to move me because I've already built strong relationships in my current territory and he's worried about disrupting that success. He even admitted that I've "earned the right" to the better territory but said my current performance is too valuable to risk. I feel like I'm being punished for doing my job well. I'm stuck in a smaller territory with limited earning potential precisely because I've been successful there. How do I convince my manager that keeping me trapped in a role I've outgrown isn't sustainable, or do I need to start looking elsewhere for advancement opportunities?

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Stifled in California 

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Dear Stifled,

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Your manager's logic is understandable but shortsighted. He's prioritizing short-term stability over long-term growth. Have a strategic conversation where you propose a transition plan that addresses his concerns: offer to spend 30-60 days training your replacement while maintaining key client relationships during the handover. If he remains inflexible, you have two choices: accept that you're not going to be moving up and keep coasting, or start looking for a new job. Your track record proves you can succeed, and other companies will recognize that value even if your current manager won't. Good luck!