Hey again r/HomeDepot, I'm up against a dilemma I'm hoping you can help me out with.

So I've been working for THD for just over 3 months now, as a part-timer in D28, and I've been aiming for full time since probably the 2nd week of my employment. Management likes me and strongly approves of my work ethic, so they've been looking for a full time spot for me for some time now.

The problem is, I don't just want full time. I'm looking to move up in the company, and I've made it known to everyone in management. Specifically, I'm seeking promotion to Department Supervisor within the next 3-6 months. Again, this is something that management has been extremely supportive of; my new ASM over Garden even got with my SM to identify me as a High Potential associate. I'm going to be taking those Hi-Po courses the next time they come around.

Last night, I heard a rumor that management is considering moving me to specialty. The plan for a while has been to move me to Flooring hardside, but evidently things have changed. This is only a rumor for now, so nothing's set in stone, but it still got me wondering how accepting a position as a Specialist would impact my advancement. So I have one big question for you:

Will being moved to Specialist impact my ability to become a DS, or even affect the timetable at all?

One of my ASMs told me a while back that he had never heard of a specialist moving up out of specialty, at least in his direct experience. If my goal is to be promoted to DS within 6 months, should I or shouldn't I embrace a move to Specialist?

I've read up about the job and I feel like it's all learn-able if I do end up going that route. If it won't affect my timetable, I'd be pretty interested.

Thanks as always for any advice!

TL;DR - See bolded section above