Job Connundrum

B

BigLeonard

100+ Posts
I've been working for my current company for roughly 3 years. My title has not changed once during this span, despite my excellent reviews. The company has less than 300 employees and most are lower level employees. In other words, there are very few desirable positions in the company. My position is bonused, but the criteria used is unfair. Ultimately, I'm paid like a salesperson (****** base) yet I don't get to drive my own success. In the end, I'm unable to sell anything. If we lose business, I'm penalized. We rarely lose business because they dislike our services, but instead because they no longer have any business for us (lost contracts, etc).

I'm working in a niche industry, so I'm concerned about painting myself into a corner. I'm nearly 28 years old, and I know I'm underutilized and underpaid. I've requested a pay raise and was denied. The goal for the bonus was 30k or so, and it ended up being less than 5k. I worked my *** off in 08 and got nothing for it. With all this said, I realize it's not the ideal time to be in the job market or the "new guy." At the same time, I don't want to be a cynical 28 year old who feels he's gotten the shaft time and again. I've spoken with several executives in the company on the subject, and I've gotten the same tired lines about how valuable I am. If I'm valuable, I should be paid like it. I wan't to feel like I'm progressing in my career, not standing still.

Am I being too impatient? At what point do you throw in the towel and move on? I take my job seriously and if things are bad at work, they're bad at home. I like my job, but that's secondary when I feel like I'm getting screwed over and lied to.

By the way, my co-worker (same title, less experience, knows high level exec in co.) makes 20k more than I do. This was uncovered after being told that we were paid equally (this was stressed).
 
I'd say you have probably been too patient, rather than too impatient. 3 years is about 2 years longer than I would be inclined to stick it out if my hard work was not being rewarded.

Are there any other companies in your industry that would pay more? Are you willing to relocate? Or, are you willing to take a leap of faith and switch industries? If so, start shopping around for other opportunities. If another better option becomes available use that as leverage with your current employer and see if they will renegotiate.

As you alluded, finding another (better) job in these times might be easier said than done, but you never know unless you put your name out there.
 
It's really difficult out there right now, but that shouldn't prevent you from at least testing the waters. I know a couple of folks that were laid off and managed to find something new in short order, so it's not impossible.
 
There are good companies and positions out there, even in these times. Problem is, there's a lot of talent out there to pick from. If you're wanting to do sales, and are good on the phones, PM me.
 
while you are looking for a better job, go demand to be paid better than your underperforming colleague. if they go for it, enjoy the checks til you find a better gig.

if they don't go for it, make a huge stink and cause all sorts of problems until they offer a severance or fire you. either way, report back.
 
I'd be careful. With the economy right now, even if you find another position, if the new company finds itself in a tough spot, you might be stuck in a Last In, First Out situation.

I think it's reasonable to look around. And, I think it is reasonable to make your displeasure known - but only in a professional way. During good economic times, I have taken advantage of the threat of departure to get salary/title increases. In these circumstances, I don't know if that strategy would work (especially given that you say that you aren't getting full-sized bonuses due to overall company performance).

Squeeky wheel sometimes gets the grease, sometimes gets replaced.
 
Sounds like you've already stuck around too long. Unfortunate timing, but it can't hurt to look around for work on the down-low. Changing jobs frequently is not as much of a resume-warning-flag as it used to be, especially for someone young like you.

Are you in an industry that gets most of its production from grunt workers, or is it just your company?
 
I agree, in general, with what most folks have said here. It is always in your interest, whether you are happy with your current position or not, to be open to a move and at the very least, to have a well-founded understanding of your market value.

The sad truth is that significant leaps forward in one's career are almost always the product of a major change. It can be a change for the company - IPO, acquisition, etc. Or it can be a change individually, promotion or a change of jobs. Sitting in one title for more than 3 years is a very bad idea unless there is a significant upside to doing so and a clear end in sight (for example, a good amount of stock options at a company likely to IPO or be acquired). Stock options from a big, public company should simply be considered as part of your annual compensation package.

You are the only one that can look out for you. I learned this the hard way. I worked at several different companies for the same manager. Our business cards changed, but we moved up the ladder together in many ways. He was very good to me and I got lazy about watching out for myself. He was a c-level exec and left the company that we were working for due to a very bad political disagreement. The market was bad and he encouraged me to stay, which I did. But I stayed far too long and let myself get screwed. I didn't realize how badly until the company got acquired last year and I assessed my market value.

I gave them a fair chance to make it right. I was undervalued by about 25% of my annual salary. I did the research and knew exactly the title that was appropriate and necessary for my career goals at the acquiring company and I told them exactly what it would take. The "offer" that they came back with was downright insulting. It didn't take long to find a good headhunter who put appropriate opportunities on the table. I had choices and I took a 20%+ pay increase plus bonus. The prospects are better at the new job and I've been very clear with my new boss about my career goals.

I'm one of the primary people on a project that will be responsible for about 25% of the company's revenue. I'm happy to succeed or fail on that merit. If it acheives the success that I am confident that it will, I will be in a position to expect appropriate compensation and promotion next year.

In reply to:
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The industry is insurance, so it requires a lot of CSRs and Claims Processors. As many of you have said, I think the writing is on the wall here. If anyone is aware of an opening in Austin, I'd be interested in learning more. My work history involves primarily client relations. The current position involves 25-30% travel. My job is to essentially make sure my book of business is happy at all times. I'm good at what I do, but the pay structure simply makes no sense.

By the way, thanks for all of the responses.
 
OK first ... reality... jobs are tight even in Austin.

Second ALWAYS easier to find a job when you have a job, you are about 10 times as confident.

Third - you are never again going to be either happy or content with your present job until you find out there is nothing better for you out there. Even then it's highly likely that you will never surpass the guy making 20K more than you no matter how hard you work at your present job.

So... look for a new job and see if you can find a better one. Realize that with change comes risk. I have known more than one person that left a company to work for another and then was hired back at a much higher salary than they ever could have gotten staying put in the same orgainzation.

I fin your job search you can;t find anything right now then that will temper your anger, and you can bide your time and start saving more for a war chest.

You can always accuse the guy making 20K more than you of sexual harrassemnt just for grins...
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underpaid with a paycheck is way better than out of work.

Start looking for a job. In the mean time, keep working hard at the one your at so you'll get good references.

good luck.
 
"bird in the hand"... If you decide to leave, put off turning in the resignation letter until you have another job. DO offer two weeks notice unless your level position requires longer (look in your employee handbook to check it), do not merely walk out, and be gracious for all the opportunities and say how much you enjoyed working there. You never know when an application will want to speak with not only a current, but previous employer. Good luck.
 
At what point can I request a reference letter from my boss? He knows I'm looking, and understands why. He agrees that I've gotten the shaft, but wants me to stay of course. If and when I do make the request, do I provide a template of some sort to make it easier on him?

Thanks in advance.
 
You can ask him for a reference, but don't be surprised is he will not give one on company letterhead. Doing so could open up the company to litigation (imagine that! someone suing a company!) if something went awry at the new place. He can give you a personal reference. Never hurts to ask.
 
Formal reference letters are a little old school for todays job market. They are great for grad schools but seldom looked at by recruiters/managers in the corporate world. All they care about is the managers you fill out on the formal application. Most companies outsource the reference check now or skip it altogether since most companies don't allow their managers to say anything other than yes/no on whether you worked there for employment litigation reasons.
 
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