Golden Handcuffs
Discussion
Morning All
I am in the same gig since 2009, and have repeatedly been overlooked for promotions etc and have had people with far less experience/qualifications hired for such positions that i should have been offered or at the very least asked (not my words, words from colleagues). In the end these new colleagues come by and ask me my advice etc. Ive no beef with them so i am happy to share my knowledge. My wife keeps suggesting that i move on as ive been working there so long, but the job for the most part is rather easy for me and the day to day work is rather enjoyable if not exactly challenging. I have however made/saved them alot of money over the years.
Heres the other thing: I am paid a alot. Not even relative to what I do, but in numbers.
So one half of me thinks that, if its easy and it allows me flexibility and comfort and a good standard of living then why rock the boat.
The other half thinks, there is no challenge to what i do and in one respect they treat me as a doormat.
Its puzzling as they really value loyalty and i do think that the salary is perhaps a reflection of that and also the fact that i can quantify the impact ive had on the balance sheet year on year.
so should i go elsewhere or let the roots grow deeper.
I am in the same gig since 2009, and have repeatedly been overlooked for promotions etc and have had people with far less experience/qualifications hired for such positions that i should have been offered or at the very least asked (not my words, words from colleagues). In the end these new colleagues come by and ask me my advice etc. Ive no beef with them so i am happy to share my knowledge. My wife keeps suggesting that i move on as ive been working there so long, but the job for the most part is rather easy for me and the day to day work is rather enjoyable if not exactly challenging. I have however made/saved them alot of money over the years.
Heres the other thing: I am paid a alot. Not even relative to what I do, but in numbers.
So one half of me thinks that, if its easy and it allows me flexibility and comfort and a good standard of living then why rock the boat.
The other half thinks, there is no challenge to what i do and in one respect they treat me as a doormat.
Its puzzling as they really value loyalty and i do think that the salary is perhaps a reflection of that and also the fact that i can quantify the impact ive had on the balance sheet year on year.
so should i go elsewhere or let the roots grow deeper.
Classic Work to Live versus Live to Work. I personally am not overly keen on my job, but it's flexible, it pays well, I get good benefits and after a 5 year period of crushing it and getting promoted 3 times I am now at a position where I can't be arsed to move and challenge anymore. I'm late 40's couple of kids under 10, nice house (mortgage paid off), wife has a good job. Happy to put up with work to enjoy my weekends and holidays.
Depends on your age and motivation. My job currently gives me very good work life balance, I know my job inside out, there is a lot of job security and really good Ts and Cs. Salary is decent but I could earn more elsewhere but then why throw away what I have where expectation on travel and hours could be massively demanding. I am approaching 50 and think I am happy to stay albeit some salaries do temp me to look occasionally!
boholoblanka said:
Morning All
I am in the same gig since 2009, and have repeatedly been overlooked for promotions etc and have had people with far less experience/qualifications hired for such positions that i should have been offered or at the very least asked (not my words, words from colleagues).
Have you sought feedback from your line manager (or their manager) regarding this? I doesn't read that you have actively applied for these positions, rather just hoping that they will come and ask you. Employers don't tend to think like that. I've seen a couple of colleagues become disillusioned because they haven't been promoted, but they hadn't even asked to be promoted.I am in the same gig since 2009, and have repeatedly been overlooked for promotions etc and have had people with far less experience/qualifications hired for such positions that i should have been offered or at the very least asked (not my words, words from colleagues).
StuTheGrouch said:
boholoblanka said:
Morning All
I am in the same gig since 2009, and have repeatedly been overlooked for promotions etc and have had people with far less experience/qualifications hired for such positions that i should have been offered or at the very least asked (not my words, words from colleagues).
Have you sought feedback from your line manager (or their manager) regarding this? I doesn't read that you have actively applied for these positions, rather just hoping that they will come and ask you. Employers don't tend to think like that. I've seen a couple of colleagues become disillusioned because they haven't been promoted, but they hadn't even asked to be promoted.I am in the same gig since 2009, and have repeatedly been overlooked for promotions etc and have had people with far less experience/qualifications hired for such positions that i should have been offered or at the very least asked (not my words, words from colleagues).
Its a flat structure hierarchy wise. I do wonder if, in a weird way, they are doing me a favour as the heads they hire dont usually last.
Have you had a frank discussion with them to talk about why you would be a better option for the role? Or to outline your ambition? If so, what feedback have they provided?
They may have this view that you're happy doing what you do. Alternatively, you might be too difficult to replace in your current role, so they want to keep you where you are.
They may have this view that you're happy doing what you do. Alternatively, you might be too difficult to replace in your current role, so they want to keep you where you are.
I was in a similar situation, had been at my previous company 21 years and was being paid very well for the position I was in. The work was very easy but I eventually came to realise I was bored. I got a call out of the blue from someone that had seen my very old profile on LinkedIn and agreed to an interview for what sounded like an interesting role.
I spent ages looking at the pros and cons of moving, it is quite scary to leave behind 21 years of job security. I am now 5 months in and glad I did it, there is still times I wake up worried that it was the wrong decision though. I am getting to point where age is going to play a factor in any new job I go for so hope that this one will last.
I spent ages looking at the pros and cons of moving, it is quite scary to leave behind 21 years of job security. I am now 5 months in and glad I did it, there is still times I wake up worried that it was the wrong decision though. I am getting to point where age is going to play a factor in any new job I go for so hope that this one will last.
Surely the answer is to just speak to them. They sound like a relatively open and honest company.
A frank discussion with either your line manager, or director (whoever is responsible for these decisions, wouldn't do any harm) and would likely even gain some respect in their eyes, for wanting to better yourself, while still committing to their business.
Just some honest and open feedback as to why they chose x person shouldn't be difficult to obtain, then once you have this information you should be better placed to decide whether your future lies with that company?
A frank discussion with either your line manager, or director (whoever is responsible for these decisions, wouldn't do any harm) and would likely even gain some respect in their eyes, for wanting to better yourself, while still committing to their business.
Just some honest and open feedback as to why they chose x person shouldn't be difficult to obtain, then once you have this information you should be better placed to decide whether your future lies with that company?
Have a chat with your boss? Perhaps they think you are happy plodding along and see no reason to rock your boat if you're performing well and appear motivated. Many people are happy in a position like yours and at the end of the day all companies need people like you.
I wouldn't listen to what collegues think. Rarely would anyone say to your face that they didn't think you were suitable. That is just idle chatter.
Personally I'd be happy in your position. The balance sounds right. If you went elsewhere you'd have to put a lot more time in for no extra return and you may end up in a cycle of moving on and achieving nothing (becuase you're no longer a stable wide reaching long term member of the team) if aspirations to be promoted never materialise.
I wouldn't listen to what collegues think. Rarely would anyone say to your face that they didn't think you were suitable. That is just idle chatter.
Personally I'd be happy in your position. The balance sounds right. If you went elsewhere you'd have to put a lot more time in for no extra return and you may end up in a cycle of moving on and achieving nothing (becuase you're no longer a stable wide reaching long term member of the team) if aspirations to be promoted never materialise.
StuTheGrouch said:
Have you had a frank discussion with them to talk about why you would be a better option for the role? Or to outline your ambition? If so, what feedback have they provided?
They may have this view that you're happy doing what you do. Alternatively, you might be too difficult to replace in your current role, so they want to keep you where you are.
on your first point it was all nodding and yes yes yes BUT (and on to your point 2) we see the work you do where you are.... They may have this view that you're happy doing what you do. Alternatively, you might be too difficult to replace in your current role, so they want to keep you where you are.
I've been in the same boat. Here is my 2p's worth.
I have recently moved jobs from a really boring company (but stressful management style) scenario that was decently paid to a new company doing cutting edge stuff. I literally HATED my job. I could go weeks without speaking or emailing anyone.) I could stay but I decided I needed to get out. Within 18 months I have gotten a new job and added an extra 1/3rd to my already ok salary. They take the view "We are the best because we have the best people because we pay the best and we value our people".
The other thing is that there is more than money at stake. Everyone only has so long on this earth. Spending time being bitter/somewhere you don't want to be is not good.
Some companies are just better at making people feel valued. I didn't feel valued. I felt trapped. The new company is very proactive and do actually care about people ( I have never actually felt as at home in a job as I do now ).
Feeling wanted and valued is worth more than pure ££.
I have recently moved jobs from a really boring company (but stressful management style) scenario that was decently paid to a new company doing cutting edge stuff. I literally HATED my job. I could go weeks without speaking or emailing anyone.) I could stay but I decided I needed to get out. Within 18 months I have gotten a new job and added an extra 1/3rd to my already ok salary. They take the view "We are the best because we have the best people because we pay the best and we value our people".
The other thing is that there is more than money at stake. Everyone only has so long on this earth. Spending time being bitter/somewhere you don't want to be is not good.
Some companies are just better at making people feel valued. I didn't feel valued. I felt trapped. The new company is very proactive and do actually care about people ( I have never actually felt as at home in a job as I do now ).
Feeling wanted and valued is worth more than pure ££.
CoffeeGuy said:
Feeling wanted and valued is worth more than pure ££.
True. However getting paid a big wodge to do a job that you can do with your brain off and not give two hoots about, gives you the freedom to do something else that makes you feel wanted/valued etc. You could easily conclude that the OP doesnt need to change jobs. They need fullfillment. They are in the enivable position of being comfortble enough that they have the means to go get that fulfilment whereever they wish - it doesnt have to be work.
See - you can flp these things two ways!
I'm retired now but when I was in my 30s I was in a role I knew inside out, was paid a good salary, had great benefits and very little stress. As we had a young child and my wife had a somewhat more stressful job I stuck with it until my mid 40s. Then I took voluntary redundancy, got an extremely generous package and went contracting (I was in IT). I worked my backside off until I hit my late 50s, cleared our mortgage, built a great pension and am now economically inactive.
My view was it was important to be there for my family while my son was growing up but once that was taken care of it was important to secure our future. I've got friends that did it the other way round with varying degrees of success so I'm guessing there is no "one size fits all" but hope my experience helps.
My view was it was important to be there for my family while my son was growing up but once that was taken care of it was important to secure our future. I've got friends that did it the other way round with varying degrees of success so I'm guessing there is no "one size fits all" but hope my experience helps.
Been in the same situation, well paid, with a nice car, but new people came in and went upwards. I only had 10 years left to retirement. Worked from home 80% of the time, no real stress, knew the job, place inside out. Decided just stick with it, maxed out my pension contributions each year. Didn't tell them I was leaving until notice period, so I am sure they thought I was going to be there for another 10 years. Anyhow, left with no stress, bought my company car when I left, so I didn't feel any different.
Depends on how old you are I think, your living situation with kids etc and your longer term plan.
Lots of people think they’re well paid, that is until they look elsewhere and find they aren’t. They really don’t sound like the sort of place that would be paying you above market given what you’d said. I’m 35 and left such a role last year, not so much because of being overlooked but more because it was dull. My new role is ironically way less secure but I’m learning a lot more, and importantly this move probably takes 5 years off my working life.
All very well settling and cruising till retirement but you could be there significantly earlier if you challenge yourself externally. And who knows, you may find the balance isn’t as bad as you think. I have taken many roles where I thought it would be a proper slog and they turn out to be fairly different when actually in the seat.
Lots of people think they’re well paid, that is until they look elsewhere and find they aren’t. They really don’t sound like the sort of place that would be paying you above market given what you’d said. I’m 35 and left such a role last year, not so much because of being overlooked but more because it was dull. My new role is ironically way less secure but I’m learning a lot more, and importantly this move probably takes 5 years off my working life.
All very well settling and cruising till retirement but you could be there significantly earlier if you challenge yourself externally. And who knows, you may find the balance isn’t as bad as you think. I have taken many roles where I thought it would be a proper slog and they turn out to be fairly different when actually in the seat.
Boholoblanka - Rabidgranny (easier to spell...)
Just an Update on this:
Out of the blue another company asked me for an interview early last week, and then another last friday. They have yet to come back to me with their feedback formally, but in the interview last friday it was mentioned:
- 'You could really grow in our organization - but we can't pay you what you are currently on'
- 'we want to meet you in person in the next two weeks (although this week i haven't heard anything from them - year end perhaps??)'
It sounded positive last week but now radio silence. so im not sure what to think, or if im even doing it for the right reasons.. if i leave for the sake of leaving or just for a change of scenery then i may regret it... but on the other hand nothing ventured.
The extent of the haircut isnt clear, except that there would be a haircut, and ive a family with three small kids to support.
so yeah.. in a bit of a muddle on this.
Just an Update on this:
Out of the blue another company asked me for an interview early last week, and then another last friday. They have yet to come back to me with their feedback formally, but in the interview last friday it was mentioned:
- 'You could really grow in our organization - but we can't pay you what you are currently on'
- 'we want to meet you in person in the next two weeks (although this week i haven't heard anything from them - year end perhaps??)'
It sounded positive last week but now radio silence. so im not sure what to think, or if im even doing it for the right reasons.. if i leave for the sake of leaving or just for a change of scenery then i may regret it... but on the other hand nothing ventured.
The extent of the haircut isnt clear, except that there would be a haircut, and ive a family with three small kids to support.
so yeah.. in a bit of a muddle on this.
RabidGranny said:
Boholoblanka - Rabidgranny (easier to spell...)
Just an Update on this:
Out of the blue another company asked me for an interview early last week, and then another last friday. They have yet to come back to me with their feedback formally, but in the interview last friday it was mentioned:
- 'You could really grow in our organization - but we can't pay you what you are currently on'
- 'we want to meet you in person in the next two weeks (although this week i haven't heard anything from them - year end perhaps??)'
It sounded positive last week but now radio silence. so im not sure what to think, or if im even doing it for the right reasons.. if i leave for the sake of leaving or just for a change of scenery then i may regret it... but on the other hand nothing ventured.
The extent of the haircut isnt clear, except that there would be a haircut, and ive a family with three small kids to support.
so yeah.. in a bit of a muddle on this.
The ‘can’t match what you’re currently on’ line is bullsJust an Update on this:
Out of the blue another company asked me for an interview early last week, and then another last friday. They have yet to come back to me with their feedback formally, but in the interview last friday it was mentioned:
- 'You could really grow in our organization - but we can't pay you what you are currently on'
- 'we want to meet you in person in the next two weeks (although this week i haven't heard anything from them - year end perhaps??)'
It sounded positive last week but now radio silence. so im not sure what to think, or if im even doing it for the right reasons.. if i leave for the sake of leaving or just for a change of scenery then i may regret it... but on the other hand nothing ventured.
The extent of the haircut isnt clear, except that there would be a haircut, and ive a family with three small kids to support.
so yeah.. in a bit of a muddle on this.
t. Unless you are paid millions they absolutely can afford to pay you what you want.Gassing Station | Jobs & Employment Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff