Question: “I enjoyed quick successes and promotions at my previous employer, and the company agreed to pay for my MBA degree. Near the end of my schooling, my employer worked out a deal for almost two-thirds of the staff to be acquired by another company. Everyone was transferred into a similar role with the same pay. Since then, there has been a pay and promotion freeze, pay cuts and a few layoffs. I enjoy the work I do and the people I work with. However, I'm questioning if accepting the same (reduced) pay and position for more than two years after receiving my MBA will reflect negatively on me concerning goals and motivation. Is it better to 'hang in there' and hope the promotions and pay increase, or should I be looking for other career opportunities?” — Linda
See Comments Below
Like what you've read? ...Republish it and share great business tips!
Attention: Readers, Publishers, Editors, Bloggers, Media, Webmasters and more...
We believe great content should be read and passed around. After all, knowledge IS power. And good business can become great with the right information at their fingertips. If you'd like to share any of the insightful articles on BusinessManagementDaily.com, you may republish or syndicate it without charge.
The only thing we ask is that you keep the article exactly as it was written and formatted. You also need to include an attribution statement and link to the article.
" This information is proudly provided by Business Management Daily.com: http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/15570/hope-for-a-promotion-or-move-on "
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
If you enjoy the work you do, and you enjoy the people you work with, as long as you can live with the wage you are getting, I would stay. Going to another job just for the money might result in a job you don’t like, people you don’t like, or both. These days, MANY companies have salary freezes, so it does not reflect poorly on you that you have not received a raise.
Remember, there is no such thing as loyalty in today’s world. Ask the people that got laid off. It’s really up to you, it would not be a personal move but just business. I am sure its an at will employment agreement which means your employer nor yourself can terminate the job at anytime for any reason as long as it is not discrimination. It’s tough out there but it’s all going to depend on what your path is and what makes you fulfilled. If there is no contract that they paid for your education, then you have no reason to feel guilty. I’m sure someone else fresh out of college will start off where you left off, especially with the job market right now. And think, if they let you go in another year, will you have resentment?
Hang in there. You have the security of your current job but the opportunity to look for another. You are in a great position! Take full advantage of it!!!!!
If you enjoy the work, hang in there for a bit longer. If nothing else, you are getting experience and working which will take you from a graduate to an experienced worker. Put the feelers out there if you want, and see what else is available for someone with the same qualifications and experience, but at the moment, you are probably better off where you are. You may not be getting the pay you think you deserve, but it’s better than no pay at all. Discuss your frustrations with your boss or HR – I wouldn’t have thought that you would be the only one in that position, and they may find a way around it as frustrated staff don’t work to the best of their ability
The company paid for you to have the opportunity to get an MBA, your employer saved your job during a hard time when others lost theirs, and your first thought is to jump ship. They’ve treated you well, you like your job, and the people you work with. Not all employers are supportive , not all jobs are enjoyable, and not all co-workers are easy to work with; and no matter how good you are successes and promotions are generally not quick. It certainly doesn’t hurt to keep your eyes and ears open for other opportunities if your primary motivation is career advancement, but if the company culture remains the same, and you’re looking to be part of a winning team sounds like you already have it. Carefully weigh your pros and cons from time to time, as things do change; and make your decision accordingly.
We’ve been under pay and promotion freezes, pay cuts and many layoffs for about 2 1/2 years now. I understand how you’re feeling. I have taken on an enormous amount of work from those that were laid off. Enjoying your work and the people is such a bonus in itself. The economy right now is affecting so many people. It doesn’t hurt to look around but be patient and weigh all your options carefully. You don’t want to jump ship and get into a worse situation. As Debbie says above, be very selective should an opportunity arise. Otherwise, don’t feel like you are alone even with your new degree. One of my bosses was laid off and she’s an administrator RN with a masters. She was out of work for 1 year and eventually found something but had to accept lower pay to get back into the work force and not worry about losing her home. Good luck and hang in there.
If it were me, I would begin looking for other opportunities but I’d be very selective. Obviously, there is no rush to get out as you are happy in your current position. If things improve with this employer you won’t need to leave but if another opportunity presents itself through your careful, selective search, it would be an option to broaden your career. There is no easy answer when you are established and happy. See what you turn up in your search.. it is always difficult to leave a position when you are happy. It depends upon how badly you want to advance.. Good luck!