59 Day-After-Christmas Sales (and Kat’s Top 14)

Comments

1. sunny

   12/26/2015 at 4:31 pm

   Apologies for the threadjack, but would really appreciate some advice on ‘reading between the lines’ re career progression.

   The context: I am in a mid-level role (marketing) at a VERY large and prestigious international organisation – in the top 3 global players in my large European country, and after 3 years working on minor brands am now on the company’s flagship brand – so all should be rosy. Unfortunately, in a restructure this year I was passed over for promotion, although landed a ‘better’ job (as its on the core business, more visibility/responsibility) – but not more pay. I am the longest-standing member of my team (everyone else left/got pushed out) and so have ended up taking on massively more responsibility – to point colleagues, suppliers etc mention it – but on no more pay. I am pretty annoyed by this I am sure I am not the only one though). Now with a new structure in place, I am looking at waiting for someone in my team to move on for a promotion or to move to another company.

   – How do I decide if I should stay or go? I think I have a tendency to get too comfy in jobs – here, I like location, co-workers etc but even my boss & former boss think I could do better outside on the open market (& weirdly, say so! Former boss: I think she was angry I did not get promotion, current boss: I think she is angry about her own pay situation…)
   – I’m not finding it easy to spot vacancies elsewhere that are as prestigious/well-paying. What % should I look for salary wise to make a move worth my while?
   – Has anyone else been in this position? Did you stay or go & what would be your advice?
   – I don’t know how to assess if I would perform as well in a new company as it always takes me ages to settle in/build relationships

   I have been told by current boss that a grade increase will take a year minimum, and that part of problem is senior level buy in on my influencing skills (so planning to work on that & try to demonstrate…). Of my 4 years, I would say 1st was ropey, 2nd av/good, 3rd very good, 4th very good indeed – but naturally frustrated that I am not progressing & wonder whether to hang in there/cut my losses & look outside even for parallel jobs: a much better job would of course be a no brainer

2. Been There

   12/26/2015 at 9:13 pm

   Random thoughts/questions:
   Do you LIKE your present job? Do you enjoy going to work most days or is a dread? Are you challenged? Do you like your leaders and feel they could help you grow in your career? I think all of those things should go into an assessment of your next move.

   From an outsider, it sounds like your employer values you (you weren’t laid off under the restructure), you’re doing work on their flagship account, and are positioned to increase your visibility. All good things that you could spend years working towards in a new company. If you otherwise like where you are (beyond not feeling that your salary is commensurate with your duties), and genuinely feel like there are good opportunities to grow professionally and increase your salary in the next one to two years, it sounds like staying may be the prudent thing to do unless you get offered an incredible opportunity in another company. But, that is me making a huge assumption based on a short summary of your scenario.

   The “restructuring” part makes it hard on employees because it can give management an excuse to not have policies in place and blame all inconsistencies on the transition. If the restructuring is due to belt-tightening, it also implies that the remaining employees should work harder, not make more. That can suck unless the corp. treats their employees extraordinarily well so sticking it out through the tough times is worth it. That said, as to feeling underpaid, can you get a copy of your job description before the transition and then a copy of what you are responsible for now? If it is significantly different, or your current job duties are clearly more director level than, say, manager level, yet you are being paid as a manager, then you will have a better basis for asserting that the corp should re-assess the salary grade for your position.

   Also try to research what your position would be paid at comparable corporations. Then research what others with your skill sets, experience, and education should be making across the board (not just look the top corporations). That will help you assess whether you are truly underpaid and would financially benefit from seeking new employment OR you are just underpaid in relation to your present responsibilities OR you just feel underpaid in relation to your colleagues.

   Once you have more information and a clearer plan on where you want to head, you can either start applying to other companies or formulate a plan to get to the next level in your present company. Perhaps ask your boss what you can do to show senior leadership that you deserve the higher pay/next promotion. Try to have him/her include specific deliverables. Ask if there is a way to jump up in salary in six months versus twelve if you consistently meet the deliverables. Ask them to tell you truthfully if there was a reason you didn’t get the earlier promotion. Or is there a possibility of moving to a higher position on another team? Having a hard-wired 12 mo plan will help you feel in control and that you’re not just spinning your wheels.

   It’s hard to opine because there are so many contingencies. But good luck to you!

3. Sunny

   12/27/2015 at 9:13 am

   Thanks for your thoughtful response BeenThere. Part of the frustration is that I do really like my job and think it’s one of the most desirable companies in the field- hence not being motivated to leave, but feeling that I am being taken advantage on pay

   It may also be that senior team (my boss’ boss) don’t think much of me hence lack of promotion, while new boss is happy to have me do the work but won’t fight with management on my behalf
   Leaning toward looking for a new role (only way to get what you are worthis see what others will pay) but only jump if it’s an obvious no brainer better job

4. I'm Just Me ...

   12/27/2015 at 9:34 am

   Dallas ‘Rettes, I hope everyone is ok!

5. Theresa

   12/27/2015 at 11:46 am

   You have a good job. Keep it but do not sleep with men or bare your coochie in the hope of getting a promotion. Wear a Danskin whenever you go out on a date to a bar as guys will not easily get access even if you’re drunk.