A new survey by CareerBuilder indicates that 21% of workers plan to change jobs in 2014. What’s interesting about this number is that 66% of the people considering a job change say they are dissatisfied with their pay. Which leads us to today’s reader question:
I’ve been doing the same job at my company for 20 years. I’m good at it and regularly receive above average to superior reviews. But things have changed in my life and I need to be paid more. I’ve gone as far as I can go in my department and frankly I’m a little bored and getting burned out.
I’ve interviewed with another department for a job that had growth potential but they hired younger. And I made a discreet informal inquiry in a different department and was dismissed. So my question is…how many more inquiries can I make before I become a sort of ‘joke’ and damage my standing in my department? It’s hard to keep a secret in the workplace. Should I seriously start exploring options outside my company? I’d rather not leave, but I need to find something else. What’s the best way to proceed?
Thanks so much for writing this note. I think we’ve all been in a similar situation at some point in our careers – do I stay or should I go? I wish there was one clear definitive answer. I’m sure you realize there’s not. But there are a few things to consider:
Understand the salary market for your position. While I’m the first one to say that pay isn’t everything, I do understand there are times when pay matters. It’s important to realize when talking about pay that other things like benefits and professional development should be factored into the discussion. Before doing anything, do your homework about the market and your position. Find out what others who do the same or similar job are making then compare that to your existing total compensation package.
Take inventory of your skills. After researching the pay for your position, make sure your skills are current. For example, let’s say I’m a payroll clerk and have been at my job for 20+ years. I might be doing a great job. If I try to find a job with another company, do I have all the right skills? Or do today’s payroll clerks have skills I don’t? Before making a move, make sure your skill set aligns with what employers are currently asking for.
If you’re bored and burned out, chances are the company can see it too. The “bored and burned out” comment in this note really stuck out for me. I’ve known very few people who were burned out and able to successfully fake it. Something always doesn’t seem right. Companies and individuals who are concerned about employee burnout need to figure out ways to boost engagement.
Examine how you can change your job for a better salary. Often, getting a pay increase is associated with doing more or different work. If you know the market for your job and your current skills, spend some time thinking of ways to update your job in a way that will justify getting paid more.
Talk to your manager (maybe). I don’t know this reader’s relationship with their manager but there are managers out there who would be open to this conversation. They might be able to offer suggestions that will lead to making more money. And some people might not want to hear this, but they might also be able to absolutely, positively, undeniably tell you if a pay increase is even a remote possibility. That will let you know quickly what options to explore.
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Just because we want more money doesn’t mean we are in a position to get it. Our salary is based upon 3 things: the company’s ability to retain talent at that pay level, the company’s ability to hire talent at that pay level, and the company’s ability to pay. If you want to change your pay, take the “I need more money” piece out of the discussion. Find a way to logically sell your skills compared to what’s happening in the market.
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Shanon Wynonna says
Employee retention is very important, yet many companies fall victim to high turnover rates. Even if you think you’ve hired the right person for the job, you soon find out you have to take his or her personality and, of course, external factors into account, because try as we might, sometimes we can’t separate work from personal life. But as in life, it’s important to communicate and do it often. An employee might leave just because they dislike a new change in the company that interferes with their routine. With enough notice and information, this can be avoided.
George says
I can relate to the person who sent you that message. Employee burnout is very common and for that reason many companies offer sabbaticals and what not. But I find that most people don’t take the variable and options you’ve listed into account, they just want/need more money but don’t realize what needs to happen in order to be paid more. We get wrapped up in our situation but sometimes fail to see the big picture.
Axel says
Hey, nice article. I’ve just gone through a job change and I am really happy with my new job. The harder you work the more interesting and fulfilling the job you can get… that’s what I’ve found anyway.
Erika says
Finding out when the time is right to change jobs is sometimes confusing for employees, but also sometimes plain as day. The work environment plays a HUGE role in this decision, as it is the place they have to work from day in and day out. I have worked alongside a company that experiences very high turnover rate, and there are so many red flags that need to be nipped in the bud on a management side for employees to stick around and remain loyal.