I’m at a crossroads and looking for some clarity.

19 Comments

1. AnonymousNovember 29,2024 at 3:00PM UTC

   You should always be open to new opportunities. And never wait around hoping for a raise and/or promotion from a company that is stringing you along and/or doesn’t value your worth in the ways you need. If more money or a title change is what you need, one of the best ways to get those is by having job offers that you can present to your company to match. If they don’t offer to match the offer, there’s your answer.

2. AnonymousNovember 29,2024 at 3:28PM UTC

   Start looking. I've never had "dangled carrots" come through. If you happen to grab the carrot, you can stop the search, but if a better offer comes, jump on it and don't look back.

3. AnonymousNovember 29,2024 at 3:43PM UTC

   I personally would begin searching to reconfirm your value. If you receive an offer at a better salary and resign, they will likely miraculously find the $ to match. Now, I'm not suggesting you do this JUST to manipulate them into paying you more. I'm saying move on... but be prepared for them to miraculously counter... and it's important to know that may happen at this stage so you can figure out how you want to respond. Oh, and when interviewing, give yourself a 10k raise (minimum) by saying "I'm currently being considered for roles ranging between x (your original salary +) to x desired salary." Works every time. Good luck

4. AnonymousNovember 29,2024 at 4:14PM UTC

   How many times does the company owner need to tell you that they’re NOT going to follow through on the promised pay raise before you’ll listen? They’ve been blowing smoke up your skirt for THREE years and you’re still sticking around waiting for the Brinks truck to show up.

   While it’s clear to me you’re deeply invested in this job, they’re not afraid of losing you over money. No raises and you’ve even agreed to a salary cut and you’re still there?

   There are Zero consequences for your boss not following through on promised salary increases. You’ve demonstrated that multiple times over the last three years.

   Nothing will change, time to aggressively look for another job where your contributions are valued.

5. AnonymousNovember 29,2024 at 5:49PM UTC

   Think of it like this… why would you stay in a relationship that under values you, under pays you and leaves empty promises in the air they respirate? You don’t. From a position of hiring others, never and I repeat nev-ah! accept or entertain a counter offer. That is a gap filler and considered “hush” money until they let you go or you leave. Be the survivor here and outlast them by leaving. You got skills girl, go use them somewhere that will pay your worth!

6. AnonymousNovember 30,2024 at 3:06PM UTC

   Spot on with the counter offer advice. And statistically you’ll still be out the door in a year if you accept a counter offer

7. AnonymousNovember 30,2024 at 9:55PM UTC

   Yep I’ve seen it and a colleague was just asked if she would entertain one. After a year of asking for an increase it took her resignation to be offered more. She did not accept. Yep never a good move to take one.

8. AnonymousNovember 29,2024 at 6:35PM UTC

   If it's easy and comfortable and you aren't looking for career growth then stay put and know that this is as dependable as it gets. So you have a nice balance.

9. AnonymousNovember 30,2024 at 4:24PM UTC

   They've shown you who they are. Put your energy into scoring a new gig. Staff taking pay cuts while the c-suite takes millions (and we all know it's not performance based for them) makes them scumbags. Would you put up with promises that never come to fruition in your personal relationships? I hope not. Your work situation will not change. You deserve better!

10. AnonymousNovember 30,2024 at 5:07PM UTC

    I once ran HR at a startup company where on my first day I was asked by the CEO to do a RIF. He then told me he would be paid his bonus. I think you are being shown just what your value is in that company. Take your learnings from there and walk on over to their competition and shop yourself. Not with the intent to harm but with the intent to elevate yourself to where you should be. Don't bad mouth your current employer and the reasons shared about the why of your leaving should be simple. I have outgrown the place and after 3 years there want more growth somewhere new.

    Good luck, and yes move on.

11. ANDREA RAGGAMBIDecember 1,2024 at 1:22PM UTC

    If you have a PE involved I’m sorry to say you may be waiting a while. In my experience they are very bottom line focused and while it’s totally backward to not reward those who help them make money they don’t usually see it that way. It’s probably a good idea to look elsewhere while you have something just to see what your other options are. Also don’t put more time and energy in than you need to. If you got the best possible results and they already didn’t reward you, I wouldn’t go above and beyond. Your option is to stay and manage your time and energy by enjoying other aspects of your life for balance, look to move out or accept it for what it is, esp if you don’t have anyone you trust to give you the straight scoop.

12. Grisel ScarantinoDecember 1,2024 at 2:00PM UTC

    First, let me say that I completely understand your frustration. You’ve poured a lot into this company and made sacrifices to help them grow, even to the point of taking a pay cut. I’ve been in the carrot-dangling situation before and I know it’s frustrating.

    Second, I completely agree with some of the other comments that you should always be open to other opportunities. There are employers out there who would love someone like you on their team, value you, and pay your worth. But I also know that the thought of engaging in the job-seeking process could feel daunting.

    Here’s how I would approach this:

    Think about your career goals. Where do you want to be in the next 1-3 years? Is it a higher title, more money, new challenges—or all of the above? Compare that to what your current company can realistically offer.

    Be honest about their patterns. Being told that more money is coming but then no raises plus your pay cut while the owner made $60 million is a red flag. If they’ve broken promises repeatedly, is it worth waiting and not looking at other options?

    You don’t have to decide today, but start looking at what’s out there for you. What are other companies offering someone with your experience?

    If you decide to stay, advocate for yourself. Get a documented plan of with timelines for a title change and salary increase. Document your measurable accomplishments and present those in this conversation. If you do this, proceed with caution. Be prepared with other opportunities if they can’t (or don’t) follow through.

    At the end of the day, they own your job but you own your career. Your loyalty to them is awesome, but so is being valued. Don’t keep all your eggs in this one basket. Put your feelers out there, talk to your network, and update your resume and LinkedIn profile so you’re ready to be seen for the asset you truly are.

13. Celena BartonDecember 1,2024 at 2:06PM UTC

    Sounds like you are at a startup. It’s a gamble and only you can make that cal.

14. AnonymousDecember 1,2024 at 5:45PM UTC

    A title costs them nothing and they didn’t even offer that let alone a return to your former salary which is not a raise. They’ve shown you their colors. I would start looking. Geez not even the title!

15. AyianDecember 2,2024 at 1:50PM UTC

    It was time for them to literally put their money where their mouths were and they didn't. They have shown you their financial intentions. What you do with that is up to you, but I would be leaving. If you really like the team, you can let them know when you have an offer to compete with, but realistically, that rarely works out longer than 6 months.

16. AnonymousDecember 2,2024 at 3:28PM UTC

    It sounds like you’ve invested an incredible amount of time, energy, and loyalty into this company, and it’s understandable that you’re feeling undervalued. You’ve shown a strong commitment, even taking a pay cut to support the business, and it’s disappointing that the promised opportunities aren’t materializing.

    Given your history with the company and the recognition you’ve earned, it might help to think about your long-term goals. Is this role still aligned with where you want to go in your career, and do you feel the company’s leadership values your contributions enough to eventually reward you fairly? If not, it may be worth exploring other opportunities that align more with your worth and aspirations.

    It could be helpful to have another conversation with your manager or HR to clarify timelines for salary adjustments or title changes. If these discussions don’t lead to a clear path forward, that could be an indicator of whether staying is worth it. Look to see how transparent the company is being. You could also research the industry/ salaries/ etc. to see if you're stuck or if the industry is flat at present.

    It’s always a good idea to keep your options open. Updating your résumé and networking within your industry might reveal roles that better match your value.

    You might also want to build a case for your raise by quantifying your contributions—specific growth metrics, projects you’ve spearheaded, or responsibilities you’ve taken on beyond your role. From what I've experienced, if it's a one of promise then no money, there could be a reason (and they should say what it is). If it's continual unfulfilled promises, then it's intentional. Doesn't mean you have to leave, just means plan your pivot or leave.

    There's also the side hustle approach (or using whatever benefits the company has- like professional development or tuition reimbursement).

    Ultimately, you deserve to work for a company that values and rewards your hard work. Whether you decide to stay and advocate for change or look for new opportunities, you’re taking control of your career, and that’s what matters most.

    Good luck!

17. AnonymousDecember 2,2024 at 4:18PM UTC

    I was in this position previously. Every year I was promised a salary increase when the money came. Which was always soon. In the end, I got laid-off with minimal severance (not even 2 weeks total and I worked for a few years). You should look for a new job, especially if private equity is involved. They often run companies into the ground.

18. AnonymousDecember 4,2024 at 4:06PM UTC

    Once PE gets involved, you can pretty much kiss bonus and pay raises goodbye. They are there to push the business over the top - profitable so it can be sold. They will invest where they need to invest and divest where they need to divest so they can show a potential buyer the new bottom line .

19. Titra HamiltonDecember 5,2024 at 10:01PM UTC

    Ma'am. Your situation was mine in 2022. I worked for a company for 5 years with my "nose to the grindstone" like yours. Around March of that year, employees at Director (me and four others) and below learned that Venture Capitalists purchased the company. The C-Suite knew of and had been working on the transaction six months prior. The CEO dipped with a check for ~$60M. For all of my hard work and stellar performance, I and my peers were laid off (position abolished) with three months' severance. My advice is this. If you are not in a 100% client-facing billable role, update your resume and start looking for a new role elsewhere. There is no carrot. There is no loyalty. It's business.