I’m with my current job for 16 years, my starting salary was (at the time) 40% over minimum wage.

9 Comments

1. AnonymousFebruary 26,2023 at 3:16PM UTC

   That was a very insensitive remark for a coworker or manager. Unfortunately, you will be dealing with ageism (as one who is 60+, I know), but the good news is you have a good track history of 16 years at a single company. Is there another company in the same industry you could contact to see if they have openings and check if they pay better? That would be a good start. Good luck.

2. AnonymousFebruary 26,2023 at 3:48PM UTC

   There is often a battle between comfort and safety vs. Money.

   Very often to make considerably more money you must work much harder, more hours and with greater stress. You might not have the control over days and your hours.

   So it's a very personal decision based on your lifestyle and priorities.

3. AnonymousFebruary 26,2023 at 3:49PM UTC

   The job search could be tough. But, well worth it. You will gain new skills and learn to be more diverse by moving along. As a hiring manager, I'd want to hear you talk about how you want to learn more and perhaps mentor or become a mentor in your new position. In these days, managers are looking for skills over longevity.

4. AnonymousFebruary 26,2023 at 7:49PM UTC

   My work history: 18 yrs then poor manager who was threatened by my knowledge and respect, found a way to falsely accuse me about timecard (when in fact I had left during the day for work errands, but returned later to work until 1am!) It took 5.5 mos to clear my name after they terminated my employment and pay me severance plus the overtime they owed me.

   We were in a horrible recession in 2009 if you recall... BUT, 364 days later, in June 2010, I found new job similar, matched old salary, and had a fabulous executive for my boss.

   Lasted there 10 years, with the final 2 yrs of those being awful. They had reorganized when our CEO and most of our c-suite execs and support staff (me) were either being let go with option of taking severance, or taking different position under a new boss, who again turned out to be horridly awful. I took the new position, lasted 2 yrs under scrutinization, backstabbing and bullying from boss and entry level staff.

   I finally took a month stress leave / fmla with doctor's blessing; with supplemental state pay for this medical leave. They cannot terminate an employee on leave.

   I recovered from that traumatizing behavior while at home, I revamped my resume (paid a company to do it with correct terminology to stand out in screening), found a new, better job with 15k more per year! Note: I returned to old job after fmla leave just for one day (so I could collect belongings and capture any resources and Emails I wanted to keep). At end of day I went to boss's office and handed her my letter of resignation, effective immediately. Then to HR to return my badge and copy of my letter. Buh-bye!

   I never in my long career have left a job without proper notice.Took a long weekend and started my new job on the following Monday.

   That was 3 yrs ago. I'm now 67. And I got a promotion with 10% increase in pay 6 mos ago, plus 3.25% annual performance increase in January. My executive is absolutely a delight. We have a great team, and I love what I do.

   Please know I am not boasting. I'm here to let you all know that being the subject of a manager's belittling, bullying, and shaming for their own boosted ego (or whatever their motive may be) does not have to be the end of your career.

   Hang in there and please do not lose hope! Older people can find new jobs.
   Very best wishes to you!

5. AnonymousFebruary 27,2023 at 3:59AM UTC

   Thank you so much for this story of trial and triumph! I am feeling hopeful and motivated.

6. AnonymousFebruary 28,2023 at 2:50PM UTC

   I was 17 years into my career and was considered essential personnel during COVID. After all of that, I just could not see myself working there for the rest of my working days. I heard the comments, too, why would I want to leave, I can call my own shots, loved by my coworkers. But for me, it wasn't enough so I began looking (I will admit, half-heartedly) and found a place I thought I could be happier. I am 60+ years old and they took me in because of my experiences, and I am so happy I changed fields and locations. Do not let your younger co-workers (I am guessing) dissuade you from looking and pursuing any opportunities. You may not get rich where you are, but there is definitely something to be said for flexibility. You, and only you, can decide if it is time to move forward, but please don't be afraid due to your age. I am living proof that there are good and decent institutions out there willing to hire over 55 workers. Good luck!

7. AnonymousFebruary 28,2023 at 4:10PM UTC

   Articulate for yourself the reasons you are considering changing jobs and then you can go forward.

8. MichelleFebruary 28,2023 at 7:30PM UTC

   As women we tend to be very loyal. I stayed at a company for 15 years constantly making excuses on why I stayed which at the end of the day was really fear of the unknown and failure. Moving to a new company (the right one that checked the boxes I had established) was the best decision. I brought my pay up to market value and into a culture that I can truly thrive in. Take the leap, you wont regret it!

9. Reb562March 1,2023 at 12:40AM UTC

   It depends what's important to you. I know I can make more, but that's not important to me. Being able to WFH when my 10yr old son is sick, or leave early or late for a dentist appointment or if my son forgot his violin . Picking my own projects are worth so much more to me than getting paid a bit more. I have little to no stress too, so yea at 50, I'm staying put.