Professional Development Reimbursement

Anonymous

June 7,2022 at 11:55AM UTC

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Professional Development Reimbursement

Hi there, I started a leadership professional development program at the beginning of the year. My non-profit generously paid for it, about $2,000, as they see me as an upcoming leader in our organization.

However, I was approached about a new job opportunity, more aligned with my professional goals, and went through the interview process and was just offered the job. I plan to negotiate the salary a bit.

My questions:

Do I owe it to my current non-profit to reimburse the $2,000 since they won't receive the full benefit of me completing this program?
Should I negotiate the $2,000 as a "sign-on bonus" so to speak?

Thanks!

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AnonymousJune 7,2022 at 12:11PM UTC
My two cents - You have two choices as I see it - When you have the offer in hand and you are ready to resign, have an honest conversation about the $2k. Or you can resign and see if they say anything about it. You have asked the question so I think you are probably already leaning one way. In these situations, I try to ask myself - what are the long term impacts of my decision? Will I burn a bridge? How do I want to leave this place?
This actually brings up a bigger issue about how companies offer tuition assistance etc. but then often don't follow through on pay increases or enhanced leadership opportunities. This sometimes means well-qualified people leave the organization and ultimately the organization bears the double expense of the education and the replacement.
Crystal HowellJune 7,2022 at 12:16PM UTC
If it were me, I would return it. To leave on good terms, maybe your new job can give you a sign on bonus for $4k or?
Have a heart to heart with the owner of the non profit and HR. You will leave respected.
Jacquelynn LucasJune 7,2022 at 2:31PM UTC
I think if I enjoyed my time and really benefited from the non-profit company, I would negotiate the Sign-on bonus to cover the $2000 and pay it back. I know from previous positions, the tuition reimbursement was guaranteed as long as I stayed with the company for X-amount of time, otherwise I would have to pay it back. So they may already have something in place.
Congrats on the new position and Good Luck with it!
AnonymousJune 8,2022 at 12:19AM UTC
If you can negotiate a signing bonus, do so and pay your former employer back. That is a class act and will help you to move forward on excellent terms.
If you can’t negotiate a signing bonus with the new employer, at least let your current organization know that you appreciate their treatment of you and that you want to remain an ally. Ask how you can continue to be helpful to them in your forthcoming role.