I've been at my place of employment for 10 years and perform very well.

56 Comments

1. Samantha GarrettSeptember 16,2024 at 1:16PM UTC

   Take the other job

2. AnonymousSeptember 16,2024 at 1:17PM UTC

   Ha, THANK YOU! I just needed a black and white opinion :-) My husband and friends are "in too deep" to be able to provide a non-emotional answer.

3. AnonymousSeptember 16,2024 at 1:20PM UTC

   Oh and to add in, the current place offered me a hybrid work place. But with very little stipulations.

   "Come in every day, come in twice a day, come in for an hour...do whatever you want"

   My commute is 10 minutes, so it doesn't really affect gas money or drive time.

4. AnonymousSeptember 16,2024 at 1:21PM UTC

   I'd be curious why the current employer now has a new job and pay. Have there been other conversations since your initial one? Or, it could just be fate.

   I believe the situation of the current employer could be a version of what is considered "golden handcuffs." Financial incentives to keep you from leaving. That said, why'd it take 10 years? Here's the thing, you want something more - which is why you were considering leaving. Unless the culture has really shifted, you can't expect more from them. Maybe this promotion - and then likely another 10 years. If that's okay for you. Great.

   Unless that promotion is in writing and with a guaranteed start date, it's another carrot dangling to keep you.

   FWIW, I had a situation where I was "promoted" with a raise and then laid off the month after the promotion took effect - one could say it was a way for them to give me a higher unemployment package (since I'd been with them a while). I realize I may have some bias here, but I'd say if the new place looks good, go for new.

   Before you make any changes, ask a few more questions or observe the culture of both places- what gives you assurances that the offer will hold?
   And be sure to get information regarding the new place.

   I know you're deciding between 2 employers right now, just know there is no wrong choice. Get info. and choose what works for you. The better of the options will reveal itself. Also, it's possible that they're both not great and a third option will appear down the line. One never knows. Stay positive - keep advocating for yourself.

   Best of luck.

5. AnonymousSeptember 16,2024 at 1:33PM UTC

   Thanks for your input! It's definitely some more food for thought!It's been a 5 year conversation about the company expanding, which I know takes time and I feel like I've been patient.I do feel like the gold carrot has been hanging in front of me forever....a phrase we use often about work :-)It was going to happen...but it's timing. Had they not presented January's position yet, it would be a no brainer. And I guess I also have feelings that there was never any "showing of my appreciation" previously.Culture has shifted at the property. Corporate has no idea.There's no more autonomy or trust...which I'm dealing with fine. I work pretty independently in my position, as I'm in sales.I struggle between...do I want to cruise? I feel like I should want to since I'm on the other side of 40. But I also think I want the challenge and a company that has more buy in to what I'm doing instead of being ok with the status quo. But then I flip back to where I am now and how I'm virtually left alone to do my own thing, which is also nice.I keep teetering back and forth between the two and can't seem to nail down what I really want. I doubt myself of what I want and what I think I should want.

6. Sami JSeptember 16,2024 at 3:59PM UTC

   I think this is precisely what this could be- a way to keep you in your role for another few months, only to push you IF (& it's a HUGE if) you ever get this promotion.

7. AnonymousSeptember 16,2024 at 1:25PM UTC

   I was in a similar position as you about a year ago. I had been in my position for about 9 years. I did a great job and was told that by my boss. But really didn't feel like I was going anywhere. I was doing the same thing year in year out and I was getting paid well. Just got the regular 3% merit increase each year. And I really liked everyone in the company. I guess for me, I wanted more, I wanted to be challenged, to make a bigger difference. I mean I could have stayed and really cruised through the remainder of my career being an expert at what I was doing, knowing everyone in the company, but I didn't. I decided to leave, to be challenged. Change can be scary and hard, going to a new company, getting to know everyone there, getting to point where people are coming to you for answers. It takes time, I'm still getting used to all the changes but I am happy I made the change, I am happy to be doing something new.

8. AnonymousSeptember 16,2024 at 1:27PM UTC

   You don’t mention your age. If you’re close to retirement, let it ride. If you’ve got decades of work ahead of you, TAKE THE RISK. At minimum you can leverage it into a better job in a year.

9. Michelle HoffmanSeptember 16,2024 at 1:30PM UTC

   Robert Frosts Poem The Road Not Taken comes to mind as I read this.

   Only you can make that choice. Change is always scary and it is very easy to stay in the comfortable.

   Ask yourself, do you want to stay someplace that has taken this long to value you? A place that is wiling to to let slackers hang around while others work harder and smarter? What is it you really want. Do you like to be challenged and grow yourself with knowledge, experience, meeting new people? I can't tell you what to do, but I can say I took a leap of faith when I accepted a job about 600 miles from where my family and I lived. I moved to a new part of the country knowing no one. It was scary and it was the best decision I made. I don't regret it one bit. I have left a job another time over the slackers get the same pay if not more for doing very little - where I wasn't seeing person and professional growth. I never regretted that decision.

   Just read the Poem The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost - it will not tell you outright what to do, but it will make you think about what is right for you.

10. AnonymousSeptember 16,2024 at 1:56PM UTC

    To me it sounds like your current company may have gotten wind of your interviewing with the other. If they haven't given you a pay raise or promotion in 10 years then it's time for a change. It's 'too little too late'. I'd go for the new job.

11. AnonymousSeptember 16,2024 at 1:56PM UTC

    I personally find challenge and growth an integral part of my journey as a person. I can't imagine settling for a stable but stagnant existence.

12. Maggie SoldanoSeptember 16,2024 at 2:22PM UTC

    Dont be fooled. There is no such thing as solid job security. And the higher salary could put you in the crosshairs when they eventually reorganize or look for cost savings.

    I say leave, but don’t burn a bridge. Just tell them it’s the right thing to do for your family right now. Never say “too little too late” as you may be able to return at a higher job level in the future. (I’ve seen that happen first hand.)

13. AnonymousSeptember 16,2024 at 2:33PM UTC

    The moment of absolute certainty never arrives. Therefore we have the burden of choice. Good luck.

14. SandySeptember 16,2024 at 2:36PM UTC

    Don’t stagnate…..

15. Michele SinclairSeptember 16,2024 at 2:48PM UTC

    Sounds lik you already weighed the pros n cons ....

16. Tami L CannizzaroSeptember 16,2024 at 4:05PM UTC

    Consider what your resume will say to future employers the next time you are looking for work - and there will be a next time, whether you instigate it or the company decides it's time for you to leave. Will your experience tell a better story to future employers by accepting the role at the new company or if you stay at your current company? Which position will allow you to add more skills to your resume? Which has more opportunity for professional and personal growth? At the end of the day, we should want to position ourselves for future success.

17. AnonymousSeptember 16,2024 at 4:28PM UTC

    stay

18. AnonymousSeptember 16,2024 at 6:46PM UTC

    I had a nice typed out answer that up and disappeared.

    So let me try again.

    Current job: did this new role come up before or after you said 'hey, i have this other opportunity hanging out here?' If after, that right there should have made your decision for you. That said, I personally wouldn't be happy at a place where "they never fire anyone". - I mean, yeah, that sounds great on paper...but this means you could be the shittiest employee ever...much to the frustration of your coworkers, with no repercussions. And what happens when new leadership takes over? I've seen it. It's a blood bath. And sounds like you'll like revert back to 3% increases.

    New job/employer. Challenging in a good way? I'd be all over that. Bonuses aren't typically guaranteed. That said, what is their history of paying them out? And you said two people you know have started there and risen?

    Honestly...what is your hesitation? What's holding you back from making the obviously better choice?

19. AnonymousSeptember 16,2024 at 6:57PM UTC

    Your re-typed response is great and appreciated!

    So I haven't told my current employer yet.

    I've always had the mindset that if I'm leaving...I'm leaving.

    If changes are promised at that point, whether it be work changes, job functions, money, etc...it's too late. These things could have been done years ago.

    I did meet with the gal I'd be replacing and she's been there for 5 years.

    She shared she maxed out her bonus every year but 2020.

    Hesitation is probably the fact that it's been 10 years and this is an unknown.

    I think deep down I know I need to make the change and take the leap of faith.

    I just worry if I'm leaving when they FINALLY see my value...but if that's the case, it took them 10 freakin' years to realize!

20. AnonymousSeptember 16,2024 at 7:10PM UTC

    I stayed with a previous employer 10 years. Yes, I gained experience...but then I saw others come in after me be promoted much quicker. I was likely Mikey from the Life commercials (yes, I probably just dated myself there)...I said no to nothing, I was reliable, I took on the jobs no one else wanted to do which in turn made them very hesitant to promote me. I decided COVID was my opportunity to begin the job search in earnest. Soon after I gave my notice, my job was posted as a manager role (I was an IC...and my manager knew one of the big reasons I was leaving was lack of promotions). Basically a big 'eff' you to me. The job I went to ended up being a wrong move career-wise, but where I am now is where I should be. More money, higher title, more exposure to the leadership, etc. I have now been here for 2.5 years.

21. AnonymousSeptember 16,2024 at 6:53PM UTC

    I know, right?

    I stayed because of the promises of expanding and future opportunities...which is here and will happen in January.

    I stayed a good little worker because I thought they had my best interest at hand.

    When I finally was brave enough to broach the topic in March and they said "No, your job function hasn't changed"...that was the changing moment and when I started actively looking.

22. AnonymousSeptember 16,2024 at 7:44PM UTC

    Sounds like you'll be happy there for another 10 years. No shame in wanting to take a nice predictable promotion. Why work harder and have to train on new systems?

23. AnonymousSeptember 16,2024 at 11:05PM UTC

    Not sure what industry you’re in is it sales? Let’s do the math here: 95k + 64k possible = $159K.

    100k + 20k = $120K. Are the benefits as good or better in the next company. Company A: list what you like and don’t like. Company B: what you think will be better.
    if it were me and how they’ve treated you, I’d be gone in a heart beat. Do you slide by taking their crap and watch others get promoted while you remain stagnate? Or do you go to a new place that values your work and supports your earning potential bonus of 3x higher? I say go for it. When you leave behind the negative the positive shows up. Don’t stay because it’s safe. Leave because it’s not allowing you to grow professionally. Also the offer from company A is what is called a bandaid. Go where you don’t need a bandaid. I would go to company b, take a chance. Nothing changes if you do nothing. When you shift and make changes opportunities open. Figure out what you want then commit to it. New is good! Change is great!

24. HeatherSeptember 17,2024 at 4:19PM UTC

    Very well said! I wholeheartedly agree with you. I had a similar circumstance, and I stayed. 3 years later I wasn't getting raises and I wasn't going to be promoted because all my boss valued was higher level degrees, not experience. I started looking again, found a great job (using my change in title for a promotion) and gave my notice. My boss said "again"! I left and never looked back. They have since been "bought out" 2 times. My suggestion is to go with the new company now. The longer you wait, the more difficult it is to leave your "comfort zone". Good luck to you.

25. AnonymousSeptember 17,2024 at 12:23PM UTC

    So, you've been promised something for January but have a solid offer that starts as soon as your notice is up. The company with the "promise" has been taking advantage of your hard work for ten years with minimal COLA increases. To me, that is a no-brainer, but I also love learning and new challenges, even when risk is involved. You have to do what is best for you. Can you deal with stability and stagnation better than risk and reward? For some, the risk causes so much anxiety that they can't function, so it is not always a simple answer. The promise can disappear as fast as it came. Keep that in mind: unless they give you the promise in writing and in the form of a contract, the promise isn't worth the paper it's written on.

26. AnonymousSeptember 17,2024 at 12:41PM UTC

    I was in the same situation at a former company. After 13 years years of hard work, they blamed me for not finding a way to do something random and spectacular to get promoted .There was no continuum on next levels. I had to leave to be respected for my experience. The OP should go to the new company.

27. Paulla Fetzek, MSEdSeptember 17,2024 at 12:49PM UTC

    I don't have anything additional to add that hasn't already been noted. I just wanted to say that I admire the thoughtfulness you display in this post. Either way you go - they'll be lucky to have you!

28. Changemaker179219September 17,2024 at 12:54PM UTC

    I would stay, you have stability and you don't know the entire environment of the new company. Better safe than sorry

29. HeatherSeptember 17,2024 at 4:13PM UTC

    no risk no reward either though!!

30. AnonymousSeptember 17,2024 at 1:11PM UTC

    If you turn down the offer now and something happens where your current employer isn't able to actually give you the promoted position in January, will you be ok having stayed or will you regret it?

31. AnonymousSeptember 17,2024 at 1:14PM UTC

    There’s a lot of great advice below that I won’t reiterate, but I’ll add this. Compensation is almost always negotiable.

    Bonuses are not guaranteed and often driven by factors beyond your control. I’d focus on what compensation the new employer will be certain. 5k in additional base salary is totally within the realm of negotiation, but if they’re not willing to budge ask about what else is included in the compensation package (insurance cost and coverage level, continuing education reimbursement, # weeks off, commitment to renegotiate after a year if you hit specified benchmarks, etc).

    Be honest and say you really want to make this work so you’re working hard to crunch the numbers. If the new employer takes issue with you establishing boundaries about your own worth, that’s a red flag.

32. ReachingGoalsSeptember 17,2024 at 1:26PM UTC

    The base salary difference isn’t enough to worry about. Works out to $416/month before taxes. What are the other benefits like vacation, sick, retirement, etc?

    Potential bonuses are great, but not a guarantee.

    what are you looking for? Is the promotion/new job at current place guaranteed or just a string you along offer?

33. GirlBossanova934974September 17,2024 at 1:28PM UTC

    You have LEFT OUT one big thing! So your current employer just magically showed up with this great new job with a lot money after you started interviewing with another company? Either this is just one big coincidence OR your current employer KNOWS you are ready to jump ship and have a better offer in hand. Depending if your current employer KNOWS about your new job, I would stick with the old employer. BONUS CHECKS are never guaranteed. I found that out from my previous job. As soon as the company wanted to KEEP MORE FOR THEM, there went our BONUS checks. SNAP THEIR FINGERS and our bonuses were suddenly tied to the entire company instead of our division which was the best performing division. There went $20,000 per year and the morale went down the drain............BUYER BEWARE!

34. AnonymousSeptember 17,2024 at 1:35PM UTC

    Go! What an exciting opportunity. Take the new job and run with it. The current job sounds boring (to you) not challenging and like slow dead end. Move on. Good luck.

35. Colleen HansonSeptember 17,2024 at 1:50PM UTC

    Is it possible that your current employer got word that you were looking for a new position? In certain industries, word gets around and they very well could be trying to entice you to stay with an offer that will conveniently no longer be available come January.

    I know someone that this happened to! She had been passed over for a promotion and significant pay increase for 5 years. She discreetly began looking for a new position and was fortunate to receive an amazing offer! The very day that she was going to turn in her resignation, she was offered a promotion to a job title that had not previously existed, along with a sizable pay increase that they would be implementing over the next 6 months. She went back and forth for about a week but ultimately decided to take the promotion and stay with her current company. One year later there was still no promotion or pay increase. After finally speaking with someone in HR she found out from someone within that department that someone within the company knew someone at the company she had interviewed with and word got back to the higher ups. The offer they gave her was never going to happen, they just did it to keep her on because she never made waves, was overworked and underpaid and never spoke up for herself. They were paying her half of what she could make elsewhere in similar positions; they were using her. Unfortunately this is how many companies operate.

    If they have not valued you enough after 10 years, I would say that it is time to move on. This offer may not ever come to fruition and then you will have missed out on a better opportunity to stay with a company that does not value you not only as an employee, but as a human being.

    Good luck in whatever you choose to do!

36. AnonymousSeptember 17,2024 at 3:09PM UTC

    I'd be interested to know from the current employer if you have been ASKING for a better position/pay or if you've only been working hard and EXPECTING to b rewarded. If it's the latter then maybe they ate reacting to your ask which is a good thing! If it's the former, then move on IF u r the type of person who wants to challenge themselves. Don't move on and gripe about the extra work challenges is what I mean.

    Quite honestly I NEED the mental stimulation and could not sail thru an easy role just for the money. I will bailout quickly. I mention this because we all have different motivations. Analyze yourself and then make your decision.

37. AnonymousSeptember 18,2024 at 12:11PM UTC

    At this time, I'd say job stability is really important. Our economy is getting worse an worse, I'd stay where you know you'll have a position even if its a little less.

    Now if the new position is in tech/AI move on over. Just my opinion.

38. Cheryl SchirizzoSeptember 18,2024 at 7:25PM UTC

    I agree .

39. AnonymousSeptember 18,2024 at 12:17PM UTC

    Don't make a decision based on fear.

40. Kathleen Norton-SchockSeptember 18,2024 at 12:31PM UTC

    Which of these (having done your research, and asking as many questions of knowledgeable insiders as you can) will help you grow further, learn new skills, and have fun? The compensation difference (on the surface) appears negligible. Which company is doing more to make the world, and you, better? And which one will give you the most challenges and opportunity to evolve? The answers to those questions would seriously weight my decision one way or the other. How about you?

41. AnonymousSeptember 18,2024 at 12:39PM UTC

    You answered your own question—Go! Sounds like you are ready for new challenges.

42. AnonymousSeptember 18,2024 at 12:50PM UTC

    You have to decide based on what it is important to you…security, challenging job, pay, etc. Having said that, staying with the same company in the same role getting minimal annual raises does place you at a disadvantage financially than changing roles with increasing responsibilities or switching companies. If you choose stability with the same company, after every few years, you may need to request a compensation review with HR to ensure you are remaining competitive.

43. Ivy FrankSeptember 18,2024 at 1:06PM UTC

    Sounds like you answered your own question. Time to move on.

44. Amy Miller, Psy.D. - Career CoachSeptember 18,2024 at 1:06PM UTC

    Go!

45. AnonymousSeptember 18,2024 at 1:07PM UTC

    Wow. You are extremely wise. I have read your post a couple of times and have no criticism or questions for you. You have laid out your circumstances very clearly and have articulated your concerns precisely. There are several factors that should go into your decision. Are you in a place in life in which stability is more important than challenge?? Another critical question to ask yourself is whether you Are proud to say you work for this company,, Or not? I have always found That feeling proud to say that I work for a particular Employer is very telling, Because You cannot achieve Long term happiness In a work place that you Do not

    Respect and trust ... I think you already know your answer.But you are just afraid to take the plunge

46. AnonymousSeptember 18,2024 at 1:18PM UTC

    I would say take the emotion and sense of loyalty out of the equation. Do what is best for you and your family. Believe me your current company is doing what is best for them. Times have changed, go where you are valued.

47. Deb AllenSeptember 18,2024 at 1:57PM UTC

    Consider where you'd be in 5 or 7 years, take the best option from that. If you leave you can grow, staying can feel safe and secure, but in the long term you'll have more growth potential and will find different opportunities. Good luck.

48. Amala LaneSeptember 18,2024 at 2:16PM UTC

    What are the retirement benefits of both - if you're near retirement/vested in your current job, how long before you can retire from it? And retire doesn't mean you would not work at all. I mean, at my last job you had to work 10 years before you could draw a retirement when you do retire.

49. AnonymousSeptember 19,2024 at 12:49PM UTC

    Where in the states does anybody get anything outside of a 401k? I want to know where this mythical land of pensions that companies stopped providing somewhere in the late 1980s is. No one has retirement benefits outside of the benefits they put into anymore independently anymore and 401k isn't something you cant take with you.

50. LORI-ANN BURLINGAMESeptember 18,2024 at 5:27PM UTC

    Have you taken the initiative to grow with your current employer? Have you asked for more responsibilities? It appears that you may be expecting a higher pay increase, because of your tenure with the company. That is not how it usually works.

51. Cheryl SchirizzoSeptember 18,2024 at 7:33PM UTC

    My guess is mainlyvbecause cost of living went up drastically and needing more money due to that

52. Dawn CrossSeptember 19,2024 at 12:59PM UTC

    Make a list of pros and cons for both companies.

    I have found that by writing this down, you can clearly see where you are leaning.

53. AnonymousSeptember 19,2024 at 2:00PM UTC

    Sounds like your current company is doing all the right things. You've been getting 3% every year for 10 years in the same position, which is really good actually. Not sure why you would expect a significant pay bump for the same role, but it sounds like they heard you and are offering a promotion. You can't compare yourself to others who have gotten promotions if that is not something you have pursued.

    That said, it is really great to have options. Do what is best for what you need right now. I vote stay.

54. AnonymousSeptember 19,2024 at 2:41PM UTC

    I’ve tend to stay with jobs for 8-10 years at a time. When I was younger i jumped around for pay increases. I have stayed 8-10 years at my last 2 employers and it’s paid off. My salary is very good and I get 3-5% a year, full time hybrid now and 4 tens. My philosophy is a bird in hand is worth two in the bush- staying can pay off - you never know what you’ll get with the new employer….

55. AnonymousSeptember 19,2024 at 11:22PM UTC

    Some people are drawn to growth and change.

    Other people love a very settled path without challenges.

    I think being at one job for 10 years tells me you like predictable steady comfort.

    I would stick with where you are. You can retire there. No shame in that.

56. AnonymousSeptember 23,2024 at 1:50PM UTC

    Once you’ve decided you were looking - I think you made your decision.

    Had you asked your current employer about what you could do to get more money a promotion etc and made a game plan that would have been different.