My job right now pays more (25k more) and has a higher title than my previous but really is a lower level job.

12 Comments

1. AnonymousOctober 16,2022 at 7:37PM UTC

   I am absolutely a staunch supporter of prioritizing compensation. It is a true measure of the value a company sees in your work. They are willing to pay you what they see as your worth.

   So while you need to grow as a professional, you need to find a position that increases your compensation.

   I would first exploit all opportunity in your current company because they already see your value. If there is no way to add to your professional growth and personal knowledge, then shop around. Be very clear about what you are looking for and not just what is out there if that makes sense. Define your goals clearly so you can recognize that next step rather than just falling forward.

2. KelOctober 16,2022 at 8:19PM UTC

   1st world problems. Just look for another job. People usually are only in their jobs 1-1.5 years anyway and you are making $25K more. Suck it up for that short time or until you get another job. Just my opinion.

3. Kathryn MontbriandOctober 17,2022 at 12:27PM UTC

   Hi there - I have worked for big companies and small companies as well. One of the biggest differences is that at a big company, you will have a narrow and deep scope at a senior level vs. a broad and kind of shallow scope at a smaller company.

   You are not likely to be a true decision maker or general manager (overseeing cross-functional teams) at a big company until you are at the executive level, and sometimes not even then. It certainly feels constricting if you are used to having a broader purview and influence. I get it.

   The benefit of a big company is that you typically aren't stuck in your role because there are so many functions and things you could move into. Especially with your MBA!

   While you are still there - my recommendation is to start looking around and networking with people in functions or departments that might be interesting to you. You probably shouldn't leave your current role after 4 months, but you can start planning for when you get closer to the year mark.

   The other thing you can do in the meantime is to add some passion into your day job by looking for extracurriculars to get involved with. Help with the women's network, start a culture initiative, get involved in a service project. Big companies have so many of these groups, organizations and opportunities, there is bound to be something that gets you excited.

   The added bonus is that you might meet some people through this extracurricular that can connect you to a role that is better suited to your needs. Good luck!

4. AnonymousOctober 17,2022 at 2:22PM UTC

   This is the OP, thank you so much for this advice.
   Its very helpful. This is the first time I’ve worked for a large company minus my time in the military (which was very different).

5. Kathryn MontbriandOctober 17,2022 at 3:57PM UTC

   oh good, i'm glad it is helpful. learning the culture of a big company takes a while. It might also be a good idea to find some peers or mentors who have been there for longer who can give you insight into some of the nuance around roles, opportunities, and how to think about the new stuff you encounter.

6. Sharon GrehanOctober 17,2022 at 7:13PM UTC

   Have you tried having a development discussion with your manager to express that you have capacity and are ready to have a greater impact?

7. AnonymousOctober 17,2022 at 8:21PM UTC

   Here’s another thing, the boss who hired me (who was mostly aware of my abilities during the interview process) left on my third week.
   The interim boss right now has been nothing but terrible to me. Even in the last 4 months, I’ve been able to move our KPI upwards with very little support, yet not only does she cut me off every time I speak, she also just gives only negative feedback with no positive feedback. I don’t think she will be supportive.

8. AnonymousOctober 17,2022 at 10:05PM UTC

   I have had jobs where I was bored a couple months in but stuck it out for the sake of my résumé. Then, 8 to 10 months in I felt extremely challenged. For some jobs, it takes a really long time to truly understand the depth of the position and the magnitude of the challenges. Have you revisited your job description/performance evaluation to be sure you have a full understanding of what mastering the position looks like?

9. JC LindquistOctober 19,2022 at 1:30PM UTC

   I echo Katheryn’s advice. If you like the company and see a path inside the organization it is worth the effort to expand your visibility elsewhere in the company as she recommends.

   Consider finding leaders in the company that are open to mentoring or simply taking 30 minutes to speak with you about their experience. Do not share you are bored, keep everything positive and hopefully you can open some new opportunities in the company, this is a great advantage of larger organizations.

   With regards to your current manager, don’t let their negative feedback get in the way of your accomplishments. Keep a journal, Of your accomplishments. This will be helpful during annual review time and also when your new permanent leader is hired so you can clearly articulate the KPI’s you’ve met and the value you’ve delivered.

   Another helpful tactic is meeting quarterly for feedback with the other teams you collaborate with inside the company for 360 feedback on your performance. Also document it.

   Good luck!

10. Shelly EdwardsOctober 19,2022 at 1:36PM UTC

    I think you are likely just feeling the difference between a smaller company and a much larger organization. It will take more time and more work in a larger organization to feel likely you are a part of the leadership and strategy team. I'd stick it out, keep doing your best work and keep trying to advance. Perhaps the interim boss isn't great, but that may also mean that the boss is feeling stressed in their own position. Keep communicating what you'd like your career path to be and that you are ready for more challenges. See how it goes for a while.

11. Kimberly GrahamOctober 20,2022 at 7:25PM UTC

    My suggestion would be to enjoy the higher salary and lean in to see where you can become more involved to contribute in areas you're strong or those you're interested in growing.

12. AnonymousOctober 21,2022 at 2:52PM UTC

    Enjoy your much higher salary and see if the predictions of a recession happens and if so how bad it might get next year - if you can do this current job so well, then make yourself more valuable to the company so that even though you are new in the position, you may not be laid off .