Back in December I took a position lower on the hierarchy than I am qualified.

Shelli Foster Bagwell

June 23,2022 at 3:34PM UTC

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Back in December I took a position lower on the hierarchy than I am qualified. It is because the office is a startup and they know I'm a good one to have on the bench when they do get big enough to warrant a General Manager. I also took the position because I was depleting my savings after a reduction in force at my previous job. I needed to move on an offer.

Now, though, it is obvious the office is in need of direct leadership on site in its startup pains. They have identified me as their "Golden Ticket" to be this leader. But, apparently golden tickets are free because they are offering me no additional pay or benefits for this increase in responsibility. They told me I would be eligible for significant discretionary bonus at the end of the year. That does NOT sit well with me at all. BUT, I said yes because at least I'm in control of the direction of our growth and culture we're building. And I don't have anything but my pride to lose.

Meanwhile, one of the opportunities I was chasing back in the fall has resurfaced and they will likely offer me a position next week. It is a significant pay increase doing what is more in line with what I want to do.

Clearly my choice is easy, but I guess I'm looking for permission to not feel guilty about leaving this startup without the leadership and guidance it needs after giving a verbal commitment to running point.

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Barb HansenJune 23,2022 at 6:02PM UTC
Your career is just that - yours! You can leave any job at any time for any reason.
It's also okay to feel some guilt when making a decision to leave a company - you can feel guilt over leaving a company without your skill set, you can feel bad about leaving co-workers that you like working with - but guilt is not a reason to not leave.
I give you permission to not feel any guilt as you move onto a job that fits you better and pays you more money :)
SJune 23,2022 at 6:10PM UTC
Any business, start up or not, should be paying you additional if you are being promoted (which is what it sounds). If they are not doing it, they need to reevaluate and figure out how to gain more funding (depends on what type of start up they are) so they can keep you. If they can't do the previous mentioned, know your worth before someone sets your value.
It seems cliché but the saying rings true especially as you progress in your career and gain experience & skills.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJune 23,2022 at 6:32PM UTC
Guilty about what?
I promise you, neither your boss nor your team members have ever, WILL ever say "gee, I'd love to take this great new job, but I would feel so guilty leaving Shelli."
Never. Going. To. Happen.
They'll get over it. Trust me on that.
Do NOT let any of this bother you or give it one single second more of bandwidth in your brain. Forget about it - don't look back, use your energy to look forward to the exciting new opportunity you have in front of you.
FINGERS CROSSED YOU GET THE OFFER AND IT'S EVERYTHING YOU HOPED IT WOULD BE - GOOD LUCK ON YOUR NEW ADVENTURE!!!!!!
AnonymousJune 23,2022 at 6:42PM UTC
We are talking about a startup and with that comes a lot of leadership hiccups. They clearly don't have adequate funding to invest in a true leadership lineup so they will surely need to revisit their investment, their strategy and their resources to make it happen.
All of these issues are common with startups in general and is the reason that most startups fail within 5 years.
With that said, all of this is not your problem. Should your guilt cause you too much pain. I would suggest you volunteer your time to them after leaving if you receive your desired offer from the resurfaced company wanting to re-engage.
JJJune 23,2022 at 7:00PM UTC
Permission granted! Follow the money and take care of yourself.
AnonymousJune 23,2022 at 7:59PM UTC
dont feel guilty
Shelli Foster BagwellJune 23,2022 at 9:03PM UTC
Let me add that this is the largest company of its kind on the planet. They usually expand through acquisitions, but this one was a new office because there were no existing businesses to buy out. Resources is NOT the problem. It's their way. They actually told me that the rest of the world pays you well and hopes you do a good job. This company asks you to do a good job and rewards you on the back end.
Also, a part of me thinks they would never do this to a man. And the reason we need leadership is because the man that was there (splitting his time between three locations) couldn't do the job.
AnonymousJune 23,2022 at 10:57PM UTC
It deplorable that they won't offer you the $ since they obviously have more than enough available.
This is even a worse scenario knowing that.
AnonymousJune 24,2022 at 11:01AM UTC
What? And you would feel guilt leaving a company that doesn't think you're worth a raise? Why? Because "it's their way"?
JYJJune 24,2022 at 3:18AM UTC
Hope that offer comes through so you can give notice and never look back-which is exactly what you need to do! They’re doing what’s best for them regarding your role, responsibilities and pay. You do what’s best for you and don’t think twice about it.
SamanthaJune 24,2022 at 5:52PM UTC
If you really like your job at your current position, could you use the offer to negotiate them to actually giving you a raise for your new responsibilities? Or be willing to leave?
AnonymousJune 24,2022 at 9:40PM UTC
GUILTY?
Most start ups end in 3 years. And in the recession that we are in they are probably intentionally be as cheap as possible which may lead to lay offs if they do not make it. Whenever you decide to choose or not choose s job you should be as selfish as possible. You want to position yourself to be as successful as possible because if it tanks due to the economy, then what? Would it still be worth it? Play it smart and leave your emotions out of it.
Amy Carissa OliverJune 25,2022 at 12:25AM UTC
If you want to feel guilty, feel guilty about all the times you’ve ever put a company’s needs ahead of your own. Then, put your needs first, and accept the new job!
Remember, a company will never be as loyal to you as you are to it.
Audrey KirschJune 27,2022 at 3:31PM UTC
It's their way doesn't have to be your way. No matter what any of us say, you will probably feel guilty, that's part of your way. Feel it, deal with it and move on. You know that you deserve more than an unknown end of year bonus so go where they're willing to take a risk on you at a higher salary. Show them they made the right choice and you will see that you did too.