I’m in a cross roads career wise.

Anonymous

November 26,2022 at 2:10PM UTC

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I’m in a cross roads career wise. I recently finished my doctorate in accounting and aiming to make a huge pay increase as well as keep a good work life balance. Longggg story short, I worked for years with a big name corp being very underpaid and overworked, left March of 2020 (bad timing) and started a new position but after a few months was laid off due to Covid cutbacks, I scrambled to get another job in finance and took a position not in my preferred area but it was a job in finance so who was I to complain. I stayed there almost a year and decided to go back to my preferred field, I took a position and was there under a horrendous boss (as in he went through 9 direct reports in a year bad) I was there 3 months before another job poached me and I happily went. I still work at that job a year and a half later and I really enjoy the company, the coworkers and my boss however I’m once again woefully underpaid and just finished my doctoral program and deserve and need more money. I know for a fact I can’t get the raise I need from my current employer but am traumatized by bad bosses and situations from the past. I am also very worried to be looked at as a “job hopper”. Does anyone have any insight? I know I need to look for a job but I’m so afraid of ending up back in a bad situation.

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AnonymousNovember 26,2022 at 8:12PM UTC
Enumerate your accomplishments and review with your boss asking for a raise. I believe you are happy doing what you’re doing, you really have to make a comparison. If no raise comes through after your discussion with manager, look around but don’t be in a hurry. You want to minimize these job changes that appear to be hopping. Self examine whether your accomplishments measure up against the pay you are getting and whether another change is truly worth it. Does the current company have good benefits? I recently left a job with a bonus for a job with higher pay no bonus and the benefits are excellent and the company treats its employees with respect and perks are very good. Work life balance is also good. Just make sure you write up pros and cons for stay vs go and seriously ask if you’d be better off.
Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachNovember 27,2022 at 12:27AM UTC
If your boss hasnt literally said - "we cant offer you an increase" because you asked, then it's time to start looking. If you havent straight up asked him/her and are assuming, you owe it to yourself to NOT assume and have the conversation. Make them look at your pay and doctorate degree and come to the table with all your numbers, you might be surprised.
If its time to leave & you want to avoid ending up somewhere you are miserable, get clear on what values you want your next company and manager to have . These can be your guide posts as you interview and will show you red flags alot quicker so you dont end up somewhere you dont want to be at.
Crystal HowellNovember 27,2022 at 1:44AM UTC
With a PHD, dont be afraid to move on. Your history can be talking points. It could be explained as temporary work, while finalizing your PHD success. They https://www.ladders.com for an executive recruiter. Enjoy the raise and self promotion!