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When do you move vs. settle in?
I have worked for the same organization for about 10 years in a senior manager role (I was hired into this role). Over time the role has developed into something larger with more responsibility but there is no room for growth I will not receive a grade or title change. The organization itself is run by 1-2 individuals who exert maximum involvement in every decision (it's a 500 person company). I have found myself reporting to 1 of these individuals vs. my normal boss because some of the projects are high profile or sensitive.
The individual and I don't always see eye to eye, honestly, I think we are both type A in a sea of type B and maybe are too much alike. Needless to say this person and I have a working relationship but it's not really built on trust other than the person knows I will get the task done but doesn't always like me or my work style.
This individual isn't going anywhere, they have 15 years until retirement and have helped build this company (they are not a founder) and clearly there is no incentive to move on.
Annual bonuses are based largely on how much this person thinks you have done or not done (bonuses are around 1-3% of salary). Last year I did not receive a bonus because this person thought I had done a poor job communicating my frustration over a policy decision. I asked to receive coaching around this issue, at the end of the day the coaching as incredibly valuable and has helped me navigate the political side of things (basically how to hide any and all emotion around the decision making black hole at our company). I have also spent the past year working on my resume, interviewing for jobs, networking etc. to get a new job but nothing perfect yet.
It's bonus time again and I have NO idea if I will get one. I have had some major accomplishments this year (employees are not allowed to ask for or advocate for their own bonus, it's decided among the top 3 company officers). We do not conduct performance reviews unless your position is changing or there is a problem.
If I am passed over for bonus again this year, is it time to pack it in and accept the fact they want me out or should I suck it up and just accept the salary with no hope of ever getting a bonus? I like my job, the benefits are very good, I have a lot of flexibility, but to know the senior leadership doesn't support me makes me think it's time to move along.
On the flip side, if I do get a bonus, is all forgiven from last year?
Helen Hanison
Helen Hanison's Leadership Coaching
436
06/17/20 at 10:08AM UTC
So I have conversations much like this often (I coach seasoned professionals who feel stuck at a career crossroads).
What I’m hearing is someone who is trapped in their high competence / comfort trap. We rail against constraints but they are what we need to galvanise action and I think you’re looking for the upcoming bonus to send you an undeniable signal to what you already know. You’ve grown out of that environment. You’re tired of not feeling valued and demotivated by the concrete lack of potential there.
Now we’re in a time that’s important to be practical and pragmatic too so this is all a position of luxury.
The question is How will you use all this?
When coaching from this crossroads, I help someone put shape to the work they wish they were doing and understand - deeply - what’s important about that. Then seek it out.
Sometimes that’s asking for what you need internally. There’s a liberation and directness that comes with knowing you have options ... or are creating them elsewhere.
It will usually work in parallel with an active external search. Honestly you could tie yourself tighter with stories about our current unemployment landscape. But you won’t know unless you try and honestly my clients are also creating fantastically bespoke opportunities for themselves at this time. Because they proactively pushed at the doors they wanted to open,
We’ve all had our ways totally turned inside out as we responded to Covid. Agility in business and career terms is I think a positive hangover for some. Certainly with exploration... you’ll feel more empowered and grow more certain by taking that step alone.
Do be in touch if you’d like more support and good luck. Best Helen
Anonymous
06/14/20 at 6:26PM UTC
a thank you, it’s not the financial component of the bonus it’s the fact it would tell me if the senior leader wants me out or not, this person will not indicate where I stand with them. Avoiding unemployment rate increases and a lawsuit is why our company rarely fires anyone, they just wait for you to leave and let you know they don’t really appreciate you. A coworker compares it to being married to a rich old man who doesn’t love you but the house and the money are good and you have freedom to go out with your fiends whenever you want!
Tina Margherio
38
06/14/20 at 7:27PM UTC
LOL! Now I’m almost sure it was the same company I worked for! It’s interesting how many people have the same stories. It seems like companies would figure out how much it costs to have dissatisfied employees and to hire and train their replacements, and how much information leaves with a long term employee. It truly takes so little to keep people feeling engaged, and therefore valued.
Lynne CoganCareer Coach for Realizing Professional Dreams
858
06/14/20 at 5:15PM UTC
Is there anything you want to accomplish through your career? A legacy--something you want to leave behind?
Can you do that where you currently work?
FYI: You mentioned looking for a job. So far you haven't found anything perfect. Chances are you won't. What you might want to look for is a company that provides much of what you want including the willingness to let you adapt your role to your talents and interests.
Gina DiamanteNews Editor at KPBS, San Diego's PBS/NPR station
880
06/14/20 at 2:45PM UTC
I have never never never gotten a bonus in my life. But I wouldn't stay in your situation for a 100% bonus because it's toxic. The question isn't "should you stay" but rather, "Why the heck are you still there?"
Don't look for "perfect" in your new job; there's no such thing. But there's plenty of "better" out there, so go and find it!
Tina Margherio
38
06/14/20 at 7:21PM UTC
I think I may have worked for the same company! ;) I reported to each of the 3 owners for various functions. 2 were brother & sister and there was a power play which resulted in me spending too much time working on “his” stuff. Well, it was ALL company stuff! It was a losing proposition, there was no chance of advancement and we all knew it wasn’t going to work much longer. After leaving, I can say that I found other companies where I was valued for the experience I brought to the table. It was also very vindicating when they had to disperse my job amongst several departments and still hire 3 additional people. You’ve been in your job for 10 years. They’ll miss you when you’re gone. Best of luck! Something great is waiting for you, elsewhere.
Patty GravattSeasoned Healthcare Tech exec
17
06/14/20 at 2:19PM UTC
I find it hard to believe that a bonus of 1-3% of your salary is the core issue. You sound unhappy at work You don't get along with your boss, which is a key component of job satisfaction. You don't think you have any chance of promotion, that is what drove me to decide to leave in the past. Please, do yourself a favor and continue to look for a company where you will feel more valued and motivated.
Anonymous
06/15/20 at 12PM UTC
Patty I agree that the bonus is not the deciding factor. Many times we have to tie decisions back to money to feel it was right or wrong. Or maybe it is money that we find confirms the value we bring. Either way be honest to evaluate the true why and not just the what..
Carolyn HipkinsOnline Community Manager | Executive Assistant
387
06/14/20 at 3:39PM UTC
This!
Sania Khan
19
06/14/20 at 1:35PM UTC
Agree with the post above. I would make a list of pros and cons and put a weight on them. If you do stay, make sure you are seeing the positives so that you're not torturing yourself by staying. If you do leave, best of luck and know that you'll be fine out there!
Anonymous
06/11/20 at 6:25PM UTC
Sounds like you may already have an idea (move on), but are held in the velvet handcuffs of good pay and good benefits. Moving on becomes more difficult, not easier, as I am getting older (57).
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