A devalued employee
Dear Corporate Shrink,
I work for a company that once upon a time had a leader with a vision and with a set of business priorities employees fully supported. The company has changed over the past several years under a new management that has brought in very expensive outsiders who overspend and play while valuable employees leave or are let go and raises for most are kept to a minimum. I think it’s become a mini version of TYCO. The attitude is "if you don’t like it, there’s the door". Employees are paranoid about speaking out and the climate has become dog-eat-dog. I have looked but the only jobs I can find are in other industries and/or for a much lower salary. I love what I do but worry it’s too risky to stay. Should I stay or go?
Dear A devalued employee,
I just heard the statistic that only about 2% of the adult population makes more than $150,000 annually or has more than $500,000 in assets. It was presented to Steve Forbes (past presidential candidate and billionaire) in a TV interview. His response was that we are the only country where people have the potential to become part of that 2% by working hard and persevering. There’s the other position that says we are in the midst of a growing class struggle in this country. Tens of thousands of jobs are being outsourced monthly while top executive salaries continue to soar.
Many working people feel like soldiers in the middle of a fierce battle, where one fights, not for a higher purpose or mission, but simply to live another day. I mention all this because your work situation may represent a microcosm of what some say is going on around us. There’s a sharp split between those that have and decide and those who don’t. I’m saying that you are not alone and that you should try to not personalize. When we start blaming ourselves for things that are out of our immediate control, we can get depressed and very irritable. You don’t want that. You want to be rational when it comes to making major life decisions.
You sound enraged at your workplace leaders. Their value system doesn’t match yours. They don’t value employees and they mismanage. They won’t miss you if you decide to leave or if they tell you to go. To stay is to be reminded of this daily but to go requires financial sacrifice and uncertainty.
Your choices are to stay and reduce the fear of being at risk, as well as regain a sense of personal value - or to go, to a well researched new situation, where you expect improved management, where you would still enjoy what you do, and where you and your family can adjust to a lower salary.
It sounds like you started to consider the second choice - to go. You must know what that’s about. You update your resume; look at want ads; surf online; if you qualify, contact headhunters; and, network, network, network. I have seen it work.
I would just add that you want to research a potential future employer. Is it a stable or expanding industry? What do current employees say about the work climate, the reward system, their reputation in the community, their economical viability, etc.? You seem to expect a drop in salary. Would it require a major change in lifestyle, relocation? Are you and the family ready for these changes? Are your children grown and out of the house? Maybe it’s time to downsize?
Maybe you want to take this opportunity to reassess your skills, aptitudes, and career goals. Maybe your career and personal vision need some realigning. I’ve worked with individuals who have used this time of career upheaval to do this and have significantly improved their sense of self-satisfaction and purpose through a career change.
What about staying?
I have also worked with individuals who have found ways to become more authentic and make a positive impact at work. Are you a team leader or project manager who can positively affect others? Can you try to run more effective meetings? Do you truly listen to your direct reports’ needs? Can you mentor someone and make a difference in that person’s life? Maybe there are other co-workers that want to collaborate rather than compete.
In a "paranoid" climate you are bound to hear all kinds of rumors. Try not to make assumptions purely on hearsay. If you need help or resources to do your job, find those managers who are the decision makers. Present your issue in a way that’s win-win. They help you do your job; you’ll generate results that will make them look like geniuses. Focus on your performance - try as best you can to find ways to support the mission of that former leader you admired, without going against present policy.
It may not work but you need to try - who knows, maybe a more benevolent company will notice your true value and make you an offer you can’t refuse.