Not appreciated
Dear Corporate Shrink,
I’m 28 and have been working for the same marketing company for the past 5 years. I’m repeatedly told I am a key to the company’s success. However, over the past two years there have been false promises regarding salary increases and bonuses. The company is doing very well. Should I be looking for another job?
Dear Not appreciated,
There are six important issues here: objectivity; subjectivity; needs; trust; marketability; vision.
Objectivity - How truly valuable are you? You need to arrive at an impartial answer. It can include: employer assessments (verbal compliments and performance evaluations); client assessments (verbal compliments and specific requests for your expertise); recruitment opportunities (informal and formal offers from other companies); degrees and certificates; and, industry facts and figures regarding compensation. I would also include input from friends and even relatives who know something about your work habits and can be expected to be at least somewhat objective.
Subjectivity - What do you think? I actually find that we are inclined to underestimating our value. People with an exaggerated self-perception tend not to struggle with their self-assessment like you seem to be. However, you do need to consider possible areas where you need to develop. These include not only technical talents but interpersonal skills. If you choose to use friends and relatives for their honest view, you have to be willing to ask where they feel you need further efforts.
Needs - How much must you make to meet your lifestyle needs? I’m assuming you will be reasonable when answering this question. I’m thinking of whether you are in the process of some life change that requires more financial security. For instance, an impending marriage, a home purchase, healthcare bills, etc. Often, it is these transitions necessitating improved finances that lead individuals to examine their treatment at work.
Trust - Can you trust your employer to be fair in the future? You have mentioned some serious breaches by your employer. Were these false promises made by your immediate boss or by the CEO or owner? If it’s coming from the very top, I begin to wonder about the corporate culture itself. Is that how they do business with their clients? Are they purposely manipulative? Promise products or deadlines they know they won’t deliver?
Or are they simply disorganized and too busy getting new business to realize they can not afford to overlook their employees? Neither scenario is good. But, the former is likely more pervasive and permanent.
Marketability - Who else would want you? It’s to your advantage if there are competitors who would welcome your knowledge rather than if your company is the only game in town. Would a job change necessitate a move to another area; to another industry?
Vision - Where are you going? What do you want? It is very difficult for most people to recognize what truly makes them happy and to follow their bliss. It may be wise while you are in this phase of questioning your job situation to step back and try to discover what your core values are. What are those fundamental principles that you strive to adhere to? Does working at this job match who you are? Does it feel effortless most of the time? Or does it make you feel inauthentic, detached, and exhausted?