Episode 38 - Part 4: working and getting sucked in without considering your future and/or value

Music: “Just A Blip” by Andy G. Cohen From the Free Music Archive Released under a Creative Commons Attribution International License

- I asked my boss for a raise but he said I didn't deserve it so I sent him my resignation letter. Now he is asking me to stay with a higher salary. Should I accept his offer? The experts will tell you - never - never - EVER accept a counter-offer. Your resignation has already placed you in the outer circle and you will remain there forever. Just leave. 

- Want to know the best way to cover this? If you know the company likes you and your work, present them with the following: “You know, over time I’ve received a lot of offers to join other companies. I’m not really interested in any of them. I’m happy here. I like the company, the work, the direction we’re going, and I know the company can’t match some of these offers. I get it. All I’m saying is, my wife and I discuss these things, and she’s aware of the money I could make at these other companies. It’s a lot of pressure. My question is, even if the company can’t match any of those offers, could the company close the gap a little? If not, I totally understand. You’re running a business and will pay me what you think I’m worth. Let me know your thoughts.”

- In this, we are appealing to their priorities without threats, resignations, or ultimatums. We are recognizing their priorities while sharing a reality - other companies think I’m worth more. We’re also showing we are committed to the company’s goals - we’re not interested in leaving and we are happy here. We’re also showing a spirit of cooperation in not requiring a “match” - just a bump. 

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. " -Eleanor Roosevelt

- The first time I said this to a boss, I told him what I was being offered and he whistled. “We can’t match that.” - I said “I know, and like I said, I’m not asking you to. I’m just wondering if you can close the gap a little. If that’s my market value, seems you would want to take a stab at closing the gap. I’m happy here. I’m not interested in leaving.”

- Every time I’ve tried this, the boss worked out a raise for me. Life went on and we went on to do a lot of things together. Non-threatening. No destroyed trust. No extortion. Asking for a raise isn’t particularly an art form. You need to think like your boss thinks - what are his priorities, goals objectives

"I rebel; therefore I exist. " -Albert Camus

Episode 38 - Part 3: working and getting sucked in without considering your future and/or value

Music: “Just A Blip” by Andy G. Cohen From the Free Music Archive Released under a Creative Commons Attribution International License

- So, what can you do if you are stuck in a dead-end job?

“The most important thing is to take responsibility for your job quality and success,” Reynolds says. “Don’t blame a company for your situation. Rather assess honestly, take action and, thoughtfully, purposefully go where you can flourish.”

- Here are eight additional tips: Speak up. If you’re in this quagmire and haven’t spoken up, now is a good time. Some employees avoid all challenging communications with their supervisors and could have enjoyed the upward mobility they sought. Know how much effort is worth putting forth; what will be your return on investment? 

- Create a personal document to examine what can be done, if anything, to improve your current situation. Beware of hastily trading one set of problems for another

"Time is a created thing. To say “I don’t have time”, is like saying, “I don’t want to”. -Lao Tzu

- Identify a compelling future for yourself and use it as a motivator to take action. A positive impetus is healthier than a resentful one. Better to move towards buying that cool car you’ve always wanted than walk away from the rust-bucket that’s literally been driving you crazy without an alternative.

- Continue doing your job well. If you’ve decided to look for a new job, keep doing your best work in your current position. You don’t want to burn bridges, especially if you’ll need good references.

- Identify your strengths and weaknesses. Identify the things about your current job that would be useful to take forward into your next move and write down your successes. There are always good points, learning and achievements to draw upon from any situation. Also figure out what you could improve before you start searching for new opportunities.

"Dreams have only one owner at a time. That’s why dreamers are lonely." -William Faulkner

- Gain experience outside of the office. If your dead-end job doesn’t allow you to hone your skills, take a class to advance and develop the ones that will benefit you in the future. Self development is key. Another way to do this: Volunteer during your down time in an effort to further develop your leadership skills and résumé.

- Examine the risks that are associated with leaving your dead-end job. Be sure it’s absolutely the right decision before you make any big moves.

- Do your homework so that you choose well in your next job. You wouldn’t want to end up in another dead-end position. One way to do this: During job interviews, ask the employer about career development and advancement opportunities.

- If you find yourself stuck in your position, try to carve out 30-minutes a day to focus on new goals, ideas and aspirations. Jot down your goals and steps to work towards them. Many people stuck in dead end jobs have started or launched their small businesses on the side. Thirty minutes a day can be found in your commute, waiting in car lines, or traffic.

- Getting unstuck from a dead-end job is not about having a positive attitude, but about positive action. Don’t say there is no room for growth. Make new doors and explore new territories. Where there is no upward growth, go for lateral moves. Don’t wait for an acknowledgement; tell them and show them that you deserve better. It’s all about awareness, initiative and positive action.

Episode 38 - Part 2: working and getting sucked in without considering your future and/or value

Music: “Just A Blip” by Andy G. Cohen From the Free Music Archive Released under a Creative Commons Attribution International License

-You’re not being compensated fairly. If you’re made to feel fortunate to receive a paycheck or that you’re being overpaid, those are red flags

"A man with outward courage dares to die; a man with inner courage dares to live." -Lao Tzu

-A machine can do your job. Your role is becoming obsolete, as the skills required are being replaced by technology.

-There’s no praise in sight. No matter what you do, you can’t seem to please. “If you move mountains for the company, the silence that follows is deafening” 

"We can see through others only when we can see through ourselves." -Bruce Lee