Q & A Table of Contents
A Disgruntled Employee Goes Comparison Shopping
From: Wendy, Toronto, Canada
Question: I am currently employed with a major corporation in a visible capacity.
I was originally headhunted by my company at a time when my previous employer's corporation was about to be taken over. This was a good career move - as the company I left basically collapsed just after I decided to take my current position.
Now a year and a half later, with almost 7 years experience - I'm starting to get itchy feet. Why? Because I feel I'm not being fully utilized. I feel I excercise excellent business judgement and that I'm capable of being in a role that involves making important decisions for the well-being of the company. I've tried to do this but my boss seems to be a bit of a "control freak." (possibly because of my job level - you know how this stuff tends to work)
Recently I though I'd take a look around just to check out my marketability. The response was very positive. But so far I haven't been too sure about what I really want.
The big dillema came a few days ago when I was offered a job with an agency for about four grand more than I'm making now. I don't have a good feeling about the security of the agency - as they didn't come accross too professional in their dealings with me - But none the less, an opportunity to get experience with different clientele.
Bottom line - This agency wants an answer. The very same day, a much larger, more secure company called me for an interview next week. What do I do? Should I tell my current employer about the first offer in hopes that they counter offer. (If it was a good offer with a larger salary and more responsiblities - I would happily take it) Or should I stall the smaller agency for a week, go to the other interview and wait to see what happens before I say anything to my current employer?
Another thing that worries me . . . A lot of people think that this is a poor way of advancing your career within an organization. It lets them know you're not happy, and probably not loyal to their cause. Is it cutting off your nose despite your face? This is causing a lot of stress in my life. Please help!
Response: Things could be worse. You indicate that your dissatisfaction with your current job has more to do with the work and responsibility than with the salary. I don't know how recently you have discussed this with your boss, but it certainly would make sense to give her/him a 'heads up' at this point by saying something like, "You know, I've told you several times that I feel underutilized and not appreciated for what I can offer this company. Those concerns have not disappeared. Would you be prepared to give serious consideration to those issues as a top and immediate priority?"
If your boss is anything but seriously interested in addressing your concerns, I think the answer is obvious. She or he has been put on notice of your disgruntlement and has no right to blame you if you actively search for a new job.
If there is serious interest, and only if s/he expresses serious interest, then you should consider indicating that you've had your ears open and even had conversations with other companies and that you have had a specific offer. . . You can say that you had felt unappreciated, but that you would be more than pleased to hear what your company might have to offer to change the situation.
The 'agency' that wants an immediate response gives you cause for some concern about their 'security' -- by which I suppose you mean job security and not whether you're going to get mugged in the office. That is a very serious issue and gives you excellent reason for taking it slowly in your decision-making process. Given your concern, as well as the pending interview with the 'secure company', it does not seem to be in your interest to jump to the 'agency' willy-nilly. You should do a worst-case analysis; the 'agency' won't give you an extension. You still have an existing job -- and the interview with the 'secure company' coming up. Not a bad situation to be in.
Advancing your career by looking outside is a mechanism that can be quite appropriate; in large organizations, there are often internal mechanisms for comparison: other people in similar jobs, with similar qualifications, a human resources department or procedure, etc. Where your job is unique, if the company is small, your only recourse may be to go out on the marketplace to see what is available. You need to explore your BATNA -- Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement -- to determing your negotiation strategy within your current place of employment.
Good luck in resolving your dilemma. Let me know how it works out.
Steve.
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