A classic story. You’re entertaining another offer or you’re unhappy with your job role because it isn’t what it used to be. What do you do?
1) You should say something to your manager and give them 6 months to fix things so you like your job. 2) Say something to your manager before your next performance review about getting a raise, rather than quit bitterly in 2 months after you find out you’re getting nothing more for the next year. 3) Tell your manager and give him the chance to make a counteroffer.
I’m very good at signalling to my managers when work stinks. My joke is calling out, ‘Manager! I need management!’ I’m pretty frank about what I do and do not enjoy about work, and knowing where my fed up point is. A lot of that comes from years of work experience, so if you don’t where that is, please try to think about that before something makes you freak out at someone at the office.
Just two weeks ago I overheard my cubemate tell his employee that he’s sorry the guy is quitting. He asked him why he didn’t let him counteroffer because he’s sure they could have come up with something. Wow. Isn’t that a great endorsement? I would love to hear from my boss that he’s willing to go to bat for me and get me more money. If it’s about money, then a counteroffer can make all the difference..
For me, I had a really tough time with post-stroke rehab this year. I was really honest with my managers about how much my family means to me and where I thought my responsibilities were. I didn’t have FMLA because I’d been at the firm less than 6 months when the stroke happened. But my bosses were way cool and flexible, allowing me to work my 40 hours per week in 4-10 hour shifts. Unfortunately for them, they didn’t really have a choice. It was either play ball or I would quit to take care of my family. They had recruited me for my expertise and finding someone to replace me would have taken much longer than the 4-6 months of flexibility I was requesting.
My management knows that I am willing to stay up all night doing what it takes to get the job done since I’ve done it before for them. I’ve worked many weekends and holidays doing upgrades and whatnot. I’ve showed them I care and they’ve shown me they care. It’s a two-way street and if you are asking your management to work with you, you have to reciprocate and do the same. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.
In light of the recruitment I experienced in Seattle, I spoke up and mentioned something to my boss about the lack of career growth I foresee due to our project list for 2007. I also mentioned that throwing money at me might help retain my interest as well. We’ve got a long ways to go, so everything can change in 6 months. The offer may never materialize. Another stroke might occur. I could be hit by a bus while trying to go to the post office. Anything could happen, but at least I’m giving my boss a chance.
Open lines of communications work for any relationship, be they personal or professional. Assert yourself a little, diplomatically of course, and let your management know what your needs and concerns are. Give them a chance to be good managers before you decide that it’s not worth staying. I think too often people walk away from a job before trying to improve a situation or get what they need. You never know what can happen till you ask.
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