I’ve been with this company for so long, it got to the point I was convinced it was the best I could do.
It’s been getting worse and worse. Management falling apart. Everyone playing the blame game.
I asked for a modest raise (no improvement in 10 YEARS).
I was told: “Marq, you’re very important, we love your work, but we just don’t have the money for that right now. Give us some time and I’m sure we can do something. “
Months came and went, no news no raise, so I started looking around for something else.
I’ve always been so scared to leave. What if I can’t do better? What if none of my skills translate? What if I quit but then have to move or uproot my whole life to make ends meet?
Those fears kept me in place for waaaay too long.
Finally I had enough, and started looking around. Cleaned up my resume, started sending out applications and leads and guess what? Turns out having my kind of experience is very valuable to some people.
The right situation came along and in a few weeks I’ll have a better position, that is closer, pays 30% more, and gives me the control to do things how I actually want.
I told my bosses yesterday, and they are freaking out. I gave them 2 weeks but that’s just so I can say goodbye properly to the people I do care about.
“You’re in a key position! The timing couldn’t be worse! We can’t fill your spot in just 2 weeks! Can we do anything to get you to stay? Surely you can give us an extra week? There’s nobody at this company that can do what you do!” Etc etc etc
I told my one boss that I actually care about: “I know you’re mad, I know this makes your life a mess for a while. I’m going but a lot of other people are unhappy here. You can’t change my mind, but you can focus on the folks that will still be here in two weeks. Don’t lose anymore talent because you won’t do what’s required to keep them.”
On to bigger and better things