I'm really confused about what I should do after talking to my bosses. So, I need to ask strangers what I should do.
I have worked as an accountant for an equipment manufacturer for a year. I get decent pay and benefits, and I love my coworkers. A few months ago, I completed my master's in accounting. The company I worked for are aware of this and celebrated my achievement. At the same time, our reviews came out I got a stellar score on my review. The company, in turn, gave me a dollar an-hour raise. That's right, an extra $8 a day in this economy. I love this job and this company, but I found that raise insulting.
So, I have been applying for jobs discreetly throughout this month. That was until yesterday. My bosses, at the end of the day yesterday, asked me to stay back so they could talk to me. For context, my manager is in her early 60's, and the CFO is in his late 50's. They were talking about my future and that they see me as the successor to not only the manager but the CFO and want to work with me in creating a development plan to eventually take over their positions. I asked them for time to think about this plan and they said to take my time as this will be years in the making.
My degrees can get me in more places, at a higher pay, easily, But I haven't been comfortable in working a job since the pandemic hit. I love everything about my job, except the pay. Should I just leave or stay and grow and get the position that I desire a few years later?