Just thought I’d share this.
I’m a seasoned IT professional at this point in my career, 24 years of experience.
If you are currently employed and want to ascend the corporate ladder, get a better title/pay, or even better benefits… here’s the best advice I got and followed.
I was working as a Network Engineer for a Warren Buffet owned company for several years. I went .. studied my butt off, got 3xCCNP certifications, passed my CCIE written and was planning to take my lab.
But, anytime a Sr position came open, I was always passed over or they brought in someone new.
One day, out of frustration I was complaining to my ex-Wife, who is a SVP for Hyatt, MBA, etc., about how I could never get promoted.
Here’s what she said:
You are doing it wrong. Loyalty to company and Loyalty to employees died after the 2008 recession. You should be changing jobs every 3-5 years now applying for better positions, pay and benefits.
So, I took that advice. 2008-2023 I have worked for 7 different employers. I effectively, have promoted myself up to SVP of IT for a large financial transaction company, I’ve negotiated myself into 6 weeks paid vacation/year, exit package, etc.
I honestly believe if I had stayed where I was.. I would probably have made Sr Engineer and that’s it.
It kills me when I see folks make posts on here… where they’ve been working for the same employer for 10+ years, get no promotions , pay increases or even recognition commensurate with years of service, etc.
Loyalty is dead. Businesses don’t give a shit about you. I’ve worked in small businesses to fortune 25 businesses. They simply, do not give a shit about you.
You are a resource to them. That’s it. They are going to use that resource.
Start thinking about your next position today and just know, it won’t be with your current employer.
Hope this rant can help a few of you out.
Peace.