Using a throwaway account.
Many thanks for any advice.
Gen Xer here- I think it's worth noting. On the other side of 50 and a female. I started a job less than a year ago. (Ageism is real, so this was a feat). Was very excited to join this brand and immediately loved the team and felt right at home.
Fast forward to last week and a good bit of people leaving for other opportunities, I had a call with the VP. Went on for about 10-12 minutes about how I clearly come to the table with the most experience and they want to move me into a more senior role. Went to list my ADDED responsibilities. All the while inserting compliments for what I've brought to the team. Wrapped it all up in a bow with the statement “and keep in mind you are the highest paid member on the team.”
I didn't even pause, I responded “at $xxxx, are you serious?” My pay is not commiserate with the market. I took this position thinking that with the bonus potential I would be okay. The industry I am in is down. And it's clear I won't be making a bonus. My base salary should be at least $20k more. At least.
I recognize the business is down, and budgets need to be cut, but they are down headcount that I am estimating to be at least $500k and only one of those positions are they replacing- with a much less senior person.
I do not want to accept this position. I don't need a new title to add to my resume. There is a small part in me that wonders if this is going to put me in a bad way with senior leadership, that I didn't “step up” when asked. But what about my integrity?
For clarification- I would still have all of the responsibilities of my current job, and added responsibilities that would truly be about 30% or more of my workload.
Can you help me say no to this without sounding like I don't still want to stay on board? Please understand that I need this job but am definitely looking after this. I don't want to risk putting a target on my back. I am so angry I am in this position.