I experienced a typical scenario that I can imagine the people here can relate with at least once in their life: Worked my ass off for 1.5 years, asked for a review and more money, they shit on my performance by nit picking small things and ignoring major successes, and then they declined the raise.
So I then spent the 6 months that followed looking for a new job. And boy did I make some mistakes! At least two that I can recall.
1) I got a job interview and offer for 5k more than I currently make and I didn't accept it because it wasn't 10k more than I currently make. I should've just accepted to get out of the shitty environment I was in. and,
2) I spent far too long limiting myself to specific job titles like “Project Manager” and “Production Manager,” because those are what my recent job titles were. But they weren't what I WANTED to do. I wanted to specifically spend my time working on Excel sheets. So I started just typing in “Excel” in job sites and applying for those jobs.
Here's the twist:
All the Excel jobs (that weren't accounting, for which I am not qualified for) were offering 20-30k less than what I currently make. But to hell with that, I applied anyways. I'd just be upfront that I need to make what I currently make (or 5k more).
So a few weeks go by and this leads to a phone call interview about a position where I'd spend all my time in Excel, and it sounded like I'm a great fit. The only thing is the salary. That's fine. I mean, I knew I was outside their range to begin with based on the job description. I talked to the hiring agent for another 10 minutes after we determine that things aren't going to work due to salary. And that's the end of it. Or so I thought…
One month later, my indeed profile gets a message from a different person at the same company for the same position and informs me that I seem to be the best candidate. I inform them that I spoke to so-and-so and we determined I wouldn't work out because it would be a pay cut. I'm informed that they might now be able to provide that pay if I fit the bill. So this leads to some on-site interview, and I've now accepted the position for a matching salary.
The purpose of this story is share my mistakes so others might not make them. Don't give up a new opportunity at a new place if you're unhappy where you're at. I know it's scary, because of the uncertainty, but if your job is making you unhappy, you ought to leave. And if you're already looking for a new job, at least apply to the jobs you might enjoy! Even if you have to ask for what you currently make. Just be polite and honest that you need matching salary and see where it leads.
P.S. Putting in my 2 weeks at my current, shitty job was the best feeling ever. I see people talking about it on here as a cloud-9 feeling and it really is. Best feeling I've felt in years. As a little extra fuck you, I summitted and got approved ATO for 2 days within those 2 weeks the day before I sent out my letter of resignation.