Been lurking here for a bit. Seeing what it is now for those out there in the mid-level beginnings, and around that realm.
Amazing what some orgs are doing to you out there. Shameful may be more appropriately descriptive.
Nearly a decade ago, I had a certification dangled for 2 years to stay and “fix” things.
My boss’s boss left and approved my full cert expense their final day (I wanted to do it the right way so I held out until they finally – in an individual act of defiance) approved the plan to my scope.
Their DR (my boss) couldn’t do anything about it, and I chose not to despite suggestions that it “wasn’t in the cards” (but had a big green stamp on it already).
A round trip flight, a fancy acronym after my name, and several years later the org that paid no longer exists; absorbed by a more profitable one.
The next org was top of market but my area was simply abusive in failing to keep up with the environment.
I spent a week dictating into my iPhone voice recorder and transcribed into three individual (and on record) docs when I was treated unjustly as a professional for the final time there.
Then I left because I’m lucky enough to have an amazingly supportive and adventurous partner.
I’ve since out-paced my direct leadership in the first org and theirs as well. While my story’s 2nd org DL holds a similar title to my own currently, I no longer feel a competition toward them, and have begun to thank them for the challenge to prove (to me) who I am (I’m also being asked to consult their team).
I’m 5 years certified (in a rare field), in a different state, living a different life (after 20 years in the grind from the call-center up; and I’m glad I put up with all of it).
It’s painful at times.
But as I look at my children playing happily and getting a decent education (US), I can say that I’m glad I knew when to put my ego aside, and when to defend it.
Had I not seen and lived the shit that happens all the way from the bottom-up, I wouldn’t have the insight to now truly connect with my team (of highly skilled and critically important “grunts” driving the day-to-day) while I report their success (never only as only my own in direction).
I would not have had any idea that corp leadership is the same BS, just on a different scale.
And while in some strange way that means the boss works “less”, boss’ word is worth more, and for longer periods in terms of strategic decisions.
Not “working less” maybe, but “working differently”. I don’t worry about it 9-5 then turn off. I worry about it 24-7 and provide input that’s balanced with my personal goals in time commitment.
My partner reassures me in saying, “You’re good at what you do. Now you get paid to think.” – easy to say for an accomplished University near-fellow.
Yes, bosses put in fewer formal hours, but there’s a nagging that’s there behind every one of my kids’ bday parties (blow out the candles – I should check that report…).
I don’t mean to compete. I think it’s entirely valid at different levels, and the ones that touch the ground first (front lines) should be the most strongly supported.
We should be in it together. The only reason I don’t feel like a total ass for saying I work less than my team and get paid in the 96% percentile, is that I’ve been grinding for 20 years to be here and while I’m “out at lunch”, I’m still strategizing – with a broad scope.
That’s what it’s supposed to be, right?