Dear Barb:
In the past 15 years, I’ve opened new offices and even new divisions for my company. My owner just informed me that this year, he wants me to start up an entirely new niche in a different state. I know I’m one of the few women who is single and not tied to the area, but I don’t want to start over again. Do I approach my owner or do I just leave?
One of my clients has been offering me a job for the past year and I know some of our competitors would love to hire me. Why does my owner think he can constantly do this to me?
I’m seriously considering a new opportunity, and yet my company has been good to me over the years. They just have never really paid me adequately when they make me start from scratch all over again. I don’t love New York, but I’ve been here a couple of years and have a great circle of friends. Do I approach him or just resign?
Anonymous
Dear Anonymous:
You need to sit down with your owner and have a straight talk with him.
You sound like someone who has built things from scratch more than once. He has a new challenge and who is the first person he goes to? You. This actually is a compliment, not something he is doing to you.
When you have your discussion, relay how you’re feeling. Since you don’t love New York, do you know the money that would have to be offered in order for you to take on this new challenge? If there is no number, let him know you want to stay where you were.
As an owner, I would hate to lose a good person like you because I assumed something before talking to you. After this discussion, you will make the decision that is in your best interest.
Barbara J. Bruno, CPC, CTS