[alexisl]

You ever had a nagging feeling that something just isn't right but you can't put you finger on it? I have been having one for awhile now. I have been full time hear for 6 years now and have only gotten one raise and that was a cost of living raise mandated by the state.

While it isn't unheard of most of the time we are not offered any raises. I work for a college that is run by the state and just by the nature of this college the only way to get a raise is to prove that your job has increased responibility or get another job. The problem with that is there is nowhere to go up the chain of command because people are here until they either retire or die.

A few years ago I got bored with my job, the pay situation, and what I felt was a total lack of respect for my abilities and started applying for other positions at the college. After being turned down a few times I felt I had to do something to improve my chances. I only had an AS in Computer Programming at the time so I figured I needed to get my BSIT.

Now that I have it I am not sure if anything has changed, accept a little more respect from my boss (who doesn't have any degree). Shortly after I finished my degree I had some people calling me for interviews, so I figured I would give my boss a shot at keeping me and told her.

At first she was a little defensive but concerned that she might lose yet another person (there where 4 set to retire in the next few years and we only have 8 total). I suggested that she put me in for System Administrator because nobody else held the title except her and she was the director. She said it would take a month or two before they would know if I was approved, I guess by the state. I was okay with that. Then that lead to a couple more months, then the new fiscal year and now it is tied to enrollment (if enrollment isn't up I don't get a raise). It is supposed to be a college wide thing but every week there is an annoucement of someone getting promoted.

I just have that nagging feeling that this will not end well.

[FASherman]

Run, not walk, to the nearest exit.

I'm going to tell you the same thing I told my youngest brother. You biggest pay increases don't come staying with the same company. They come when you switch companies.

When you take a new position, you should always feels a little overwhelmed by it, a little concerned that you might just be taking on more than you can handle. Thats good, because it forces you to learn, expand and grow into the position.

The norm in the IT field is to change jobs every three years, especially in the early part of your career. Also, trust your gut. When something doesn't seeem right, its because its not.

Never make the mistake of accepting "matching offers" to stay. It never works out well long term. If you get an offer worth leaving for, just leave. make sure your resignation letter states that you will not accept any counter offers.

The job hunt can take up to 6 months, so best to start now. The normal hiring cycles by companies are July, October, and February. Those are the key months.

[alexisl]

Thanks for the information, I did not know the hiring cycles. I am going to update my resume and see what I can find. If it comes down to it I might just retire early, everything will be paid for in the next few years and I am retired military so I will have some income.

[pwayman]

Fred is so right! My daughter changed jobs 2 years ago, to work for a company (with a 10-15% increase.) After a year, she decided she didn't like it there and went back to her old job... another 15% increase. Now she is taking a new job... yep, another 15% increase!

Pat Wayman
IBM Project Coordinator

[jmcphee]

I totally agree, and my own experiences mirror the advice and testimony given.