I’ve Been At My Current Job For About Five Years Now, Quite Frankly Being Underpaid
Dear Nikki,
I’ve been at my current job for about five years now, quite frankly being underpaid. I started as an intern and turned full-time so my salary initially was based off a low start. Recently, I’ve been getting more work but no pay raise so I started applying to jobs.
After a couple of interviews, I got offered a position with a HUGE salary increase. I told my current boss about the job offer and she immediately asked if a counteroffer would make me stay.
I don’t hate my job, but I have been yearning for a change since this company is all I’ve known since I graduated from college. SO now I’m not sure if I should stay where I’m at now that I’m being properly compensated or should I leave And see how another job could be?
- Manager
Taking the leap and trying out a new employer is always a risk because you never know what you don't know. You already have history where you're at, so you know what you're getting there - including the fact that you have to threaten them to leave before they'll pay you what you're worth!
Have you ever heard of the phrase, "the devil you know?" Sometimes, it's worth the risk to jump out there and try something new.
Before you accept the offer at the new place, be sure you've gone over their compensation package in full. Ask questions about bonus potential and how they structure pay or merit increases.
The one thing you should caution yourself with is leaving one company thinking you're getting the world, only to get the same treatment overtime at the new employer.
After you get to a comfort level with the compensation structure, I think it would be worth you taking the risk and going somewhere that sees your value right now! You only live once and you're putting yourself in an opportunity to gain new experiences.
Good luck! You've got this!
Nikki Davis
Hey 💕
Thank you for reading this post. We are an independent company and rely on readers like you to help support us! If you want to continue to support Your Corporate Black Girl, you can do so in a few ways:
Subscribe to us! Yes, it's that simple and easy!
Or, contribute! Share an experience, let us interview you. Let us know you.
Thank you!
Team Your Corporate Black Girl
NIKKI
Your curly girl manager, just trying to live her happiest life!
Wife, new mom, member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. with 11 years industry experience, 6 years of management experience. Manager a team of men in a male dominant industry, while being the only woman on the team. DIY fashion blogger, a self taught seamstress. Owner/Creator of a monthly subscription service, SewConscious.com.
Need Nikki's advice?