Q. With July 4 right around the corner, my company is giving us the week off. Here’s the dilemma: I’m in a rut and haven’t gotten a pay increase in a few years, but the company is generous with time off. It’s very hard to leave. What should I do?
A. Ask yourself what is more important to prioritize: generous time off or engagement with your work and getting out of that rut, productive days, getting paid what you’re worth and more? If this was my situation, I would pick the latter, no questions asked.
Pursue what you truly need and want — it sounds like there may be some fear in thinking it’s one or the other — that you can only get an exciting job with growth, learning and pay increases, or the job in a rut with ample time off. I would start looking for a new job that provides you with both aspects!
Many employers offer generous time off, including July 4 week and the week before New Year’s Day or other variations like summer Fridays and more, as well as that productive, robust, well-paid career path you’re seeking.
Q. I’ve been with my company for 10 months, but the policy for internal moves is a year. I’m a seasoned worker (been working 25 years), and am concerned if I go by the 12 months, I may miss out on this excellent new role. What should I do?
A. I’d go for it! By the time you interview and decisions are made to potentially green-light the transfer, it will likely be closer to 12 months anyway. (You’re so close to the 12 months; it’s not like you just started two months ago.)
Technically, however, that’s up for the company to decide, so you may want to chat with someone in HR or the recruiter of the role to talk about protocol. State your case why it’s in both the company’s best interest and yours to proceed.
The company would be at a disadvantage to not consider you. Let’s say you interview six weeks shy of your year anniversary; is that really a valid reason to not proceed with your internal candidacy? You have probably already had at least one performance review in your current role — your boss can attest to your performance, business acumen and work ethic.
Plus, by now you’re assimilated into the role and culture; if you are qualified for the role, if they hire someone externally who’s also hired, you should have the advantage since you already know the company, the culture and more.
Vicki Salemi is a career expert, former corporate recruiter, author, consultant, speaker, and career coach. Send your questions to hello@vickisalemi.com. For more information, visit www.vickisalemi.com and follow her on Twitter and Instagram @vickisalemi/Tribune News Service