To stay or go…

[JaneSR]

Hello. Facing a career dilemma. Work in professional services and at my dream firm that I am really proud of. Had a poor pay outcome for second year running - hands are tied as partner not employee so although I expressed my issues they are clear they won’t change it. Job has come up at less well known smaller firm - money would be much more than earn now (initially and would stay high if work flows in) so would really help but scared to move and some of it is pride that would be working at a less ranked firm. Do I stay feeling unvalued at fantastic firm or move for money…….

Move.

There are solid stats that men move btwn employers more to earn more, so do that. Then you can move back to a bigger company (if you want) for even more money.

also it’s not a fantastic firm if they are underpaying you.

This is a personal decision. Money is only one motivator, as we know.

Whats the culture like at the smaller firm?

What reassurances are you given around future pay at your current firm?

Do you need more money? Are you motivated by needing to pay higher bills or are you linking salary to your sense of value?

Lots of people are happy in underpaid jobs (look at public sector workers for example, my aunt stayed working happily as a nurse for 30yrs earning less than most of my colleagues in sales).

Lots of people move for money and this gives them job satisfaction. It’s entirely personal to what you need to sustain your lifestyle and what you value in a job.

A coach might be able to guide you through the situation.

It equates to a £24k pay cut so feeling angry and tbh also embarrassed that it has happened. No prior warning and as not an employee can’t do anything.

Sadly doesn’t sound like they value you

Have you secured the job at the new firm ? I would say move, over time being undervalued will eat away at you.