Quit or submit?

[fuji]

This will further serve to demoralize you. As your moral drops, your performance naturally follows. Beware the BS annual review where they start to make their case against you.

I wonder whether I'm in their sights too. So far my annual reviews have all been scored as performing significantly better than expectation, however, I think that's all just BS. Makes a good case if I ever fight for severence, but what really matters is someone somewhere must have bad-mouthed me to someone else, or it's the pay issue.

Start looking for a better job, but keep working where you are now to keep the money coming in and so you are not desperate.

I've been doing this. Actually got an offer, declined it, but having a real alternative (even if not one I really wanted) made me feel better about myself after being slapped down a bit at this place. I'll keep trolling to see what else comes along, probably something you should do all the time anyway really.

As for sending me a message, they might be. I guess that's the crux of it that I have to figure out.

I have to answer this question when another opportunity does come along, which one will. I need to figure out whether this is a sinking ship for me that I should jump off, or just a temporary setback. Am I in their sights and are they sending me a message, good questions.

 

[Bear669]

Stay

Excellent advise above.

I have nothing to add.

 

[kbluejayk]

My turn to ask for advice in the most inappropriate forum on the internet and without giving anyone enough details to really make a good call:

My job is changing significantly due to a re-org. Pay will be the same but I will be less influential, and less able to do the things I really love doing--and working in an area of the business that is new to me (ie: that I'm less skilled at). For greater clarity, these are management roles and I've been working here about three years now. I see the change as a bit of a step down. There are possibilities to step up again later, but I've certainly lost something in the most recent shuffle. I think in a way I've been sidelined and it's depressing me. An optomist might say chance to learn something new, which it is, but I'm also being shut out of something I do well.

On the plus side I love the people I work with, it's a great company, and I enjoy going to work partly because of the people. I also earn about 20% more than I'd be able to get elsewhere. I know because I did a job search--I'd take about a 20% pay cut based on the other opportunities I found over the past few weeks. For historical reasons I'm paid probably more than I should be at this firm.

On the other hand if I left I'd probably eventually find a company where I'd be able to take on more responsibility, and do the stuff I love doing... probably not with people I like as much. Presumably I'd eventually work back up to the same pay level--say, maybe, two or three years from now.

(Queue clash tunes): So do I stay or do I go now?

I would advise that you STAY for now, but be alert to other opportunities in your field and be ready to take advantage of them...
It's true, your age and personal responsibilities are an important factor in your decision, but remember, there is no loyalty factor in today's job market...you are only a decimal point in your company's balance sheet and they will always act in THEIR best interest (hence your present situation!)

I would suggest that you analyze your situation honestly, your work habits, experience, skills, strengths and weaknesses and possible reasons why your job was changed - talk to your management - then polish up your 'resume' and be prepared to check out new opportunities, particularly if you are in the 'under 50' age bracket...

Only you can judge if this is management's first move in an eventual 'constructive dismissal' situation? Have you previously received any verbal or written communications on your job performance?

We all work to make money, BUT I would take a 20% cut to do a job I love rather than continue in an environment I hate just because of higher pay! Eventually it will take a toll on your health!

Having said all that, unfortunately, in Canada, unlike the USA, there is a solid concrete wall blocking job opportunities for qualified experienced people in the 'over 50' age bracket! I know many good friends in this situation who have churned out hundreds of applications and gone to scores of fruitless interviews, all to no avail...

Many Toronto cab drivers know only too well what I am talking about...

So, fuji, in the final analysis, it depends on YOUR circumstances, but you have to look after #1 and proceed accordingly!