Q–When our marketing director resigned, our boss reduced the position to manager and offered it to me. Since I was already a manager of another department, I turned it down . He then asked if I would take on the responsibilities until he could fill it. I agreed even though I was not given more money for the added responsibility. My boss found two potential replacements, but both turned the job down. He then raised the status once again to director, and one of the candidates accepted it. When I asked my boss why he changed the position to director after offering me only a manager’s level, he said this person had more marketing experience. After asking him many questions, he admitted that he simply thought this candidate could do more. It’s interesting how my boss felt I was qualified as long as he doesn’t have to pay me more. I feel that he lied to me to deny me the director’s position and violated my rights.
A–It sounds like your boss told you the truth about how he views your abilities, and you don’t like what you heard. Many people are offered jobs because the person in charge simply thinks a he or she will be successful: Decisions are often based on a gut feeling. It’s quite common that different people are worth different salaries in the same job. If you were interested in becoming a director, you could have discussed your future at the company and negotiated a possible salary increase and title change after proving yourself.
Q–I started as an interim sales manager and was told I would receive a raise in my base salary and commission after I finished a 90-day probation period. After the period expired, the sales director and vice president told me that because there were no sales, I wouldn’t receive the increase. I am still required to handle all the managerial duties. What can I do?
A–It sounds like you need to clarify your position with these two bosses. Ask what they expect from you in terms of managerial work and sales work. It would help if you could research similar jobs at other companies before meeting with them. Once you have factual information on similar jobs and salaries, you could present a proposal to your bosses. But you will have to show then why you are worth the money even if you don’t make any sales.
Q–I’ve been a claims analyst for an insurance company for more than 12 years. I want to change careers, but I don’t know where to start. A friend who is a computer programmer keeps telling me that I could be a software tester. How do I prepare myself for a career change?
A–You would benefit from assessment testing. It’s nice of your friend to suggest jobs and encourage you, but you need to find out on your own what type of career would make you happy. Many community colleges and universities offer vocational tests that can lead you to a more satisfying career. (There are private companies that offer such testing, but the costs can be high.) Once you find where your interests and talents lie, you then need to determine if you can transfer your current skills or if you will need new or additional training. You may also want to consult a career counselor who will discuss your options based on your test results. Career changes can be as deadly as a dead-end job if you make the wrong decision.
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Write to Lindsey Novak, Jobs, Room 400, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 60611. E-mail her at AtWorkbyLN@aol.com.
