This is one of my biggest regrets in my previous job…

And I think there are a few lessons here.

So let’s dive in.

I’d applied for a new position and it would’ve meant promotion.

After four rounds of interviews…

(which made me feel like I’d applied for the head of MI5)

…I was offered the role and invited for a chat with my new boss.

I knew salary would be on the agenda.

But the company had a clear policy:

A promotion equals a 10% pay rise.

So I thought it would be fairly straightforward.

But when we met, something felt off…

And when I heard “5% now and 5% in three months” I couldn’t believe it.

Had I got that right?

I knew other people who'd been promoted into other roles...

And they'd all got a 10% rise.

So why was my situation different?

I mentioned the policy…

Was told this was just “guidance”…

And that “no-one knows everything in a new role on day 1”.

What a confidence booster.

I thought for a few seconds…

And nodded my head.

But when I left that meeting, I could feel my blood boiling.

3 months doesn’t equate to much if you do the maths…

But it was more the principle.

Knowing that everyone else was getting 10%...

And for some reason I wasn’t.

It felt like I was being singled out.

Policy should have been policy…

And the way I was treated left a sour taste.

But you know what?

Business is business.  I get it.

Saving costs is what makes businesses tick.

So if there’s the chance for a head-honcho to save some moolah, they’ll take it…

And get a pat on the back from their boss (or even a raise!).

But do you know what was worse?

It was the feeling that I’d let myself down.

That I hadn’t stood up for what I knew I should get…

And that was the thing that really bothered me.

Maybe you can relate to this.

I kept playing it over and over in my head...

Why did I say yes?

And I think the answer is…

I panicked.

I wasn’t expecting the conversation so I had nothing prepared.

What’s more, I didn’t want to cause a stink.

I didn’t want to irritate my new boss before I’d even joined the team.

And you know what makes it even worse?

The power was all in my hands.

Because by that point, they wanted me in the role.

And I knew it.

Yet I didn’t use this to my advantage.

So if I had my time again, I wouldn’t be afraid to say “I’ll think about it”…

I’d have other options ready to bring to the negotiating table (like a sabbatical)…

And I’d be ready to walk away.

Not just ready to pretend to walk away.  But actually ready.

Now, a lot of this might sound obvious. 

But it wasn’t obvious to me at the time.

So if this email helps someone avoid a similar situation...

Then at least my experience won’t have gone to waste.

With that being said…

I’m gonna wrap this up.

Have a good day. 

- Tom

p.s. Whenever you’re ready, here are the ways you can connect with me