
Last year I celebrated 10 years with my company. I have been at this company since I graduated college. I have had multiple rules, managers and all types of impact. In the age of millennials company hoping - this is often shocking to people - and when I say it out loud - it's shocking to myself as well. However, I shouldn't be surprised because some of my core values include consistency and stability. As I reflect on my past decade I want to share some advice I have learned along the way and why it was right for me to stay at my company for 10 awesome years.
Navigating a corporate career advice:
Always test the market - even if you are happy at your job.
As a mom - work "balance" and flexibility does matter a lot (sometimes more than your compensation)
Understand full total compensation a company offers, bonus opportunity and promotion cycles. Getting stock or equity from a company can completely change your financial situation for generations to come. Find a group or mentee who can coach you on all benefits/financial options that your company offers.
Working for the revenue producing side of a company will always result in higher pay and more job security. (For example, at my company the top paid jobs are in Engineering since we are a tech company and in Sales - someone has to sell the tech to make them money).
On average you will get higher compensation for bouncing around - stats prove it. However, it may not always be the right culture fit, offer flexibility, growth etc.
In the era of social media glamorizing entrepreneurship please know that staying at your company for 10 years is something to be proud of. Working a 9-5 is something to be proud of. If you value consistency, loyalty that is okay. It is advised to have at least seven streams of income - having consistent paychecks from your job and health insurance while pursuing entrepreneurship is a great path to take as well.
I recently reflected on why I have stayed and what I have learned.
(I will share that each time I have tested the market and thought about making the move I either found a promotion within the company or I found out I was pregnant and so decided to not make a change.)
Company culture.
You spend 80% of your day with the people you work with and for. Fortunately, I work for a company that prioritizes the people that work for it and fully invests in its mission. I have had managers and co-workers that truly support me, invest in me and are a pleasure to work with. That is not to say it is perfect and there haven't been lots of corporate politics and struggles. However overall, I have been very happy with the work that I do, feel rewarded by the company and they invest back in me. I always keep in mind that like any company, they are for profit and would lay me off in a heartbeat. That being said I continue to see the company prioritizing its culture and people which empowers me to stay here.
Compensation, Stock and benefits
Prior to this job I was not well versed in the concept of total compensation and purely focused on salary. I quickly learned that not only was I getting a competitive salary - but I was also building wealth through receiving company stocks. There are also programs that allow me to purchase stock at a great rate. The other major aspect is health insurance and excellent maternity/parental leave.
Variety of roles and experiences
I have held 4 very different roles in my 10 years of experience. All helping me grow, learn completely new skill sets while expanding my resume.
Work Life Balance
When I first started my career - work was my only major priority. I was excited and happy to give my all to my job. The company showed me if I worked hard and drove results, they would invest back in me via bonuses, promotions, mentors and learning opportunities. However, work life balance looks a lot different for me now. I value the flexibility to work from home so I can drop my kids off at school and run downstairs to give them a hug during lunch. The company I am with has been flexible and respectful of what my work life balance has shifted over.
Your career is truly a part of who you are. It doesn't make your whole identity, but the amount of time, effort and energy spent in your job impacts your life. Choose wisely. Just like any relationship, figure out what your values are, if you are being treated well, compensated well and have the balance you want. Pivots and shifts are part of life and feel empowered to make them or stay status quo.
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