Lack of recognition in role and career development within role

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I joined my company four years ago within a customer care role (email and phone support). The company develops a niche product and I have quite a bit of domain knowledge.



Within that time, my personal skill-set has developed a lot and I find that, in addition to my official position, I am now undertaking project management (Agile PO), campaign management and technical writing. I also work for another team within the company doing content management (including programming).



While I am grateful to have a break from the otherwise monotonous and un-challenging customer care role, this work is unrecognized in an official sense (job-title/compensation). There has also been no career development or education. I have expressed concerns regarding this to my supervisor multiple times but with no results.



I would like to move into development (I'm also doing a CS degree) and feel I am a valuable asset to the company, but am frustrated with my current 'official' role. I like the company, culture, people and product but need to grow professionally.



I am concerned that I've spent 4 years in a dead-end job, with nothing to really show for it. Should I skip my supervisor and speak to higher-levels of management?







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    up vote
    12
    down vote

    favorite
    2












    I joined my company four years ago within a customer care role (email and phone support). The company develops a niche product and I have quite a bit of domain knowledge.



    Within that time, my personal skill-set has developed a lot and I find that, in addition to my official position, I am now undertaking project management (Agile PO), campaign management and technical writing. I also work for another team within the company doing content management (including programming).



    While I am grateful to have a break from the otherwise monotonous and un-challenging customer care role, this work is unrecognized in an official sense (job-title/compensation). There has also been no career development or education. I have expressed concerns regarding this to my supervisor multiple times but with no results.



    I would like to move into development (I'm also doing a CS degree) and feel I am a valuable asset to the company, but am frustrated with my current 'official' role. I like the company, culture, people and product but need to grow professionally.



    I am concerned that I've spent 4 years in a dead-end job, with nothing to really show for it. Should I skip my supervisor and speak to higher-levels of management?







    share|improve this question
























      up vote
      12
      down vote

      favorite
      2









      up vote
      12
      down vote

      favorite
      2






      2





      I joined my company four years ago within a customer care role (email and phone support). The company develops a niche product and I have quite a bit of domain knowledge.



      Within that time, my personal skill-set has developed a lot and I find that, in addition to my official position, I am now undertaking project management (Agile PO), campaign management and technical writing. I also work for another team within the company doing content management (including programming).



      While I am grateful to have a break from the otherwise monotonous and un-challenging customer care role, this work is unrecognized in an official sense (job-title/compensation). There has also been no career development or education. I have expressed concerns regarding this to my supervisor multiple times but with no results.



      I would like to move into development (I'm also doing a CS degree) and feel I am a valuable asset to the company, but am frustrated with my current 'official' role. I like the company, culture, people and product but need to grow professionally.



      I am concerned that I've spent 4 years in a dead-end job, with nothing to really show for it. Should I skip my supervisor and speak to higher-levels of management?







      share|improve this question














      I joined my company four years ago within a customer care role (email and phone support). The company develops a niche product and I have quite a bit of domain knowledge.



      Within that time, my personal skill-set has developed a lot and I find that, in addition to my official position, I am now undertaking project management (Agile PO), campaign management and technical writing. I also work for another team within the company doing content management (including programming).



      While I am grateful to have a break from the otherwise monotonous and un-challenging customer care role, this work is unrecognized in an official sense (job-title/compensation). There has also been no career development or education. I have expressed concerns regarding this to my supervisor multiple times but with no results.



      I would like to move into development (I'm also doing a CS degree) and feel I am a valuable asset to the company, but am frustrated with my current 'official' role. I like the company, culture, people and product but need to grow professionally.



      I am concerned that I've spent 4 years in a dead-end job, with nothing to really show for it. Should I skip my supervisor and speak to higher-levels of management?









      share|improve this question













      share|improve this question




      share|improve this question








      edited Aug 28 '12 at 13:56









      yoozer8

      4,10442955




      4,10442955










      asked Aug 28 '12 at 12:37









      user590903

      1755




      1755




















          7 Answers
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          accepted










          Sadly, some bosses are fully OK with keeping their people under-employed as long they're doing a "good" job. From the point of view of this boss, having you move on to another department would be seen as loss and something to be avoided regardless of the fact that it would hurt you career-wise to stay much longer.



          Going to HR, if you can actually trust them, might help if they're eager to fill specific positions. But if you really want to stay with the org after you get your degree it would be fine to approach other other departments (especially the ones you've been working for on the side). It seems you've cultivated good working relationships so any team-lead/boss who would be interested in you should be understanding of the sensitive nature of transitioning from one team to another.



          You definitely should not feel that 4 years have been wasted. People out-grow their positions all the time.






          share|improve this answer



























            up vote
            9
            down vote














            Should I skip my supervisor and speak to higher-levels of management?




            No, you shouldn't. Going over their head can end you up without a job and no good reference (aka career limiting move).



            What you should be doing is talk to your HR department - you need to explain to them that you are not doing just customer care work anymore and that you feel that your added responsibilities should be recognized both in title and pay. You should also explain that you have brought this up with your supervisor a number of times but that you have seen no results.



            At this point, the ball is in their court. Make sure you ask for a time estimate for getting a response back from them - chase them up if they don't get back to you by that time.



            If the above fails, you need to consider your future in this company.






            share|improve this answer




















            • @enderland - From the question: I have expressed concerns regarding this to my supervisor multiple times but with no results.
              – Oded
              Aug 28 '12 at 14:30

















            up vote
            5
            down vote













            A few things to consider.



            Frame your question differently. Ask your supervisor how you can position yourself for promotion, rather than expressing concern about not advancing.



            Be specific about the work you want to do in the organization. Prepare a resume-style list of accomplishments that qualify you for consideration. (Include more than your efforts: be clear about your results.)



            By changing the conversation from "What you can/should do for me" to "What should/can I do to make myself more valuable to the organization?" you create an opening to receive more feedback and information about how you're viewed internally.



            At best, your boss may hear you differently, and help you as you look for opportunities. Your list of results makes it easier for him/her to discuss possibilities with his or her manager.



            At worst, you may learn that you have different visions of your potential in the organization. This could be painful, but it's good information to have.



            Tap your network. Ask the same question of a trusted peer -- like a member of other team you're working with who knows what you bring to the table. As above, you may get some good feedback. It also doesn't hurt to have a trusted peer in on the fact that you're looking to make a move. (Especially if you and your boss have different views.)



            Look for role models. Are there other well-regarded people in your company who have made similar moves? Talk to them -- most people love to give career advice. Ask them how they demonstrated to management that they were ready to make a transition.



            In each case, prepare for the discussion:



            • Set it up like it's a meeting

            • Put your accomplishments/results in writing

            • Script the questions you'd like to ask, and points you'd like to make

            • You may even want to practice with a friend or family member

            • Hold to a time limit

            • Thank the other person, both at the close of discussion and by email after the meeting (even if -- and maybe especially if -- you received information it was difficult to hear)

            • Follow through on any action items you take away from the conversation, and keep the other person informed about your progress

            Good luck.






            share|improve this answer



























              up vote
              5
              down vote













              I was in a position like this, twice.



              With the first one, I ruthlessly detailed every single thing I did. I wrote my resume around that, point out that I wasn't just someone who answered phones: I maintained their accounting databases and stored queries, designed output for their clients, automated tasks that had been done by hand for twenty years, and tracked down technical problems in the field with nothing more than a dial-up connection and my wits.



              The company didn't think what I did was a big deal, but the company I left them for did. They respected the fact that I took a job where I could have just sat around all day reading and made the company a better place.



              The second time this happened, I walked into my boss's office. I had been transitioned to a new job, but barely got a salary bump. At the time, I accepted it since we were in the middle of a freeze. Our conversation was very short.



              "I'm paid X below market standards for what I do."
              "How's a raise of X sound?"
              "Cool. I also think I need to add X to my official skill-set."
              "Done."



              In that case, they knew they were getting me cheap and were just waiting for me to realize it. A bit shady, but that's how business can be sometimes.






              share|improve this answer



























                up vote
                1
                down vote













                Maybe you can talk to (HR or another department) about what you will do after you get your CS degree. Point out how you would much rather continue working at your current company which you really like and where you can put your extensive domain knowledge to use, but obviously your career is going to be in development in the long run.



                Then talk about having a transition plan from your current position. Then ask if there is any reason the transitioning can't get started now. You can point out that in many ways it has already begun (pointing out everything you pointed out in your question here), but you would like begin the process of making it into an official plan and ideally some kind of official title.






                share|improve this answer



























                  up vote
                  1
                  down vote













                  Sometimes Human Resources is the worst place to go, if the company is small enough, your HR person may be someone who reports everything to the manager, and boss.



                  Be wary what you say to HR, for it can bite you in the butt, even if you don't meant it to. Sometimes it may be better to start looking elsewhere. In reality your boss knows what you do, sometimes it may be better to start fresh elsewhere than try to climb a corporate ladder that isn't there.






                  share|improve this answer




















                  • +1, yep, job transitions whether internal or external are usually best done without the involvement of HR (at least in the early stages).
                    – Angelo
                    Aug 29 '12 at 15:50

















                  up vote
                  0
                  down vote













                  To your supervisor you are a part-time employee. You're going to go beyond expressing your concerns, so you need to make a request that requires some action: a pay raise, title change, etc. You may have to move to a different department, but it may take some time before anyone else can use you full-time.



                  Sounds like at your company a jack-of-all-trades is treated as a master of none.






                  share|improve this answer




















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                    7 Answers
                    7






                    active

                    oldest

                    votes








                    7 Answers
                    7






                    active

                    oldest

                    votes









                    active

                    oldest

                    votes






                    active

                    oldest

                    votes








                    up vote
                    6
                    down vote



                    accepted










                    Sadly, some bosses are fully OK with keeping their people under-employed as long they're doing a "good" job. From the point of view of this boss, having you move on to another department would be seen as loss and something to be avoided regardless of the fact that it would hurt you career-wise to stay much longer.



                    Going to HR, if you can actually trust them, might help if they're eager to fill specific positions. But if you really want to stay with the org after you get your degree it would be fine to approach other other departments (especially the ones you've been working for on the side). It seems you've cultivated good working relationships so any team-lead/boss who would be interested in you should be understanding of the sensitive nature of transitioning from one team to another.



                    You definitely should not feel that 4 years have been wasted. People out-grow their positions all the time.






                    share|improve this answer
























                      up vote
                      6
                      down vote



                      accepted










                      Sadly, some bosses are fully OK with keeping their people under-employed as long they're doing a "good" job. From the point of view of this boss, having you move on to another department would be seen as loss and something to be avoided regardless of the fact that it would hurt you career-wise to stay much longer.



                      Going to HR, if you can actually trust them, might help if they're eager to fill specific positions. But if you really want to stay with the org after you get your degree it would be fine to approach other other departments (especially the ones you've been working for on the side). It seems you've cultivated good working relationships so any team-lead/boss who would be interested in you should be understanding of the sensitive nature of transitioning from one team to another.



                      You definitely should not feel that 4 years have been wasted. People out-grow their positions all the time.






                      share|improve this answer






















                        up vote
                        6
                        down vote



                        accepted







                        up vote
                        6
                        down vote



                        accepted






                        Sadly, some bosses are fully OK with keeping their people under-employed as long they're doing a "good" job. From the point of view of this boss, having you move on to another department would be seen as loss and something to be avoided regardless of the fact that it would hurt you career-wise to stay much longer.



                        Going to HR, if you can actually trust them, might help if they're eager to fill specific positions. But if you really want to stay with the org after you get your degree it would be fine to approach other other departments (especially the ones you've been working for on the side). It seems you've cultivated good working relationships so any team-lead/boss who would be interested in you should be understanding of the sensitive nature of transitioning from one team to another.



                        You definitely should not feel that 4 years have been wasted. People out-grow their positions all the time.






                        share|improve this answer












                        Sadly, some bosses are fully OK with keeping their people under-employed as long they're doing a "good" job. From the point of view of this boss, having you move on to another department would be seen as loss and something to be avoided regardless of the fact that it would hurt you career-wise to stay much longer.



                        Going to HR, if you can actually trust them, might help if they're eager to fill specific positions. But if you really want to stay with the org after you get your degree it would be fine to approach other other departments (especially the ones you've been working for on the side). It seems you've cultivated good working relationships so any team-lead/boss who would be interested in you should be understanding of the sensitive nature of transitioning from one team to another.



                        You definitely should not feel that 4 years have been wasted. People out-grow their positions all the time.







                        share|improve this answer












                        share|improve this answer



                        share|improve this answer










                        answered Aug 28 '12 at 14:01









                        Angelo

                        6,15621631




                        6,15621631






















                            up vote
                            9
                            down vote














                            Should I skip my supervisor and speak to higher-levels of management?




                            No, you shouldn't. Going over their head can end you up without a job and no good reference (aka career limiting move).



                            What you should be doing is talk to your HR department - you need to explain to them that you are not doing just customer care work anymore and that you feel that your added responsibilities should be recognized both in title and pay. You should also explain that you have brought this up with your supervisor a number of times but that you have seen no results.



                            At this point, the ball is in their court. Make sure you ask for a time estimate for getting a response back from them - chase them up if they don't get back to you by that time.



                            If the above fails, you need to consider your future in this company.






                            share|improve this answer




















                            • @enderland - From the question: I have expressed concerns regarding this to my supervisor multiple times but with no results.
                              – Oded
                              Aug 28 '12 at 14:30














                            up vote
                            9
                            down vote














                            Should I skip my supervisor and speak to higher-levels of management?




                            No, you shouldn't. Going over their head can end you up without a job and no good reference (aka career limiting move).



                            What you should be doing is talk to your HR department - you need to explain to them that you are not doing just customer care work anymore and that you feel that your added responsibilities should be recognized both in title and pay. You should also explain that you have brought this up with your supervisor a number of times but that you have seen no results.



                            At this point, the ball is in their court. Make sure you ask for a time estimate for getting a response back from them - chase them up if they don't get back to you by that time.



                            If the above fails, you need to consider your future in this company.






                            share|improve this answer




















                            • @enderland - From the question: I have expressed concerns regarding this to my supervisor multiple times but with no results.
                              – Oded
                              Aug 28 '12 at 14:30












                            up vote
                            9
                            down vote










                            up vote
                            9
                            down vote










                            Should I skip my supervisor and speak to higher-levels of management?




                            No, you shouldn't. Going over their head can end you up without a job and no good reference (aka career limiting move).



                            What you should be doing is talk to your HR department - you need to explain to them that you are not doing just customer care work anymore and that you feel that your added responsibilities should be recognized both in title and pay. You should also explain that you have brought this up with your supervisor a number of times but that you have seen no results.



                            At this point, the ball is in their court. Make sure you ask for a time estimate for getting a response back from them - chase them up if they don't get back to you by that time.



                            If the above fails, you need to consider your future in this company.






                            share|improve this answer













                            Should I skip my supervisor and speak to higher-levels of management?




                            No, you shouldn't. Going over their head can end you up without a job and no good reference (aka career limiting move).



                            What you should be doing is talk to your HR department - you need to explain to them that you are not doing just customer care work anymore and that you feel that your added responsibilities should be recognized both in title and pay. You should also explain that you have brought this up with your supervisor a number of times but that you have seen no results.



                            At this point, the ball is in their court. Make sure you ask for a time estimate for getting a response back from them - chase them up if they don't get back to you by that time.



                            If the above fails, you need to consider your future in this company.







                            share|improve this answer












                            share|improve this answer



                            share|improve this answer










                            answered Aug 28 '12 at 12:50









                            Oded

                            21.1k57597




                            21.1k57597











                            • @enderland - From the question: I have expressed concerns regarding this to my supervisor multiple times but with no results.
                              – Oded
                              Aug 28 '12 at 14:30
















                            • @enderland - From the question: I have expressed concerns regarding this to my supervisor multiple times but with no results.
                              – Oded
                              Aug 28 '12 at 14:30















                            @enderland - From the question: I have expressed concerns regarding this to my supervisor multiple times but with no results.
                            – Oded
                            Aug 28 '12 at 14:30




                            @enderland - From the question: I have expressed concerns regarding this to my supervisor multiple times but with no results.
                            – Oded
                            Aug 28 '12 at 14:30










                            up vote
                            5
                            down vote













                            A few things to consider.



                            Frame your question differently. Ask your supervisor how you can position yourself for promotion, rather than expressing concern about not advancing.



                            Be specific about the work you want to do in the organization. Prepare a resume-style list of accomplishments that qualify you for consideration. (Include more than your efforts: be clear about your results.)



                            By changing the conversation from "What you can/should do for me" to "What should/can I do to make myself more valuable to the organization?" you create an opening to receive more feedback and information about how you're viewed internally.



                            At best, your boss may hear you differently, and help you as you look for opportunities. Your list of results makes it easier for him/her to discuss possibilities with his or her manager.



                            At worst, you may learn that you have different visions of your potential in the organization. This could be painful, but it's good information to have.



                            Tap your network. Ask the same question of a trusted peer -- like a member of other team you're working with who knows what you bring to the table. As above, you may get some good feedback. It also doesn't hurt to have a trusted peer in on the fact that you're looking to make a move. (Especially if you and your boss have different views.)



                            Look for role models. Are there other well-regarded people in your company who have made similar moves? Talk to them -- most people love to give career advice. Ask them how they demonstrated to management that they were ready to make a transition.



                            In each case, prepare for the discussion:



                            • Set it up like it's a meeting

                            • Put your accomplishments/results in writing

                            • Script the questions you'd like to ask, and points you'd like to make

                            • You may even want to practice with a friend or family member

                            • Hold to a time limit

                            • Thank the other person, both at the close of discussion and by email after the meeting (even if -- and maybe especially if -- you received information it was difficult to hear)

                            • Follow through on any action items you take away from the conversation, and keep the other person informed about your progress

                            Good luck.






                            share|improve this answer
























                              up vote
                              5
                              down vote













                              A few things to consider.



                              Frame your question differently. Ask your supervisor how you can position yourself for promotion, rather than expressing concern about not advancing.



                              Be specific about the work you want to do in the organization. Prepare a resume-style list of accomplishments that qualify you for consideration. (Include more than your efforts: be clear about your results.)



                              By changing the conversation from "What you can/should do for me" to "What should/can I do to make myself more valuable to the organization?" you create an opening to receive more feedback and information about how you're viewed internally.



                              At best, your boss may hear you differently, and help you as you look for opportunities. Your list of results makes it easier for him/her to discuss possibilities with his or her manager.



                              At worst, you may learn that you have different visions of your potential in the organization. This could be painful, but it's good information to have.



                              Tap your network. Ask the same question of a trusted peer -- like a member of other team you're working with who knows what you bring to the table. As above, you may get some good feedback. It also doesn't hurt to have a trusted peer in on the fact that you're looking to make a move. (Especially if you and your boss have different views.)



                              Look for role models. Are there other well-regarded people in your company who have made similar moves? Talk to them -- most people love to give career advice. Ask them how they demonstrated to management that they were ready to make a transition.



                              In each case, prepare for the discussion:



                              • Set it up like it's a meeting

                              • Put your accomplishments/results in writing

                              • Script the questions you'd like to ask, and points you'd like to make

                              • You may even want to practice with a friend or family member

                              • Hold to a time limit

                              • Thank the other person, both at the close of discussion and by email after the meeting (even if -- and maybe especially if -- you received information it was difficult to hear)

                              • Follow through on any action items you take away from the conversation, and keep the other person informed about your progress

                              Good luck.






                              share|improve this answer






















                                up vote
                                5
                                down vote










                                up vote
                                5
                                down vote









                                A few things to consider.



                                Frame your question differently. Ask your supervisor how you can position yourself for promotion, rather than expressing concern about not advancing.



                                Be specific about the work you want to do in the organization. Prepare a resume-style list of accomplishments that qualify you for consideration. (Include more than your efforts: be clear about your results.)



                                By changing the conversation from "What you can/should do for me" to "What should/can I do to make myself more valuable to the organization?" you create an opening to receive more feedback and information about how you're viewed internally.



                                At best, your boss may hear you differently, and help you as you look for opportunities. Your list of results makes it easier for him/her to discuss possibilities with his or her manager.



                                At worst, you may learn that you have different visions of your potential in the organization. This could be painful, but it's good information to have.



                                Tap your network. Ask the same question of a trusted peer -- like a member of other team you're working with who knows what you bring to the table. As above, you may get some good feedback. It also doesn't hurt to have a trusted peer in on the fact that you're looking to make a move. (Especially if you and your boss have different views.)



                                Look for role models. Are there other well-regarded people in your company who have made similar moves? Talk to them -- most people love to give career advice. Ask them how they demonstrated to management that they were ready to make a transition.



                                In each case, prepare for the discussion:



                                • Set it up like it's a meeting

                                • Put your accomplishments/results in writing

                                • Script the questions you'd like to ask, and points you'd like to make

                                • You may even want to practice with a friend or family member

                                • Hold to a time limit

                                • Thank the other person, both at the close of discussion and by email after the meeting (even if -- and maybe especially if -- you received information it was difficult to hear)

                                • Follow through on any action items you take away from the conversation, and keep the other person informed about your progress

                                Good luck.






                                share|improve this answer












                                A few things to consider.



                                Frame your question differently. Ask your supervisor how you can position yourself for promotion, rather than expressing concern about not advancing.



                                Be specific about the work you want to do in the organization. Prepare a resume-style list of accomplishments that qualify you for consideration. (Include more than your efforts: be clear about your results.)



                                By changing the conversation from "What you can/should do for me" to "What should/can I do to make myself more valuable to the organization?" you create an opening to receive more feedback and information about how you're viewed internally.



                                At best, your boss may hear you differently, and help you as you look for opportunities. Your list of results makes it easier for him/her to discuss possibilities with his or her manager.



                                At worst, you may learn that you have different visions of your potential in the organization. This could be painful, but it's good information to have.



                                Tap your network. Ask the same question of a trusted peer -- like a member of other team you're working with who knows what you bring to the table. As above, you may get some good feedback. It also doesn't hurt to have a trusted peer in on the fact that you're looking to make a move. (Especially if you and your boss have different views.)



                                Look for role models. Are there other well-regarded people in your company who have made similar moves? Talk to them -- most people love to give career advice. Ask them how they demonstrated to management that they were ready to make a transition.



                                In each case, prepare for the discussion:



                                • Set it up like it's a meeting

                                • Put your accomplishments/results in writing

                                • Script the questions you'd like to ask, and points you'd like to make

                                • You may even want to practice with a friend or family member

                                • Hold to a time limit

                                • Thank the other person, both at the close of discussion and by email after the meeting (even if -- and maybe especially if -- you received information it was difficult to hear)

                                • Follow through on any action items you take away from the conversation, and keep the other person informed about your progress

                                Good luck.







                                share|improve this answer












                                share|improve this answer



                                share|improve this answer










                                answered Aug 29 '12 at 16:38









                                Anne Libby

                                512




                                512




















                                    up vote
                                    5
                                    down vote













                                    I was in a position like this, twice.



                                    With the first one, I ruthlessly detailed every single thing I did. I wrote my resume around that, point out that I wasn't just someone who answered phones: I maintained their accounting databases and stored queries, designed output for their clients, automated tasks that had been done by hand for twenty years, and tracked down technical problems in the field with nothing more than a dial-up connection and my wits.



                                    The company didn't think what I did was a big deal, but the company I left them for did. They respected the fact that I took a job where I could have just sat around all day reading and made the company a better place.



                                    The second time this happened, I walked into my boss's office. I had been transitioned to a new job, but barely got a salary bump. At the time, I accepted it since we were in the middle of a freeze. Our conversation was very short.



                                    "I'm paid X below market standards for what I do."
                                    "How's a raise of X sound?"
                                    "Cool. I also think I need to add X to my official skill-set."
                                    "Done."



                                    In that case, they knew they were getting me cheap and were just waiting for me to realize it. A bit shady, but that's how business can be sometimes.






                                    share|improve this answer
























                                      up vote
                                      5
                                      down vote













                                      I was in a position like this, twice.



                                      With the first one, I ruthlessly detailed every single thing I did. I wrote my resume around that, point out that I wasn't just someone who answered phones: I maintained their accounting databases and stored queries, designed output for their clients, automated tasks that had been done by hand for twenty years, and tracked down technical problems in the field with nothing more than a dial-up connection and my wits.



                                      The company didn't think what I did was a big deal, but the company I left them for did. They respected the fact that I took a job where I could have just sat around all day reading and made the company a better place.



                                      The second time this happened, I walked into my boss's office. I had been transitioned to a new job, but barely got a salary bump. At the time, I accepted it since we were in the middle of a freeze. Our conversation was very short.



                                      "I'm paid X below market standards for what I do."
                                      "How's a raise of X sound?"
                                      "Cool. I also think I need to add X to my official skill-set."
                                      "Done."



                                      In that case, they knew they were getting me cheap and were just waiting for me to realize it. A bit shady, but that's how business can be sometimes.






                                      share|improve this answer






















                                        up vote
                                        5
                                        down vote










                                        up vote
                                        5
                                        down vote









                                        I was in a position like this, twice.



                                        With the first one, I ruthlessly detailed every single thing I did. I wrote my resume around that, point out that I wasn't just someone who answered phones: I maintained their accounting databases and stored queries, designed output for their clients, automated tasks that had been done by hand for twenty years, and tracked down technical problems in the field with nothing more than a dial-up connection and my wits.



                                        The company didn't think what I did was a big deal, but the company I left them for did. They respected the fact that I took a job where I could have just sat around all day reading and made the company a better place.



                                        The second time this happened, I walked into my boss's office. I had been transitioned to a new job, but barely got a salary bump. At the time, I accepted it since we were in the middle of a freeze. Our conversation was very short.



                                        "I'm paid X below market standards for what I do."
                                        "How's a raise of X sound?"
                                        "Cool. I also think I need to add X to my official skill-set."
                                        "Done."



                                        In that case, they knew they were getting me cheap and were just waiting for me to realize it. A bit shady, but that's how business can be sometimes.






                                        share|improve this answer












                                        I was in a position like this, twice.



                                        With the first one, I ruthlessly detailed every single thing I did. I wrote my resume around that, point out that I wasn't just someone who answered phones: I maintained their accounting databases and stored queries, designed output for their clients, automated tasks that had been done by hand for twenty years, and tracked down technical problems in the field with nothing more than a dial-up connection and my wits.



                                        The company didn't think what I did was a big deal, but the company I left them for did. They respected the fact that I took a job where I could have just sat around all day reading and made the company a better place.



                                        The second time this happened, I walked into my boss's office. I had been transitioned to a new job, but barely got a salary bump. At the time, I accepted it since we were in the middle of a freeze. Our conversation was very short.



                                        "I'm paid X below market standards for what I do."
                                        "How's a raise of X sound?"
                                        "Cool. I also think I need to add X to my official skill-set."
                                        "Done."



                                        In that case, they knew they were getting me cheap and were just waiting for me to realize it. A bit shady, but that's how business can be sometimes.







                                        share|improve this answer












                                        share|improve this answer



                                        share|improve this answer










                                        answered Aug 29 '12 at 16:57









                                        kcunning

                                        1812




                                        1812




















                                            up vote
                                            1
                                            down vote













                                            Maybe you can talk to (HR or another department) about what you will do after you get your CS degree. Point out how you would much rather continue working at your current company which you really like and where you can put your extensive domain knowledge to use, but obviously your career is going to be in development in the long run.



                                            Then talk about having a transition plan from your current position. Then ask if there is any reason the transitioning can't get started now. You can point out that in many ways it has already begun (pointing out everything you pointed out in your question here), but you would like begin the process of making it into an official plan and ideally some kind of official title.






                                            share|improve this answer
























                                              up vote
                                              1
                                              down vote













                                              Maybe you can talk to (HR or another department) about what you will do after you get your CS degree. Point out how you would much rather continue working at your current company which you really like and where you can put your extensive domain knowledge to use, but obviously your career is going to be in development in the long run.



                                              Then talk about having a transition plan from your current position. Then ask if there is any reason the transitioning can't get started now. You can point out that in many ways it has already begun (pointing out everything you pointed out in your question here), but you would like begin the process of making it into an official plan and ideally some kind of official title.






                                              share|improve this answer






















                                                up vote
                                                1
                                                down vote










                                                up vote
                                                1
                                                down vote









                                                Maybe you can talk to (HR or another department) about what you will do after you get your CS degree. Point out how you would much rather continue working at your current company which you really like and where you can put your extensive domain knowledge to use, but obviously your career is going to be in development in the long run.



                                                Then talk about having a transition plan from your current position. Then ask if there is any reason the transitioning can't get started now. You can point out that in many ways it has already begun (pointing out everything you pointed out in your question here), but you would like begin the process of making it into an official plan and ideally some kind of official title.






                                                share|improve this answer












                                                Maybe you can talk to (HR or another department) about what you will do after you get your CS degree. Point out how you would much rather continue working at your current company which you really like and where you can put your extensive domain knowledge to use, but obviously your career is going to be in development in the long run.



                                                Then talk about having a transition plan from your current position. Then ask if there is any reason the transitioning can't get started now. You can point out that in many ways it has already begun (pointing out everything you pointed out in your question here), but you would like begin the process of making it into an official plan and ideally some kind of official title.







                                                share|improve this answer












                                                share|improve this answer



                                                share|improve this answer










                                                answered Aug 28 '12 at 17:17









                                                psr

                                                1,960913




                                                1,960913




















                                                    up vote
                                                    1
                                                    down vote













                                                    Sometimes Human Resources is the worst place to go, if the company is small enough, your HR person may be someone who reports everything to the manager, and boss.



                                                    Be wary what you say to HR, for it can bite you in the butt, even if you don't meant it to. Sometimes it may be better to start looking elsewhere. In reality your boss knows what you do, sometimes it may be better to start fresh elsewhere than try to climb a corporate ladder that isn't there.






                                                    share|improve this answer




















                                                    • +1, yep, job transitions whether internal or external are usually best done without the involvement of HR (at least in the early stages).
                                                      – Angelo
                                                      Aug 29 '12 at 15:50














                                                    up vote
                                                    1
                                                    down vote













                                                    Sometimes Human Resources is the worst place to go, if the company is small enough, your HR person may be someone who reports everything to the manager, and boss.



                                                    Be wary what you say to HR, for it can bite you in the butt, even if you don't meant it to. Sometimes it may be better to start looking elsewhere. In reality your boss knows what you do, sometimes it may be better to start fresh elsewhere than try to climb a corporate ladder that isn't there.






                                                    share|improve this answer




















                                                    • +1, yep, job transitions whether internal or external are usually best done without the involvement of HR (at least in the early stages).
                                                      – Angelo
                                                      Aug 29 '12 at 15:50












                                                    up vote
                                                    1
                                                    down vote










                                                    up vote
                                                    1
                                                    down vote









                                                    Sometimes Human Resources is the worst place to go, if the company is small enough, your HR person may be someone who reports everything to the manager, and boss.



                                                    Be wary what you say to HR, for it can bite you in the butt, even if you don't meant it to. Sometimes it may be better to start looking elsewhere. In reality your boss knows what you do, sometimes it may be better to start fresh elsewhere than try to climb a corporate ladder that isn't there.






                                                    share|improve this answer












                                                    Sometimes Human Resources is the worst place to go, if the company is small enough, your HR person may be someone who reports everything to the manager, and boss.



                                                    Be wary what you say to HR, for it can bite you in the butt, even if you don't meant it to. Sometimes it may be better to start looking elsewhere. In reality your boss knows what you do, sometimes it may be better to start fresh elsewhere than try to climb a corporate ladder that isn't there.







                                                    share|improve this answer












                                                    share|improve this answer



                                                    share|improve this answer










                                                    answered Aug 29 '12 at 15:30









                                                    Matt Ridge

                                                    1,99911221




                                                    1,99911221











                                                    • +1, yep, job transitions whether internal or external are usually best done without the involvement of HR (at least in the early stages).
                                                      – Angelo
                                                      Aug 29 '12 at 15:50
















                                                    • +1, yep, job transitions whether internal or external are usually best done without the involvement of HR (at least in the early stages).
                                                      – Angelo
                                                      Aug 29 '12 at 15:50















                                                    +1, yep, job transitions whether internal or external are usually best done without the involvement of HR (at least in the early stages).
                                                    – Angelo
                                                    Aug 29 '12 at 15:50




                                                    +1, yep, job transitions whether internal or external are usually best done without the involvement of HR (at least in the early stages).
                                                    – Angelo
                                                    Aug 29 '12 at 15:50










                                                    up vote
                                                    0
                                                    down vote













                                                    To your supervisor you are a part-time employee. You're going to go beyond expressing your concerns, so you need to make a request that requires some action: a pay raise, title change, etc. You may have to move to a different department, but it may take some time before anyone else can use you full-time.



                                                    Sounds like at your company a jack-of-all-trades is treated as a master of none.






                                                    share|improve this answer
























                                                      up vote
                                                      0
                                                      down vote













                                                      To your supervisor you are a part-time employee. You're going to go beyond expressing your concerns, so you need to make a request that requires some action: a pay raise, title change, etc. You may have to move to a different department, but it may take some time before anyone else can use you full-time.



                                                      Sounds like at your company a jack-of-all-trades is treated as a master of none.






                                                      share|improve this answer






















                                                        up vote
                                                        0
                                                        down vote










                                                        up vote
                                                        0
                                                        down vote









                                                        To your supervisor you are a part-time employee. You're going to go beyond expressing your concerns, so you need to make a request that requires some action: a pay raise, title change, etc. You may have to move to a different department, but it may take some time before anyone else can use you full-time.



                                                        Sounds like at your company a jack-of-all-trades is treated as a master of none.






                                                        share|improve this answer












                                                        To your supervisor you are a part-time employee. You're going to go beyond expressing your concerns, so you need to make a request that requires some action: a pay raise, title change, etc. You may have to move to a different department, but it may take some time before anyone else can use you full-time.



                                                        Sounds like at your company a jack-of-all-trades is treated as a master of none.







                                                        share|improve this answer












                                                        share|improve this answer



                                                        share|improve this answer










                                                        answered Aug 28 '12 at 15:13







                                                        user8365





























                                                             

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