What obligations do I have when faced with a promotion opportunity that I don't necessarily want?

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Background: I started with my company about 4 years ago in a role that was client-facing and was hired as a non-exempt employee. The culture of the firm is that people work a lot of overtime, especially in the winter months (80 hour weeks are typical, sometimes approaching 100 hours). While I am not a fan of overtime (I have 3 kids so it obviously cuts into family time) at least I was compensated for every hour I worked. About a year and a half ago I had the opportunity to work on the development of an internal software product that would be used throughout the whole US firm and several international offices as well. It as a very large undertaking, with me assuming the lead business analyst/program manager role (though not officially a management position). The project was completed on time and was very successful. Last year my wife became pregnant with our third child and we wanted to move back to our home town all the way across the country on the West coast. My boss agreed to allow me to go and I made the move, working remotely from home and traveling back to the East coast offices every 3 months or so.



Current Situation: We just had our annual review and I was rated the top rating amongst my peers (it's a relative rating scale). The managers were impressed with my work and wanted to promote me to the next level up. All of the levels that are above my current position are exempt, and also as of this year my current level and the one I would be promoted to are not eligible for bonuses (but all levels above that are).



However, I have been wanting to leave the company for awhile so I can focus on growing my career as a business analyst or getting into program management in the software field, which I would not be able to fully focus on in with this company.



Given the following:



  • I have stayed at this company due to a prior lack of other opportunities
    that pay a similar rate (overtime accounts for around 30% of my pay
    so it's quite significant).

  • The software project I work on is mainly owned by me and I'm not sure
    there would be someone suitable to take over the project in the same
    capacity.

  • The "promotion" would result in a pay cut (approximately a 30%
    reduction in total pay without a reduction in hours), and
    raises/bonuses are non-negotiable as they are determined in advance
    and each level has a certain pay-range.

  • My company allowed me to move back to my home city and work remotely

How much of an obligation should I have to the firm to take the promotion I don't necessarily want? How best can I make preparations to leave so that I do not burn any bridges?







share|improve this question


















  • 1




    @Ryan I have made it a habit (sometimes painful) to live within 60% of our total net income as much as we can. It is incorrigible to work 80hr weeks and hope for your case that your family didn't grow to require that money. A 30% reduction in pay would be more than satisfactory for me to work 40hr weeks and spend time with my children.
    – maple_shaft
    Jun 18 '12 at 14:00






  • 10




    If you decide to stay, you can respond to the promotion offer by saying something like "I appreciate the offer but this does not make financial sense. What can we do to account for the de-facto pay cut?"
    – Monica Cellio♦
    Jun 18 '12 at 14:39






  • 1




    @maple_shaft I could probably make a 30% reduction in pay work, however this reduction in pay does not come with a reduction in hours. So to think that I am giving up 30% of my pay and as a trade-off I will get to spend extra time with my family is not the case - my hours will not change.
    – Ryan
    Jun 19 '12 at 0:13






  • 4




    @Ryan Why in the world would you take the promotion then, it sounds like a punishment. Do you mind my asking what industry and specialty you work in? Is this kind of abhorrent treatment of employees the norm for this industry?
    – maple_shaft
    Jun 19 '12 at 15:12






  • 4




    This does not make any sense, why are (where) you even asking? "You are the best, you'll get a promotion, which actually means you'll get a paycut"… wat? Does not compute. The only sane answer is "Obviously not, are you insane?".
    – o0'.
    Jan 19 '15 at 10:38
















up vote
13
down vote

favorite
4












Background: I started with my company about 4 years ago in a role that was client-facing and was hired as a non-exempt employee. The culture of the firm is that people work a lot of overtime, especially in the winter months (80 hour weeks are typical, sometimes approaching 100 hours). While I am not a fan of overtime (I have 3 kids so it obviously cuts into family time) at least I was compensated for every hour I worked. About a year and a half ago I had the opportunity to work on the development of an internal software product that would be used throughout the whole US firm and several international offices as well. It as a very large undertaking, with me assuming the lead business analyst/program manager role (though not officially a management position). The project was completed on time and was very successful. Last year my wife became pregnant with our third child and we wanted to move back to our home town all the way across the country on the West coast. My boss agreed to allow me to go and I made the move, working remotely from home and traveling back to the East coast offices every 3 months or so.



Current Situation: We just had our annual review and I was rated the top rating amongst my peers (it's a relative rating scale). The managers were impressed with my work and wanted to promote me to the next level up. All of the levels that are above my current position are exempt, and also as of this year my current level and the one I would be promoted to are not eligible for bonuses (but all levels above that are).



However, I have been wanting to leave the company for awhile so I can focus on growing my career as a business analyst or getting into program management in the software field, which I would not be able to fully focus on in with this company.



Given the following:



  • I have stayed at this company due to a prior lack of other opportunities
    that pay a similar rate (overtime accounts for around 30% of my pay
    so it's quite significant).

  • The software project I work on is mainly owned by me and I'm not sure
    there would be someone suitable to take over the project in the same
    capacity.

  • The "promotion" would result in a pay cut (approximately a 30%
    reduction in total pay without a reduction in hours), and
    raises/bonuses are non-negotiable as they are determined in advance
    and each level has a certain pay-range.

  • My company allowed me to move back to my home city and work remotely

How much of an obligation should I have to the firm to take the promotion I don't necessarily want? How best can I make preparations to leave so that I do not burn any bridges?







share|improve this question


















  • 1




    @Ryan I have made it a habit (sometimes painful) to live within 60% of our total net income as much as we can. It is incorrigible to work 80hr weeks and hope for your case that your family didn't grow to require that money. A 30% reduction in pay would be more than satisfactory for me to work 40hr weeks and spend time with my children.
    – maple_shaft
    Jun 18 '12 at 14:00






  • 10




    If you decide to stay, you can respond to the promotion offer by saying something like "I appreciate the offer but this does not make financial sense. What can we do to account for the de-facto pay cut?"
    – Monica Cellio♦
    Jun 18 '12 at 14:39






  • 1




    @maple_shaft I could probably make a 30% reduction in pay work, however this reduction in pay does not come with a reduction in hours. So to think that I am giving up 30% of my pay and as a trade-off I will get to spend extra time with my family is not the case - my hours will not change.
    – Ryan
    Jun 19 '12 at 0:13






  • 4




    @Ryan Why in the world would you take the promotion then, it sounds like a punishment. Do you mind my asking what industry and specialty you work in? Is this kind of abhorrent treatment of employees the norm for this industry?
    – maple_shaft
    Jun 19 '12 at 15:12






  • 4




    This does not make any sense, why are (where) you even asking? "You are the best, you'll get a promotion, which actually means you'll get a paycut"… wat? Does not compute. The only sane answer is "Obviously not, are you insane?".
    – o0'.
    Jan 19 '15 at 10:38












up vote
13
down vote

favorite
4









up vote
13
down vote

favorite
4






4





Background: I started with my company about 4 years ago in a role that was client-facing and was hired as a non-exempt employee. The culture of the firm is that people work a lot of overtime, especially in the winter months (80 hour weeks are typical, sometimes approaching 100 hours). While I am not a fan of overtime (I have 3 kids so it obviously cuts into family time) at least I was compensated for every hour I worked. About a year and a half ago I had the opportunity to work on the development of an internal software product that would be used throughout the whole US firm and several international offices as well. It as a very large undertaking, with me assuming the lead business analyst/program manager role (though not officially a management position). The project was completed on time and was very successful. Last year my wife became pregnant with our third child and we wanted to move back to our home town all the way across the country on the West coast. My boss agreed to allow me to go and I made the move, working remotely from home and traveling back to the East coast offices every 3 months or so.



Current Situation: We just had our annual review and I was rated the top rating amongst my peers (it's a relative rating scale). The managers were impressed with my work and wanted to promote me to the next level up. All of the levels that are above my current position are exempt, and also as of this year my current level and the one I would be promoted to are not eligible for bonuses (but all levels above that are).



However, I have been wanting to leave the company for awhile so I can focus on growing my career as a business analyst or getting into program management in the software field, which I would not be able to fully focus on in with this company.



Given the following:



  • I have stayed at this company due to a prior lack of other opportunities
    that pay a similar rate (overtime accounts for around 30% of my pay
    so it's quite significant).

  • The software project I work on is mainly owned by me and I'm not sure
    there would be someone suitable to take over the project in the same
    capacity.

  • The "promotion" would result in a pay cut (approximately a 30%
    reduction in total pay without a reduction in hours), and
    raises/bonuses are non-negotiable as they are determined in advance
    and each level has a certain pay-range.

  • My company allowed me to move back to my home city and work remotely

How much of an obligation should I have to the firm to take the promotion I don't necessarily want? How best can I make preparations to leave so that I do not burn any bridges?







share|improve this question














Background: I started with my company about 4 years ago in a role that was client-facing and was hired as a non-exempt employee. The culture of the firm is that people work a lot of overtime, especially in the winter months (80 hour weeks are typical, sometimes approaching 100 hours). While I am not a fan of overtime (I have 3 kids so it obviously cuts into family time) at least I was compensated for every hour I worked. About a year and a half ago I had the opportunity to work on the development of an internal software product that would be used throughout the whole US firm and several international offices as well. It as a very large undertaking, with me assuming the lead business analyst/program manager role (though not officially a management position). The project was completed on time and was very successful. Last year my wife became pregnant with our third child and we wanted to move back to our home town all the way across the country on the West coast. My boss agreed to allow me to go and I made the move, working remotely from home and traveling back to the East coast offices every 3 months or so.



Current Situation: We just had our annual review and I was rated the top rating amongst my peers (it's a relative rating scale). The managers were impressed with my work and wanted to promote me to the next level up. All of the levels that are above my current position are exempt, and also as of this year my current level and the one I would be promoted to are not eligible for bonuses (but all levels above that are).



However, I have been wanting to leave the company for awhile so I can focus on growing my career as a business analyst or getting into program management in the software field, which I would not be able to fully focus on in with this company.



Given the following:



  • I have stayed at this company due to a prior lack of other opportunities
    that pay a similar rate (overtime accounts for around 30% of my pay
    so it's quite significant).

  • The software project I work on is mainly owned by me and I'm not sure
    there would be someone suitable to take over the project in the same
    capacity.

  • The "promotion" would result in a pay cut (approximately a 30%
    reduction in total pay without a reduction in hours), and
    raises/bonuses are non-negotiable as they are determined in advance
    and each level has a certain pay-range.

  • My company allowed me to move back to my home city and work remotely

How much of an obligation should I have to the firm to take the promotion I don't necessarily want? How best can I make preparations to leave so that I do not burn any bridges?









share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited Jun 18 '12 at 12:08









jcmeloni

21.6k87393




21.6k87393










asked Jun 17 '12 at 16:26









Ryan

7415




7415







  • 1




    @Ryan I have made it a habit (sometimes painful) to live within 60% of our total net income as much as we can. It is incorrigible to work 80hr weeks and hope for your case that your family didn't grow to require that money. A 30% reduction in pay would be more than satisfactory for me to work 40hr weeks and spend time with my children.
    – maple_shaft
    Jun 18 '12 at 14:00






  • 10




    If you decide to stay, you can respond to the promotion offer by saying something like "I appreciate the offer but this does not make financial sense. What can we do to account for the de-facto pay cut?"
    – Monica Cellio♦
    Jun 18 '12 at 14:39






  • 1




    @maple_shaft I could probably make a 30% reduction in pay work, however this reduction in pay does not come with a reduction in hours. So to think that I am giving up 30% of my pay and as a trade-off I will get to spend extra time with my family is not the case - my hours will not change.
    – Ryan
    Jun 19 '12 at 0:13






  • 4




    @Ryan Why in the world would you take the promotion then, it sounds like a punishment. Do you mind my asking what industry and specialty you work in? Is this kind of abhorrent treatment of employees the norm for this industry?
    – maple_shaft
    Jun 19 '12 at 15:12






  • 4




    This does not make any sense, why are (where) you even asking? "You are the best, you'll get a promotion, which actually means you'll get a paycut"… wat? Does not compute. The only sane answer is "Obviously not, are you insane?".
    – o0'.
    Jan 19 '15 at 10:38












  • 1




    @Ryan I have made it a habit (sometimes painful) to live within 60% of our total net income as much as we can. It is incorrigible to work 80hr weeks and hope for your case that your family didn't grow to require that money. A 30% reduction in pay would be more than satisfactory for me to work 40hr weeks and spend time with my children.
    – maple_shaft
    Jun 18 '12 at 14:00






  • 10




    If you decide to stay, you can respond to the promotion offer by saying something like "I appreciate the offer but this does not make financial sense. What can we do to account for the de-facto pay cut?"
    – Monica Cellio♦
    Jun 18 '12 at 14:39






  • 1




    @maple_shaft I could probably make a 30% reduction in pay work, however this reduction in pay does not come with a reduction in hours. So to think that I am giving up 30% of my pay and as a trade-off I will get to spend extra time with my family is not the case - my hours will not change.
    – Ryan
    Jun 19 '12 at 0:13






  • 4




    @Ryan Why in the world would you take the promotion then, it sounds like a punishment. Do you mind my asking what industry and specialty you work in? Is this kind of abhorrent treatment of employees the norm for this industry?
    – maple_shaft
    Jun 19 '12 at 15:12






  • 4




    This does not make any sense, why are (where) you even asking? "You are the best, you'll get a promotion, which actually means you'll get a paycut"… wat? Does not compute. The only sane answer is "Obviously not, are you insane?".
    – o0'.
    Jan 19 '15 at 10:38







1




1




@Ryan I have made it a habit (sometimes painful) to live within 60% of our total net income as much as we can. It is incorrigible to work 80hr weeks and hope for your case that your family didn't grow to require that money. A 30% reduction in pay would be more than satisfactory for me to work 40hr weeks and spend time with my children.
– maple_shaft
Jun 18 '12 at 14:00




@Ryan I have made it a habit (sometimes painful) to live within 60% of our total net income as much as we can. It is incorrigible to work 80hr weeks and hope for your case that your family didn't grow to require that money. A 30% reduction in pay would be more than satisfactory for me to work 40hr weeks and spend time with my children.
– maple_shaft
Jun 18 '12 at 14:00




10




10




If you decide to stay, you can respond to the promotion offer by saying something like "I appreciate the offer but this does not make financial sense. What can we do to account for the de-facto pay cut?"
– Monica Cellio♦
Jun 18 '12 at 14:39




If you decide to stay, you can respond to the promotion offer by saying something like "I appreciate the offer but this does not make financial sense. What can we do to account for the de-facto pay cut?"
– Monica Cellio♦
Jun 18 '12 at 14:39




1




1




@maple_shaft I could probably make a 30% reduction in pay work, however this reduction in pay does not come with a reduction in hours. So to think that I am giving up 30% of my pay and as a trade-off I will get to spend extra time with my family is not the case - my hours will not change.
– Ryan
Jun 19 '12 at 0:13




@maple_shaft I could probably make a 30% reduction in pay work, however this reduction in pay does not come with a reduction in hours. So to think that I am giving up 30% of my pay and as a trade-off I will get to spend extra time with my family is not the case - my hours will not change.
– Ryan
Jun 19 '12 at 0:13




4




4




@Ryan Why in the world would you take the promotion then, it sounds like a punishment. Do you mind my asking what industry and specialty you work in? Is this kind of abhorrent treatment of employees the norm for this industry?
– maple_shaft
Jun 19 '12 at 15:12




@Ryan Why in the world would you take the promotion then, it sounds like a punishment. Do you mind my asking what industry and specialty you work in? Is this kind of abhorrent treatment of employees the norm for this industry?
– maple_shaft
Jun 19 '12 at 15:12




4




4




This does not make any sense, why are (where) you even asking? "You are the best, you'll get a promotion, which actually means you'll get a paycut"… wat? Does not compute. The only sane answer is "Obviously not, are you insane?".
– o0'.
Jan 19 '15 at 10:38




This does not make any sense, why are (where) you even asking? "You are the best, you'll get a promotion, which actually means you'll get a paycut"… wat? Does not compute. The only sane answer is "Obviously not, are you insane?".
– o0'.
Jan 19 '15 at 10:38










3 Answers
3






active

oldest

votes

















up vote
32
down vote



accepted










You shouldn't feel any obligation at all. Refuse the promotion, find another job and leave.



I have felt obligations to companies who have done me favours in the past. The one thing I've learned: They don't feel any obligation towards you for any favours you've done them. You're not immune when they're in trouble and redundancies or pay cuts come around.



Your employment with a company is at best a mutually beneficial agreement. As soon as it's not beneficial to either side, it's time to cut the ties.






share|improve this answer





























    up vote
    12
    down vote













    You shouldn't feel any obligation because you did the work and they paid you. That is the employer-employee relationship and is as it should be.



    As to the more subtle part of the question, this is quite a 'it depends' question.



    Factors that I would consider are:



    • decide what work you want to be doing in 2 years time

    • what your financial obligation are.

    • what your spouse wants and where they work.

    • what you enjoy doing

    • how important your friendships are at work. Sometimes it's better to work with friends. You are remote but maybe you maintain remote friendships with work colleagues.

    • how imprtant their reference is (though this might determine more how you leave than if you do).





    share|improve this answer




















    • With regards to that last point - is it possible that my employer would provide a negative reference even if all my reviews throughout my tenure were positive and my behavior was never characterized negatively while I was with the company (provided I'm giving at least a 2 week notice). I can see them being angry at my leaving, although that wouldn't change whether I gave 2 weeks or 2 months notice - it would never be enough.
      – Ryan
      Jun 18 '12 at 3:10






    • 4




      @Ryan: It's possible, but unlikely. They wouldn't risk being sued for libel. If you have copies of performance reviews, keep them to hand, just in case.
      – pdr
      Jun 18 '12 at 15:27










    • Even if they are disappointed, and they may well be, they should not hold it against you or blackball you. If they do the latter it is time to talk to a lawyer. +1 for holding on to reviews.
      – kleineg
      Apr 4 '14 at 19:59

















    up vote
    7
    down vote













    A promotion with a pay-cut is not a promotion. I'm curious, are all your peers non-exempt? Do your peers look at overtime as 30% of their salary as well? If such is the case, how do they get anyone to accept that "promotion", ever?



    Not knowing anything beyond what you put in your question, you have no obligations towards your employer beyond what they pay you for.



    If they want to you accept this new position (which you would be thrilled to take and give your absolute best) they have to offer a fair pay. That is: either continued expempt status, or a base pay equal to what you make today, plus a bump reflecting your, now, increased responsibilities. Non-negotiable goes both ways.






    share|improve this answer
















    • 1




      Most of my co-workers do not get paid overtime. Those that do have the lowest classification of staff and we had transferred to this group and were able to keep this job classification (actually we were acquired by the group). Promotions of this nature are not typical, but that's also because the job that I have been doing and the duties I have be performing in my role are also not typical. Usually people at my job classification remain at this class their whole career, as there is no upward mobility in that sense.
      – Ryan
      Jun 19 '12 at 0:16










    • 30% is an huge cut in salary, usually for that kind of amount people change jobs...This is the best answer, a pay cut is never ever a "promotion", and more importantly for such an huge cut. I have heard about people losing 10% when promoted, it is not unheard of, but 30% is crazy.
      – Rui F Ribeiro
      Jan 22 at 18:47











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    3 Answers
    3






    active

    oldest

    votes








    3 Answers
    3






    active

    oldest

    votes









    active

    oldest

    votes






    active

    oldest

    votes








    up vote
    32
    down vote



    accepted










    You shouldn't feel any obligation at all. Refuse the promotion, find another job and leave.



    I have felt obligations to companies who have done me favours in the past. The one thing I've learned: They don't feel any obligation towards you for any favours you've done them. You're not immune when they're in trouble and redundancies or pay cuts come around.



    Your employment with a company is at best a mutually beneficial agreement. As soon as it's not beneficial to either side, it's time to cut the ties.






    share|improve this answer


























      up vote
      32
      down vote



      accepted










      You shouldn't feel any obligation at all. Refuse the promotion, find another job and leave.



      I have felt obligations to companies who have done me favours in the past. The one thing I've learned: They don't feel any obligation towards you for any favours you've done them. You're not immune when they're in trouble and redundancies or pay cuts come around.



      Your employment with a company is at best a mutually beneficial agreement. As soon as it's not beneficial to either side, it's time to cut the ties.






      share|improve this answer
























        up vote
        32
        down vote



        accepted







        up vote
        32
        down vote



        accepted






        You shouldn't feel any obligation at all. Refuse the promotion, find another job and leave.



        I have felt obligations to companies who have done me favours in the past. The one thing I've learned: They don't feel any obligation towards you for any favours you've done them. You're not immune when they're in trouble and redundancies or pay cuts come around.



        Your employment with a company is at best a mutually beneficial agreement. As soon as it's not beneficial to either side, it's time to cut the ties.






        share|improve this answer














        You shouldn't feel any obligation at all. Refuse the promotion, find another job and leave.



        I have felt obligations to companies who have done me favours in the past. The one thing I've learned: They don't feel any obligation towards you for any favours you've done them. You're not immune when they're in trouble and redundancies or pay cuts come around.



        Your employment with a company is at best a mutually beneficial agreement. As soon as it's not beneficial to either side, it's time to cut the ties.







        share|improve this answer














        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer








        edited Jun 17 '12 at 16:55

























        answered Jun 17 '12 at 16:49









        pdr

        19.2k46081




        19.2k46081






















            up vote
            12
            down vote













            You shouldn't feel any obligation because you did the work and they paid you. That is the employer-employee relationship and is as it should be.



            As to the more subtle part of the question, this is quite a 'it depends' question.



            Factors that I would consider are:



            • decide what work you want to be doing in 2 years time

            • what your financial obligation are.

            • what your spouse wants and where they work.

            • what you enjoy doing

            • how important your friendships are at work. Sometimes it's better to work with friends. You are remote but maybe you maintain remote friendships with work colleagues.

            • how imprtant their reference is (though this might determine more how you leave than if you do).





            share|improve this answer




















            • With regards to that last point - is it possible that my employer would provide a negative reference even if all my reviews throughout my tenure were positive and my behavior was never characterized negatively while I was with the company (provided I'm giving at least a 2 week notice). I can see them being angry at my leaving, although that wouldn't change whether I gave 2 weeks or 2 months notice - it would never be enough.
              – Ryan
              Jun 18 '12 at 3:10






            • 4




              @Ryan: It's possible, but unlikely. They wouldn't risk being sued for libel. If you have copies of performance reviews, keep them to hand, just in case.
              – pdr
              Jun 18 '12 at 15:27










            • Even if they are disappointed, and they may well be, they should not hold it against you or blackball you. If they do the latter it is time to talk to a lawyer. +1 for holding on to reviews.
              – kleineg
              Apr 4 '14 at 19:59














            up vote
            12
            down vote













            You shouldn't feel any obligation because you did the work and they paid you. That is the employer-employee relationship and is as it should be.



            As to the more subtle part of the question, this is quite a 'it depends' question.



            Factors that I would consider are:



            • decide what work you want to be doing in 2 years time

            • what your financial obligation are.

            • what your spouse wants and where they work.

            • what you enjoy doing

            • how important your friendships are at work. Sometimes it's better to work with friends. You are remote but maybe you maintain remote friendships with work colleagues.

            • how imprtant their reference is (though this might determine more how you leave than if you do).





            share|improve this answer




















            • With regards to that last point - is it possible that my employer would provide a negative reference even if all my reviews throughout my tenure were positive and my behavior was never characterized negatively while I was with the company (provided I'm giving at least a 2 week notice). I can see them being angry at my leaving, although that wouldn't change whether I gave 2 weeks or 2 months notice - it would never be enough.
              – Ryan
              Jun 18 '12 at 3:10






            • 4




              @Ryan: It's possible, but unlikely. They wouldn't risk being sued for libel. If you have copies of performance reviews, keep them to hand, just in case.
              – pdr
              Jun 18 '12 at 15:27










            • Even if they are disappointed, and they may well be, they should not hold it against you or blackball you. If they do the latter it is time to talk to a lawyer. +1 for holding on to reviews.
              – kleineg
              Apr 4 '14 at 19:59












            up vote
            12
            down vote










            up vote
            12
            down vote









            You shouldn't feel any obligation because you did the work and they paid you. That is the employer-employee relationship and is as it should be.



            As to the more subtle part of the question, this is quite a 'it depends' question.



            Factors that I would consider are:



            • decide what work you want to be doing in 2 years time

            • what your financial obligation are.

            • what your spouse wants and where they work.

            • what you enjoy doing

            • how important your friendships are at work. Sometimes it's better to work with friends. You are remote but maybe you maintain remote friendships with work colleagues.

            • how imprtant their reference is (though this might determine more how you leave than if you do).





            share|improve this answer












            You shouldn't feel any obligation because you did the work and they paid you. That is the employer-employee relationship and is as it should be.



            As to the more subtle part of the question, this is quite a 'it depends' question.



            Factors that I would consider are:



            • decide what work you want to be doing in 2 years time

            • what your financial obligation are.

            • what your spouse wants and where they work.

            • what you enjoy doing

            • how important your friendships are at work. Sometimes it's better to work with friends. You are remote but maybe you maintain remote friendships with work colleagues.

            • how imprtant their reference is (though this might determine more how you leave than if you do).






            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered Jun 17 '12 at 17:42









            Michael Durrant

            9,68122856




            9,68122856











            • With regards to that last point - is it possible that my employer would provide a negative reference even if all my reviews throughout my tenure were positive and my behavior was never characterized negatively while I was with the company (provided I'm giving at least a 2 week notice). I can see them being angry at my leaving, although that wouldn't change whether I gave 2 weeks or 2 months notice - it would never be enough.
              – Ryan
              Jun 18 '12 at 3:10






            • 4




              @Ryan: It's possible, but unlikely. They wouldn't risk being sued for libel. If you have copies of performance reviews, keep them to hand, just in case.
              – pdr
              Jun 18 '12 at 15:27










            • Even if they are disappointed, and they may well be, they should not hold it against you or blackball you. If they do the latter it is time to talk to a lawyer. +1 for holding on to reviews.
              – kleineg
              Apr 4 '14 at 19:59
















            • With regards to that last point - is it possible that my employer would provide a negative reference even if all my reviews throughout my tenure were positive and my behavior was never characterized negatively while I was with the company (provided I'm giving at least a 2 week notice). I can see them being angry at my leaving, although that wouldn't change whether I gave 2 weeks or 2 months notice - it would never be enough.
              – Ryan
              Jun 18 '12 at 3:10






            • 4




              @Ryan: It's possible, but unlikely. They wouldn't risk being sued for libel. If you have copies of performance reviews, keep them to hand, just in case.
              – pdr
              Jun 18 '12 at 15:27










            • Even if they are disappointed, and they may well be, they should not hold it against you or blackball you. If they do the latter it is time to talk to a lawyer. +1 for holding on to reviews.
              – kleineg
              Apr 4 '14 at 19:59















            With regards to that last point - is it possible that my employer would provide a negative reference even if all my reviews throughout my tenure were positive and my behavior was never characterized negatively while I was with the company (provided I'm giving at least a 2 week notice). I can see them being angry at my leaving, although that wouldn't change whether I gave 2 weeks or 2 months notice - it would never be enough.
            – Ryan
            Jun 18 '12 at 3:10




            With regards to that last point - is it possible that my employer would provide a negative reference even if all my reviews throughout my tenure were positive and my behavior was never characterized negatively while I was with the company (provided I'm giving at least a 2 week notice). I can see them being angry at my leaving, although that wouldn't change whether I gave 2 weeks or 2 months notice - it would never be enough.
            – Ryan
            Jun 18 '12 at 3:10




            4




            4




            @Ryan: It's possible, but unlikely. They wouldn't risk being sued for libel. If you have copies of performance reviews, keep them to hand, just in case.
            – pdr
            Jun 18 '12 at 15:27




            @Ryan: It's possible, but unlikely. They wouldn't risk being sued for libel. If you have copies of performance reviews, keep them to hand, just in case.
            – pdr
            Jun 18 '12 at 15:27












            Even if they are disappointed, and they may well be, they should not hold it against you or blackball you. If they do the latter it is time to talk to a lawyer. +1 for holding on to reviews.
            – kleineg
            Apr 4 '14 at 19:59




            Even if they are disappointed, and they may well be, they should not hold it against you or blackball you. If they do the latter it is time to talk to a lawyer. +1 for holding on to reviews.
            – kleineg
            Apr 4 '14 at 19:59










            up vote
            7
            down vote













            A promotion with a pay-cut is not a promotion. I'm curious, are all your peers non-exempt? Do your peers look at overtime as 30% of their salary as well? If such is the case, how do they get anyone to accept that "promotion", ever?



            Not knowing anything beyond what you put in your question, you have no obligations towards your employer beyond what they pay you for.



            If they want to you accept this new position (which you would be thrilled to take and give your absolute best) they have to offer a fair pay. That is: either continued expempt status, or a base pay equal to what you make today, plus a bump reflecting your, now, increased responsibilities. Non-negotiable goes both ways.






            share|improve this answer
















            • 1




              Most of my co-workers do not get paid overtime. Those that do have the lowest classification of staff and we had transferred to this group and were able to keep this job classification (actually we were acquired by the group). Promotions of this nature are not typical, but that's also because the job that I have been doing and the duties I have be performing in my role are also not typical. Usually people at my job classification remain at this class their whole career, as there is no upward mobility in that sense.
              – Ryan
              Jun 19 '12 at 0:16










            • 30% is an huge cut in salary, usually for that kind of amount people change jobs...This is the best answer, a pay cut is never ever a "promotion", and more importantly for such an huge cut. I have heard about people losing 10% when promoted, it is not unheard of, but 30% is crazy.
              – Rui F Ribeiro
              Jan 22 at 18:47















            up vote
            7
            down vote













            A promotion with a pay-cut is not a promotion. I'm curious, are all your peers non-exempt? Do your peers look at overtime as 30% of their salary as well? If such is the case, how do they get anyone to accept that "promotion", ever?



            Not knowing anything beyond what you put in your question, you have no obligations towards your employer beyond what they pay you for.



            If they want to you accept this new position (which you would be thrilled to take and give your absolute best) they have to offer a fair pay. That is: either continued expempt status, or a base pay equal to what you make today, plus a bump reflecting your, now, increased responsibilities. Non-negotiable goes both ways.






            share|improve this answer
















            • 1




              Most of my co-workers do not get paid overtime. Those that do have the lowest classification of staff and we had transferred to this group and were able to keep this job classification (actually we were acquired by the group). Promotions of this nature are not typical, but that's also because the job that I have been doing and the duties I have be performing in my role are also not typical. Usually people at my job classification remain at this class their whole career, as there is no upward mobility in that sense.
              – Ryan
              Jun 19 '12 at 0:16










            • 30% is an huge cut in salary, usually for that kind of amount people change jobs...This is the best answer, a pay cut is never ever a "promotion", and more importantly for such an huge cut. I have heard about people losing 10% when promoted, it is not unheard of, but 30% is crazy.
              – Rui F Ribeiro
              Jan 22 at 18:47













            up vote
            7
            down vote










            up vote
            7
            down vote









            A promotion with a pay-cut is not a promotion. I'm curious, are all your peers non-exempt? Do your peers look at overtime as 30% of their salary as well? If such is the case, how do they get anyone to accept that "promotion", ever?



            Not knowing anything beyond what you put in your question, you have no obligations towards your employer beyond what they pay you for.



            If they want to you accept this new position (which you would be thrilled to take and give your absolute best) they have to offer a fair pay. That is: either continued expempt status, or a base pay equal to what you make today, plus a bump reflecting your, now, increased responsibilities. Non-negotiable goes both ways.






            share|improve this answer












            A promotion with a pay-cut is not a promotion. I'm curious, are all your peers non-exempt? Do your peers look at overtime as 30% of their salary as well? If such is the case, how do they get anyone to accept that "promotion", ever?



            Not knowing anything beyond what you put in your question, you have no obligations towards your employer beyond what they pay you for.



            If they want to you accept this new position (which you would be thrilled to take and give your absolute best) they have to offer a fair pay. That is: either continued expempt status, or a base pay equal to what you make today, plus a bump reflecting your, now, increased responsibilities. Non-negotiable goes both ways.







            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered Jun 18 '12 at 13:33









            pap

            5,2561524




            5,2561524







            • 1




              Most of my co-workers do not get paid overtime. Those that do have the lowest classification of staff and we had transferred to this group and were able to keep this job classification (actually we were acquired by the group). Promotions of this nature are not typical, but that's also because the job that I have been doing and the duties I have be performing in my role are also not typical. Usually people at my job classification remain at this class their whole career, as there is no upward mobility in that sense.
              – Ryan
              Jun 19 '12 at 0:16










            • 30% is an huge cut in salary, usually for that kind of amount people change jobs...This is the best answer, a pay cut is never ever a "promotion", and more importantly for such an huge cut. I have heard about people losing 10% when promoted, it is not unheard of, but 30% is crazy.
              – Rui F Ribeiro
              Jan 22 at 18:47













            • 1




              Most of my co-workers do not get paid overtime. Those that do have the lowest classification of staff and we had transferred to this group and were able to keep this job classification (actually we were acquired by the group). Promotions of this nature are not typical, but that's also because the job that I have been doing and the duties I have be performing in my role are also not typical. Usually people at my job classification remain at this class their whole career, as there is no upward mobility in that sense.
              – Ryan
              Jun 19 '12 at 0:16










            • 30% is an huge cut in salary, usually for that kind of amount people change jobs...This is the best answer, a pay cut is never ever a "promotion", and more importantly for such an huge cut. I have heard about people losing 10% when promoted, it is not unheard of, but 30% is crazy.
              – Rui F Ribeiro
              Jan 22 at 18:47








            1




            1




            Most of my co-workers do not get paid overtime. Those that do have the lowest classification of staff and we had transferred to this group and were able to keep this job classification (actually we were acquired by the group). Promotions of this nature are not typical, but that's also because the job that I have been doing and the duties I have be performing in my role are also not typical. Usually people at my job classification remain at this class their whole career, as there is no upward mobility in that sense.
            – Ryan
            Jun 19 '12 at 0:16




            Most of my co-workers do not get paid overtime. Those that do have the lowest classification of staff and we had transferred to this group and were able to keep this job classification (actually we were acquired by the group). Promotions of this nature are not typical, but that's also because the job that I have been doing and the duties I have be performing in my role are also not typical. Usually people at my job classification remain at this class their whole career, as there is no upward mobility in that sense.
            – Ryan
            Jun 19 '12 at 0:16












            30% is an huge cut in salary, usually for that kind of amount people change jobs...This is the best answer, a pay cut is never ever a "promotion", and more importantly for such an huge cut. I have heard about people losing 10% when promoted, it is not unheard of, but 30% is crazy.
            – Rui F Ribeiro
            Jan 22 at 18:47





            30% is an huge cut in salary, usually for that kind of amount people change jobs...This is the best answer, a pay cut is never ever a "promotion", and more importantly for such an huge cut. I have heard about people losing 10% when promoted, it is not unheard of, but 30% is crazy.
            – Rui F Ribeiro
            Jan 22 at 18:47













             

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