Before i left Sydney for my holiday, i was being headhunted, but i told them i was going overseas and would the recruiters mind contacting me in October.
Before i returned, i got phonecalls and emails from recruiters about opportunities that i would be suitable for.
My workmate left the company before my return. The Finance team and the Billing team all left and were replaced by newbies. My manager was pressured to do my work and basically got my workmate who was leaving to do the work...and basically things got royally f#$%ed up. Not her fault, it was actually all the newbies!
The first 3 days of my return to work was basically fixing up everything that was wrong. And everyone basically realised that im an intergral part of the company and that they can't afford to lose me.
I realised on my trip that i need to make more money. I cant afford to stay with my employer. It doesnt make sense that i can go to another company and basically make twice as much as i am now, if i was permanent. I can make 3 times as much if i was contracting. So, why am i staying with my employer who doesnt value my skills and knowledge?
I sat down with my line manager at the end of the week of my return to work and we discussed about my prospects.
Everyday since my return to Sydney i received a call from a recruiter. Each day a new and different prospect. I told him that this was happening...that i appreciate that we'd be doing our review at the end of the year, but i needed an indication that i was going to be promoted to a Jnr PM, if not a PM and be paid accordingly to reflect that. Market rate...that's all that i ask...
After that conversation...the next day i get a call from another recruiter and the opportunity is actually good. The company is one that is known for treating their employees well. Its a contract position that will end in August 08, which is perfect because i want to go to Europe and Mauritius in September 08.
I sent him what the recruiting company is offering, he said he would get back to me next week.
I'm having an interview next Wednesday. I hope it goes well.
I told my client about the situation, that i am being headhunted daily for different roles. He isnt surprised, he gave me 2 months from the return of my holiday to find something better. But he was offering to advise his manager that i'm worth too much to lose and they would try to match what the recruiter is offering. He asked me to advise him of what would make me happy to stay? How often does a manager ask an employee that? A contracting employee mind you.
I'm taking things in stride...i know this cant last for long...i just need to hear how far my current employer will stretch, if at all.
If that fails, then i will advise the client how much it will take to retain me.
If that doesn't work, i will take on the role being offered out there.
A year ago...i wouldnt have been comfortable with negotiating...
Now, its a different ball game. I tell the recruiters how much i want. They don't argue, they just try to convince their clients to pay up for me. I have reached that point where my skills and knowledge is valued.
Its no longer, will they like me? Its will i like them? I have something they want, can they afford me?
Damn...it sounds like im selling myself. I guess thats what it is at the end of the day.
I dont want to leave the client, because i think there is still a lot to learn from them. It will be a shame if i leave this year.
No comments:
Post a Comment