I've had very little variety in what I do lately which has made any kind of growth impossible. I've received a few offers in the past several months but since the pay is not exactly where I need it to be I decided to pass. Now I'm wondering if the reduction in pay would be worth it in the long run, since I'd have a good chance of advancement, something I can only dream about here. Plus, I need to start liking what I do once again for my own mental health.
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@dxl+1csg54Rd is on the money!
I worked at several technology firms, but here is the most boring job, the most childish organization, the least tech company I've ever seen, as a matter of fact.
It's a company for the newly grads or people who don't enough work experience.
Not good for people with solid work career. Nothing new here to learn/acquire.
Liking what you do and feeling appreciated is very important for mental health, definitely more than money can make up for. Don’t get stuck in the money and comfort trap.
#1 Pay is never the answer to a new position. You need to weigh all the benefits. #2 Benefits are the key.
I took a 20% pay cut moving to another company. Because of better benefits and insurance, my monthly pay is only ~$300 less per month. The cost of medical under the insurance covers that gap even more. One prescription was over $100/month. Under the new insurance, it is $10/month. Add in a pension benefit along with 100% match of first 6% in the 401k, it is a massive return. The other benefits are 40 hour work weeks, not 60-80, tangible and achievable goals, managers and teams that appreciate your work. Add to that the elimination of 10 years less life from stress and mental drain is immeasurable.
Sounds like it is time to move on for the right good reasons.
Go get your growth experience elsewhere, and if you want to come back that will still be an option.
I spent eighteen years as blue badge and am fortunate to have had that job stability.
I was restructured at the eighteen year mark and realize now that was also a fortunate experience to now work other technology jobs.
If you stay at Cisco, keep your skills sharp in technology. If you truly know what you are doing in technology and a good worker you will never ever have to worry about a job.
Now on the outside, and moving often from tech job to job on purpose, I have learned even now after thirty years and still enjoying the work; the biggest thing I have learned is what you knew three years ago is mostly irrelevant right now.
The best lesson I have learned is to be good at working technology, you need to get lots of exercise, eat healthy, use your time effectively, distance yourself for toxic people who are somehow in charge for the wrong reasons, learn as much as you can, practice good stress management; and most important:
Find and help build a good team with a good manager. Without these two facets; move on.