B I E O G BC M ENRICHING OUR COMMUNITY ONE LIFE AT A TIME, BY HELPING YOU GROW. “At New Life, we’re focused on spiritual growth as the key ingredient to a truly great life for you and your family.” -Pastor Tom and Jeni Ragsdell
JOIN US AT THE ARC on Sundays at 10:15 a.m. Don’t forget to bring the kids.
dear kate
Life, love, family and more. Your questions answered.
dear kate,I’ve been working with the same organization for six years,
and I love my job but am continually overlooked. I feel I’ve been there long enough and proved myself time and again, and yet I am still in the same position I started in and making relatively the same salary. There has not been much opportunity for upward mobility, but I truly believe my skills and time deserve some recognition — in the monetary sense. C. B. Dear C.B. We often think that if we quietly, diligently go about our work, it will be noticed and the appropriate accolades doled out, whether big promotions, raises or simply words of praise and thanks. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. We have to be advocates for ourselves in every environment, in particular our workplace. When you become good at your job, it means your area is running smoothly, and the lack of issues often means less attention is paid to you. You’ve got it, so why would your employer mess with a good thing? Sometimes it’s necessary to remind them that it’s running smoothly because of your effort, skill and attention. If you feel you have been unduly neglected in the raise or promotion department, say something. But say it graciously, and come prepared with data to back up your request. Check out comparable salaries for similar roles in similar fields. Specify what you have brought to the company over the years. Identify your future career goals and how they dovetail with the organization. While gathering information to present, don’t forget to see if other opportunities await you in your field of choice. If something interests you, apply for it. And when you present your case to your employer, let them know that you’re looking at other employment opportunities (if you really are). And don’t forget to impart how much you enjoy your current position and desire to remain in it if fair compensation is provided. Remember, threats are not the answer; rationale for your request is.
dear kate,
www.newlifecolumbia.org
44 | October/november 2011
I am in a great relationship with a great man. We have been together for a year, but at the moment we are dating long distance due to a job assignment he is on for the next six months. We’ve made plans to visit each other at least once a month, and we talk multiple times a day. Since he left, I have been worrying that we’re going to break up. We are arguing more than ever, and I know it’s mainly due to my fears. I get hung up on the fact that he went out with co-workers or that he might decide he doesn’t want to be with me. He reminds me continually how much he loves me and that I am the woman for him. I just seem to focus on what might be and not what is. I never