My OperaGoodbye, "Egypt"
Monday, December 20, 2010 4:03:27 PM
I am finally leaving "Egypt" for good.
Not the country, but my workplace. My friends and I have nicknamed my workplace "Egypt" as a reference to the Egypt in the Bible where the Israelites fled from as written in the Book of Exodus. My last day at work is 31 Jan 2011.
In so doing, I lose up to $14,000 worth of bonuses, but I have no regrets. Since it has become all too clear that there is absolutely no future to be had there, every month spent there is a month wasted. I can earn $14,000 elsewhere, but I cannot earn 3 months. Management had thought to use the bonus to dissuade me from leaving so soon, and it would have been effective on most people.
I just happen to be an exception.
Besides the money, I was "encouraged" to try for a Assistant Manager position, though prior to this I had already learned that Management had deemed no one in my division worthy of the post, and it is a very lowly post anyway. I was also told that if I left in Jan 2011, my irresponsible subordinate would have her contract renewed, but if I could leave in Apr 2011, Management would immediately inform her that her time is up. My manager, whom I am fond of working with, is also due for a new posting in Jan 2011 and I know she has been wanting to leave. If I left in Jan 2011, her posting would be delayed for several months, but if I could leave in Apr 2011, she could be released immediately.
None of the above swayed me.
If I could stay till Apr 2010, then I could stay till Jul 2010 for a mid-year bonus, and I could also stay for the end-of-year bonus in Dec 2010. The process would repeat itself, I would look mercenary, and would get nowhere. The Assistant Manager post was too low to be worth my time and I would not try for the post knowing that Management had already deemed me unsuitable. Besides, if Management was sincere, they would have asked me earlier. I felt that the emotional blackmail pertaining to my subordinate and manager particularly underhanded. My decision should be based on career considerations and not because I wish to spite my subordinate or feel guilt towards my manager.
I would have none of this, so I insisted on leaving on schedule. I feel a little sorry for losing the bonus and wonder if I should stay on just a little longer for the bonus and to take home a high salary for a few more months. But I believe that my time is up and I need to go, and even though it is tempting to stay, career is more important than money. Like the Israelites in Exodus, I struggle not to look back at the land of plenty even as I move into a figurative desert. I would like to think that I would be moving on to the proverbial land of milk and honey, a new workplace that allows me to develop my career to the fullest, with material rewards to match.
So long, Egypt. May we not meet again.
Not the country, but my workplace. My friends and I have nicknamed my workplace "Egypt" as a reference to the Egypt in the Bible where the Israelites fled from as written in the Book of Exodus. My last day at work is 31 Jan 2011.
In so doing, I lose up to $14,000 worth of bonuses, but I have no regrets. Since it has become all too clear that there is absolutely no future to be had there, every month spent there is a month wasted. I can earn $14,000 elsewhere, but I cannot earn 3 months. Management had thought to use the bonus to dissuade me from leaving so soon, and it would have been effective on most people.
I just happen to be an exception.
Besides the money, I was "encouraged" to try for a Assistant Manager position, though prior to this I had already learned that Management had deemed no one in my division worthy of the post, and it is a very lowly post anyway. I was also told that if I left in Jan 2011, my irresponsible subordinate would have her contract renewed, but if I could leave in Apr 2011, Management would immediately inform her that her time is up. My manager, whom I am fond of working with, is also due for a new posting in Jan 2011 and I know she has been wanting to leave. If I left in Jan 2011, her posting would be delayed for several months, but if I could leave in Apr 2011, she could be released immediately.
None of the above swayed me.
If I could stay till Apr 2010, then I could stay till Jul 2010 for a mid-year bonus, and I could also stay for the end-of-year bonus in Dec 2010. The process would repeat itself, I would look mercenary, and would get nowhere. The Assistant Manager post was too low to be worth my time and I would not try for the post knowing that Management had already deemed me unsuitable. Besides, if Management was sincere, they would have asked me earlier. I felt that the emotional blackmail pertaining to my subordinate and manager particularly underhanded. My decision should be based on career considerations and not because I wish to spite my subordinate or feel guilt towards my manager.
I would have none of this, so I insisted on leaving on schedule. I feel a little sorry for losing the bonus and wonder if I should stay on just a little longer for the bonus and to take home a high salary for a few more months. But I believe that my time is up and I need to go, and even though it is tempting to stay, career is more important than money. Like the Israelites in Exodus, I struggle not to look back at the land of plenty even as I move into a figurative desert. I would like to think that I would be moving on to the proverbial land of milk and honey, a new workplace that allows me to develop my career to the fullest, with material rewards to match.
So long, Egypt. May we not meet again.
(33%)
