Saturday, March 04, 2006
Golden handcuffs
Last month, I was promoted to director of my department. I had been doing actual director-level work for nearly two years and this was mainly a recognition of what I have been doing, as opposed to moving me up to a higher level.
Now that the excitement has died down, I sometimes feel like I have gotten golden handcuffs. The raise and perks weren't exceptional, but I find myself saying things like, "Well, I could just bank the difference in pay so I can work toward my goals faster." And I have to admit, the urgency of making a change has lessened. I occasionally wonder if this was a deliberate move on the part of my boss. I am in the middle of a big, high-profile project and this was a very good way to take the edge off any rebellion I might be feeling.
So I recognize the handcuffs and how alluring they are. I'm still working through how I can square this with the bigger changes I want to make in my life. I've been trying to continue work on my novel and not get sucked into taking on even more projects now that I'm officially in a higher and more visible position. But it is definitely a struggle.
Now that the excitement has died down, I sometimes feel like I have gotten golden handcuffs. The raise and perks weren't exceptional, but I find myself saying things like, "Well, I could just bank the difference in pay so I can work toward my goals faster." And I have to admit, the urgency of making a change has lessened. I occasionally wonder if this was a deliberate move on the part of my boss. I am in the middle of a big, high-profile project and this was a very good way to take the edge off any rebellion I might be feeling.
So I recognize the handcuffs and how alluring they are. I'm still working through how I can square this with the bigger changes I want to make in my life. I've been trying to continue work on my novel and not get sucked into taking on even more projects now that I'm officially in a higher and more visible position. But it is definitely a struggle.
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I wonder about how employers use this type of stuff to control us. When I started my new job there was a big push, from my boss and another co-worker in management, for me to buy a house. I'm sure all the while knowing I would be stuff at this job for much longer if I did buy a home. I have also noticed that the employees with homes or children are the least likely to push for any progressive changes at work and are the most likely to stay there longer than perhaps they should, career-wise or happiness-wise. Which I can understand, but I think bosses take advantage of this fact.
# posted by 
: 8:23 AM
: 8:23 AM
Interesting that you should mention this, phuture. When I bought my house, my boss at the time told me she was relieved that I had so firmly committed myself. And as much as I love my house, I'll have to admit there are times when I feel trapped because the thought of leaving my job means more than just changing employers-- it means uprooting one of the most treasured parts of my life. Ironically, I need this house to make the work worthwhile to me and yet I work to maintain this house. . .
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