[Got an anonymous confession or rant you just have to share with the world? Submit it to I, Anonymous HERE!—eds]
Recently I was asked about my “interest level in an opportunity for continued growth” at my job. This would mean getting a certification that takes several months to prepare for and pass an exam. If I agree to the certification the job will pay for half – BUT the catch is that I must stay at the job for 2 years or pay it back. I have no intentions to leave any time soon, but the rub is that when I ask for a raise and submit data for comparable roles nearby they turn me down (for different reasons, none of which are my performance). I shared the reasons for my reluctance with a supervisor and he told me that I should reframe it. Instead of “this certification gets me x” he suggested that I consider it an opportunity to beef up my resume, should I ever wish to leave. While that’s true…it makes me wonder if I’m next on the chopping block! I’m also not sure that a workplace should encourage me to use company money just for self growth. Am I totally off base in thinking this is a hollow offer and more hollow reframing? Perhaps the truth is somewhere in the middle…but what do I do with that?!—Anonymous