Career Clinic: Promotion with a pay cut?

What's the alternative?

How would you feel about that offer if it didn't have the magic word "partner" in it?

You're being asked to take a pay cut, move abroad and add another few years to your equity track. Apart from the new business card, it doesn't exactly sound tempting...

But what happens if you say no?

Assistant X -14 Dec 2009 | 13:15

Redundancy without a payout?

I may be being professionally cynical, but isn't this just an attempt by your firm to get you to either: (i) stay put and stop asking about promotion; or (ii) resign and save them the expense of making you redundant?

Anon -14 Dec 2009 | 13:17

It's time to make a judgement call - is the business about to make long-term profits that will make it worth it in the long term?

Axl -14 Dec 2009 | 14:51

Perhaps it's a hint?

Perhaps it's a gentle nudge to dissuade you from staying at all...

Anon -14 Dec 2009 | 15:11

Simple one ...

... do it. Even if only for the opportunity to live and work overseas.

Madagri -14 Dec 2009 | 15:39

They are screwing you. You are right, it is a kick in the teeth.
The pay cut is not unheard of, and could be ok if they couple it with a bonus for good performance so you could do better. You will be a partner (of sorts) so some 'skin in the game' is fair.

The move abroad is more dangerous. How will you ever develop a base of clients back in the UK to justify a partnership when you get home? There is a decent chance you will never recover, unless you will come back with fabulous overseas clients who will instruct you in the UK rather than simply give work to your replacement overseas leaving you redundant.

I'd get out if you can, stay as you are if not, and go abroad only if there is no alternative.

US partner -14 Dec 2009 | 16:17

A recruiter's perspective

Without sounding cynical, these don’t sound like the actions of a firm desperate to retain your services. 1. Take a pay cut and 2. Move abroad. Is it just me or are you being gently pushed into leaving? I’m just imagining why my boss might ask me to do that and the only half sensible answer I reach is that he would want me out. This isn’t going to work out for you in the long run, unless of course you’ve asked to move abroad, but it doesn’t sound like that’s the case. Hold tight and start speaking to a recruiter in the meantime.

L. Michael -15 Dec 2009 | 13:50

DO IT!

You're lucky to get any sort of partnership offer in the current environment. I'd take it and bide my time if I were you.

AB -15 Dec 2009 | 15:59