It’s that time of the year when corporates would roll out the annual hike for the year for their employees. The highest probability is that you would be getting peanuts for what you believe, was a stellar performance. It is human nature to consider every hike as peanuts; nothing is ever enough. A higher probability is that you would still continue to work for the same employer at least for another 2-3 years, getting peanuts, as you might put it forth.

The simple reason: You are complacent.

Admit it!

You will try and reason with yourself that your current job is still the best for you. On the other hand, you would still keep ‘looking out for opportunities’ but will still settle for your current job. Here’s a list of reasons that you would give yourself to stick with the current job. [I have mentioned current job thrice, just to emphasise.]

• I work for a big brand
• I have job security
• I have built my place in this organisation
• I have a circle of people who help me in my current job
• I believe that the next year would bring in better remuneration
• I am just 2 years away from promotion
• If I move to another organisation, I will have to build my credibility from scratch
• What if the experience at my new organisation is not good?
• What if the people at the new organisation do not accept me?
• What if the new organisation folds?
• The job market is not conducive
• What would my family say if I join a smaller organisation?

I will be happy to burst the bubble for you, point-wise.

• You are your own brand. You do not work for an organisation, you work with them.
• Job security is a state of mind
• If you have built your place in your current organisation, you can do so at the next one too
• Circle of people, really? You are on your own when it comes to appraisals. Remember the Bell Curve?
• You told yourself about the next year being better, the last year, and the year before. Are you with me?
• Are you sure you would be promoted in the next 2 years? Have you got it in writing? Open your eyes!
• You built your credibility the moment the new organisation hired you. Period.
• We are going to a spa, are we, for the experience? Move on!
• No one will accept you on your face value. Perform. That’s what you did at your current organisation.
• Any business can shut down if the fundamentals are weak. Perform due diligence.
• Business cycles of Capitalism ensure that the job market will not be conducive. Grow up.
• Except for the words from your immediate family, all else is noise. They will understand.

Go ahead, take a break, lounge and read this again. Take the risk.

Image credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/striatic/