Going for greener grass
Almost a decade has passed since I joined this large tech company and now I feel like I’m stuck in a rut. I’m looking for career advancement in job scope, in title and in pay. But there are few senior positions on offer at other large corporations because it’s quite a niche market. Meanwhile, a few start-ups have approached me, offering better packages and promising more empowerment and autonomy. Although I’m a bit wary as to where they may end up, I’m tempted to take the plunge. Should I or should I not?
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Don’t wait for promotion, make it happen
Career Doctor
Career Doctor
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Promotion
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software development specialist
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systems management
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trade war
I am a software development specialist with nearly 20 years of experience, mostly in systems management. The company's sales have slumped in recent years and are expected to be further affected by the ongoing trade war between China and the United States. I am concerned that my company's poor performance is likely to hinder my chances of stepping up to a more senior role. What advice can you give someone in my position?
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Know your worth in salary negotiation
A few years ago, I took a new job that paid considerably less than my previous one, where I had been laid off suddenly because of restructuring. I couldn’t afford to stay out of work for long, so I took the first opportunity that came along in my field, but with a big drop in salary. I am now looking for another job and want to negotiate better terms and conditions. I’m worried though that I might be selling myself short because of the dip in pay I have suffered. What do you think is the best way to explain this drop and ensure I can now get a good deal on pay?
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I have an exciting job offer at a start-up but is the uncertainty worth the risk?
A former colleague in a big accountancy firm, who is also a friend, has started up his own fintech business. He has invited me to join as the chief financial officer.The salary is lower than what I currently enjoy but there are potentially lucrative stock options offered, and, of course, the opportunity to help build the company. I am tempted to go for the job but I have some worries about the uncertainty. Do you think it is worth leaving the stability of my current job?
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How do I go about getting a career in fintech?
I have worked as a front-end programmer for over 10 years, for both online platforms and in-house systems. I am very intrigued by fintech and I feel that this could be a lucrative area to explore for my future career.I don’t really know where to start about getting into the area and I feel I lack a full understanding of what the sector entails. What advice would you give me to start off?
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How do I get the best out of salary negotiations?
I have worked as an accountant, for both Big Four and small firms, for 15 years and I am returning to Hong Kong after 10 years away, so I am looking to get back into the job market here. I earned a fairly high wage in my job in Australia and I would like to keep my salary on an upward scale.I have never before had to negotiate a wage though and I worry that I might be a little out of touch with salary trends in Hong Kong. How do you think I should approach the process?
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How do I go about getting a pay rise?
I work as an auditor for a medium-sized but successful local company.I am tempted to make the move to a Big Four company because of the salary prospects.However, I would be happy to stay where I am if I could get a comparable pay rise. I am a little unsure as to how to go about this, not having much experience in this respect. What is the best way of approaching negotiations to get a pay rise?
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