Ask Sue
A Weekly Q&A Column About Professionalism, Etiquette and Problems in the Workplace
by Sue Morem

Trust Yourself

Dear Sue: The organization I work for is very chaotic. In the year that I've been here, I've seen a number of people leave because they were either fired or unhappy working here. Many of the people who remain are looking for other options.

Things have gone pretty well for me, however. I received a promotion recently, and my boss has told me that I am doing a good job.

I was just offered another job in another company with more money, and what seems like more security. Part of me feels as though I should take it, yet I am hesitating because I actually feel some loyalty to the company I am currently working for.

Am I stupid or what? Everyone is telling me that I should make the change while I have the chance to move to a better organization. Why am I so hesitant? 

- Hesitant

Sue Says: You are hesitant because you know that the opinion of everyone else isn't as important as your own. In addition, you are hesitant because you are doing well with this company and have found some stability among the chaos.

Perhaps the chaos is temporary and you are witnessing a major transition as your company restructures itself.

Determine why the changes are taking place, and take a good look at your future potential and stability within this organization.

You sound prudent to me, not stupid. You are smart enough to know that until you move inside another organization, you will never know what kinds of problems you may face there, and you will always wonder what might have been had you stayed where you are.

Dear Sue: I a human resource generalist and have managed several successful projects over the years. I am considering resigning from my current position to start my own consulting business and work from home. Can you give me any advice on how to get started without spending a fortune? 

- HR generalist

Sue Says: You don't need to spend a fortune to get started. But you do need business to sustain yourself. Until you find people (or companies) to work with, you will be spending the majority of your time and money drumming up business.

Being an independent consultant is great when you are busy working and making money, but when you're not, you may find yourself wishing you were back where you are now -- working as a human resource generalist and bringing home a steady paycheck. Initially, a large part of the work you do will be securing the work you want to do.

Also be sure to check out online resources for help with starting and running a business, like Business Know-How and their Human Resources area.

The best way to get started is with some business at the onset. Good luck.

Dear Sue: When I accepted a supervisory position within my company, the salary I received was less than I expected. However, it is substantially more money more than I was making before.

Is it okay to request an increase in my salary now, just after three months, or should I wait awhile?

- Wanting more money

Sue Says: It never hurts to ask, but since you just received a substantial increase, you may not get it.

Whenever you ask, be sure you provide a good reason for your request, and be prepared to talk about the contributions you have made in your new position.

Sue Morem is a professional speaker, trainer and syndicated columnist. She is author of the newly released 101 Tips for Graduates and How to Gain the Professional Edge, Second Edition. You can contact her by email at asksue@suemorem.com or visit her web site at http://www.suemorem.com. 

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