Time to stand pat, or to put more in the career pot?

When you're already in a good place, and local employers compare notes, work with the employer you have. Now isn't the time for career risks.

Follow @ITCatalysts Dear Bob ...

I have been with the same defense contractor for over 20 years. Educated as an engineer, plus an MBA, I have become an IT expert. I have done well, seeing regular advancement, salary increases, and incentives. I am known and respected for my technical skills by my company and the customer.

Currently I have what many would consider a "dream job"; I am a senior systems engineer specifying million dollar solutions for classified programs. The last several years I have been a 1-man team; no one reports to me, I report to the director. The customer stays happy and management leaves me alone. Even our CEO knows me on a first-name basis.

The problem is I have become so valuable to my company where I am that a promotion or job change is difficult. I also have "Golden Handcuffs"; flexible schedule, ample vacation, severance, profit sharing, pension, even salary continuance. There are growth opportunities in the area, but a "Gentlemen’s Agreement" restricts companies from recruiting one another. I would have to leave my company before anyone will talk to me.

So, should I stick things out given the present economy or bid a fond farewell and move somewhere else?

- On the Fence

Dear Fence-sitter ...

My first question is, what would you be leaving for? It would appear you have excellent job security, are very well compensated, and enjoy what you're doing.

I can see only a few logical reasons for leaving:

1. You see your next challenge as moving into a leadership role, and you can't get there from where you are.

2. You'd like to try something quite different from what you've been doing, and your current employer has too much at stake keeping you where you are.

3. You want to make a lot more money, and in your current role increases will be incremental.

I'm sure there are other possibilities, although they don't occur to me at the moment. Regardless, whatever they are, your first step should be second nature to a strong negotiator such as yourself: Know what you want to get out of the deal.

Assuming you do have a tangible reason for wanting to move on, I suggest you start with either your manager or the CEO (use your judgment based on what you know about the company's style, sensitivities and politics), using a variation on a compensation negotiation tactic I've recommended in Advice Line ("How to negotiate better pay," 10/3/2008). Let whichever you choose know that right now you have an increasingly strong incentive to leave the company, which concerns you because you like working for it.