Should I stay or should I go? Cancel The title field is required!

1. Brian Naffin

   

   0 posts
   
   8/1/2011 12:08 PM

   I am a 12 year GCSAA member and worked my way up to Class A. Currently employed as superintendent of a semi-private golf course. Love my job and not my employer. Have not had a raise in the last 4 years and as we all know, the cost of living goes up. I feel unstable in this job and I have a family to support. What if you were offered a job at a top notch club as a 2nd assistant, would you take it? Benefits are outstanding and you are closer to home but, the pay is less. Potential future growth would be possible. Also, the club does host a PGA event and that would excellent experience to gain. What do you think?

   
   
   
   
2. Wahlin Scott B

   
   8/1/2011 1:08 PM

   I bet a lot of people have not had raises in the past four years. You could always volunteer to work the tour event and gain experience that way. I know times have changed, but I never wanted to go from a position of higher responsibility to a lower one.

   
   
   
   
3. Chris Wiedenmeyer

   

   0 posts
   
   8/1/2011 2:08 PM

   I am in somewhat of a similar boat. No raise is 6 years, the promise of a bonus each year with none showing up, and an increase in health care. Also the company retirement plan was cancelled. I look at it 2 ways....I could be mad at the world and crabby 24/7 or do the best I can and use it to build a resume with the shape the course is in.
   
   With the industry today having a job says a lot. If you are looking to have less stress and possibly more family time a second assistant job would be a great choice. However it may be hard to do it somebody elses way and not how you think/know it should be done.
   
   One thing I am sure of is money is not everything, but it sure does help make life easier!

   
   
   
   
4. Gary Carls

   

   19 posts
   
   8/1/2011 2:08 PM

   Without knowing all of the specifics there are times when you have to consider what might be best for your family. If you feel unstable in your current position it might be time to move on. If the assistants position gives you a good opportunity for future advancement and gives you real good benefits for now it might not be a bad thing. It's almost always better to be working where you enjoy your job and not wondering if any day might be your last. Being closer to home is also probably a good thing and the PGA tour thing would be a plus.
   
   There are a lot of things to consider but in your heart you need to do what you feel is right for you and your family. It's not the same for any two people so just weigh all the pluses and minuses of each situation and go from there.
   
   Good luck and hope all works out well.

   
   Gary K. Carls, CGCS, President - Oakland Turfgrass Education Initiative
   
   
5. Thomas Brown

   

   0 posts
   
   8/1/2011 2:08 PM

   I agree with Scott and Chris. The economy has effected most of our wallets adversely. I've personally taken an 18% pay cut over the last 2 years and have had no contribution to my IRA in three years. As a seasoned CGCS, I bring down the average in the recent GCSAA salary surveys.
   
   It's all about balancing your professional goals with the personal ones, but I guarantee there's someone out there that would love to have your current job.
   
   Tom

   
   
   
   
6. Wahlin Scott B

   
   8/1/2011 2:08 PM

   Does your boss know you feel unstable in your present position? I had a boss who felt it was his job to make everyone else uncomfortable. He was shocked after a couple department heads resigned saying they did not feel wanted in their present position." Maybe ask him, "Are you satisfied with my work?"

   
   
   
   
7. Keith Pegg

   

   0 posts
   
   8/1/2011 3:08 PM

   Brain,
   Find a way to be happy with your job, even seek professional help if needed, if you quit or lose your position it will be a long hard road back. It is easy to blame your boss, but he is the boss and you will have bosses every place you go. Set down with him and communicate you may find an "friend" or a boss you can work for. You do not need a raise every year to be happy but maybe you can get other things, a holiday or that extra vacation time in the off season.
   Drop down to an Assistant position and that will follow your resume for many years to come. Employment background checks are getting very intense and will most likely become even more so.
   If you find that you cannot work with the management team go to him (them) and you might be able to use them to help you move on in a good way.
   Make the PGA event the best it can be and make yourself seen and in the foreground as much as possible. Make your club proud to take the credit for what you have done and inside they will know it.
   Good Luck
   Keith Pegg
   Zama, Japan

   
   
   
   
8. Nowakowski Michael J

   
   8/2/2011 9:08 AM

   Thanks guys. I had been contemplating a possible change after this season as I have had no raise in 5 years or a bonus in 4, but I do really like working here. As I think about it now, it is not the worst thing if you might not be getting more money but are happy in your current position.

   
   
   
   
9. McCallum David K

   
   8/2/2011 9:08 AM

   I think in the current state of the economy, a job is better than no job. There are many out there that have lots jobs in many fields that are now no longer counted as unemployed as benefits have ceased and they have stopped looking for work. I had hoped to retire in anohter year or so but may keep working as long as they will afford my salary. Having a reason to get up each and every morning and somewhere to go is a good thing, even if things are not as good as we all would hope. Keep the faith.

   
   
   
   
10. Sean Hoolehan

    

    0 posts
    
    8/2/2011 12:08 PM

    I can only give you some general advice/points since I only have a few details about your life.
    
    1 Make a list pro and con on making the move, share it with some one who knows you well (wife, sibling, parent, best friend).
    2 You feel unstable , why? Reflect on what is making you feel unstable, is it a bad attitude more then signals from the owner.
    3 Have you had a formal evaluation of your performance with your employer. Even if they can not afford to give you a raise they should give you a performance review and this would give you a better picture of where you stand.
    4 A owner/employer who does not give some sort of merit increase for 4 years is making a statement. Perhaps it is "we can not afford you" or "Our business is shaky and you may just be lucky to have a job". Ask your direct supervisor "Should I expect to ever get a raise?" I have learned that you have to have this difficult conversation.
    
    You have to take care of yourself. If you have a opportunity to change jobs in hand, now is the time to find out just what your position is with your present employer, but don't bluff, be committed to find out and follow through. Good luck!

    
    
    
    
11. Brian Naffin

    

    0 posts
    
    8/2/2011 2:08 PM

    Thank you all for the valuable feedback! I know these times are tough for everybody in the golf industry. My employer has said to me "your lucky to still have a job." Then when my paycheck bounces, I feel the very unstable in this job. Who wouldn't feel unstable? I want something with a solid and stable future, as we all do. I'll do a pros and cons list and make the best choice. This has been an encouraging week so far because I have had the most job leads in the past few years. Ending the week with a interview!

    
    
    
    
12. Ronald Conard

    

    4 posts
    
    8/2/2011 2:08 PM

    brain said: My employer has said to me "your lucky to still have a job." Then when my paycheck bounces, I feel the very unstable in this job.

    
    
    Well, in that case....go.

    
    
    
    
13. Neves Tracy B

    
    8/2/2011 3:08 PM

    conard said:

    brain said: My employer has said to me "your lucky to still have a job." Then when my paycheck bounces, I feel the very unstable in this job.

    
    
    Well, in that case....go.

    
    
    If my check bounced I would be more than worried. But at this time I just feel thankful to have a job and hope to keep it for a while longer. Good luck!
    
    Tracy

    
    
    
    
14. Mark Van Lienden

    

    14 posts
    
    8/5/2011 5:08 AM

    If only one check bounced it could just be a bookeeping error.You might want to try to look for a new job while you still have one.