InformationWeek

July 28, 1998

I have almost 30 years service with a large telecommunications company. For the past 10-12 years, I have managed the company's internal voice mail network. Under my tenure, the number of systems in service has increased sixfold, and the number of customers using the service has increased fiftyfold. I am considering leaving the company, since I do not feel I and my organization receive the credit due for providing consistently good service. My salary does not equal what my company considers average pay for similar levels of responsibility in the general marketplace. Is my expertise valuable in the IT world? Can you recommend industries in which I should concentrate my job search?

There's no question that your role is valuable--not only to your company but in the IT industry. It's one of the fastest-growing sectors today. The corporate infrastructure relies on whether or not the voice and data integration challenges have been met. Your skills are not industry- specific. Every major organization has telecom needs. The real issue comes down to the fact that you've had 30 years vested in the same company and 12 years in virtually the same job, managing internal voice mail. You are a product of the old environment fostered by the break-up of the Bells. This market has moved from storage to moving; 30-year runs are something of the past. In the process, you've been penalized financially for your loyalty. Unless you're planning early retirement, making a career move isn't just an option--it's a necessity.

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