Twice a week we publish problems that will feature in a forthcoming Dear Jeremyadvice column in the Saturday Guardian so that readers can offer their own advice and suggestions. We then print the best of your comments alongside Jeremy’s own insights.
I have worked as a nurse for 27 years and I’ve done training, gained a degree, been a lecturer practitioner and qualified as an independent prescriber. I am also married and have two children, one of whom has just left home. I have worked full-time for 20 years.
My issue is that I have always been very loyal to my organisation and have acted up into positions when it has been required. I didn’t go for a promotion a few years ago because it felt it was the wrong time, the children were younger and I thought the added pressure would get in the way of work-life balance.
Recently, we were taken over by another trust and there were promotions to be had. However, no one could apply other than those who already had higher banding and were at risk of downgrading. Colleagues who did not all have the same level of experience as me were just slotted into these posts.
I could try and fight to get a higher band (which would help my pension), given the level of responsibility, but I’m not sure I have the energy. I am feeling undervalued despite all the stuff I’ve done. Also my confidence has been dented as I am left feeling that maybe I am not able to work at the higher band.
I do look for other jobs but they would mean travelling, and that would add to my time at work. I can retire on a full pension in three years, so I could just cut my losses and carry on until then.
Do you need advice on a work issue? For Jeremy’s and readers’ help, send a brief email to dear.jeremy@theguardian.com. Please note that he is unable to answer questions of a legal nature or to reply personally.
