How I Doubled My Salary and Then Lost It All
As we continue our “Sometimes You Win and Sometimes You Learn” series, today we explore the realm where most of us spend at least half our waking hours, our careers. The professional path offers perhaps the richest soil for both victories and valuable lessons. Allow me to share mine with you.
Big Win
My early career at KPMG Nigeria resembled a rocket launch rather than a gradual climb. I experienced what many would consider a dream trajectory, earning promotions every single year. The momentum carried me across continents to KPMG Qatar, where I ascended to manager within just six years.
Those years felt like riding an endless wave of success, each achievement building upon the last. But even that remarkable journey paled in comparison to what came next. Feeling ready for a new challenge beyond consulting, I transitioned into industry as an HR Manager for a Qatar-based company, with a salary that more than doubled my previous earnings! It was one of those moments where years of hard work felt validated in the best possible way.
Big Loss (Lesson)
The new role began promisingly. I continued delivering the excellent outputs that had fueled my meteoric rise thus far. My technical expertise and work ethic remained impeccable, but therein lay the hidden trap.
What I failed to recognize was that different altitudes require different navigation systems. The skills that propelled me to management would not sustain me at management. While I focused exclusively on deliverables, I neglected the equally crucial dimensions of leadership alignment and organizational politics.
At these higher levels, technical excellence must be paired with relationship currency. Building alliances, understanding stakeholders, and navigating complex interpersonal dynamics become as important as the work itself. I missed this critical shift in requirements.
After three years, the company laid me off, a jarring halt to what had been an unbroken series of successes.
Initially devastating, this setback offered profound insight. Now, a decade later, I recognize this “loss” as perhaps my most valuable career lesson. In every role since, I have deliberately cultivated meaningful connections with key leaders across organizations. These relationships have proven as valuable to my success as any technical achievement.
Action Points:
- Conduct a Skills Audit Beyond Technical Expertise: This weekend, evaluate not just what you do well professionally, but how effectively you navigate relationships within your organization. Identify three specific relationship skills you could strengthen in the coming month, such as active listening, strategic visibility with senior leaders, or cross-departmental collaboration.
- Create Your Leadership Connection Plan: Identify five key individuals within your organization whose support could prove vital to your long-term success. For each person, develop a thoughtful approach to strengthen your professional relationship in authentic ways, perhaps through seeking mentorship, offering assistance on projects that matter to them, or simply scheduling regular check-ins to align priorities.
Remember, your career represents not just a source of income but a canvas for your personal development and impact. Each promotion, setback, or lateral move offers wisdom if we remain attentive students.
Feeling Stuck in Your Career? Let’s Change That!
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This program is designed to give you the clarity, confidence, and strategy you need to unlock new opportunities and accelerate your career growth.
Here’s what you’ll gain:
A clear roadmap for your next career step
The ability to communicate your value with confidence
Stronger professional relationships that open doors
Winning job search & negotiation strategies that set you apart
Many past participants have gone on to land dream roles, secure higher salaries, and fast-track their growth, now, it’s your turn!
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Know someone who could benefit? Forward this their way and let’s help more professionals take control of their careers!
