I've had six jobs across 11 years — small startups, mid-size companies, large corporations. And if there's one thing I've learned, it's that salary and title get you in the door, but they're not what keep you there. I've left good-paying jobs because something else wasn't working. And I've stayed at places that weren't the highest-paying because everything else felt right.
First: your manager. This is the single biggest variable in your career trajectory. Of my six bosses, only two were women of color. The ones who've actually promoted and given me raises on schedule were ambitious women who were climbing themselves — and they brought me with them. The ones who were too passive or too threatened never invested in my growth. Before you accept an offer, figure out if your future manager actually has the drive and ability to advocate for you. And be honest about whether your ambitions and working styles are compatible.
Then there's culture. I joke that my husband is a Snoopy — pretty relaxed by nature — but he works at a company with a grind-everything culture. He's burned out. I'm the opposite: I'm intense and fast-moving, and I spent years at a company that was slow and bureaucratic. Neither of us were in the right environment for who we are. Company culture comes from the top and shapes everything from how fast you can move to how promotions actually happen. Ask about it directly in your interviews — don't just take their word for the ping-pong tables.
Finally, think about the work itself in terms of your long game. I spent years trying different corners of marketing before I understood where I was genuinely strong. Once I figured that out, I went all in on B2B and stopped chasing roles that would've made me mediocre at best. When you specialize in a niche and go deep, you build a personal brand. Recruiters start finding you. And when they do, they pay a premium. A job isn't just a paycheck — it's a data point in the story of your career. Choose wisely.
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