I'm at work yesterday. My company unveiled its new Market-based compensation. So, it's me and my boss reviewing where I fall in this new pay structure. After describing all the scales and coding he finally gets to "where I fall". Needless to say, I was SCREWED!

My pay-band structure for my job title has dropped significantly and I am 42% higher than the max range. He then tells me it would be like 20-years before I get a raise. I'm sick, mad, and trying to get clarity on this whole thing.

So, I begin by saying...wait. I'm not classified correctly. He asks me to provide market research on the job I perform and the pay-scales so that he can take it back to HR. But, it could take a year before they make a change in my job description.

Anyway, feeling frustrated I walk out and discuss with my co-worker who also agrees I am not labeled correctly. Finally, I go home instead of the gym (mind you I had taken an hour class at lunch time) like I was going to do. I discuss with my family for the next 2.5 hours, but the whole time I'm telling my husband...I'm hungry. I was. I hadn't eaten since 2:30 and it's almost 7:15. We finally decide to get something to eat. That's where I REALLY did this.

We're at Hardees’s and I order a Steakburger without bread and a steak quesadilla (knowing I'll remove the shell). The dinner comes. I dive into the burger and only eat a 1/3 of it. I also scrape out the wedge of 1/3 of the quesadilla. I brought home all the leftovers. But why did I order this much?

On the way home I realize...I just ordered like I would post-surgery when I was upset or angry. WHAT THE HECK. I really did this. I never before realized I actually ate when I was upset. I am so GRATEFUL my sleeve kept me on track from all this emotional eating, and gave me the ability to see what I had done.

Wow what an incredible ah-ha moment!

Cheles, I'm an HR consultant and I go to companies and help them implement market-based salary bands. LOL Do not despair. If you are that far off, you don't have the right job level. Once you start thinking about it, I'm sure you'll find plenty of duties you're doing that put you several levels above where you are.

As for the emotional eating, I've been having similar aha moments. Sometimes I instinctively find myself reaching for one of my go-to foods -- like milkshakes. I've picked one up one time, starting sipping and within 5 minutes I felt sick. I haven't craved a milkshake again! It also happened with a cupcake -- ate the whole thing and felt uncomfortable for an hour. Haven't had one of those either. It's great because I'm changing, but I need new techniques to deal with my stress! I'm determined to find healthy outlets.

Best of luck to you.

Cheles, I'm an HR consultant and I go to companies and help them implement market-based salary bands. LOL Do not despair. If you are that far off, you don't have the right job level. Once you start thinking about it, I'm sure you'll find plenty of duties you're doing that put you several levels above where you are.

As for the emotional eating, I've been having similar aha moments. Sometimes I instinctively find myself reaching for one of my go-to foods -- like milkshakes. I've picked one up one time, starting sipping and within 5 minutes I felt sick. I haven't craved a milkshake again! It also happened with a cupcake -- ate the whole thing and felt uncomfortable for an hour. Haven't had one of those either. It's great because I'm changing, but I need new techniques to deal with my stress! I'm determined to find healthy outlets.

Best of luck to you.

Thanks for the feedback, BKdoll! The day after they gave me the news I pulled market research for my job description and requested my current job description along with our network design team job descriptions that Friday. It's already been forwarded to HR.

I tried a milkshake once...got about 4-sips into it and gave it to my hubby. Also,. I've been picking at 1-slice of cake for over a week. I needed a bite of something sweet and it did the job. I don't think I could even try to eat a whole slice...that would just kill me.

You move fast. Good for you!!

That is really great that you were able to take a step back and realize what you were doing. Thank goodness for our sleeves!!!! Good luck at your job!!! (HUGS)