I really thought I should warn people about what my experience has been like at 7-Eleven....I took a job for which I had the most experience of the applicants but when I accepted the HR department decided to downgrade the pay grade because I didn't have 100% desired qualifications in the job posting. I have learned that this is a common practice because it puts you in a lower bonus bracket (note: the company has always paid a bonus and it has always been considered part of the pay by employees). They have lowered the bonus a few times over the last several years at each pay grade. My bonus payout was lower 33% last year. So, after proving myself last year and after being with the company nearly 3 years I get a promotion.....a 3% pay increase and increase of my bonus payout to the same level I had when I started. Keep in mind that similar position in other companies are paying $40-50k more. You might ask why am I still there....well I probably won't be much longer if the upcoming restructure doesn't include a regrading of jobs.
Really, I wanted to let people know (particularly M.B.A. graduates) that they should negotiate hard on their way into 7-Eleven because history proves they wont give you much after that. Also be advised that the professional development opportunities are poor and there are few opportunities for advancement ....people work here until they die or are fired- literally. So don't expected to move up anytime soon. This is why many of the younger managers in the company are looking to leave.
