Understanding Financial Influences: Why It Matters Who Pays Someone

Who do you believe?

Imagine you are an employee at a company, and recently, your boss has mentioned a possible promotion. Let's say you decide to consult with a colleague known for being kind and a good listener. If this colleague, acting as a counselor, asks you privately, "Just between us, are you considering changing jobs?" how would you respond? I recommend that even if you are considering a job change, you should say, "I'm not thinking about changing jobs right now."

This is because the counselor might be extracting information under false pretenses and could report your conversation to higher-ups later. If they know you're planning to leave, they might not promote you, as they wouldn’t want to increase the salary of someone who might soon resign. If you inadvertently trust the counselor and reveal your true intentions, the promotion discussion might mysteriously disappear. Remember, these counselors are paid by the company, not by you, so they generally prioritize the company's interests. (However, if you're confident that you're indispensable to the company, you might discuss your thoughts about changing jobs with them. You could even use this as leverage in salary negotiations, saying, "If my salary were higher, I wouldn’t consider leaving.")

Be cautious when consulting a company-employed tax advisor too. They may also prioritize the company's interests. It's not wise to blindly trust the information or advice provided by a tax advisor hired by your employer. If necessary, consult an independent tax advisor with no ties to your company.

On the other hand, a public servant, who receives their salary from the government, may be more trustworthy. Public servants are expected to be neutral in their duties and aren't typically dismissed for not generating profit. Of course, if you hire a lawyer or an accountant, they are more likely to prioritize your interests and can be somewhat trusted.

Consider who is paying the person you're consulting and decide whether to trust their words. People who align with those who pay them aren't necessarily bad; they have their own priorities, such as their family and livelihood. Aligning with those who provide their income and disregarding others is not inherently wrong in terms of survival strategy.