Question: Career Question... please read?

Ok, I have a full-time job and I am doing an MBA (my second masters). My employer wants to sponsor my green card but they want me to stay and work for them for 2 years after it is approved, or I owe them money (I can leave for serious illness, disability or death in my immediate family and not owe them anything - I do have my dad on disability, so I can leave any time I decide to go back to Europe). I know I am underpaid since I make less than the average for my position. They told me I will not get promoted while the green card is in process, even though I am long overdue for a promotion. Should I take their offer to sponsor it? Even though that means a complete stop in my career, i.e. no promotion after four years of working for them (for as long as the green card is not approved)? What would you do? I just don't see any space for career growth with them as people just got promoted into all the management positions in my department and are not going to leave any time soon. I want to move my career forward and I do like the US and want to stay long-term, I am just not imagining myself with this company for the long-term, due to lack of career growth potential.

Answer:

Sounds like you don't want to stay with the company. Once the green card sponsorship starts, it is best if you stay with the company or forfit your chance at the green card and risk doing the entire process over again with the next company, which can take years! Unfortunately, companies know this and can usually unpay the employee. I have a few friends in similar situations as you, they view it as their "due" to get the green card. Once you have your green card, you will have more leverage and can look for something better. In the meantime, you might have to suck it up and just go with it. Or move back to your country and see if there is a better opportunity.