My future! Do I stay or go? HELP!?

Question

OK! Here I go... I am 22 years old and currently hold the title of General Manager within an restaurant franchisee's organization. I am looking to join the corporation, but in order to do so I will need a written letter of release from the indiviual that I work for(the owners). If they refuse, which they did I then have an option of waiting six months or remaining within the organization. This organization is not best for my future, the owners are only about money, but Im about my future. I want to grow and develope into a great business man, but working for the indiviuals that I work for this will not happen. SO is the six months worth the wait or do I remain within this company. I love working for the corporation that this franchisee is a part of but I do not like working for this company. WHAT DO I DO? HELP! Im 22 but Im already nervous about my future!

Answer 1

Move on. Tell the 'higher-ups' in this organization that the current employer will not give you the letter of release that is required. The 'higher-ups' have probably already dealt with these particular francise owners in the past with other employees, and already know about not getting the release letter.

Answer 2

So it sounds like to work for the corporate office you have to quit your current job, and (due to a noncompete clause probably) work in an unrelated company for 6 months before you can then go back and work for the corporation.  

If that is the case, one problem is after 6 months maybe the corporation won't even want you anymore.  Still, it sounds like you will never be completely fulfilled working for the franchisee so you probably do need to move on (as soon as you can find a suitable position somewhere else).  

I'd go back to corporate and ask them (delicately) how long they would be willing to wait for you to take the job there.  If they say a month (or whatever) go back to the owners and tell them you simply are not fulfilled there and will be looking for a new job and quitting soon no matter what.  So, since you are leaving eventually anyhow, would they be willing to sign the letter if you stayed on another month during which time they can replace you.  If they say yes you are set, if not just start looking for a job somewhere else and hope the corporate job will be open down the road when you can take it.

Option number 2 is to go find another job and then tell the owners that since you are now leaving would they now be willing to sign the letter (and maybe you could stay on an extra week or something if they would).