I am in a very similar position - joined my company in Nov 2001 - they didn't sponsor me for GC until Nov 2004 (PD Jul 2005, EB3 ROW). I was also young and stupid. Still am, I guess...
I f*cking hate this place. HATE IT.
I can't wait to get out of here.
I am underpaid, overworked and they know they have me by the balls.
So I'm also considering moving back to Europe if I don't get my GC soon...
I totally sympathize with your situation, as I'm sure many on this site do as well.
We area ll being held captive, with no recourse.
One way to screw them back is say f*** you, leave the place and restart the process elsewhere. Yes, you're losing your PD, maybe not even that if you have I-140 approved, but with infinite H-1b extensions, why stay at the same place with a crap payscale?
To show you I'm not just talking the talk, I did this recently. I left my old crappy job (without I-140 approval so totally lost my PD), am in a job I really like (at least for now), much better paid, and filing the LC all over again. I am already in 8th year extension, so what?
I have seen people on 11th and 12th yr extensions.
Even for people in the 485 stage without AC21 option, waiting endlessly, thinking they are so close, ii's like a mirage in the desert - now you see it now you dont.
The hell with exploiting employers.
Do what makes you happy. Otherwise you might be going back home anyway, without having enjoyed your stay here.
If this job also doesnt work out for me, I will go to yet another place.
Some people may think I'm crazy - but what are the chances that I wont be laid off and be completely helpless, having lost all my chance of getting the gc? Isn't this a better option? In the end I think PD is given too much importance by us. 2-3 years later is not so bad if you are making much better money and happier as well.
would like to know others' thoughts on this