Stick or Move ?

[Northern SoulParticipant 186]

I was offered a job with a firm (which has just merged) making them one of the biggest construction firms in Europe. It was a better salary than my current job. It is a new team so a blank sheet to work from. It’s about the same distance of travel to work as my current job. I accepted the offer but haven’t yet signed contracts.

When I submitted my resignation letter my employer offered to match the salary with the promise of more specialist work/projects. One of the reasons for applying for a new job was the better pay and the fact that for the last 6 months I haven’t been busy. My employer tried to reassure me and said it was just a short term slowdown whilst they recruited a new executive director who is now in post – his job is to find away around the current funding constraints to get construction moving again. I was told if the slowdown was permanent they would have sacked us all long ago and certainly wouldn’t be offering a higher salary.

Do I stick with the current firm ? The salary match is a statement of intent but with maternity leave looming for other members of staff they are desperate to retain staff. It’s the easiest option – they have an office close to where I live so I can work from that a couple of days a week which is really useful when I pick up my boy for his weekend visits.

Or do I go for the new firm ? The role is the same as my current job and workload may not be so varied but I am thinking it perhaps could open more doors/opportunities but it’s hard to say. Will it look better on the CV to move? The new firm agreed to flexible working but I would need home working a couple of days a week which I am getting clarification on but not expecting it to be an issue. There is the fear of the unknown and all the risks that go with taking on a new job.

I have to make a decision for tomorrow – so your thoughts would be a real help.

[J.R. “Bob” DobbsParticipant 521]

Some factors to consider:

1) How long have you been at your current job/company? If it’s been less than 2 years I would say stay where you are. You don’t want to be seen as a job-hopper.

2) The devil you know is better than the devil you don’t. Be sure you aren’t going from the frying pan into the fire. I was offered a tech support job at a company which offered me a $6/hour increase and better benefits, and was willing to take me just off of a phone interview. Then I found out it was supporting 500 PEOPLE singlehandedly. I said pass. Just make sure you know what you’re walking into.

3) Trust your instincts. What does your gut tell you? What kind of vibes do you get from your prospective supervisor at the new place? What was the atmosphere like there? Did you sense it would be a good place to work or did you sense a check in your gut? I’ve taken jobs/transfers where it made logical sense but my guts were screaming “DON’T DO IT!!!!” My gut was right every time.

That’s all I have to offer. Hopefully that will help.

–C.N.M.

Quote from a former boss: "Don't get married...the fucking you get ain't worth the fucking you get."

[DarkRyuParticipant 2354]

My advice isn’t worth much as I’ve never worked for anyone else (I’ve always run my own business), but one factor to consider is you really don’t know how your new job is working out. You have no idea what pitfalls might await you, or even if they’re planning on keeping you on for a while. They could let you go in 6 months and where would you be then? This is one of the main reasons why I’ve always worked for myself…stability.

If the main reason why you wanted to leave your current job is for better pay and that’s no longer a consideration, then why move into the unknown unless you’re unhappy with your current job? If you really want to live on the edge and take a risk, tell your current boss that you’ll only stay if they give you a 10% salary bonus over what they’ve already promised to match. If they refuse, then jump ship. You don’t get ahead in life by playing it safe. And you can see how much your current company really wants to keep you by pushing your luck. Who knows? You might end up getting even more than you hoped for.

[Anonymous 43]

switch jobs.

current job underpaying you. new job, new contacts more cash, take it. do not look back.

[AwakenedParticipant 35201]

Sometimes the devil You Know is better then the Devil You DON’T Know !!

Life’s a Crap Shoot, and You won’t Know if You made YOUR BEST DECISION til someday down the road.

A new business can fold like a deck of cards or greatly expand your duties without financial compensation if monies get tight.

If your current company is Established, and you “think” they’ll be around for a while, and if you’re content in general, why would you want to f~~~ up a “good thing” ???

It comes down to what do you think is in YOUR BEST INTEREST for the short term as well as the long term ??

Personally, If I thought my present employer was going to be around for the long run AND I was Content in general then I would ride it out with them because going to a new company can bring on all types of unexpected challenges/obstacles that can’t be identified from your current vantage point.

In a World of Justin Beibers Be a Johnny Cash

[Northern SoulParticipant 186]

Thank you all for your advice. Really appreciated.

Awakened: I have only just read your post but came to a similar conclusion. I was content (just wanted more money which they have now offered) and my current employer has been around since the 1960’s – they treat me well considering how cut throat the industry is. They have doubled my salary in the last 3 years and clearly value me so I decided to stick.

I went with my instinct – it has always served me well. Normally I take risks but I just wanted to hold back on this occasion. There was more opportunity for personal development in my current role as well so pleased I decided to stick.

It was a difficult decision – all bloody weekend I was getting anxiety but this morning I had a moment of clarity when talking it through with someone.

Thanks all again for the your comments – it helped.

[GeraldParticipant 3620]

You were looking for a reason. All sorts of studies show accepting a counteroffer rarely works out. Be cautious.

No longer can we walk away, we must run. Remove the motive power.

[Author]

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