Dilemma

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 10/30/07 at 12:35pm

This is a bit premature, but it's driving me nuts. Currently, I have a pretty good job and an ok salary. The benefits are great (I just earned 3 weeks vacation) and I definitely feel I have job security, as long as I stay where I am. The problem is, it's unlikely I'll progress much higher or make much more money within my department where I spent 4 years carving out a decent niche for myself. I've taken the position above and beyond where it's ever been before, but I think I've reached the ceiling. Add to that, there is an atmosphere that the company could be taken over in a massive buyout and we've had several people leaving the department at once (for various valid reasons), which has completely changed the social and professional climate of the department, which has put a lot of stress on me during my busiest time.

That being said, my old boss just started his own company (will have a feature article in the next issue of Crain's) and has asked me to interview for an entirely different position working for him. It's not something I have particular experience doing (I had no experience whatsoever in the job I have now), but for which I do have something of a flair. It would pay a lot more money (I'm about to be priced out of my neighborhood), but I would be starting at zero again. I could have the opportunity of having complete control over a particular department, should the company grow. But there is the chance the company fails and there could be very little in the way of job security. But I would pickup an all new skill set which could expand my future options.

Now, I have only been asked to interview and I may not even be offered the job, but the situation is starting to stress me out. Keep the nice benefits, mediocre salary and job security (should the company not be sold) or new job, new company, new people, boss I work well with, better salary, fewer benefits and less security.

*sigh*

I knew this day would eventually come, but I was hoping it would be after year-end. Anyone been in a similar situation? Nuggets of wisdom?

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 10/30/07 at 12:39pm

I was in a job dilemma recently, thinking about accepting an offer with more "security" but less money and more headache. I said to a very wise friend, "But it's permanent!" and she wisely (of course) responded, "Honey, nothing's permanent."

She's right. No job is 100% secure. Do what will make you happy.

[robbiej]

Posted: 10/30/07 at 12:42pm

Abandon ship, baby. Abandon ship.

[SonofMammaMiaSam]

Posted: 10/30/07 at 12:43pm

Take the interview Matt. Ask him lots of questions about the company start up and see if he'll share a business plan so you get a sense of the total vision. Worry about the rest if and when you get an offer.

[doodlenyc]

Posted: 10/30/07 at 12:48pm

I made a big move a few years ago when my position was terminated. I was offered incentives to stay and HR found me another postition that would've been very easy...but I decided to leave (and I hate change!) Six months later the person who wouldve been my boss was fired, and I would've been in the same postition. I took a slight pay cut and moved to another company doing basically the same thing. 2 years or so later, I have great benefits, very good increases regularly, less of a ceiling and I adore my boss.

No job is permanent, and chances dont come around very often...

It's such a tough position to be in! Especially for us Libras.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 10/30/07 at 12:51pm

I forgot to say the job I'm in comes with frequent layoffs and no guarantees of rehire. That's why I was considering the other and even went in for a day of training there. But the "permanence" would have come at a price. And I was actually relieved to hear the words "nothing's permanent." It's so true and totally changed my perspective.

Posted: 10/30/07 at 12:58pm

Ok here's how you make a decision like this- actually ANY Decision like this. Set the parameters: "HEADS I'll take the new job. TAILS I stay here."

Flip the coin. When you check the coin you'll see: "HEADS. I am taking the new job" and instantly you will have a reaction. "Oh thank God! I wanted to leave so much!" Or maybe "NO! I LOVE IT HERE!"

Then you'll know. Don't abide by the coin flip, abide by your reaction to it. Inside, you know what to do but you're afraid to decide.

[Liverpool]

Posted: 10/30/07 at 1:00pm

the man with the flavorful son is wise.

[PB ENT.]

Posted: 10/30/07 at 1:00pm

Matt, sounds like you are in a "safe" place right now,(again with takovers, downsizing no one is 100% secure). But def. take the interview!!!

After reading your concerns, and they are smart ones, I have some questions:

1. How secure is this "new" venture (to the best of your knowledge)? That's a tough one.

2. What kind of working relationship do you have with your former boss? Would he/she be willing to hold a position for you in say 3 mos/1 yr. if you are that valuable to him/her? (surely he/she can respect your situation).

Some people who have great work/personal experiences are willing to make exceptions for the "right person at any given time".

I know I will have to think about these things very soon as I have one contracted/commitment that ends on 12/31(optional for renewal)and another solid, financially lucretive offer in the makings in 3 to 5 mos.


Sorry if I've added to your dilema...but it's something to think about. All I know is it's a tough time to be looking for work in a specialized capacity...or any capacity!

Good luck to one of my favorite BWW posters.

Updated On: 10/30/07 at 01:00 PM

[DayDreamer]

Posted: 10/30/07 at 1:00pm

I'm all for change, especially if it means you will grow professionally. Also, truly, how secure is your job? The company could be sold, a million things can happen.

It's scary to take a risk, but it can pay off big time. Or it can be a step to a different job, once you develop new skills.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 10/30/07 at 2:03pm

This is wondeful input! I really do appreciate it.

The idea of corporate takeover definitely reminded me that "security" is relative and never permanent, but let's just say that should our company not get bought out, I could probably stay in this position for quite some time. There are only two of us who do this job and it is a huge national company. I actually redefined the position and responsibilities as well as trained my coworker. We have stayed in the position longer than anyone in the history of the company and the idea that the entire department wants us to stay where we are for as long as possible is conveyed at every review. I'm not saying that to boast and brag (well, maybe a little...hee!), but really just to provide some perspective. It also helps that I am considered a "minority" and help to promote "diversity" within the department, which is a HUGE campaign in our company. HUGE, I tell you!

I really enjoy taking risks and have taken manor huge risks in the 6 years, but I was a little more financially stable at the time. I was just hoping the timing would be a little better.

PatiB - To answer your questions:

1. On paper, it looks pretty good, but it will be a couple of years before we can evaluate the soundness of their investments. These aren't shady guys and they have plenty of experience between them. It's just a matter of time to see if they have enough wind in their sails to carry them to the next port.

2. We have a very strong working relationship. We have both been committed and loyal colleagues and have developed a kinship of sorts. But time is of the essence. It's not a position they could hold off. It's one of immediacy, which is why there is a bit of pressure. He's not pressuring me deliberately, but rather things are under way and they need to fill the position to keep things running smoothly.

robbiej - Your succinctness turns me on. Everything I need to know in 5 words or less. Scrumptious!

[Elphaba]

Posted: 10/30/07 at 4:38pm

Matt, you may or may not remember I faced this last April.

I was with a company for 17 years, a very well-respected company, 4 weeks vacation, 10 sick days, two floating holidays, great benefits, etc.......and I had tried to laterally move within the company in my last 18 months, and twice turned down, which was especially interesting as I was salesman of the year for 2005, doing 460% of my goal, the highest ever at that company.
Both times the reasons given were bogus, but I was comfortable, and all I had to do was exist until retirement.

A competitor came along, made me an offer I could not refuse and I thought long and hard.

In the end, I realized I was not happy any longer in the old job, that change is good, and frankly keeps us on our toes and in in my (and sounds like your case)I am in a position where I can grow, and learn new things.....am making more money, and am HAPPY (professionally) for the first time in a long time.
My new company values my experience that my old company just didn't appreciate.....and they want opinions from their people.

It is the best move I have ever made.

The only thing I would have done differently during the negotiations was to ask to start my first year with three weeks vacation.........but I never thought of it.
I miss those 4 weeks,

So, ask yourself this.

Will you be happier?

truly, that is all that matters (especially since you'll be making more)

Never fear change, as it is neccessary to grow.

Updated On: 10/30/07 at 04:38 PM

[doodlenyc]

Posted: 10/30/07 at 4:40pm

I wholeheartedly agree...being as happy as possible in what you spend most of your time doing is THE most important thing of all.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 12/28/07 at 12:42pm

FYI - I got the job. Thanks to all of you for your valuable input! Happy Holidays everyone!

[Elphaba]

Posted: 12/28/07 at 3:18pm

YAY, Congrats!

I just found out I have THREE tradeshows in March I have to do.....at least two of them are in San Francisco!