We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum. This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
We're aware that dates on the Forum are not currently showing correctly. Please bear with us while we get this fixed, and see Site feedback for updates.

Difficult decision between two jobs....help!

I am in an incredibly fortunate position of having two job opportunities - the trouble is they are quite different and I'm
struggling to focus on the correct pro's and con's of each. I know it's my personal decision but if anyone could shed any light or offer any advice I would greatly appreciate it.

To set the scene I have a full time job which I'm keen on moving from as I'm just not challenged and both new jobs offer bigger salaries. The first job is for a large well-known company and I would be a client manager travelling around my end of the country - something I've never done before (I've only been office based). I get car allowance and get to work from home when I'm not travelling around. The second job is for a small local company who have recently won a new 3 year contract and they want me to head it up - a major promotion to my previous role there and potential to learn lots of new skills.

My issues are:

Job 1:
Unknown company - how will I fit in
Unknown feeling of job with lots of travel
Small fish - big pond
Any future opportunities/career progression may only be head office based (I'm not willing to relocate)

Job 2:
Job only guaranteed for 3 years (contract based)
The official offer isn't ready yet - it has been verbally offered but process may take a few weeks.

I have to make a decision in the next 24hours as the large company need a signed contract asap.

I sometimes sway towards the large company as it has an obvious draw and sounds fun and exciting, but can't help think 'better the devil you know' and all the new challenges of the other one. Salaries are practically identical so no help there!!

Thanks for any help

Comments

  • DCFC79
    DCFC79 Posts: 40,614 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Why do you say first 1 is unknown ?
  • Because I've worked for the other company before - I know the people and the feel of the place. :-)
  • pawsies
    pawsies Posts: 1,957 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker I've been Money Tipped!
    You say similar salaries but the first one gives you a car allowance. That must be a lot more money.

    It does sound more flexible too as you can work from home.

    The second one sounds intriguing though. Let us know what you choose :)
  • Personally I would go for the one without the travel - this can add a lot of hours to a job . You say promortion would be to a head ffice you don't want to relocate to, so no real prospects

    If you like the other company they obviously like you . Don't be swayed by the 3 year contract - no job is secure these days

    Only other thing I would sak about is pension / benefits package.
  • Next up, do start dates have any sway? would that be a factor?

    In the latest dilemma of a permanent job (new arm in a long running company) against a fixed term contract into the unknown (with no actual interview so kinda know where you are coming from OP but weirdly made it easier when it comes to a chose!) I just go with gut instincts and tend to weigh up how viable I think something will be a few months down the line, been caught that way to often now so it definitely pays to look into company background and finances etc if your able oh yeah, the feeling is well humiliating seeing the very last place you've worked at pop up on one of these rip off telly shows unbeknown to you :o......

    For me pers I took the job I perceive with much less hassle at the start - the collective group of new employee's who each knows no more then the next is it for me right now I've ensured I have to enjour no more of those dreaded 'buddies' ha that's a result little things like this all add up - (least I've got some time to think about what could be the next psychological nightmare)!!! :rotfl:just joking! after all I did get that 'feeling' which I haven't with every interview

    Worked there before - oh what a dream? onto a winner already IMHO :) All that having to get to know Shirley out of the window lovely jubley!

    Sorry if this post is a bit jambled!
  • Thanks you're made some really interesting points. I think you've made me see differently about the 3 year contract - if only we could all be that confident of our current positions in today's climate!!

    The car allowance in the first job would add £6k - but if I'm travelling lots I'm going to need most of it to run something decent (plus I would be 40% taxed on it!!! ggrrr).

    My gut isn't really helping me at all....I feel a sense of excitement in the big company job....but I think that's from telling other people and not from the prospect of actually doing the job! Haha.

    I'm thinking safety first. I'll stick with what I know (the second smaller company), learn some new valuable management skills and hope everything works out in the next few weeks and I can get a formal offer letter!!
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 348.4K Banking & Borrowing
  • 252.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 452.4K Spending & Discounts
  • 241K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 617.4K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 175.7K Life & Family
  • 254.2K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.