Help...

jcalavicci

Hi

I'm really struggling to make a career decision and it's really getting me down.

A pushy recruitment agent contacted me via LinkedIn regarding a new role, and I thought why not go for it, if they offer it me I can always turn it down. Fast forward a couple of weeks and I apparently aced the interview and they offered me the job, and I don't know whether to take it.

They will pay the same salary that I'm on now, but with the opportunity to earn up to 7k more within 12-18 months. They have also promised me more training than I'd get from my current employer, which would be great for my career. What might swing it for me is the fact its less than a 20 minute commute - and my current commute is typically 40-50 mins. I have two children under 5, one of whom has a chronic condition and requires additional care, so the more time I have at home the better. I will also have the same amount of annual leave.

However - I'm happy where I am now, I like the people, and although the work can occasionally be stressful, it can also be rewarding. I've only been here 18 months and it feels a little early to leave. A negative point is that if I stay I will be TUPEd across to another employer soon - I'll still be performing the same role, but reporting to a different manager and working in a different office slightly further away from home, but still mainly dealing with the same people. So there is some change and uncertainty coming up if I stay.

On paper it seems to make sense to move - especially because a) more time at home b) potential to earn more c) improved training opportunities. These sorts of opportunities within 6 miles of home don't come up very often. However I'm not sure I can bring myself to leave. Because of my indecision I asked for a tour of this new organisation and people were friendly, and seemed happy. But I still can't decide - I was offered the role over a week ago - I know they won't wait much longer.

This decision is paralysing me and I've started to feel very anxious. Has anyone else been in a similar boat? Any advice would be appreciated.

Many thanks

jcalavicci

NineDeuce

I wouldnt necessarily show loyalty to a particular company. In employment, you should always think what is best for number 1.

You might like the people just as much in the new company.

I would ask for proper evidence though that your earnings can increase, and from the employer too. Agencies just care about their own buck. They will drop you straight away as soon as you arent worth any money too them

Savvy_Sue

the thing I'd do in this situation would be to ask myself "suppose I turned this down, how do I feel?" and "suppose I decide to stay, how do I feel?"

whichever makes you feel worst, you do the opposite ...

jcalavicci

NineDeuce wrote: »

I would ask for proper evidence though that your earnings can increase, and from the employer too. Agencies just care about their own buck. They will drop you straight away as soon as you arent worth any money too them

Thank you yes I have been concerned about that, I'm speaking directly to the employer on Monday about this since I don't trust a word the agent says.

ReadingTim

Even if your earnings don't increase with the new job, you're halving your commute. Time is often more valuable than money.

As for staying, yeah, I'm sure you like them. But do you have much in common with them, outside work, or socialise with any of them at the weekend? I ask because I've had great mates at work - lots of post-work pints, even the odd weekend get-together, trip away etc. But am I in touch with them for that long after I or they have left that job? No. So, whilst you do all get on, what holds you together is just simply working at the same place. Take that away, and there's not always a lot else....

Leave and it'll seem sad for a while. "Keep in touch" everyone says in your leaving card. Which you do for a while, but less and less.... And when you do catch up, there's new gossip which you're not part of, new faces you don't know, etc. Things change. Meanwhile, the people in your new place aren't that bad, and you find you're getting on with them a lot more than you though, drinks after work etc....and so it starts in the new job....

jcalavicci

ReadingTim wrote: »

Even if your earnings don't increase with the new job, you're halving your commute. Time is often more valuable than money.

As for staying, yeah, I'm sure you like them. But do you have much in common with them, outside work, or socialise with any of them at the weekend? I ask because I've had great mates at work - lots of post-work pints, even the odd weekend get-together, trip away etc. But am I in touch with them for that long after I or they have left that job? No. So, whilst you do all get on, what holds you together is just simply working at the same place. Take that away, and there's not always a lot else....

Leave and it'll seem sad for a while. "Keep in touch" everyone says in your leaving card. Which you do for a while, but less and less.... And when you do catch up, there's new gossip which you're not part of, new faces you don't know, etc. Things change. Meanwhile, the people in your new place aren't that bad, and you find you're getting on with them a lot more than you though, drinks after work etc....and so it starts in the new job....

Wise words, thank you.

Fireflyaway

I would say leave. I dislike my current job but I know I will a bit unsettled to leave just because its familiar. There is always the worry of the unknown!
The new opportunity sounds better for your family life and you are not losing pay. Sounds like the new place will have more possibilities for development and increasing income too.