Stay or go

Bembem

I have been offered another job and accepted that pays an extra £6k it’s an exciting prospect as a larger company that’s in a bit of a mess and looking for help to grow with potential to become a director. Hours and commute are longer.

I have become quite bored in my current role although I haven’t been there very long only about 12 months.

The new role may mean longer hours and is a longer commute. It would mean longer away from my children. I handed my notice in and my current boss has asked me what it would take for me to stay.

I have no idea what to do. They are lovely people and I’m not unhappy just not quite stimulated enough as I’m used to a quick changing environment.

I’m going to upset the new company and the headhunter if I withdraw but should this be a factor?

I’m worried if I stay they won’t see me as committed and some forums suggest they will get rid of me in a few months. I don’t think they would do this and they have offered to find me projects.

Help!!

Les79

Whilst you don't have the same protection as an employee with >2 years employment, I don't think they'd just sack you a few months down the line.... You being "not committed" is on the radar the moment you hand your notice in, so making a counter offer suggests they value you staying more than they do making examples of people who aren't committed. I think it would only really become an issue if you spend the few weeks/months AFTER agreeing to an offer by moping around and not doing your work properly etc.


I wouldn't worry about upsetting the headhunter or new company. If you don't have a contract of any kind, sod em!


I would, however, advise you to be a bit cautious about the claims being made by the new place.... For all you know it could be any of these:


1. Also a boring job


2. Zero chance of becoming a director (a "blag")


3. More time away from family etc


4. A stitch-up (why is the company in a mess? And is there any possibility that they'll be taking you on SIMPLY to clean up the mess and promptly dispose of you? Or maybe they have a high turnover? Or maybe they don't support their staff adequately?)


Your current employer sounds alright! In the grand scheme of things, they seem to believe in you. Don't have your head turned by a headhunter who is likely on commission and a "bums on seat" agent, scouring LinkedIn and places like that.


I'm unusually biased on this post, but it is more because I think things like this need to be scrutinised.


THAT BEING SAID, I could be totally wrong and it might be the best career move you ever make. There is always some level of risk involved with life. Personally, though, I would be saying to the current employer that I want a few k extra (or even performance bonuses of similar values) and to be involved with more interesting work. Also to gain some more experience of the work of the directors and learn best practice etc (butter them up a bit).

DoctorStrange

I think you need to decide what is most important to you, and rank them in order. Are you willing to sacrifice family time for career development? Is more money going to relieve any financial pressures? Would you be happy with more responsibility but no pay rise?

Once you've had a good think and a discussion with your family you may have a clearer understanding of your drivers, and you can use them to help frame the conversation with your current employer.

In my experience is usually better to try to "fix" a current role of you can, and to only move on when you've either come to the end of that role's lifespan or you've been made an offer you can't refuse.

jonnygee2

I have no idea what to do. They are lovely people and I’m not unhappy just not quite stimulated enough as I’m used to a quick changing environment.

You want to be a director? You are working for a smaller company now, can you convince them to give you a project or initiative that will help to grow the company? Maybe ask for a bonus to be associated with the success. Then you have a challenge, the potential for more money, and also the chance to grow whatever it is to something that you can be a director of.