Feel stuck between a rock and a hard place

Sarahspangles

I suspect that even if you took a sideways move, for the same money with an employer you’re more happy with, your prospects of promotion would improve.  It’s fine to apply/interview on the basis you’re looking for a role where you feel you have better prospects of progression.  Then they know that’s your aspiration, and you’ll come across as keen.

redundantmortgage

I don't really need the extra 10% but it would be useful. 

I don't know for sure if a different type of company would make me enjoy my career more. I need to at least give it a try but don't want to find myself just as unhappy and with less money.

I was contacted by a company I would have wanted to work for a few months ago and they asked my salary, when I told them they said my salary was out of their range. 

Savvy_Sue

One thing to look at is location. If your current job involves a commute, there are time and money costs associated with that, so looking nearer home might be worthwhile, or even just an easier / cheaper commute. 

jackieblack

Savvy_Sue said:

One thing to look at is location. If your current job involves a commute, there are time and money costs associated with that, so looking nearer home might be worthwhile, or even just an easier / cheaper commute. 

This is very true.  I live in an area where many people commute into London for work, they earn more than people who work locally but spend a small fortune on travel and spend 3-4 hours a day on the train/underground. Others work more locally, for a lower salary, but little/lower travel expenses and travel time.  Some of the London workers seem to feel it's more prestigious to have a job in London, but local workers feel they have better work/life balance, I guess it's whichever is more important to them each as individuals.

redundantmortgage

I do look at location but more to do with time because they'll all cost the same to get to. I also try no to place too much importance on it because companies move offices all the time.

robatwork

redundantmortgage said:

I do look at location but more to do with time because they'll all cost the same to get to. I also try no to place too much importance on it because companies move offices all the time.

Well that's simply not true. Companies hate moving offices as if it's too far they will lose staff. Not to mention it's very expensive in money and time.

I organised an office move (1 in 25 years) and it was horrendous. This was for 16 people.

Obviously there is more working from home now and that should factor into your considerations, but I wouldn't think about your company moving locations.

lincroft1710

redundantmortgage said:

I do look at location but more to do with time because they'll all cost the same to get to. I also try no to place too much importance on it because companies move offices all the time.

Agree with @robatwork, companies don't like moving offices. There has to be a very good reason e.g. lease expired and too expensive to renew, current premises too large or too small

redundantmortgage

Every company I've worked for in the last 15 years has had office moves in the last 15 years. I can think of several other companies I've had dealings with that have also moved offices.

robatwork

redundantmortgage said:

Every company I've worked for in the last 15 years has had office moves in the last 15 years. I can think of several other companies I've had dealings with that have also moved offices.

Moved to a local location suitable for existing staff (therefore not worth concern)? Or moved somewhere that meant lots of staff changes and/or staff relocations?

redundantmortgage

Moved locally but that can still make a big difference to commute time. One move was geographically closer to me but the commute was 20 minutes longer because of the transport network.