Author Topic: Should I take this new job opportunity?  (Read 2208 times)

Bayou Dweller

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Should I take this new job opportunity?
« on: December 02, 2021, 10:01:10 AM »
See update on post #15: I took the job already.

Received an offer from a company yesterday and have been mulling it over. Thinking of taking it. My rationale is that my commute will decrease a lot and my pay will go up (thus decreasing my time to FI).

For reference I work in accounting in a major US city. Old Job & New Job are almost completely identical with 2 exceptions: 1. New job is at a small, private company so the team dynamic will be different than a very large corporation (like Old Job), 2. New Job would be a promotion so more responsibility/expectations.

I wanted to list some pros/cons and get your thoughts from a Mustachian perspective. I think I know the answer but want to make sure, naturally.

Current Company

Pros
  • Extremely flexible work environment: 2 days WFH, cool management/bosses who are understanding of family situations and stuff
  • Pretty easy work for the most part, room to move up eventually if I stuck around for another 1-3yrs (to the same level I'd be at at New Job
  • Will probably get a decent raise and bonus in Mar

Cons
  • Office recently moved from 6 mi from home to 13 mi (!!!!). I was biking previously and now I really can't. Huge bummer.
  • Open office concept (used to have offices), really sucks!
  • Limited scope of work at my level, low exposure to mgmt, slow growth in role, lower pay than New Job

Potential New Job

Pros
  • Title bump, which comes with ~$11k higher base. Overall comp higher too.
  • Literally 1.1mi from my house, back to biking (10 min bike ride???!!!)
  • Good for career dev to wear more hats, leadership exp (they say they don't work OT too btw)

Cons
  • Change is scary!! lol is this a con?
  • Could be leaving a good opportunity at current job with people I've worked with for 4-7yrs
  • Will not be a chill job from what I can tell (not sure if this is a con or I am just lazy?)
  • Not as flexible, in office 5x a week, can WFH but only as-need be and seems to be frowned upon.

Thanks for your input/time.
« Last Edit: March 07, 2022, 03:35:16 PM by Bayou Dweller »

SweatingInAR

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Re: Should I take this new job opportunity?
« Reply #1 on: December 02, 2021, 10:34:35 AM »
Take the leap, but don't burn the bridge! You can always come back in a few years for an even higher raise.

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Re: Should I take this new job opportunity?
« Reply #2 on: December 02, 2021, 10:57:11 AM »
3 of your cons are not actually cons. Change is good, not scary, especially when you know what you are getting into. 4-7 years is nothing. I've worked at a company for 13 years and felt bad for leaving. Take a week off between jobs and you'll be fine. Chill factor is how you set expectations. It is easy to be in your comfort zone for a long time and not realize it. If that's what you want, then fine. But I don't think that's what you want because you looked for a new job.

Bayou Dweller

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Re: Should I take this new job opportunity?
« Reply #3 on: December 02, 2021, 11:58:33 AM »
3 of your cons are not actually cons. Change is good, not scary, especially when you know what you are getting into. 4-7 years is nothing. I've worked at a company for 13 years and felt bad for leaving. Take a week off between jobs and you'll be fine. Chill factor is how you set expectations. It is easy to be in your comfort zone for a long time and not realize it. If that's what you want, then fine. But I don't think that's what you want because you looked for a new job.

Fair enough! I think I am in a comfort zone for sure. I was approached with the job and wasn't looking, but I see your point for sure - thank you for the advice.

Take the leap, but don't burn the bridge! You can always come back in a few years for an even higher raise.

Thanks! Appreciate the reply.

darknight

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Re: Should I take this new job opportunity?
« Reply #4 on: December 02, 2021, 12:04:06 PM »
Amen, don't burn the bridge but go for it if it's as "equal" as stated. Your commute time alone will be a win plus switching employers is a proven method to jump a level (or 3) overnight.

I have a sibling who worked for a labor industry business office doing HR/Office admin/Project planning.. It was maxed out at 40k/year (about 4 yrs ago). He then took a job at a mostly online based programming company doing the same admin/staff stuff with a slight pay raise. A year in they paid for him to get an MBA, then promoted to project management, with a bump in pay. A year ago he was offered a job with a (not quite, but close to double) pay raise and could work from home.. Then just recently again was snagged by another outfit with another juicy raise.

4 years ago I would never guessed he would be where he's at making the salary he does.. It's SIMILAR work to what he did 4 years ago, just making an additional 6 figures. New opportunities are scary, but can lead to some amazing changes.

Nick_Miller

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Re: Should I take this new job opportunity?
« Reply #5 on: December 02, 2021, 12:11:29 PM »
Do you have kiddos?

Everyone's different, but to me, a flexible work environment (WFH, no hassle for taking PTO, etc.) goes a LONG, LONG way. Hell, many parents of school-aged kids view work flexibility as the single biggest pro, and are willing to make sacrifices as far as salary/job excitement go. At least that's true with me and my wife.

Your OP seems to imply that maybe you have kids when you mention "understanding of family situations and stuff." Also, are you married? What does your spouse think?

If you are single and childfree, then I guess this is all irrelevant, but I thought I'd ask.


Frankies Girl

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Re: Should I take this new job opportunity?
« Reply #6 on: December 02, 2021, 12:19:07 PM »
The two cons that jumps out at me as a red flag that should be seriously considered: WFH is discouraged, and less "chill" environment.

That's huge really, considering the last couple of years, most companies have had to go to this format and realized that it is more efficient and opens up the possibilities to dramatically change the office/workplace format and still get quality work. If the new place is the butts in seats is a priority place, then they likely will be very stuck in other areas (overly old fashioned/rigid) that are more of a detriment than your current position.

I'd take a hard look at the idea of flexibility and see about what you can change with the current place that will give you more engagement, discuss that you've had some offers (pay bump esp) without specifically telling your boss you have an offer on the table and see whether you can negotiate something that works better for you. Couldn't hurt to explore if you're already leaning towards leaving to ask them what they can change to make you happier so you don't feel like leaving anyway.

BikeFanatic

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Re: Should I take this new job opportunity?
« Reply #7 on: December 02, 2021, 12:33:35 PM »
One mile commute is amazing! Of course the job you know will be less challenging than the job you don't know.
I would go for it, but I found WFH to be very difficult. So many distractions and I would end up working late every day. I lost alot of fitness from not getting out of the house to bike to work and just to walk around work in general. Moving up is good, raise is great and commute is amazing. You may find yourself more appreciated at new job and perhaps more room for advancement either there or at the next job.  disclaimer I do nto have kids so not sure if you do or if that plays a large role in the decisions, but good luck to you, and congrats.

sailinlight

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Re: Should I take this new job opportunity?
« Reply #8 on: December 02, 2021, 12:40:51 PM »
As far as working from home, YMMV, but I've found that asking for forgiveness is much easier than asking for permission. After proving yourself for a while at the new company, calling or texting your boss every once in a while with a "sorry, gotta work from home this morning, meeting the plumber" while still getting work done goes a long way to creating an environment where management is used to people working from home and can make the transition to full days at home occasionally without notifying anyone a lot easier.

Bayou Dweller

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Re: Should I take this new job opportunity?
« Reply #9 on: December 02, 2021, 01:11:49 PM »
Wow! Thanks for all the thoughtful replies, everyone.

Do you have kiddos?

Everyone's different, but to me, a flexible work environment (WFH, no hassle for taking PTO, etc.) goes a LONG, LONG way. Hell, many parents of school-aged kids view work flexibility as the single biggest pro, and are willing to make sacrifices as far as salary/job excitement go. At least that's true with me and my wife.

Your OP seems to imply that maybe you have kids when you mention "understanding of family situations and stuff." Also, are you married? What does your spouse think?

If you are single and childfree, then I guess this is all irrelevant, but I thought I'd ask.

I have 1 son from a past relationship. For flexibility I would need to get him from school Fridays and take time off in the summer/holidays with him. I think both are doable at the new place. We'd only have half-day Fridays and I would have plenty of vacation time. Might be a good time to try and use some WFH-push like another poster said.

Will be married in April 2022. She is supportive either way but agrees with the basic premise of working as close to home as possible and salarymaxxing to get to FI quicker. But yep, her main concern was the flexibility. She also owns her own business and WFH 5x a week.


The two cons that jumps out at me as a red flag that should be seriously considered: WFH is discouraged, and less "chill" environment.

That's huge really, considering the last couple of years, most companies have had to go to this format and realized that it is more efficient and opens up the possibilities to dramatically change the office/workplace format and still get quality work. If the new place is the butts in seats is a priority place, then they likely will be very stuck in other areas (overly old fashioned/rigid) that are more of a detriment than your current position.

I'd take a hard look at the idea of flexibility and see about what you can change with the current place that will give you more engagement, discuss that you've had some offers (pay bump esp) without specifically telling your boss you have an offer on the table and see whether you can negotiate something that works better for you. Couldn't hurt to explore if you're already leaning towards leaving to ask them what they can change to make you happier so you don't feel like leaving anyway.

I agree with your general assessment and those have been the two things I'm most concerned about.

A few things: 1. they did WFH for over 1 year during the pandemic, however they literally said they are a "butt's in seats" company for now but are exploring options for a 1-2x a week flex environment (could just be saying that), 2. They are less chill because they are an older group and they work the full 40hrs a week, whereas now I got lucky and work under a chill boss who really just cares about results - they may too but this is the vibe I got. They work their hours and go home, not a ton of downtime at work.

I did just have my performance/year-end review and it went really well, however they're not moving me up, so I mean besides the raise and bonus I'm not sure what else I could really ask for and get away with here now.

I appreciate your input!


One mile commute is amazing! Of course the job you know will be less challenging than the job you don't know.
I would go for it, but I found WFH to be very difficult. So many distractions and I would end up working late every day. I lost alot of fitness from not getting out of the house to bike to work and just to walk around work in general. Moving up is good, raise is great and commute is amazing. You may find yourself more appreciated at new job and perhaps more room for advancement either there or at the next job.  disclaimer I do nto have kids so not sure if you do or if that plays a large role in the decisions, but good luck to you, and congrats.

Thanks for that! I appreciate the insights.


As far as working from home, YMMV, but I've found that asking for forgiveness is much easier than asking for permission. After proving yourself for a while at the new company, calling or texting your boss every once in a while with a "sorry, gotta work from home this morning, meeting the plumber" while still getting work done goes a long way to creating an environment where management is used to people working from home and can make the transition to full days at home occasionally without notifying anyone a lot easier.

That's a good point, thanks for that.

Amen, don't burn the bridge but go for it if it's as "equal" as stated. Your commute time alone will be a win plus switching employers is a proven method to jump a level (or 3) overnight.

I have a sibling who worked for a labor industry business office doing HR/Office admin/Project planning.. It was maxed out at 40k/year (about 4 yrs ago). He then took a job at a mostly online based programming company doing the same admin/staff stuff with a slight pay raise. A year in they paid for him to get an MBA, then promoted to project management, with a bump in pay. A year ago he was offered a job with a (not quite, but close to double) pay raise and could work from home.. Then just recently again was snagged by another outfit with another juicy raise.

4 years ago I would never guessed he would be where he's at making the salary he does.. It's SIMILAR work to what he did 4 years ago, just making an additional 6 figures. New opportunities are scary, but can lead to some amazing changes.

Thanks for sharing that story about your sibling. Pretty cool to hear about that. When I jumped jobs 3 years ago it was scary but it has paid off as well, so far. I personally rank commuting as #1-2 on my quality of life requirements and this new commute is not great.

Frankies Girl

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Re: Should I take this new job opportunity?
« Reply #10 on: December 02, 2021, 01:31:17 PM »

The two cons that jumps out at me as a red flag that should be seriously considered: WFH is discouraged, and less "chill" environment.

That's huge really, considering the last couple of years, most companies have had to go to this format and realized that it is more efficient and opens up the possibilities to dramatically change the office/workplace format and still get quality work. If the new place is the butts in seats is a priority place, then they likely will be very stuck in other areas (overly old fashioned/rigid) that are more of a detriment than your current position.

I'd take a hard look at the idea of flexibility and see about what you can change with the current place that will give you more engagement, discuss that you've had some offers (pay bump esp) without specifically telling your boss you have an offer on the table and see whether you can negotiate something that works better for you. Couldn't hurt to explore if you're already leaning towards leaving to ask them what they can change to make you happier so you don't feel like leaving anyway.

I agree with your general assessment and those have been the two things I'm most concerned about.

A few things: 1. they did WFH for over 1 year during the pandemic, however they literally said they are a "butt's in seats" company for now but are exploring options for a 1-2x a week flex environment (could just be saying that), 2. They are less chill because they are an older group and they work the full 40hrs a week, whereas now I got lucky and work under a chill boss who really just cares about results - they may too but this is the vibe I got. They work their hours and go home, not a ton of downtime at work.

I did just have my performance/year-end review and it went really well, however they're not moving me up, so I mean besides the raise and bonus I'm not sure what else I could really ask for and get away with here now.

I appreciate your input!


Further thoughts: You are a valued, well trained and broken-in employee, that has had an offer to LEAVE THEM FOR HIGHER PAY/BONUS AND MANAGEMENT TRACK. That totally changes the ol' end of year here's what we think you're worth package. You say you're not really sure what you could ask for, but that's based on the idea that you just had a recent review and that's all she wrote. BUT there is new information in the offing: you've been told you are wanted/more valued at a new position. So that is a reason to go to the boss, and mention to them something basically like: "hey I know we just did our year end reviews, but I've had someone reach out to me with a possible job opportunity that was really intriguing. It offered a (ballpark sum) bump from what I'm currently making here, along with (whatever else benefits/opportunities). I really do love working here, so I wanted to revisit with you to see if we could discuss my compensation and opportunities for job growth over the next year."

They want to keep you most likely, so you need to give them the opportunity to see if they sweeten the pot. Don't tell them it's an active job search. You had someone head hunt you and make the offer.

And obviously weigh what you know about your company's culture/boss and how they'd feel about countering an offer to retain an employee. If you've ever heard rumors about them never countering or the boss takes things like employees showing less than perfect fealty, then this likely isn't a move you should make unless you're all in on the leaving soon (since some asshat companies/bosses view those that take counteroffers as disloyal and let them go shortly after).


Bayou Dweller

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Re: Should I take this new job opportunity?
« Reply #11 on: December 02, 2021, 02:52:54 PM »

The two cons that jumps out at me as a red flag that should be seriously considered: WFH is discouraged, and less "chill" environment.

That's huge really, considering the last couple of years, most companies have had to go to this format and realized that it is more efficient and opens up the possibilities to dramatically change the office/workplace format and still get quality work. If the new place is the butts in seats is a priority place, then they likely will be very stuck in other areas (overly old fashioned/rigid) that are more of a detriment than your current position.

I'd take a hard look at the idea of flexibility and see about what you can change with the current place that will give you more engagement, discuss that you've had some offers (pay bump esp) without specifically telling your boss you have an offer on the table and see whether you can negotiate something that works better for you. Couldn't hurt to explore if you're already leaning towards leaving to ask them what they can change to make you happier so you don't feel like leaving anyway.

I agree with your general assessment and those have been the two things I'm most concerned about.

A few things: 1. they did WFH for over 1 year during the pandemic, however they literally said they are a "butt's in seats" company for now but are exploring options for a 1-2x a week flex environment (could just be saying that), 2. They are less chill because they are an older group and they work the full 40hrs a week, whereas now I got lucky and work under a chill boss who really just cares about results - they may too but this is the vibe I got. They work their hours and go home, not a ton of downtime at work.

I did just have my performance/year-end review and it went really well, however they're not moving me up, so I mean besides the raise and bonus I'm not sure what else I could really ask for and get away with here now.

I appreciate your input!


Further thoughts: You are a valued, well trained and broken-in employee, that has had an offer to LEAVE THEM FOR HIGHER PAY/BONUS AND MANAGEMENT TRACK. That totally changes the ol' end of year here's what we think you're worth package. You say you're not really sure what you could ask for, but that's based on the idea that you just had a recent review and that's all she wrote. BUT there is new information in the offing: you've been told you are wanted/more valued at a new position. So that is a reason to go to the boss, and mention to them something basically like: "hey I know we just did our year end reviews, but I've had someone reach out to me with a possible job opportunity that was really intriguing. It offered a (ballpark sum) bump from what I'm currently making here, along with (whatever else benefits/opportunities). I really do love working here, so I wanted to revisit with you to see if we could discuss my compensation and opportunities for job growth over the next year."

They want to keep you most likely, so you need to give them the opportunity to see if they sweeten the pot. Don't tell them it's an active job search. You had someone head hunt you and make the offer.

And obviously weigh what you know about your company's culture/boss and how they'd feel about countering an offer to retain an employee. If you've ever heard rumors about them never countering or the boss takes things like employees showing less than perfect fealty, then this likely isn't a move you should make unless you're all in on the leaving soon (since some asshat companies/bosses view those that take counteroffers as disloyal and let them go shortly after).

You're right about all that! I will definitely consider this and I appreciate the insight. I think that is the correct way of looking at it and I'm glad you brought up that perspective.

Smokystache

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Re: Should I take this new job opportunity?
« Reply #12 on: December 03, 2021, 11:09:32 AM »
I agree with @Nick_Miller and think the flexibility and WFH are very important perks of your current job (and I'm usually someone who leans toward new opportunities and change). I also like the idea of seeing how your current employer may respond to this information if it is brought up in a "let's talk, I'd like to stay" sort-of-way.

The other big piece of the puzzle I'm missing is what percent increase is the $11k base salary bump? If you're currently making $60k, that's a good bump. If you're currently making $150k, then it may not outweigh the new place not being "a chill job" and other uncertainties.

One more factor is the commute time instead of distance. Around here, 13 miles is about 15 minutes - but I suspect it isn't where you live.
Good luck!

Bayou Dweller

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Re: Should I take this new job opportunity?
« Reply #13 on: December 03, 2021, 09:50:28 PM »
I agree with @Nick_Miller and think the flexibility and WFH are very important perks of your current job (and I'm usually someone who leans toward new opportunities and change). I also like the idea of seeing how your current employer may respond to this information if it is brought up in a "let's talk, I'd like to stay" sort-of-way.

The other big piece of the puzzle I'm missing is what percent increase is the $11k base salary bump? If you're currently making $60k, that's a good bump. If you're currently making $150k, then it may not outweigh the new place not being "a chill job" and other uncertainties.

One more factor is the commute time instead of distance. Around here, 13 miles is about 15 minutes - but I suspect it isn't where you live.
Good luck!

Hey there, great questions!

The base salary bump is a 13% raise for me, which is what I'd expect for a promotion in my field. Other benefits I didn't mention are a 15% cash bonus + med/den/vis premiums paid for for me, future-wife, and son. Current job has a few other perks in the pay, but it's still much lower when comparing the total comp package to both places. Even if I were to get a promotion here, the new place wins out on money alone, just barely.

Good point about the commute! The 1 mile commute to the new place by car is 4 minutes (w/ free parking), and 8-10 min by bike. The 13 mi commute is reliably 18 minutes in the morning and 30-45(!!!)+ on the way home. When we were 6 mi away it was a 35 min bike ride both ways, or 18 min in (more lights) and 25-35 min home.

For me, commute and pay rank higher than 2 WFH days, personally. Another hidden perk is that a bunch of my good friends work in the area where the new job is at, which will be very nice to get to eat lunch with them more often. And when I did the math for my cost of commuting it was ~$1800 a year going 3x a week to the current office. Not a ton but it's more so the mental stress of driving in traffic (such a waste of time!) plus the time back I'd get each week. Did I mention it was an open office concept? It's really, really.. not ideal, to say the least. Alas, this is what happens when your company decides to hire fancypants consultants to try and make us more like the big tech firms :D

the_fixer

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Should I take this new job opportunity?
« Reply #14 on: December 04, 2021, 07:32:20 AM »
Nope not worth it I would stay unless you are just looking for the new title, work for a couple of years and then move to climb the ladder maybe.

The butts in seats is a major red flag to me of disfunction or lack of trust and that can affect so many areas other than just work from home it is more indicative of a culture or management style that can be toxic.

Less chill environment - you spend a good portion of your life at work, unless you are looking to climb the corporate ladder and make a name for yourself why would you choose to work at a less chill place for such a small bump in pay? Do you want to be stressed, under pressure and work in that type of environment for 8+ hours a day? How is that going to affect the time you spend at home each night? Are you going to go home happy and rested and ready to give your family the best hours of the day or are you going to be burnt out, grumpy and unable to enjoy the time?

If you are working towards FI and RE why not enjoy the ride between now and then?


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« Last Edit: December 04, 2021, 08:57:21 AM by the_fixer »

Bayou Dweller

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Re: Should I take this new job opportunity?
« Reply #15 on: March 07, 2022, 03:34:27 PM »
Apologies for the lack of reply - I haven't been on the boards in a minute.

I ended up taking the job and have been here 2 months now. So far, I'm very glad I made the jump. I knew it was a bit of a gamble but things have worked out so far.

Pros:
-Biking to work in 8 minutes on a safe trail along the bayou (see name) is 10/10 experience.
-Company had us 100% WFH until mid-Feb. Then announced a flexible, 3-day in-office, 2-day at-home schedule (huge, unexpected win)
-My peers are super nice and my bosses are very, very chill
-Work load is challenging but not overwhelming (goal was moderate personal growth at work with ample free time outside of work. No OT).
-Free drinks, fruit, snacks at the office (saves $ here and there)
-In a more central location. All my friends work in this area. I've enjoyed meeting them for lunch OR just going home for lunch :)

Cons:
-Gave up some stock at the last company and right now with oil going insane, it's up a LOT. I was compensated with a nice sign-on but that was pre-$100+ WTI

With the increase in our SR now with the new salary, I'm looking at 5-6 more years before FI ideally.

darknight

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Re: Should I take this new job opportunity?
« Reply #16 on: March 08, 2022, 09:13:25 AM »
Wonderful to hear!! Glad it's working out and thank you for the update

 

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