Should I take the new job?

[El Gringo]

I currently work at a non-profit and make $42k. I’ve been there for 4 years, and it’s my first job out of college. There’s the possibility that I’ll get promoted this year into the first level of management. I’d at least get an 8% raise (perhaps a little more). I’m about to be offered a job at another non-profit. The new job would at best be a lateral move. The work would remain administrative/supportive, but it is in an area of work that I’m interested in moving into (different from my current job). It could take a few years before I get promoted. I’m really comfortable in my current job – I get along *really* well with my boss who has been my supervisor for four years (although my team and boss seem like they would be cool). My current job allows me to travel to Africa on average 1-3 months out of the year, which has been great experiences, and I also use the trips as launching point for vacations. The new job most likely wouldn’t enable me to travel to Africa until I get promoted. I’m asking for $47k (14.5% raise). The benefits aren’t as good – I currently get 100% matching in my 401k up to 6%, the new job would be 100% up to 4%. I currently get 4 weeks vacation + 3 personal days + 12 sick days (I never come close to using them though). The new job would only be 3-4 weeks total (not sure yet). The new job offers a few more thousand dollars for educational benefits ($5500 / year I think?), which I’m definitely interested in because I’m thinking about grad school.  So, do I stay where I’m comfortable (and continue to grow vertically?), or do I push myself in an area I’m interested in, and grow a little horizontally, but also risk not being as happy? Not expecting some sort of revelation from any of you, but feel free to comment!

[face-punched]

The first question I would ask you is: how long you are interested in doing the work? If the answer is only a couple of years and then move on from the field, take the extra money that comes with the promotion, benefits and matching. If this is something you are interested in doing for a long time, make the move to do what makes you happy despite the setback. The difference in match/benefits is not so different that we are talking about 100k vs the 50k job that makes you happy.

My advice is look for what makes you happiest. Obviously this isn't quite a dramatic a choice as some people have to make, but I highly doubt anyone feels deep regrets about not selling their soul out for money. The truth is, if you adjust your lifestyle accordingly, you already likely have access to all of the money you are likely to need.

[frugally]

I find the biggest factor in determining overall happiness in a job has been the quality of your boss and colleagues.  If you've got that now, I'd make damn sure you're not getting into something much worse...

[SDREMNGR]

The devil you know is better than the one you don't.   Maybe let them know of the competing offer and ask nicely I'd they could match it.  If done right, it can't hurt and you'd likely get something better.  And if you wanted to leave, you'd be able to do much better next year or two with a higher title and more work experience with new title.

[rmendpara]

I currently work at a non-profit and make $42k. I’ve been there for 4 years, and it’s my first job out of college. There’s the possibility that I’ll get promoted this year into the first level of management. I’d at least get an 8% raise (perhaps a little more). I’m about to be offered a job at another non-profit. The new job would at best be a lateral move. The work would remain administrative/supportive, but it is in an area of work that I’m interested in moving into (different from my current job). It could take a few years before I get promoted. I’m really comfortable in my current job – I get along *really* well with my boss who has been my supervisor for four years (although my team and boss seem like they would be cool). My current job allows me to travel to Africa on average 1-3 months out of the year, which has been great experiences, and I also use the trips as launching point for vacations. The new job most likely wouldn’t enable me to travel to Africa until I get promoted. I’m asking for $47k (14.5% raise). The benefits aren’t as good – I currently get 100% matching in my 401k up to 6%, the new job would be 100% up to 4%. I currently get 4 weeks vacation + 3 personal days + 12 sick days (I never come close to using them though). The new job would only be 3-4 weeks total (not sure yet). The new job offers a few more thousand dollars for educational benefits ($5500 / year I think?), which I’m definitely interested in because I’m thinking about grad school.  So, do I stay where I’m comfortable (and continue to grow vertically?), or do I push myself in an area I’m interested in, and grow a little horizontally, but also risk not being as happy? Not expecting some sort of revelation from any of you, but feel free to comment!

To recap.

Current job projection: $42k base + 8% raise = $45k base + 6% match = $48k TOTAL + Africa + 4.5 weeks off

Possible new job: $47k base + 4% match = $49k + $5.5k tuition = $55k - Africa + 4 weeks off

I rounded a little bit, but we're talking basically $1k difference (assuming you would get promoted this year).

Basically, you *might* get $6k total additional compensation, but you won't get to go to Africa and will likely have 1 week less vacation per year. Did I miss anything?

Compensation-wise: New job seems a *little* better.

Work-wise: You mentioned the new job is in an area that you would like to move into in the future.

What are your career goals? We're talking nickels and dimes in the grand scheme of the next 30 years of your working life. I would take whichever you think gives you the best experience and will help you move up (get promoted).

SDRMNGR mentioned to show your offer to current employer and get them to match. This works only if you are willing to take the new job if they say no.

Good luck.