Decision to make?

[tripods68]

I was approached few weeks ago by our Director of Budgeting where I currently work. She eluded that I should join her staff because she recently had two positions that they have not filled. They interviewed people no decision yet. She offered me a brief meeting with her hiring manager. I like what they had to say. I was a bit surprised though because this particular position usually don't stay on vacancy longer than few weeks. I guess they were having difficulty interviewing qualified candidates during the holiday season.

I'm considering the OFFER because it would provide me more opportunity for advancement and increase my marketability - should I decide to leave in the future. There is no different in pay scale (same pay) except the higher duties, higher stress level, but more upward $$ potential (money is not main factor). However, to take this job is also leave my comfort zone. One thing I love about my job is the flexibility and working with a great supervisor. I come and go as I please, open-communication, and pretty much leave me alone as long I do my job. My wife is supportive for whatever I decide. But I'm having a hard decision because the new job is less flexible which SUCKS! the most. I like what I have now, able to leave early or come in late for whatever reason and make it up. But I don't take advantage of this privilege either. I've earned everything from this point on.

This new position (Budget Analyst) is stringent by nature and have the steepest learning curve I think. I do admit however, my job now does not give me any more satisfaction whatsoever and requires traveling few times a year up-and-down the state which I hate the most (hate traveling to SoCal especially during the hot summer). The new job duties will give me a greater exposure/interaction throughout the whole organization including to the Board of Directors, Executives, and CEO.

I guess I'm asking what would you do if you were in my situation? I don't want to pass this wonderful opportunity that I may regret at some point later on. I really have a tough decision to make soon.

[maat55]

I tend to lean toward the job with the best job security. If the new one can give you more security and offers more opportunity, it has to be considered. If you feel secure with the position you have now and are content with income, it should be considered also.

Glad I could help??????

[markusk]

That's a tough decision, but enviable spot to be in because you have options. Ultimatley, it depends on your personal priorities: Exactly what is important to you?

When I relocated from PA to CA, I made the decision based on my priorities. For me it was:
1. Family time - will the job give me the schedule to have quality time with my family?
2. Stimulating working environment
3. Health/Retirement benefits
4. Income.
5. Cost of living
6. Etc.

Also, every job has its up side and down side. The question you may want to ask yourself is 'what is the worse downside of the job? and am I okay with that?

Good luck.

[tripods68]

That's a tough decision, but enviable spot to be in because you have options. Ultimatley, it depends on your personal priorities: Exactly what is important to you?

What is important to me is the flexibility and daily approach. I have a greater control of my time and a much "less" stressful environment. My spending time with my kids and wife will not be a factor. I won't be spending more OT than I do now. The change of environment would be the more important factor.

Also, every job has its up side and down side. The question you may want to ask yourself is 'what is the worse downside of the job? and am I okay with that?

This is a difficult to answer. I guess the real downside would be leaving my "comfort zone". After so many years at my position I feel settled. I know my job very well and the people I interact with on the daily basis. It's hard to find great people to work with and I take this very important. The other is leaving for another job is the difficult part of this whole thing. I don't know if I'm ready to leave yet, since this was just unexpected offer. But I do know at some point I was actually planning to leave but not so soon.

[markusk]

What is important to me is the flexibility and daily approach. I have a greater control of my time and a much "less" stressful environment.

If the most important factors are flexibility and less stressful environment, then I think you have your answer.

I guess the real downside would be leaving my "comfort zone". After so many years at my position I feel settled. I know my job very well and the people I interact with on the daily basis. It's hard to find great people to work with and I take this very important. The other is leaving for another job is the difficult part of this whole thing. I don't know if I'm ready to leave yet, since this was just unexpected offer.

If the reason you don't want to move to the "wonderful opportunity" is due to fear of the unknown, which is understandable, and you are not mentally ready to move on to the next chaper of your life, then again, you've answered your own question.

But I do know at some point I was actually planning to leave but not so soon.

On the otherhand, if you do see yourself moving on to the next challenging job (and potential advancement) in the next few years then you may want to take this new opportunity. You state that the new job will give you exposure to the higher ups in the company -- this has an intangible value only you can answer. I know that where I work, having access to the Board of Directors, CEO, etc is rare/valuable/a previlage and can not taken likely.

Sometimes we all need a kick in the pants to overcome our inertia to get our career going. Is it becasue the opportunity was sudden and took you off guard?

Take the long-term view: 10-20 years from now, will you regret taking or not taking this offer?

Whatever you decide, you are impowered because you have the support of your wife, which is all you really need.

Again, good luck.

[Seeker]

I was approached few weeks ago by our Director of Budgeting where I currently work. She eluded that I should join her staff because she recently had two positions that they have not filled. They interviewed people no decision yet. She offered me a brief meeting with her hiring manager. I like what they had to say. I was a bit surprised though because this particular position usually don't stay on vacancy longer than few weeks. I guess they were having difficulty interviewing qualified candidates during the holiday season.

Oh nicccceeee... she came to you. Nicer, you liked what the hiring manager had to say.

I'm considering the OFFER because it would provide me more opportunity for advancement and increase my marketability - should I decide to leave in the future. There is no different in pay scale (same pay) except the higher duties, higher stress level, but more upward $$ potential (money is not main factor). However, to take this job is also leave my comfort zone. One thing I love about my job is the flexibility and working with a great supervisor. I come and go as I please, open-communication, and pretty much leave me alone as long I do my job. My wife is supportive for whatever I decide. But I'm having a hard decision because the new job is less flexible which SUCKS! the most. I like what I have now, able to leave early or come in late for whatever reason and make it up. But I don't take advantage of this privilege either. I've earned everything from this point on.

Hmmmm. Same pay now, but potential for more. Leaving your comfort zone is not always a bad idea, especially if you're maxed in $ earning potential. How long have you been in this one position without change?

Saying in one position for 3+ years is not a good idea always. Unless you are satisfied and do not think you may want to be looking down the road. You have already mentioned that possibility.... you just didn't expect it so soon.

This new position (Budget Analyst) is stringent by nature and have the steepest learning curve I think. I do admit however, my job now does not give me any more satisfaction whatsoever and requires traveling few times a year up-and-down the state which I hate the most (hate traveling to SoCal especially during the hot summer). The new job duties will give me a greater exposure/interaction throughout the whole organization including to the Board of Directors, Executives, and CEO.

I guess I'm asking what would you do if you were in my situation? I don't want to pass this wonderful opportunity that I may regret at some point later on. I really have a tough decision to make soon.

Frankly, in your situation I'd go for it. But I sort of thrive on change, growth and sometimes chaos. I like changes, and doing a whole bunch of whatever needs to be done -- not the same things over and over and over again.

It does not sound like you like to travel, yet current responsibilites make you do so from time-to-time. You sound like you're probably wanting to change, but hating to change simultaneously because you are used to what you are currently doing. You're comfortable with your knowledge and performance and with your supervisor.... but...

1) Remember, she came to you; she's probably checking and likes your work so far. This is a huge plus.

2) There's greater responsibilities and more exposure to BODs.... more $'s down the line possibly.

3) No driving through the hot Summer months.

4) Your wife will support you either way you decide which is also nice... but she's probably hoping you take a chance on the new job ... (She probably hates it when you have to travel to other states as well...)

Good luck in whichever route you decide to take.

[tripods68]

I appreciate for your comments. So here's what happened.

This week my wife began having the FLU. I had to take over many of her responsibilities at home, making sure my son goes to school on time, picking him up, preparing dinner, cleaning, that means calling in sick from work. My current job is awesome when it comes to family time off, which is a plus. My wife being sick sort of kinda made my decision at lot easier and solidified the important things to me. I declined their offer. I've spoken with the hiring manager and they do understand where I'm coming from. They still have my interest in the future. I have no guilty feelings at all because it's all about the raising my family (two young kids) and being there for them at this point. To have the ability to take time-off and not feel guilty about it is priceless. So I don't regret it. It is what it is. The opportunity will come again, maybe within my division when many people above me start retiring soon. Who knows. But at least I'm at peace.

[Gruntina]

Pretty much like... Don't fix what ain't broken eh!

[cschin4]

Since you declined the offer, my point is moot. But, you should definately have asked for MORE money if you were interested in the position. That is the time to do so. You should not make a move that involves more responsibility and hours without asking for a pay increase as well.

[cschin4]

The opportunity will come again, maybe within my division when many people above me start retiring soon. Who knows. But at least I'm at peace.

The opportunity may or may not come again. And, even if it does, they may pass you over since you refused. But, so what? If you are happy, have a good family life and nice income, then don't second guess yourself. There is much more to life than moving up in the "company". And, you have found what is important to you in your life which is family time, flexibility and so forth. And, like you, I have choosen flexibility OVER money and prestige. Flexibility is the biggest key for me in job satisfaction.

[tripods68]

At 39, I'm certainly optimistic about my career so that's something I don't worry about. In addition, I still have another 3 years before I reach maximum pay scale. And, my wife working FT puts our yearly income in the mid $150K. That's ain't so bad with both of us working while raising our kids

[cschin4]

tripod - Yeah, you're not doing too shabby!

[markio26]

we had this happen to my spouse with his job about 5 yrs ago... and the decision worked itself out... he talked and we talked to all parties involved and he chose to leave his old company and work for the new company and it has been a great blessing to our family.. he has more time off.. we don't have as much income, but, we work to save in other ways... no cable for tv, etc.. less expensive cell phone bills with employee discount, etc...good luck with your career.