HELP-- awkward job situation!

Ok-- I posted like two weeks ago about how my old boss, who left my current company, to be CEO of another agency, offered me a position to work with him. For those who are interested in seeing-- it's here.

Anyway-- I think that this new position is a great opportunity-- it's very exciting and it's a chance to work with a great boss again, who hired me where I am now-- and another great guy-- both of whom I will really be able to learn a lot from.

Anyway-- TODAY, I got a call from my old boss with an *official* however, verbal offer. The next steps are that I need to go in and meet with HR as a formality, etc. and another dept head, just as a meet and greet--- these are not interviews as my old boss told me-- but, whatever, they need to happen before the formal offer comes through. I talked to my old boss around lunchtime.

Then at about 5 TODAY, the guy who is my now defacto boss, told me how great of a job I am doing-- and that it's really appreciated (it's been CRAZY since my boss left in Oct).. and that they are figuring out ways to "reward" me-- am not sure what exactly this means-- doubt promotion, cause it'll be the same job with a different title, maybe more money-- or maybe it's just a bonus of some kind. HOWEVER, if it is a raise, etc.-- what the hell am I going to do when they talk to me about it??

I can't give my notice until I have the formal offer-- I know this is not a bad place to be in-- but, I don;t want to be sitting there getting offered a raise or promotion or something-- then knowing like a day or two after-- I will be giving notice..

I feel like I need to call my old boss and tell him what transpired this afternoon--- I feel bad enough leaving, awkward about where I am going-- and this just really makes it sticky...

What does everyone think????? I need some people's opinions.... besides my own. Thanks!!

sorry for rambling-- hope I am making sense

Message edited 2/8/2007 7:07:08 PM.

Re: HELP-- awkward job situation!

I know you feel bad, but I would absolutely not tell your current "defacto" boss anything until you receive your written offer and accept it...signed sealed and delivered. Formality or not, until you're officially on board at the new place, anything can happen- no matter how good your old boss's intentions really are. You're smart, so I think you already know that though...sounds like more of a guilt thing going on in your head.

Perhaps you can stall your current boss? Sounds like you have a lot going on at work anyway. I would hear him out- what if it is a nice raise, perhaps hiring you an assistant and giving you some new responsibility? It might be something that is worth sticking around.

Remember, as nice as the other offer might sound, the grass is not always greener on the other side. There will be something about the new place that you will not like as well. I remember reading that your old boss said some negative things that you didn't know about your current job- that's not exactly an honest way of doing business. If you have real concerns about your current job, address them.

In the long run, if you get a raise/promotion and then you end up taking another job soon thereafter, it's business not personal. If you get a bonus and then quit- well, that bonus was for extra hardwork that you've ALREADY put in- you've earned it. Say thank you and move on.

Best of luck!!

Re: HELP-- awkward job situation!

do you think I should contact my old boss-- soon to be boss again-- about the situation??

I have already made up my mind-- I am taking the new jo-- it is what's best for my career.

ETA-- and yes, it's guilt... because I am the kind of person that just stews in it!!

Message edited 2/8/2007 8:02:29 PM.

Re: HELP-- awkward job situation!

Although its tricky, you are in a great position right now. You should call your old boss and tell him about your potential raise/bonus/promotion and see if you can meet with the HR people ASAP or at least hear what his salary offer would be, maybe you can get a written notice of something like " If it is decided to hire X, then the agreeed upon salary will be X" - then, I would go to your current boss and ask them for a counteroffer if they want you to stay. But - do you want to stay? If they offer you something good - do you want to be there still? I have heard you never take a counter offer, but why not play them against each other and get the highest you can from whoever you want it from?

Do whatever you will be happiest with. Good luck.

Re: HELP-- awkward job situation!

Re: HELP-- awkward job situation!

I would tell the old boss

maybe he can give you some advice on how to do this delicately. You seem to like them both so I don't think telling him would be a problem

That is awkward though with your current boss -maybe btw your current boss and your soon to be new boss you can work together for an easy transition period - giving you current job time to find a replacement or something

Re: HELP-- awkward job situation!

ok-- this is the note I just drafted.. sound good?

XXXK

I wanted to run something by you-- today after we spoke, XXXX mentioned to me that he and XXXX were working on something to recognize my hard work, etc. He did not mention what it was-- I can only assume a raise, etc. I would obviously like to avoid any embarrassing situations, where they offer me a raise or whatever, and then a day or two later I give my notice.

I wanted to see what you thought in terms of handling the situation.

Best,
Randi

Re: HELP-- awkward job situation!

Re: HELP-- awkward job situation!

I disagree, I wouldn't tell the old boss. It has "I can't handle dealing with this on my own" written all over it.

You can find out the timeline of his job offer process without giving him any of the details.

Re: HELP-- awkward job situation!

Re: HELP-- awkward job situation!

Your boss that you are going to doesn't need to know what is happening with your current job except for
a. You gave notice and can start working on x-x-07 date.
b. You like your current job better (after meeting with the new people) and will stay at the current employer.

Re: HELP-- awkward job situation!

Re: HELP-- awkward job situation!

Re: HELP-- awkward job situation!

No problem. What it all boils down to is that you have to do what is going to make you feel the most comfortable with the situation. I would wait it out...it sounds like it should all work itself out. If sometime next week you really feel uncomfortable then speak with your all boss.

The reality is that you have a good job that is very happy with you, and another job that wants you......even though all of these thoughts are running through your head but nobody else knows- you're in a good spot. It will all work out.

Oh, and CONGRATS!!!