UPDATE! job opportunity when I already have one - WWYD?

Update 10/26:

The company called me for an interview on Monday and I met with them yesterday. The position is very very similar to what I am currently doing, however their intent would be to move me up to a Supervisor within 2 years. There's a lot of room for growth in the company. I would be working for my old Supervisor again (who I loved) and she is pshing very hard to bring me on board. HR told me that I mustve made a great impression years ago because all she has heard is raves about me from other employees. Since my mom currently works there, she has heard through the grapevine that they will be officially offering me the position this week. The salary (based on what I was told in the inteview) is $15,000 a year more than what I am currently making. Benefits are basically the same. The only thing is that I wont have any vacation time until a year in. Right now, I have 2 weeks where I currently work. I tried to negotiate that in, but I dont think it's going to happen.

Please keep your fingers crossed for me - if all goes well, I plan to accept their offer. The money far outweighs the fact that I'd be leaving this industry!


I'm currently working in marketing/customer service for a company that I have been with for just over 1 year. It's in an industry that I love and have grown to learn a lot about. I dont make great money at all at this company and the benefits are just okay. I am a single mom and money is very tight right now, so this is a bit of a concern for me. I don't know how much room for growth there is here for me - I could possibly move up a position or two but it wouldnt be a major increase in salary but it would be a lot more responsibility - and when those promotions would come is unknown. We dont have layoffs really ever but there is a high turn-over rate with my company because a lot of people quit. However, I am literally around the corner from my house and the company is very leinient on coming in late, etc.

Several years ago (during college) I worked for the same company my mom has worked for for over 17 years. It was an internship in customer service. I was there for 2 years and they loved me but there were no permanent positions at the time, so I left. My mom just called me to tell me that the Customer Service Manager and Head of Sales asked about me because they have a position open in their department and are looking to hire. The pay would be about $10 - 15K a year more than what I am making now. The benefits are better as well. The commute is not bad at all - it's not around the corner like I am now, but it's only 15 minutes away. I would be working with people I know and have worked with before. However, it's a completely different industry. Something that does not interest me in the least. I would be taking myself out of this industry (I work in fashion/cosmetics now) at a time when I am building relationships with my clients and may never have this opportunity again. The new job would be the same hours but they are not laid back about those hours - you are expected to be at your desk on time. They also have lay off almost every year - this worries me because of the stability. However, the department head said there is room for growth for me there.

WWYD in this situation? I really dont know whether I should be seriously considering a change of company or if I should stay where I am now. I need advice!!

Message edited 10/26/2011 11:20:15 AM.

Re: job opportunity when I already have one - WWYD?

At this point, I can gather this is just talk and they haven't actually offered you the position.

I would at the very least interview, ask lots of questions and then weigh the pros and cons if you are actually offered a job.

In some cases, higher salary sometimes = working longer hours with a $hit load more responsibility.

It just may not be the right time since your DC needs to come first and flexibility IMO is a HUGE benefit that is sometimes overlooked with lots of jobs because of pay increase.

If you are stressed out all the time, is a couple hundred dollars more a month after taxes gonna be worth it?

Re: job opportunity when I already have one - WWYD?

I'd stay. Money is nice but you love what you do. The new job is in an industry you dont even like, and whats the point of going after the $$$ (short term gain) if in the long term, you hate the area and may face potential layoffs? I think if you really love what you do now, you get better at it and over time, you will move up the salary ladder. So if I had your choice, I would just stay.

Re: job opportunity when I already have one - WWYD?

I would at least go on the interview and see what they have to say. It doesn't mean you have to take the job. I would also ask about the layoffs they do every year and voice that you are really looking for job stability. Also, I would see about vacation time, days off, etc. While they may be strict with showing up on time, perhaps they have more time off. You really have to make a list and weigh good and bad.

Re: job opportunity when I already have one - WWYD?

Go on the interview..absolutely nothing to lose. You would have stayed there if they had a perm spot. Also your mom has been there 17 years? Who are they laying off every year? Seasonal employees?

For a possible $1K more a month and better benefits I would get my butt into the office on time. I never get why being late is acceptable anyway unless you have an issue every now and then.

If you stay at your job you are in an industry you like but there is little advancement in this firm. You would have to go out to another firm to get anywhere. Are you planning on doing that? If I wanted to stay in my industry and advance I would look around.

Lastly, if the position you would interview for comes with more management experience, do it for a few years and go back to the other industry. It's valuable experience that you can take anywhere.

Good luck.

Re: job opportunity when I already have one - WWYD?

Thanks everyone. At this point they have not actually offered me the position, however, they told my mother that as long as I can pass the drug test I have the job. I previously worked under the VP who gave me rave reviews, so they said they know they want me. I guess we'll see.

I will do a pro and con list of each job and weigh my options once I get more info on the position. Right now I have 2 weeks vacation, however, I know in the new place I would start out with nothing...not too happy about that. But ultimately, I dont think I would stay with my current company much longer anyway. No one moves up here. The same people have been sitting in the same positions for over 10 years with little to no raises each year. It's nearly impossible to move up the salary ladder here. That's a very big concern for me. I just have to decide whether this new company is the right move or if I should continue to look for something in my industry.

Re: job opportunity when I already have one - WWYD?

Make sure the offer is firm & then ask the current company about room for advancement & if they are willing to counter your offer.

Re: UPDATE! job opportunity when I already have one - WWYD?

bump for update