Another job conundrum...thoughts/advise appreciated!

[GinG]

Morning all,

Had a bit of an unsettled weekend thinking about my current career path and what direction I should take things based on a recent job offer last week.

Bit of background on current situation:

Was made redundant around March last year, had a few offers however chose my current employer as at the time I liked the direction they wanted to take things.

I was made redundant due to the company I worked for going pop, as such I have a customer base worth around £2million in turnover, my current employer was really keen to get things moving and even invested £80k in new machinery to deal with the potential demand.

Roll on December the machinery has finally arrived, all good and sales are picking up nicely.

Fast forward last week I drove down to see a customer for a meeting to discuss supplying them the product we produce. When I got there I was greeted by 3 guys, effectively the MD, site manager & product sales manager.

Due to them setting up a brand new division they need 'specialists' to grow and support the branches on the particular product I have vast knowledge about. They are desperate for me to start with them and offered:

£10k more base salary
Company car/allowance
Bonus/Commission scheme
Option of a company share scheme with yearly dividends.

I am really interested in the roll however I do have morals and don't want to leave the company I currently work for in the lurch after investing in the new machine. Just to let you know after this week if some orders come in it would probably equate to around 60% yearly capacity on the new machine.

The package on offer is very very interesting and would probably see me £15-£20k more per year better off.

What would you guys do? I am in 2 minds!!

 

[tom_e]

Do you think the company would look at their morals or their bank balance if they needed to get rid of you?

 

[zophiel]

ask them to match the offer, if you brought in that much turnover for them they shouldnt think twice about it.

 

[FortuitousFluke]

Do you think the company would look at their morals or their bank balance if they needed to get rid of you?

This. It sounds to me like the £80k investment came on the back of the potential £2mil in revenue they thought you could take in, it's all maths, your decision should be too.

It seems you're being offered a shedload more money to do a role you seem to be more interested in. No brainer, sometimes you need to be selfish.

The only thing I would say is research the company and potential for advancement before making the decision.

 

[Efour]

They would let you go in a heartbeat if the tables turned financially. When you hand your notice in they might approach you, tell them to match it - if that's what you want.
Eat your morals and plan a nice holiday with all that extra money.

Lucky you tbh, right place, right time, right skills!

 

[booyaka]

Look after number 1 - that's you.

What makes you better off, what is the better role?? Simple.

Don't think twice about your employer etc - if you leave, do it on good terms. However think about yourself first, NOT how your employer would feel.

 

[GinG]

Thanks for the sound advise guys really is interesting to hear.

The move will be going from a £4-5 million turnover company to a £50+ million rapidly growing and expanding company.

I know I shouldn't be complaining as many people are without a job, however being only 30 I don't want to make the wrong decision and regret it!

When I was speaking with the customer/possible new employer they basically said, currently you have a job...working with us you have a career and in the long run will be much better off financially.

You are right in what you say mind...if this side of the business doesn't really make the money they were hoping, as it is 2 directors who run it they wouldn't think twice about me to save their ass.

One thing I must say is the job I currently in is a 9-5 job and not much pressue...probabally going into a job with a bit more stress and maybe not so structured working day. Still Mon - Fri regardless but I must admit family time at the moment is great...however is it £15-20k a year better off great?!

 

[jimjamuk]

The good thing in this situation is you can honestly walk into your bosses offer and just say - sorry been offered a substantial offer and you cant really refuse. That way he has the opportunity to match it and if not at least he knows you are off for that reason

 

[tom_e]

At the end of they day the major factor in your current employer taking you on was that big juicy £2million so I would in no way feel bad about walking for the exact same reason.

 

[antijoke]

Take it.

 

[MissChief]

As above. They didn't take you on out of charity, nor did they invest in the machinery as a favour. By all means discuss with your current bosses about matching the offer though. And if they ask 'who offered you this?' Decline to comment as things could get shirty if they know.

 

[Adam]

I think it's a bit of a no-brainer - take it.

 

[craptakular]

I had a similar issue although big companies, i took the new job on 10k more and a better grade of company car.

Alas, I needed the money after buying my first house. My old company counter offered and made me grand promises on new staff transfered in and new working arrangements how i wanted but why didn't they offer this when I was trying to change things?

Better to leave on good terms, atleast I can go back to my old place and I haven't burnt any bridges by declining the new job offer.

 

[Jacksonn]

Take it.. There is no question here.. It's all positive.

 

[Caged]

Don't take a counter-offer.

 

[kindai]

Why arn't you already gone ?

 

[Laurie]

GinG, so long as you have done your homework, and researched the new company thoroughly, take the offer! As some here have said, and it's the absolute truth; your current employers would not hesitate to let you go if it was expedient for them to do so. They are in business also, and they will look to their own requirements before yours.

I'm a business woman, and work for myself, fortunately: I can tell you that whomever you are in your private life, whatever your commitments, family and friends, merits, ethics etc, should never mirror your career self. They are two separate issues, and in these current times especially, you have to be ruthless, for the sake of those whom you cherish and are working for; not to mention your own aspirations.

Also, as MissChief said: by all means talk to your current employers about this offer, it's the business ethic to do so; you wanna sleep at night. However, having said that, MissChief is correct in saying do not tell then that which they don't need to know. I have found that prudence when dealing in these type of matters should always be on a 'need to know' basis during consultations. Loose lips sink ships.

You've been headhunted. Be savvy, and good luck!

 

[GinG]

Guys, many thanks for the input.

As it stand I am staying at current employer and as yet have not even mentioned anything about the money.

I value my current work life balance much more...currently probably only work a 30 hour week in total, and with bonuses and car allowances will be circa £40k so pro rata working on £53k per year so not a bad package with a very good life balance balance. As I have a 2 year old daughter this is very very important to me right now.

Since this offer I have actually been talking to a handful of companies interested in my joining them so using this as a bit of an insurance rather than anything. Have not closed any doors so all is in good jest.

I am however looking to change my car so will be discussing this with current employer this week!

 

[Quartz]

Do check your contract of employment: there may be stuff in there about going to work for clients or competitors.

 

[GinG]

Yeah...that may be a problem as I have never signed one haha.

Bit of a funny setup but suits me fine and will save any headache if a job change does happen.