What % pay rise to make you leave current "comfy" job?

DB_SamX · 25 Apr 2022 at 20:41

I am a structural engineer at a small firm and work 4 days on around £58.5k FTE (so ~£48k pro rata). People and projects are fine, few grumbles but no major complaints other than I'm paid below market rate and have been for 2-3 years now. Twice last year I asked for a pay rise, even just 5%, to at least get into the band for my experience but I got no response from the bosses either time, other than £800 on December. No bonuses for many years either. What I really like about the job is hybrid working and the flexibility of my hours. I am trusted and i never slack off - always do my hours, or more, and deliver.

I've been told many times by recruiters and peers in other companies that i am being undervalued and would easily get £65k elsewhere. That never felt enough to leave this "comfort zone" given the associated risk of jumping ship, sideways.

But last week, i got approached for a role that could pay up to £75k FTE + up to £10k bonus which would come with a promotion if the company consider me right for it. Not too fussed about the promotion but the idea of at least £70k + any bonus even if not promoted is tempting. No change in commute. I've got a friend and two former colleagues there already so will chat to them this week. I'm awaiting to hear about an interview.

My only requirements are 4 day week and hybrid/flexible working, so if they can offer that, I'll be really tempted.

I can't decide if this 15-25% increase is worth leaving a position I'm relatively happy in, or whether I should get out of my comfort zone and take the plunge. The new company is larger, more prestigious and more advanced than my current one, so they are attractive.

DB_SamX · 26 Apr 2022 at 15:07

Thanks all for your opinions; food for thought. I am not expecting to hear about any interview until tomorrow, but I'll update when things progress.

DB_SamX · 29 Apr 2022 at 21:52

There is also some context to me to me thinking i am underpaid. One of my mentees, a grad +3 who was on 25-27k when she realised she could get 35k elsewhere easily and did get an offer early last year. She was in tears when she realised how undervalued she was. I fought her case with the bosses and she decided to stay when they countered with 32k. Earlier this year, she got approached again with 45k and it was a no brainer for her to move. Even I didn't wanna stop her. She is an excellent engineer. She keeps telling me her new employers pay a lot more generally with similar benefits.

DB_SamX · 2 May 2022 at 20:35

HACO said:
Generally a job becoming too comfy is a red flag, it means you've stopped challenging yourself and learning new skills. In the long run, this doesn't work to your benefit.

This has been part of my thinking as well over the last year.

I've got first interview lined up for Wednesdaym

DB_SamX · 12 May 2022 at 14:27

After all, it was a bit of a disappointment. The guy who interviewed me only told me he hadn't read my CV until an hour into the chat! He wasn't really selling the position, or really challenging me, despite me coming prepared for it. More importantly, it wasn't for a higher position the agent sold me. And the salary was only 10-15% pay rise. So overall, huge disappointment which I relayed to the agent. He seemed equally disappointed they didn't try to sell it although the feedback is that "I could do a job for them" or up for a second conversation.

I'm not going to take it forward as it would onky be for a sideways move with not enough return for the risk; my company also just announced we will get a bonus in July as we ended 2021-22 well so will see how much that amounts to. 10pc salary would be nice.