I should be thrilled. I should be ecstatic. But I’m not. Maybe it’s the sour mood I’ve been in all day. Who knows. But I have mixed emotions about a job offer I am likely to accept, but not thrilled to accept. In the three weeks since we recieved our warning that 50% of the workforce would be laid off, I have put in resumes with companies like Yahoo and Cisco. Companies I would be thrilled to get even a look from. I have also put in quite a few resumes internally within the company. Fortunately, I was not one of the ones chosen to be let go, but the job search continued. I went to two separate interviews for jobs within the company and today I recieved an offer from one.
The job is classified as a PC/Network Support Engineer 3 - the same title I officially have now. I am already underpaid so I asked for a salary that I felt was commiserate with what I am worth. I am worth. It’s been acknowledged. My company got me at a steal, mostly because I was desperate for a job last November.
Unfortunately, this new position will carry much of the same responsibilities, will pay me a mere 10% more than what I was making before. Percentages mean nothing unless you know the actual salary which I choose not to reveal. :) Needless to say, the company is still getting a steal. The reason why they are not paying what I asked is because, as a lateral move within the company utilizing the same job title, they are only able to increase my salary by so much.
On the plus side, my hour and a half commute would be cut in half saving money on gas… And it is a 10% increase.
I’m still weighing what I want to do. I love where I work. I love supporting the Navy. It gives me a sense of purpose in my job. If it isn’t for me, some of the highest profile people in the Navy wouldn’t be able to perform their duties all around the world. To me, that makes me proud.
In a few months, there should be a new contract in place. Who knows what that would hold. Perhaps a better salary? Perhaps a promotion to a new job? Maybe neither.
So with mixed emotions, I need to make a decision. Do I take a position at a new job site doing the same job with a slight increase in salary? Who knows what kind of hornets nest I’ll be walking into, if any at all. It’s an unknown. Or do I stick it out where I am, work my butt off with half the staff, with the hope that something better might be coming down the pipe at that location?
I don’t know. I just don’t know.
{ 39 comments }
FireWolf 01.27.05 at 1:40 am
As a rule of thumb: Stick to what makes you happy.
You said it yourself, you love working for the Navy, and yes while you’d be making 10% less if you stayed, your contract is up soon and that’s a good chance to see if the group you work with feel your skillset is commensurate with a rate increase. If at that time they offer you the same, then you can gladly start looking elsewhere. But by then, you’d know how much they appreciate you where you’re at.
Money is great, but not at the expense of sanity and happiness.
FireWolf 01.27.05 at 2:40 am
As a rule of thumb: Stick to what makes you happy.
You said it yourself, you love working for the Navy, and yes while you’d be making 10% less if you stayed, your contract is up soon and that’s a good chance to see if the group you work with feel your skillset is commensurate with a rate increase. If at that time they offer you the same, then you can gladly start looking elsewhere. But by then, you’d know how much they appreciate you where you’re at.
Money is great, but not at the expense of sanity and happiness.
FireWolf 01.27.05 at 2:40 am
As a rule of thumb: Stick to what makes you happy.
You said it yourself, you love working for the Navy, and yes while you’d be making 10% less if you stayed, your contract is up soon and that’s a good chance to see if the group you work with feel your skillset is commensurate with a rate increase. If at that time they offer you the same, then you can gladly start looking elsewhere. But by then, you’d know how much they appreciate you where you’re at.
Money is great, but not at the expense of sanity and happiness.
Ingoal 01.27.05 at 7:47 am
Hmm, tough call, especially due to the fact that you didn’t say anything about the length of your contract if you take the new job (unlimited?), or the job security there (what’s secure these days anyway)…
On another note: as you said yourself “Who knows what kind of hornets nest I’ll be walking into, if any at all.” - if you’re feeling fine with your current position I wouldn’t risk it, although your current position might (or will) change due to the 50% decrease in work force…
Ingoal 01.27.05 at 8:47 am
Hmm, tough call, especially due to the fact that you didn’t say anything about the length of your contract if you take the new job (unlimited?), or the job security there (what’s secure these days anyway)…
On another note: as you said yourself “Who knows what kind of hornets nest I’ll be walking into, if any at all.” - if you’re feeling fine with your current position I wouldn’t risk it, although your current position might (or will) change due to the 50% decrease in work force…
Ingoal 01.27.05 at 8:47 am
Hmm, tough call, especially due to the fact that you didn’t say anything about the length of your contract if you take the new job (unlimited?), or the job security there (what’s secure these days anyway)…
On another note: as you said yourself “Who knows what kind of hornets nest I’ll be walking into, if any at all.” - if you’re feeling fine with your current position I wouldn’t risk it, although your current position might (or will) change due to the 50% decrease in work force…
Carol 01.27.05 at 9:00 am
This is a tough one. I have a friend (and I’m sending her a link to this entry, so maybe she’ll chime in with her two cents, too) — she left her job to take another one (state government level) only to have her position eliminated soon thereafter. What should have been a good move for her actually turned out to be a nightmare, in so many ways.
It’s been my experience that the devil you know is (sometimes) better than the one you don’t.
If you stick it out in your current position, it may open new possibilities (promotions) that you may not have considered yet.
Aaron 01.27.05 at 9:46 am
Ingoal, the new job is a contract but it is a contract within my company between business sectors. It might as well be a corporate job because that’s the level of job stability there is.
Carol 01.27.05 at 10:00 am
This is a tough one. I have a friend (and I’m sending her a link to this entry, so maybe she’ll chime in with her two cents, too) — she left her job to take another one (state government level) only to have her position eliminated soon thereafter. What should have been a good move for her actually turned out to be a nightmare, in so many ways.
It’s been my experience that the devil you know is (sometimes) better than the one you don’t.
If you stick it out in your current position, it may open new possibilities (promotions) that you may not have considered yet.
Carol 01.27.05 at 10:00 am
This is a tough one. I have a friend (and I’m sending her a link to this entry, so maybe she’ll chime in with her two cents, too) — she left her job to take another one (state government level) only to have her position eliminated soon thereafter. What should have been a good move for her actually turned out to be a nightmare, in so many ways.
It’s been my experience that the devil you know is (sometimes) better than the one you don’t.
If you stick it out in your current position, it may open new possibilities (promotions) that you may not have considered yet.
Vinnie Garcia 01.27.05 at 10:04 am
Money means little in the grand scheme of things. I took a slight pay cut between my last job and current job, but I don’t regret it. I’d rather work a semi-normal schedule and like the people I work with, and be happy to go into work, rather than selling my soul and all of my time for a job I hate because it gets me an extra few bucks on my paycheck. However, I don’t know your financial situation and how much this pay increase would benefit you, so I can’t really give you good advice. The grass may always be greener, but at the same time you have to be smart about these things.
Aaron 01.27.05 at 10:46 am
Ingoal, the new job is a contract but it is a contract within my company between business sectors. It might as well be a corporate job because that’s the level of job stability there is.
Aaron 01.27.05 at 10:46 am
Ingoal, the new job is a contract but it is a contract within my company between business sectors. It might as well be a corporate job because that’s the level of job stability there is.
Jody 01.27.05 at 10:57 am
Just retire and live off your blog earnings. :)
Is there anyway you can talk with the powers that be at your current job and tell them you don’t want to leave and most likely won’t but you have been offered this job with a 10% raise and shorter commute and see if they could match it or at least give you some more compensation? As long as you go in with the right attitude and not making threats (give me a raise or I’m out of here), you may have a shot of getting the best of both worlds. Just a thought.
Vinnie Garcia 01.27.05 at 11:04 am
Money means little in the grand scheme of things. I took a slight pay cut between my last job and current job, but I don’t regret it. I’d rather work a semi-normal schedule and like the people I work with, and be happy to go into work, rather than selling my soul and all of my time for a job I hate because it gets me an extra few bucks on my paycheck. However, I don’t know your financial situation and how much this pay increase would benefit you, so I can’t really give you good advice. The grass may always be greener, but at the same time you have to be smart about these things.
Vinnie Garcia 01.27.05 at 11:04 am
Money means little in the grand scheme of things. I took a slight pay cut between my last job and current job, but I don’t regret it. I’d rather work a semi-normal schedule and like the people I work with, and be happy to go into work, rather than selling my soul and all of my time for a job I hate because it gets me an extra few bucks on my paycheck. However, I don’t know your financial situation and how much this pay increase would benefit you, so I can’t really give you good advice. The grass may always be greener, but at the same time you have to be smart about these things.
Crystal 01.27.05 at 11:26 am
Hi! I’m the friend Carol mentioned, and she hit the nail on the head. I stayed in a department that experience a “workforce reduction” (thanks to Governor Bush) that lasted over a year. I survived the first two “rounds” and though I was OK. However, the process brought out the absolute worst in people, who became (some already were) vindictive, secretive and just plain nasty. Peopole sabotaged other people’s jobs just to hang on for what thyey thought was going to be a few more years until retirement.
I began to get ill, grinding my teeth at night, loosing sleep, and literally crying every Sunday evening at the thought of Monday.
Long story shorter, I was given notice in November and layed off January 13, and I have never been so grateful for something in my life. It gave me the opportunity to spend time seeing what’s out there, and realizing that it was NOT worth a dime to stay with a job I was not happy with 100%. Life is just too short. Bottom line, I begin Tuesday in a position that pays a hell of a lot less, but will be very rewarding and with good, honest co-workers who do not have to worry about layoffs.
I know it’s difficult, if you’ve been “spared” it’s horrible and exhausting watching those around you leave, and to continue to do your work. Then you alwys have the idea in mind that you’re waiting for the next shoe to drop.
I found that being retained was just another test of abilities I knew I had, but by the time I left I felt as if I knew nothing and had minimal skills. Imagine that? With a Doctrate jurisprudence an 26 years experience I felt disoriented, and washed up.
If you don’t feel right about the job, DON’T take it. If you can take some time and look, there will be another job out there which you haven’t even conceived of that is meant just for you.
This is, of course, my own opinion and experience. If I had to do it again, I would have gotten out with the first reduction, even though I had stil been retained. It’s just not worth it.
Sorry to be rambling so much…I happen to be a person who cares about others and I am sorry you are having to go through this. Luckily, my sister has gone through the same thing, and ended up making 50% more of her lay off salary within 4 years.
I wish you the best, you can mail me if you would like to discuss or talk further.
bless,
Crystal
Jody 01.27.05 at 11:57 am
Just retire and live off your blog earnings. :)
Is there anyway you can talk with the powers that be at your current job and tell them you don’t want to leave and most likely won’t but you have been offered this job with a 10% raise and shorter commute and see if they could match it or at least give you some more compensation? As long as you go in with the right attitude and not making threats (give me a raise or I’m out of here), you may have a shot of getting the best of both worlds. Just a thought.
Jody 01.27.05 at 11:57 am
Just retire and live off your blog earnings. :)
Is there anyway you can talk with the powers that be at your current job and tell them you don’t want to leave and most likely won’t but you have been offered this job with a 10% raise and shorter commute and see if they could match it or at least give you some more compensation? As long as you go in with the right attitude and not making threats (give me a raise or I’m out of here), you may have a shot of getting the best of both worlds. Just a thought.
Crystal 01.27.05 at 12:26 pm
Hi! I’m the friend Carol mentioned, and she hit the nail on the head. I stayed in a department that experience a “workforce reduction” (thanks to Governor Bush) that lasted over a year. I survived the first two “rounds” and though I was OK. However, the process brought out the absolute worst in people, who became (some already were) vindictive, secretive and just plain nasty. Peopole sabotaged other people’s jobs just to hang on for what thyey thought was going to be a few more years until retirement.
I began to get ill, grinding my teeth at night, loosing sleep, and literally crying every Sunday evening at the thought of Monday.
Long story shorter, I was given notice in November and layed off January 13, and I have never been so grateful for something in my life. It gave me the opportunity to spend time seeing what’s out there, and realizing that it was NOT worth a dime to stay with a job I was not happy with 100%. Life is just too short. Bottom line, I begin Tuesday in a position that pays a hell of a lot less, but will be very rewarding and with good, honest co-workers who do not have to worry about layoffs.
I know it’s difficult, if you’ve been “spared” it’s horrible and exhausting watching those around you leave, and to continue to do your work. Then you alwys have the idea in mind that you’re waiting for the next shoe to drop.
I found that being retained was just another test of abilities I knew I had, but by the time I left I felt as if I knew nothing and had minimal skills. Imagine that? With a Doctrate jurisprudence an 26 years experience I felt disoriented, and washed up.
If you don’t feel right about the job, DON’T take it. If you can take some time and look, there will be another job out there which you haven’t even conceived of that is meant just for you.
This is, of course, my own opinion and experience. If I had to do it again, I would have gotten out with the first reduction, even though I had stil been retained. It’s just not worth it.
Sorry to be rambling so much…I happen to be a person who cares about others and I am sorry you are having to go through this. Luckily, my sister has gone through the same thing, and ended up making 50% more of her lay off salary within 4 years.
I wish you the best, you can mail me if you would like to discuss or talk further.
bless,
Crystal
Crystal 01.27.05 at 12:26 pm
Hi! I’m the friend Carol mentioned, and she hit the nail on the head. I stayed in a department that experience a “workforce reduction” (thanks to Governor Bush) that lasted over a year. I survived the first two “rounds” and though I was OK. However, the process brought out the absolute worst in people, who became (some already were) vindictive, secretive and just plain nasty. Peopole sabotaged other people’s jobs just to hang on for what thyey thought was going to be a few more years until retirement.
I began to get ill, grinding my teeth at night, loosing sleep, and literally crying every Sunday evening at the thought of Monday.
Long story shorter, I was given notice in November and layed off January 13, and I have never been so grateful for something in my life. It gave me the opportunity to spend time seeing what’s out there, and realizing that it was NOT worth a dime to stay with a job I was not happy with 100%. Life is just too short. Bottom line, I begin Tuesday in a position that pays a hell of a lot less, but will be very rewarding and with good, honest co-workers who do not have to worry about layoffs.
I know it’s difficult, if you’ve been “spared” it’s horrible and exhausting watching those around you leave, and to continue to do your work. Then you alwys have the idea in mind that you’re waiting for the next shoe to drop.
I found that being retained was just another test of abilities I knew I had, but by the time I left I felt as if I knew nothing and had minimal skills. Imagine that? With a Doctrate jurisprudence an 26 years experience I felt disoriented, and washed up.
If you don’t feel right about the job, DON’T take it. If you can take some time and look, there will be another job out there which you haven’t even conceived of that is meant just for you.
This is, of course, my own opinion and experience. If I had to do it again, I would have gotten out with the first reduction, even though I had stil been retained. It’s just not worth it.
Sorry to be rambling so much…I happen to be a person who cares about others and I am sorry you are having to go through this. Luckily, my sister has gone through the same thing, and ended up making 50% more of her lay off salary within 4 years.
I wish you the best, you can mail me if you would like to discuss or talk further.
bless,
Crystal
Aaron 01.27.05 at 1:50 pm
Hey Jody… what blog earnings? ;) Someone hasn’t been cutting me that check apparently. :)
Crystal, thanks for the insight. The first time you comment, I have to approve the comment so that your email address goes on a “whitelist”. Then you can comment as often as you want with no delay. I need to put a note to that effect on the comment form.
Aaron
Aaron 01.27.05 at 2:50 pm
Hey Jody… what blog earnings? ;) Someone hasn’t been cutting me that check apparently. :)
Crystal, thanks for the insight. The first time you comment, I have to approve the comment so that your email address goes on a “whitelist”. Then you can comment as often as you want with no delay. I need to put a note to that effect on the comment form.
Aaron
Aaron 01.27.05 at 2:50 pm
Hey Jody… what blog earnings? ;) Someone hasn’t been cutting me that check apparently. :)
Crystal, thanks for the insight. The first time you comment, I have to approve the comment so that your email address goes on a “whitelist”. Then you can comment as often as you want with no delay. I need to put a note to that effect on the comment form.
Aaron
Jody 01.27.05 at 9:06 pm
You can never make me reveal my income sources… but how about that fried spam? mmmmmm
Jody 01.27.05 at 10:06 pm
You can never make me reveal my income sources… but how about that fried spam? mmmmmm
Jody 01.27.05 at 10:06 pm
You can never make me reveal my income sources… but how about that fried spam? mmmmmm
Golfy 01.28.05 at 5:01 pm
My position pushed me to look at my own contract and it hurtsssssssssssssss so much to see how much the company makes of me :(
Hope you get a new job you like! Before you go, I’ll cut these ball and chain off me, break out from my cubbie and come down to say “Hi” :)
Golfy 01.28.05 at 6:01 pm
My position pushed me to look at my own contract and it hurtsssssssssssssss so much to see how much the company makes of me :(
Hope you get a new job you like! Before you go, I’ll cut these ball and chain off me, break out from my cubbie and come down to say “Hi” :)
Golfy 01.28.05 at 6:01 pm
My position pushed me to look at my own contract and it hurtsssssssssssssss so much to see how much the company makes of me :(
Hope you get a new job you like! Before you go, I’ll cut these ball and chain off me, break out from my cubbie and come down to say “Hi” :)
Aaron Brazell 01.28.05 at 6:54 pm
Yeah, Mr. Anderson is no fun.
Aaron Brazell 01.28.05 at 7:54 pm
Yeah, Mr. Anderson is no fun.
Aaron Brazell 01.28.05 at 7:54 pm
Yeah, Mr. Anderson is no fun.
Carol 01.29.05 at 4:39 pm
Cubbie?
Who’s the one who thought of sticking employees in a cubbie? There’s just something sick about those things.
Carol 01.29.05 at 5:39 pm
Cubbie?
Who’s the one who thought of sticking employees in a cubbie? There’s just something sick about those things.
Carol 01.29.05 at 5:39 pm
Cubbie?
Who’s the one who thought of sticking employees in a cubbie? There’s just something sick about those things.
Sean M. Crawford Sr 01.31.05 at 3:32 pm
Asshole…I mean Aaron you are not going to be the only one effected if you take the new job. What am I going to do without my THUG partna”.
Dude I do understand your conundrum (did I use it right?) and I really do understand and respect your desires. But you are in the best position right now in my eyes. We both are.
You have a great relationship with the client, you are a workhorse and you don’t give nothing less than 110% of your all daily.
You may not see it directly (or like you think you should) but trust the appreciation is there. I personally will say it has been an honor to work directly with you. You have taught me some things.
Be proud you have taught an old dawg some new tricks :-)
Anyway whatever you decide to do you know I am going to support you because I do want you to be happy in what you do.
One love brother
Sean M. Crawford Sr 01.31.05 at 4:32 pm
Asshole…I mean Aaron you are not going to be the only one effected if you take the new job. What am I going to do without my THUG partna”.
Dude I do understand your conundrum (did I use it right?) and I really do understand and respect your desires. But you are in the best position right now in my eyes. We both are.
You have a great relationship with the client, you are a workhorse and you don’t give nothing less than 110% of your all daily.
You may not see it directly (or like you think you should) but trust the appreciation is there. I personally will say it has been an honor to work directly with you. You have taught me some things.
Be proud you have taught an old dawg some new tricks :-)
Anyway whatever you decide to do you know I am going to support you because I do want you to be happy in what you do.
One love brother
Sean M. Crawford Sr 01.31.05 at 4:32 pm
Asshole…I mean Aaron you are not going to be the only one effected if you take the new job. What am I going to do without my THUG partna”.
Dude I do understand your conundrum (did I use it right?) and I really do understand and respect your desires. But you are in the best position right now in my eyes. We both are.
You have a great relationship with the client, you are a workhorse and you don’t give nothing less than 110% of your all daily.
You may not see it directly (or like you think you should) but trust the appreciation is there. I personally will say it has been an honor to work directly with you. You have taught me some things.
Be proud you have taught an old dawg some new tricks :-)
Anyway whatever you decide to do you know I am going to support you because I do want you to be happy in what you do.
One love brother
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