I Just Got a Job Offer (OH NO!!!)

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So, I have been working at the same publishing company for just about four years now. I have never been unhappy with my job -- the work is reasonably interesting (most of what I do is fact-check elementary-school textbooks) and there are some nice perks to the workplace (my own office, casual dress, co-workers I like).

However, recently I started thinking about leaving, for three reasons:

1) The pay isn't great. I can get by, sure, but I'd like to make more at this period in my life.

2) I have been here for FOUR YEARS, and a simple change of scenery would be nice. (After four years of high school, and four years of college, something is tugging at me to move on!)

3) The company wants to promote me into a position that would entail more responsibility and more time commitment (I was told 50 hrs/wk would not be atypical) but no concomitant raise. I like to have a life outside of work, and I'm afraid that kind of time would really cut into my personal life.

And so, on a lark, I applied for a position at another publishing company. I interviewed yesterday, and to my surprise, they were ready to offer me the job right away. I wasn't prepared to make a decision, so I told them I'd need a day or two to think about it. They want an answer by the END OF TODAY.

Good things about potential new job:

1. A little more money. Not THAT much more, only 3% more. But still.

2. I like the product. Probably more so than the products I currently work on. (I'd say more but it's a fairly unique market, and even if I spoke in general terms, I'd probably give it away.)

3. Seems like there'd be less stress and bullshit to deal with overall, and my position wouldn't ask as much of me.

Bad things about potential new job:

1. The work seems like it'd be more tedious. At my current job, I specialize in fact-checking but also do a fair amount of editorial work when need be. I also work on a variety of projects for various clients, at various grade levels and subject matters. At the new job, there's really just one product, and the vast majority of what I'd be doing would be copy-editing.

2. The idea of doing less work for more money is obviously very attractive, but I have this nagging sense of guilt about taking a job that would essentially be stepping back and not really building on my experience from the last four years. Even though I've never wanted to "advance through the ranks" and make this job my CAREER, I have taken pride in the responsibilities I've been given here in a short period of time (I've been the leader for several fact-checking projects), and I'm not sure I like the idea of starting over, in a role that's less responsible (and from what I understand without much room for growth, either).

Essentially, my dilemma is that I don't want a job that is so challenging and stressful that it takes over my life, but I want a job that is at least challenging enough to keep me interested and satisfied with myself. My current job is usually the latter but has the potential to become the former. The new job seems like it will NEVER be the former, but I'm not sure it will be the latter, either.

HELP ME!

― jaymc (jaymc), Thursday, 21 October 2004 14:46 (twenty-one years ago)

can I have it?

― Catty (Catty), Thursday, 21 October 2004 14:49 (twenty-one years ago)

Also worth noting: based on things the interviewer said and the fact that she was ready to offer me a job right away, I believe they are having a hard time filling this position. I guess that gives me the upper hand in some ways, and I'm wondering whether I should negotiate for more money. The thing is, I hate to think about jobs exclusively in those terms -- I don't want to become a person who works a job that's well-paying but soul-sucking -- but it could maybe make a difference.

― jaymc (jaymc), Thursday, 21 October 2004 14:51 (twenty-one years ago)

Catty: are you willing to relocate to Chicago?

― jaymc (jaymc), Thursday, 21 October 2004 14:51 (twenty-one years ago)

Well congrats dude & good luck on making a decision!

― PinXorchiXoR (Pinkpanther), Thursday, 21 October 2004 14:52 (twenty-one years ago)

Ha ha, Catty has only just *escaped* Chicago...

― Kissing Time At The Pleasure Unit (kate), Thursday, 21 October 2004 14:52 (twenty-one years ago)

take it, you will regret it if you don't

― kyle (akmonday), Thursday, 21 October 2004 14:52 (twenty-one years ago)

Anyway, before all the unemployed ILXors jump on me, I know: it's a "good" problem to have.

― jaymc (jaymc), Thursday, 21 October 2004 14:53 (twenty-one years ago)

Tough call. Also please consider what the culture/people are like at this new place.

Could you not use this offer to get a bit more leverage at your current position? I can't imagine being four years anywhere (good for you, really) but you should make that count for something without being an asshole.

Otherwise, you could always wait for a better offer from somewhere...

― adam. (nordicskilla), Thursday, 21 October 2004 14:56 (twenty-one years ago)

the "..." indicates that this is a DANGEROUS game to play.

― adam. (nordicskilla), Thursday, 21 October 2004 14:57 (twenty-one years ago)

Also how long are the commutes and stuff like that?

― adam. (nordicskilla), Thursday, 21 October 2004 14:57 (twenty-one years ago)

Fucking hell, are you kidding?!? I'm DYING to get back to Chicago!

although I must ask -- are you in the suburbs? Because I'm not keen on the suburbs.

― Catty (Catty), Thursday, 21 October 2004 14:58 (twenty-one years ago)

Hey J. Guess who. What about the commute? I'm not sure 3%'s enough for someone to jump unless you're really sick of where you're at--but if the commute's substantially easier, then that might make a difference. (By the way, did you, you know, no rush or anything, look at the questionnaire yet?)

― . . ., Thursday, 21 October 2004 14:58 (twenty-one years ago)

I have no idea what the culture is like. The woman I interviewed with seems nice.

Also, I learned of the job from someone who went to school with my brother and QUELLE COINCIDENCE also lurks on ILX and posts once in a great, great while. We'd be working in the same department. I've not yet met her, but she seems cool.

Did I mention that Sasha Frere-Jones came up in the interview?

― jaymc (jaymc), Thursday, 21 October 2004 14:59 (twenty-one years ago)

John, I think maybe you should take it. Sure, it might not pay as much as you were hoping, but that's the STARTING salary, right? And your current salary took you four years to reach.

― Sarah McLusky (coco), Thursday, 21 October 2004 14:59 (twenty-one years ago)

did you ask what the person who was in the position is doing now, and how long he/she was there? that might be a good indication.

also, what's your chance of career progression?

― Catty (Catty), Thursday, 21 October 2004 15:00 (twenty-one years ago)

Don't go back to Chicago! What will I do?

What will *English* do?!?!?

― Kissing Time At The Pleasure Unit (kate), Thursday, 21 October 2004 15:01 (twenty-one years ago)

Commute: Currently I drive 25 mins. to work. For the new job, I'd have to take the el, and it'd be closer to 45-50 mins. However, I'm considering this difference negligible because I'm excited about the possibility of being able to read on the el.

― jaymc (jaymc), Thursday, 21 October 2004 15:02 (twenty-one years ago)

He'll be your new best friend!

*ducks to avoid glassing*

― Catty (Catty), Thursday, 21 October 2004 15:02 (twenty-one years ago)

Working with people you actually LIKE is something to treasure (I would imagine, as it's never happened to me).

― adam. (nordicskilla), Thursday, 21 October 2004 15:02 (twenty-one years ago)

Demetri: Hi! Sorry, I forgot about the questionnaire until M.P. reminded me this morning. Do you need it today? Can I send it to you late tonight?

― jaymc (jaymc), Thursday, 21 October 2004 15:03 (twenty-one years ago)

My current job is 10 mins drive or 15/20 on the bus. My last job was about 40 mins including a walk and a BART ride, and yet I miss it! Reading in the morning and life/work separation=good things.

― adam. (nordicskilla), Thursday, 21 October 2004 15:04 (twenty-one years ago)

Compare the delis and coffee places in each neighbourhood.

That's what I'd do, anyway.

― adam. (nordicskilla), Thursday, 21 October 2004 15:04 (twenty-one years ago)

Taking the el is not a bonus, especially in winter, and you know how long winter lasts in Chicago.
I suppose it is better than driving on the Kennedy, or worse, the Stevenson, but if it doubles your commute time that may not be worth the small pay increase, especially if the job doesn't look like it'll be that much fun.

― Catty (Catty), Thursday, 21 October 2004 15:06 (twenty-one years ago)

another question: you mentioned that you think taking this position would not be a building block on skills/experience. are there opportunities outside of the actual job description that you could (for lack of a better word) exploit to make it more interesting or build on your experience? developing a new product, or something?

― Catty (Catty), Thursday, 21 October 2004 15:06 (twenty-one years ago)

What about about BENEFITS?

― adam. (nordicskilla), Thursday, 21 October 2004 15:07 (twenty-one years ago)

SOMEONE IN LONDON PLEASE OFFER CATTY A JOB, IF ONLY TO KEEP PETER FROM TAKING UP RESIDENCE ON *MY* COUCH!!! PLEASE!!!!!! I'M BEGGING YOU!!!!!

― Kissing Time At The Pleasure Unit (kate), Thursday, 21 October 2004 15:08 (twenty-one years ago)

Hmmm, I don't know!

I don't know about BENEFITS either!

― jaymc (jaymc), Thursday, 21 October 2004 15:08 (twenty-one years ago)

Reading on the El can be difficult if you're on a standing-room-only run. But 25 mins. vs. 45 mins. is no big thing. Good luck on your decision!

xxxxxxpost
(It's no rush. Just as long as I get it by Sunday. I hope CMJ went well too!)

― . . ., Thursday, 21 October 2004 15:08 (twenty-one years ago)

(Yes, thanks!)

― jaymc (jaymc), Thursday, 21 October 2004 15:09 (twenty-one years ago)

The train is never crowded from the stop I get on at, so I'm almost assured I'll have a seat.

― jaymc (jaymc), Thursday, 21 October 2004 15:10 (twenty-one years ago)

it's the standing on the platform in -15 windchill that puts me off. and the sadass attempts to salt the platforms.... there were so many times I thought I was just going to slip-slide right off the Wilson platform back in the day.

― Catty (Catty), Thursday, 21 October 2004 15:11 (twenty-one years ago)

I believe they are having a hard time filling this position

That can be a red flag.

― j.lu (j.lu), Thursday, 21 October 2004 15:13 (twenty-one years ago)

B-But - they have those little heated areas.

I love taking the el all the time (I could just drive) because driving here is HORRIBLE. Plus, I get to read, I always have a seat, and it encourages me to walk more. And you get that warm fuzzy feeling for using public transport instead of clogging up the roadways and polluting the world, etc etc etc.

― Sarah McLusky (coco), Thursday, 21 October 2004 15:13 (twenty-one years ago)

you get that warm fuzzy feeling

you do???

― adam. (nordicskilla), Thursday, 21 October 2004 15:13 (twenty-one years ago)

Jaymc, ask if they do COMMUTER CHECKS as part of their benefits - that would save you $$$$ on the El.

― adam. (nordicskilla), Thursday, 21 October 2004 15:14 (twenty-one years ago)

That can be a red flag.

Well, from what the interviewer told me, it's because people who have applied so far are unqualified. I had to take three separate tests -- spelling, proofreading, and world politics/geography knowledge (it's relevant to the position) -- and was one of the few candidates, apparently, to have passed all of them.

― jaymc (jaymc), Thursday, 21 October 2004 15:18 (twenty-one years ago)

So is there any way you can use the job offer to have a serious word with your current employers? It sounds like you have a good relationship with them - they want to promote you, after all. Ask for more money and express any other worries you may have - all they can do is say no, and then you'll be able to leave with a handshake and move onto the new job.

Sounds kinda nice, though I can see why you're nervous and unsure. I hope you make the right decision!

p.s. remember that job satisfaction is worth FAR more than a small increase in wages - make sure that you think through the pay-off very carefully in this area. Because if you take the new job and enjoy it significantly less than the old then then you'll regret/resent it pretty quickly.

― Markelby (Mark C), Thursday, 21 October 2004 15:19 (twenty-one years ago)

Jaymc, I wouldn't take the job... it sounds fishy.

― battlin' green eyeshades (Homosexual II), Thursday, 21 October 2004 15:20 (twenty-one years ago)

Jaymc, I wouldn't take the job... it sounds fishy. Here's the thing, you already have a job, so you should be extra picky.. if it doesn't seem absolutely dazzlin', then I say no go.

― battlin' green eyeshades (Homosexual II), Thursday, 21 October 2004 15:20 (twenty-one years ago)

i would definitely ask for more money.

― mark p (Mark P), Thursday, 21 October 2004 15:20 (twenty-one years ago)

whoops, i said stuff, twice.

― battlin' green eyeshades (Homosexual II), Thursday, 21 October 2004 15:20 (twenty-one years ago)

Ask for more money at the new job or the old one?

― jaymc (jaymc), Thursday, 21 October 2004 15:23 (twenty-one years ago)

And "fishy"??

― jaymc (jaymc), Thursday, 21 October 2004 15:23 (twenty-one years ago)

j-
negotiate for more money. tell them something along the lines of what better guarantees you as a long term employee is more money. get out of the job you have...you've been talking about moving on for a couple of years. it's only "good enough" for you. maybe the new job will be tedious--maybe it won't. but it won't in the beginning because it'll be new. besides, your current job felt that way & then things changed. you can always find ways to expand your position in order to vary the sorts of tasks you have. i think if you don't take it you will regret it. besides, if it is that bad, then find something else. you're not locked in to anything . . .

― kelsey (kelstarry), Thursday, 21 October 2004 15:23 (twenty-one years ago)

B-But - they have those little heated areas.
Not enough of 'em!
Actually if I lived off Addison and worked downtown, the el would be just fine. Addison is the nicest stop overground.

― Catty (Catty), Thursday, 21 October 2004 15:24 (twenty-one years ago)

Argh, SO CONFUSING.

― jaymc (jaymc), Thursday, 21 October 2004 15:25 (twenty-one years ago)

My el stop is Bryn Mawr.

― jaymc (jaymc), Thursday, 21 October 2004 15:25 (twenty-one years ago)

So did they say anything at all about paid holiday, medical, tuition reimbursement, commuter bonus, etc?
Because I'd sell my grandmother for a hefty holiday payout.

― Catty (Catty), Thursday, 21 October 2004 15:26 (twenty-one years ago)

What you want is:

Old job: promotion, increase in range of responsibilities, mo money.
New job: mo money, transport expenses covered, guarantee of job progression.

How does that sound?

― Markelby (Mark C), Thursday, 21 October 2004 15:26 (twenty-one years ago)

Skipping 172 messages at this point... Click here if you want to load them all.

Can they do that?

― jaymc (jaymc), Monday, 25 October 2004 15:26 (twenty-one years ago)

Had you set the date already, or was it more like, "I'll only be here for a few more weeks, 'kay?"

― jaymc (jaymc), Monday, 25 October 2004 15:26 (twenty-one years ago)

They can't do that. You don't have to give ANY notice, you can leave whenever you want. What's stopping you from just not showing up? What are they going to do, fire you?

― n/a (Nick A.), Monday, 25 October 2004 15:28 (twenty-one years ago)

I guess ultimately it depends on whether you want to leave on "good terms" or not.

― jaymc (jaymc), Monday, 25 October 2004 15:29 (twenty-one years ago)

Had you set the date already, or was it more like, "I'll only be here for a few more weeks, 'kay?"

Well, I had an offer for a job starting mid-November so we agreed that I would stay on until then and possibly train my replacement, who starts next week. But now I got a much better offer and I already told my new employers that I can start Wednesday.

This is going to be UGLY!

(This job never had anything to do with "good terms", plus there is a girl here that has agreed to act as my "supervisor" if I ever need a reference)

― adam. (nordicskilla), Monday, 25 October 2004 15:34 (twenty-one years ago)

Oh right I forgot about the situation.

plus there is a girl here that has agreed to act as my "supervisor" if I ever need a reference

Haha.

― jaymc (jaymc), Monday, 25 October 2004 15:36 (twenty-one years ago)

I DO want to get paid for the last week though.

These are dodgy people and I don't trust them.

― adam. (nordicskilla), Monday, 25 October 2004 15:36 (twenty-one years ago)

SHALL I WALK OUT?

― adam. (nordicskilla), Monday, 25 October 2004 15:44 (twenty-one years ago)

Do it.

― luna (luna.c), Monday, 25 October 2004 15:47 (twenty-one years ago)

it's VERY tempting...

― adam. (nordicskilla), Monday, 25 October 2004 15:48 (twenty-one years ago)

And then you'd have tomorrow off!

― luna (luna.c), Monday, 25 October 2004 15:48 (twenty-one years ago)

Yes, do it!

― jaymc (jaymc), Monday, 25 October 2004 15:49 (twenty-one years ago)

(Uh-oh, the casual ease with which I just said that makes me wonder about everyone who said that to me upthread.)

― jaymc (jaymc), Monday, 25 October 2004 15:50 (twenty-one years ago)

And then you'd have tomorrow off!

I know! :D

― adam. (nordicskilla), Monday, 25 October 2004 15:50 (twenty-one years ago)

Just go, Adam! Chiklis would.

― Leon Czolgosz (Nicole), Monday, 25 October 2004 15:51 (twenty-one years ago)

he would!

― adam. (nordicskilla), Monday, 25 October 2004 15:52 (twenty-one years ago)

Chiklis on one shoulder, Larry David on the other...and they're in agreement!

― adam. (nordicskilla), Monday, 25 October 2004 15:53 (twenty-one years ago)

Don't forget to dump your browser cache etc. first!

― the apex of nadirs (Rock Hardy), Monday, 25 October 2004 16:05 (twenty-one years ago)

Haha! I do that 2-3 times a day! How do I delete AIM logs?

― adam. (nordicskilla), Monday, 25 October 2004 16:07 (twenty-one years ago)

yay john!

― kelsey (kelstarry), Monday, 25 October 2004 16:43 (twenty-one years ago)

adam, when you walk out the door, will you say "I hate you and I hate your ASS FACE!" or will you be nice?

― jocelyn (Jocelyn), Monday, 25 October 2004 16:56 (twenty-one years ago)

errrr, I'm thinking about just sneaking off quietly!

― adam. (nordicskilla), Monday, 25 October 2004 16:56 (twenty-one years ago)

sorry to disappoint you.

― adam. (nordicskilla), Monday, 25 October 2004 16:57 (twenty-one years ago)

That's okay.

― jocelyn (Jocelyn), Monday, 25 October 2004 16:59 (twenty-one years ago)

Maybe you should say goodbye to some coworkers you liked?

― Sarah McLusky (coco), Monday, 25 October 2004 17:09 (twenty-one years ago)

I wonder if Adam has walked out yet.

― Leon Czolgosz (Nicole), Monday, 25 October 2004 17:09 (twenty-one years ago)

Maybe you should say goodbye to some coworkers you liked?

This is a 5 person office, they all suck! (except the poor girl who is staying on an being my ref).

Going at lunchtime I think.

― adam. (nordicskilla), Monday, 25 October 2004 17:13 (twenty-one years ago)

jump out of the window! (make sure there is a shrub below)

― s1ocki (slutsky), Monday, 25 October 2004 17:24 (twenty-one years ago)

maybe I'll order a LIMO and have it pull up right outside and then RUN into it.

or a CHORUS line break down the door and I'll join it and be carried away!

― adam. (nordicskilla), Monday, 25 October 2004 17:31 (twenty-one years ago)

OMG Adam are you at home now??

― jaymc (jaymc), Monday, 25 October 2004 22:09 (twenty-one years ago)

...no, I'm still here. I'm just not coming back after today.

― Damn Yankees- High Enough (nordicskilla), Monday, 25 October 2004 22:10 (twenty-one years ago)

i wonder if they will call you at home tomorrow wondering where you are

― kyle (akmonday), Monday, 25 October 2004 22:13 (twenty-one years ago)

I don't give a shit. I never answer my phone anyway.

― Damn Yankees- High Enough (nordicskilla), Monday, 25 October 2004 22:13 (twenty-one years ago)

leave a steaming turd behind in your desk for them to discover later this week when the flies start to gather!

― kyle (akmonday), Monday, 25 October 2004 22:16 (twenty-one years ago)

grow up, Kyle.

― Damn Yankees- High Enough (nordicskilla), Monday, 25 October 2004 22:16 (twenty-one years ago)

Today's my last day at this job. What sort of wacky hijinx should I instigate?

― jaymc (jaymc), Friday, 5 November 2004 16:05 (twenty-one years ago)

It looks like your office has wackiness to spare. Perhaps you just be slightly TOO somber instead?

― adam... (nordicskilla), Friday, 5 November 2004 16:13 (twenty-one years ago)

leave a small piece of fish behind a radiator.

― beanz (beanz), Friday, 5 November 2004 16:14 (twenty-one years ago)

crosspost

― beanz (beanz), Friday, 5 November 2004 16:14 (twenty-one years ago)

In related news, the job I walked out of two weeks ago still had the good sense to pay me what they owed, which is good.

New job is great! Good luck J!

― adam... (nordicskilla), Friday, 5 November 2004 16:16 (twenty-one years ago)

Nice one adam.

I spent half the day talking to the Inland Revenue.

― beanz (beanz), Friday, 5 November 2004 16:19 (twenty-one years ago)

I miss the Inland Revenue!

― adam... (nordicskilla), Friday, 5 November 2004 17:02 (twenty-one years ago)

john,
are you celebrating tonight?

― kelsey (kelstarry), Friday, 5 November 2004 17:09 (twenty-one years ago)

who is "john"?

― adam... (nordicskilla), Friday, 5 November 2004 17:09 (twenty-one years ago)

adam i will happily send you all my tax papers and you can sort it out for me

― beanz (beanz), Friday, 5 November 2004 17:30 (twenty-one years ago)

I know I'm terribly late in this

but high fives to everyone who's jazzed about public transit!

The el is swell!

― trigonalmayhem (trigonalmayhem), Friday, 5 November 2004 17:34 (twenty-one years ago)

Only if you do my taxes here for next April.

xpost

http://www.bart.gov/news/features/features20040824.asp

― adam... (nordicskilla), Friday, 5 November 2004 17:35 (twenty-one years ago)

I am going out after work to Moody's.

― jaymc (jaymc), Friday, 5 November 2004 17:35 (twenty-one years ago)

oh yeah?

― kelsey (kelstarry), Friday, 5 November 2004 17:48 (twenty-one years ago)

Yeah. Wanna come? It'll be mostly co-workers.

― jaymc (jaymc), Friday, 5 November 2004 19:59 (twenty-one years ago)

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