Oppo, I need your advice

"Hooker" (Hooker) 12/02/2013 at 18:11 • Filed to: None

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Earlier this year I was working a job that, for lack of better words, was hell. Long commute, crap pay, horrible boss and mismanagement all around. After about 2 weeks of discussions, I convinced (sold myself?) the owners of the small town dealership to hire me back and manage their internet presence again. This was great for all involved as their internet 'department' was severely lacking and thus, under-performing. Win win, right?

I love working there for the most part but there are some things (mismanagement of the service department) that irk me more than it should. The service manager picks and chooses which clients get taken care of and the rest he dismisses, often to their faces. He brings in a lot of 'sales' and gross dollars so he gets to stay. There is more to that story but that's the basics.

Rewind a bit. During my time at the awful job with the long commute, I interviewed for a position at a local grease processing plant. It's excellent pay, great hours, fully paid for health insurance from day one and raises every year. Due to a merger and other issues at the time I was unable to get hired there. I had been chosen for the job but the new management needed time to assess the company and how it worked. All the people who interviewed me are still there and have contacted me recently.

They have offered me the job without a new interview and want to discuss what it will take to get me there. The commute is only a mile more than what I am doing now as well. The only problem? I have only been at this job that I fought for 3 a little over 3 months. I respect my management and feel like we are friends (we are friends and I know it's not a one sided feeling). Thus, I feel like I can't even consider this new job because of my relationship with these people.

If I were to leave the company so soon would I ever be welcomed to buy there again? How about seeing them in the grocery store? It's a small town and the last thing I want to do is upset anyone. They have been very good to me.

I currently have no health insurance and can't afford it even with the company offered plans. I don't know what to do. On one hand I have health insurance and advancement opportunities and the other I have neither. Both companies are really great and I don't want to be that guy who bails on a company just because a better opportunity comes along. Let me be very clear, this isn't just a job where I am. These people have always been there for me. Help. What would you do?

This, believe it or not is the short story. I could write a book, I swear.

Thanks Oppo.

Have a picture of my awesome dog, Odie, enjoying an orange push pop.

Leadbull > Hooker 12/02/2013 at 18:15

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Real friends should respect your desire for a good job with health insurance.

Deal Killer - Powered by Focus > Hooker 12/02/2013 at 18:19

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Take the new job. Do not look back and do not regret it for an instance. You are not your current employers "Friend". You are an employee, do not forget that. I've had several experiences with employers who were friends, then promptly fired my wife at the drop of a hat, even though she was excellent at her job.

Explain to your current boss what the deal is, that you'd love to stay, but the opportunity is too great to pass up. Give them proper notice and a chance to match what the other employer will pay you, if they can. If they feel betrayed due to your short stay, that's on them. It's not like your going to the competition with company secrets. Take the money and run.

Hooker > Leadbull 12/02/2013 at 18:19

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Yeah, 3 years ago I did the same thing. Pretty sure that would not go over well.

Clown Shoe Pilot > Hooker 12/02/2013 at 18:22

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The only guy looking out for you is YOU. Take the new gig.

Stef Schrader > Deal Killer - Powered by Focus 12/02/2013 at 18:25

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Yep. Take the new gig. They'll understand.

KB Garage > Hooker 12/02/2013 at 18:26

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Based on this response, it sounds like you're not really open to advice and already have your mind made up. He is right. Take the better job. They'll get it over it eventually. If they don't, then that pretty much says a lot about them and you shouldn't be working there anyway.

Hooker > KB Garage 12/02/2013 at 18:34

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You're probably right. I do appreciate the advice though. It's hard to look someone in the face and tell them that you appreciate the job but you have to split for greener pastures.

Hooker > Stef Schrader 12/02/2013 at 18:35

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You're probably right. Thanks!

Hooker > Deal Killer - Powered by Focus 12/02/2013 at 18:36

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I know you're right but it will still be hard if I do go that route. Thank you for the advice and sorry about your wife. That sucks. I go in tomorrow to see the lay of the land and make a final decision.

Sn210 > Hooker 12/02/2013 at 18:41

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It's a job, you don't owe your current employers anything. A 2 weeks notice should be more than enough. You know how many former coworkers I've run into after I've quit jobs? 2. You should look out for yourself (and your family first?) first.

Hooker > Sn210 12/02/2013 at 18:46

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I live in a very small town. Less than 3000 people. We will see each other. It's more about respect than anything. Just don't want to burn any bridges. Family? Me and the dog. He doesn't care what I do. Actually, if I could just remember to be a good dog daddy and bring him in before dark he would be ecstatic. Poor pup was in the dark for an hour today. He seems to have recovered after steeling a piece of my steak though. Dog has a tough life.

Icemanmaybeirunoutofthetalents > Hooker 12/02/2013 at 18:54

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Take the jerb. While the current employer might feel miffed, it does not mean you can't pursue better opportunities when they present themselves.

Hooker > Icemanmaybeirunoutofthetalents 12/02/2013 at 18:57

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Indeed. I interviewed for this position over a year ago and thought it would never materialize. Now it has. The timing sure does suck though.

Birddog > Hooker 12/02/2013 at 19:02

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You gotta take care of #1 (yeah, you) first and foremost.
I'm in a similar boat. Back in July the company I worked for at the time lost their contract. I suddenly found myself out of a job.
I had 3 prospective offers and I took the one that seemed best. I made a mistake. The income promised has not materialized and neither has my health insurance. Basically I've been struggling for the last 5 months and running out my savings. No good.
The people are great, sadly great doesn't pay the bills.
Today I was contacted about a resume I put on Career Builder by a company offering a great starting pay and benny package. It took me about 3 hours of debating before I called and set an interview.

Hooker > Birddog 12/02/2013 at 20:50

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Well it's nice to know I'm not alone. I appreciate your advice. I am definitely going to look into it more. I have to. I would regret it if I didn't.

MtrRider Just Wants Doritos > Hooker 12/02/2013 at 21:19

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Remember that you friendship should be separate from your employer/employee relationship. Real friends will want you to move up to better things and more opportunities.

maximillious > Hooker 12/02/2013 at 23:33

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Be respectful, be honest, give them fair notice and work your ass off those last couple of weeks.... do everything you can to impress them on your way out and without a doubt take the new job. They will understand when it comes down to insuramce and pay

Hooker > maximillious 12/03/2013 at 09:34

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I hope so. I would still like to be able to buy my cars here and stop in once in a while just to say hi.

Birddog > Hooker 12/03/2013 at 18:37

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I'm sure there are a lot of us in the same spot.
The days of staying at one employer for 30 or so years and retiring are just about gone.

Hooker > Birddog 12/03/2013 at 21:55

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If not completely gone. Just don't want to ruin a good relationship for something unknown. I don't have any idea if I am going to like this job. I love the company and what they do and the management is fantastic though so I should be able to tough it out for a good bit if I hate it.

Birddog > Hooker 12/03/2013 at 22:15

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I get it.
Don't burn bridges. But don't be afraid to take a chance.
You miss every shot you don't take.

Hooker > Birddog 12/03/2013 at 22:17

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True words man. I'm definitely going to go for it. The worst thing they could say is I don't get the job and I stay at my current job where I am happy.