Well, I got the job....but I don't know if I want it. What would Oppo do?

"themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles" (themanwithsauce) 05/14/2018 at 17:30 • Filed to: None

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Last week I half-heartedly prepped a resume and cover letter for a job. I got a callback the next day and an interview that friday. The offer letter came in today. It’s....it’s a mixed feeling. I’m trying to sort out my thoughts on this. Anyone been in a situation like this?

For starters, I don’t *hate* my current job. But I’m not in love with it. I am a formulations chemist. Or, so my title says, but lately I’ve been our “He’s capable of anything so if someone can’t do it, he can!” guy. So my job is half quality control, instrumentation running, and entering stuff into the computer and maybe half R&D work on a good week. Unfortunately, I am only judged on my R&D work. I like the variety too, but it also feels like my specialties of pool chemicals and surface cleaners and the like are passed up by our electroplating side. So while no one has said anything to my face, I have concerns over where I’m going to be down the line. Although, that’s nothing sure fire.

The new job is very focused - they want me to be their head of development for car wash and car care products. SCORE! I always wanted to do something like this! Unfortunately, the pay increase isn’t too big. Well, it’s about a 9k/yr increase but my commute goes from 5 miles to 40 so my fuel bills will increase. Compensation in general might not be much of an increase - they don’t have a 401k and my current company is an ESOP so we get shares of the company the longer we work there. Plus it is a big responsibility increase. I developed some damn good cleaners and made us a lot of money at this job, even though I seem to get dumped on a lot in meetings for “not doing enough” so......I don’t know.

It comes down to the devil I know or the angel I don’t. And remember - lucifer was an angel at first. Honestly my future prospects at the new job are greater. Much greater. I’d report directly to the company president and have people working under me. But I’m also all of 28 years old and that thought is....slightly stressful. ALthough the future stresses me here too because of the aforementioned future and AFGRFJHAGHDFRHGFAGFDRJKGEIU.

...I’ve got until wednesday. And man, I haven’t the slightest clue yet which one to do.

Future next gen S2000 owner > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/14/2018 at 17:54

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It’s better to have the option than to not have it. Climbing the ladder is usually a good thing. Head of R&D or VP of R&D sounds good on a resume.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/14/2018 at 17:55

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In my opinion the commute is not worth the pay increase. If that opportunity happened that quick, and you aren’t too eager to get out of where you are, I’d hang and see if if you can find another opportunity for more $ and less miles.

E90M3 > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/14/2018 at 17:56

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I did an interview with a frac consulting firm while drinking. I didn’t really want the job, but I figured that I should take the interview. Well, they offered me the job. It would be ~30k more than I make now, but it would be a lot more work. The cons outweighed the pros and I declined the offer. Make a list of pros and cons and figure out your life goals and then pick the job that most closely aligns with them.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/14/2018 at 17:58

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Sometimes the evil you know is better than the evil you don’t.

M.T. Blake > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/14/2018 at 18:00

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The greatest risk is never taking one.

Also, if it doesn’t work out, you’re a chemist. You’d make great meth.

WilliamsSW > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/14/2018 at 18:02

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Compensation in general might not be much of an increase - they don’t have a 401k and my current company is an ESOP so we get shares of the company the longer we work there.

That’s a pretty big deal right there - -you seriously need to do the math on what that’s worth, it could easily (probably does, in fact) wipe out the $9k raise.

That said, if the job (and increased status) does interest you, do NOT be afraid to counter with what it would take to get you to move. Worst that can happen is that they say no.

TBH here though, it doesn’t sound to me like you’re ready to pull the trigger - either because this job isn’t quite right, or maybe because you just don’t know what else is out there. Your resume is up to date, look around to see what else might be better than the offer or your current gig.

It’s a good problem to have ! ! ! Good luck!

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > E90M3 05/14/2018 at 18:03

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Yeah. I’m calling my mom later tonight. She’s gone from the underling to the boss in her field. I figure she has good advice (plus we didn’t get a chance to talk yesterday sooooooo I should be a good son and let her know I didn’t forget her!!!)

My citroen won't start > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/14/2018 at 18:04

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How about meth?

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/14/2018 at 18:05

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Is the 40 mile one way or round trip? Because that would be a deal killer for me. Otherwise I’d probably take the new job. Sounds like it’s more up your alley.

LongbowMkII > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/14/2018 at 18:08

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“I have concerns over where I’m going to be down the line”

Tell this to your current boss. If they don’t have a CONCRETE plan that you like by the end of the week then check out this new place.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > My citroen won't start 05/14/2018 at 18:09

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Making it is easy, selling is the hard part.

LongbowMkII > LongbowMkII 05/14/2018 at 18:10

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Just saying, if you have the knowledge and are already going above and beyond, you should be getting paid for that.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > LongbowMkII 05/14/2018 at 18:11

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Yeeeeeaaaahhhhh when I started there 5 years ago, we were promised a new building. They’re pouring alomost half a million into new equipment into our old, literally falling apart building. Same with other departments. Future plans are never, ever worth anything at this company. So I’d trust those words about as far as I could throw the person saying them.

phenotyp > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/14/2018 at 18:12

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I think I’d take it. New job, responsibilities more in line with what you want, less ambiguity, and direct reporting to the company’s president. Like you said: “

future prospects at the new job are greater. Much greater.”

I think that should answer your question. Plus, you’re 28. Taking the chance should be what you’re doing at that age.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > WilliamsSW 05/14/2018 at 18:13

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Now, granted, my company’s current 401(k) match is 1% max - they match 0.33 for every % you put in, so any more than 3% and the company gives no more. So I’m looking into that and maybe starting up an alternative plan like a vanguard account or something. WIth the market taking that big hit earlier in the year, it’s a good time to jump in while it’s recovering. Looks like my commute will add about 2000$/yr in gas. Tires and brakes are consumed by autocross and track days anyways...

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > phenotyp 05/14/2018 at 18:17

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That....that’s actually a good point. I do forget sometimes that age and family status can put the kibosh on risks like this....

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 05/14/2018 at 18:18

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One way. So 80 miles every day, 400/wk. I have my motorcycle (and the motorcycle route is FANTASTIC) so I can reduce the gas cost in the summer but it’s still not ideal.

just-a-scratch > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/14/2018 at 18:24

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A jump up on job title can be a big career boost. It sounds like it could be a great investment in your career even if the job and commute are not enjoyable.

In short, it sounds like you should take the new job.

M.T. Blake > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/14/2018 at 18:26

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You are ‘the man with the sauce’ we know you have some.

SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/14/2018 at 18:28

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Take it. 28 is no age to be in a rut or to be scared of the future. The money is nice but personal satisfaction is worth much more.

Mid Engine > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/14/2018 at 18:29

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Can you work from home a couple of days a week? Makes the longer commute tolerable

feather-throttle-not-hair > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/14/2018 at 18:46

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I’d do it. Its not permanent if you don’t want it to be, but it CAN be permanently on your resume if you end up taking it......

Nom De Plume > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/14/2018 at 19:12

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Go with your gut.

By which I mean delay their offer until you can research the company much deeper than they would ever suspect. Including the people who would be working under you. Then don’t let on, slip, or otherwise hint at this deeper knowledge. Pay very close attention to their reactions to this delay. Take a hard look at your industry and make a solid rational decision.

Current job sounds like they might be taking advantage of you by playing with your esteem and willingness to produce now that you’ve given them what they wanted out of the hire. You seem like a nice guy who might have a hard time being self serving and cunning enough to see it in others.

haveacarortwoorthree2 > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/14/2018 at 19:16

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So the additional commute sucks, both in increased costs and time. Part of the $9k raise will be offset by the loss of ESOP matching (what has the current company’s stock done? What are its future prospects? Stocks can go down as well as up). So your $9k raise already is cut by quite a bit, and you’ve got no potential upside on equity value.

OTOH, you’re 28. You’ve got a chance to take on more responsibility. It is a raise. It sounds like a better overall environment for you from a professional standpoint.

As for stress, welcome to the world. (Seriously, not trying to be an ass here) As I told one of my former associates a long time ago after she received the highest score in the state on the bar exam, “That’s great. But now every day is a test!” (Yeah, that was kind of being an ass.) It sounds like you’ve got a great head on your shoulders, you’re skills are in demand, you’re likely to always have options, so why not take the chance now and see what you can do?

And actually, I think if you reread your post, you’ve already found the answer to your dilemma. “SCORE! I always wanted to do something like this!” You’re 28, you’ve got an opportunity to do something you’ve always wanted to do. Carpe diem, my friend!

AfromanGTO > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/14/2018 at 19:30

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Let’s make two lists shall we.

Positive

1) You’d be in a department head role.

2) You’d be the go to guy for the chemical department.

3) Job security.

4) Slight pay increase.

5) Working on something that interest you.

6) Respect

7) Moving up the corporate ladder.

Negative

1) Longer commute.

2) Pay is almost the same.

3) No 401K (Get a Roth IRA instead.)

4) Comfortable at current place.

There is the gist of it from the story and the comments.

Personally I’d change jobs. I became a manager for a DOD contractor at 18, and then two years later I became a manager for the DOD at 20. When I left there my job title was supervisor. So seeing progression is a positive thing in life. You’re not stagnant and feel like you’re in the same old rut. That being said I turned down jobs that weren’t beneficial to me. AKA moving across country for the same position with no pay raise and higher cost of living.

Stapleface > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/14/2018 at 19:31

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You’re kind of spoiled right now with your commute. It’s tough to give that up. Provided that there’s minimal traffic on the commute to the new job, I’d probably take that one. Granted it kind of makes your work day longer, but I think it’s a good trade off as you’re doing stuff more in line with what you’d like to do.

Sovande > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/14/2018 at 19:40

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Ask current job to refine your job description, pay you what your market values is (which is at least $9k more than you are currently making) and better define your role in the company. If they say no, move on. If they want to keep you they will make it work. It will cost them far more than $9000 to hire someone new.

The no 401k thing is weird to me. Counter the $9k with the addition of the amount that you could put into a 401k per year (including the company match) and see what they say. It’s a business decision being made by business people. If they want you they will pay for you.

deekster_caddy > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/14/2018 at 19:59

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Best suggestion I can come up with: take the new job. Maybe the recognize your value and compensate better in the future. If not use it as a stepping stone to a better place, the increase in responsibility will look good on your resume. Otherwise, why did you apply for it? You know you are ready for a change...

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/14/2018 at 20:04

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That would be too far for me, but if you are okay then go for it.

Roundbadge > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/14/2018 at 21:04

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Late to the party, but I think you should take it. The title and the additional responsibility are a big deal.

shop-teacher > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/14/2018 at 21:28

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Whether you take this job offer or not, if you don’t think there’s a future at your current job, don’t stick around. I watched my wife stagnate at a company with no future, that’s now in the shitter. She didn’t get a raise for almost decade, before she finally quit. Don’t end up like that.

WilliamsSW > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/14/2018 at 22:12

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Yeah, 1% match is crappy. Looks like you have the numbers- sometimes a 9k raise isn’t really a 9k raise.

Still a confidence boost to get the offer, whether you accept it or not.

f86sabre > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/14/2018 at 22:33

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Negotiate the pay up and take the new job. You need to be happy doing what you do and work at a place that appreciates you.

Option B is you use the offer to get what you want out of your current job.

Grindintosecond > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/14/2018 at 22:52

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Well, how old are you? How single are you? How home/apt rental/owner are you? These things go into a decision like this. If you’re older, nearing 50 with a family and a house and a wife working and established where you are, well then, stay put and finish it our may be a better option given the ESOP program. But, if nothing’s tying you down and you’re young, this is a very good thing for the resume, is a better quality of job fulfillment (sounds like you like the work) and if nothings keeping you where you are (renting) then by all means move closer to that joint.

Youre 28 and this sounds like a win but if the 40 miles is highway with minimal jams, just go for it. I drive 45mi one way to work but thats only once or twice a week. Many others in denver here drive 50 each way every day. it’s perspective, but at least youre not trying to commute in and out of LA/DC/Dallas/Denver/etc.....or are you...

GLiddy > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/15/2018 at 08:45

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Many years ago a late friend told me something that while obvious, was quite profound. We do things to bring about the outcomes we truly desire. In other words, our actions reveal our true intentions.

You applied for this job presumably because you either didn’t like the one you had, or that you thought this new job could be better. You’re just having second thoughts. I’m not saying that taking the job is the best move, I just think its the move you really want to make.