Career Crossroads...

powerfool

Well, my career has been on a huge upswing for the past few years. It has felt pretty good. A couple of weeks ago, I was contacted by a recruiter. As is always my policy I pursue any solicitation for work until A) it is obvious that it isn't going to pay well or is a lateral or backwards step. So, I followed through and I was offered the job. The problem is, I played hardball with them, and they played hardball back... and the offer really isn't superb over my current position. Here is how it breaks down:

Pros: 15% pay increase, much closer to home, will be the technical lead of a large team (30+), working on something in the private sector (doing gov't contracting feels dirty and wrong, honestly).

Cons: short-term (two-years max... more likely 6-9 months, and then a possible extension), significantly less 401k match (makes the 15% increase only worth half as much), passing up the long-term opportunity at my current job (up for a promotion next cycle and a significant pay increase).

There are other factors that muck things up, as well... I am into my current employer for a significant amount of money for tuition reimbursement, and they are offering to pay twice as much this year for tuition reimbursement.

Bottom-line... there is no clear decision. My current contract runs for over three more years, but that could be cut short any time. Neither employer has any other opportunities in my metro area, either.

I have to make this decision and live with the outcome. This would probably be one of the times that I would use one of the three wishes a genie could give me so that I would make the right decision. I tried to push them to give me a 25% increase so that there was a but more clarity...

In any event, the clock is ticking and I have to either quit what I have and turn down the opportunity. If it was at all possible, I would work both, but I don't think it is (plus company policy absolutely forbids it).

Any advice?

tru504187211

You're up for more at the long-term gig soon...you might be at that 15% then!

If it were me, I think I'd stay at the current job. Who knows what will happen in 9 months from now!

Forsaken_GA

I wouldn't take the other job unless there was 1 of 2 things in play:

#1 - I was certain my current contract would be cut short

#2 - I was financially secure enough to be out of work at the end of the newer contract, and relatively sure of a quick turnaround to reemployment after.

Otherwise, the pay increase would not be worth the risk to me.

cyberguypr

I'm with the guys. I would stay put. Everything at the current job sounds like is going forward, so no reason to gamble.

powerfool

Well, that is what my gut was telling me...

I would really like to use it to my advantage at my current employer, but I don't want to push it.

docrice

Based on my impressions of your situation, I'd say the weight is heavier on your current job. I'm with the rest of the guys here - I'd stay put. The pay increase and shorter commute costs / time is nice, but the contract seems too short a period to make that mental transition investment. There are other variables that haven't been spoken of yet either (job satisfaction, etc.).

I was recently in a somewhat-similar situation, and I ended up going with my gut. My decision was based on what I'd enjoy more spending eight hours a day doing.

LoMo

I'd probably stay put honestly. You already know the deal at your current gig.

djfunz

Stay where you are.