Conflicted about switching jobs

[Chad Sexington]

So an opportunity has sort of fallen into my lap. It would be a significant improvement in pay, benefits, and it would be permanent, whereas my current job has an expiration date of June 2014.

Currently I'm working for a university research project, as the project coordinator. I was just given the promotion to this position at the end of February (in fact, my first day as coordinator was 1 March). I haven't been actively seeking another job, although there are times when I feel like I don't know if I can do this for another year.

I like the people I work with. Although my job can be tedious, there is some historical research value being produced.

But this opportunity has so much more. Am I betraying the people who promoted me if I leave? They've sort of trusted me to be the coordinator, and if I'm being honest, I don't know who else could do it in my absence. The person I would most readily recommend has no interest in accepting the role.

Sigh.

 

[Fun Size]

My $.02: In the business world, unless you've signed a contract, you owe nobody anything. Employers can (and will) let you go at the drop of a hat if they have to. If this is a true opportunity and you think you could be happy with the work, then follow up on it.

 

[Shakey]

If the new job is something you want to do, take it. It sounds like it's a good step up for you, they don't come by every day.

One thing I've learned is that at the end of the day, no matter how important you think you are to your employer, you'll always be just another cog in the machine. They're a business, not your family.

 

[Chad Sexington]

Well, I mean, I'm not inflated such that I think my employer will collapse without me, but the research project is small, and of my team, I have been here the longest, except for the aforementioned fellow who has no interest in moving up.

Out of 8 people, 8 months is the longest anyone else has been here: I have been here almost two years, since the beginning of the project. It's also not a corporate environment, it's an academic research position. I don't know how much that really affects my employee/employer relationship though.

 

[Shakey]

I didn't mean to say you weren't important. I get why you would feel loyalty towards your employer. I just meant that in the end your employer isn't family, don't treat it like it is. You know this isn't a permanent position, so who knows if they'd pick you up for another project after this. Do what's best for you, that's all that matters.

 

[Jay]

As a project coordinator, is the new project the same thing? What is this new job opportunity?

Are you certified with PMI?

 

[Chad Sexington]

I didn't mean to say you weren't important. I get why you would feel loyalty towards your employer. I just meant that in the end your employer isn't family, don't treat it like it is. You know this isn't a permanent position, so who knows if they'd pick you up for another project after this. Do what's best for you, that's all that matters.

Well, you're definitely right there's no guarantee for another position. The prof for whom I am working directly will retire around the time this project ends, and while he'll still be a great reference he won't be able to hire me even if he wanted to!

However, I question that what's best for me is all that matters. On the one hand, I won't suffer by not taking this new job. And there's something to be said for loyalty, for seeing a job through to its end. I know I could bring this project to its fruition, probably even ahead of schedule. Maybe that's not 'best for me' long term, but I've often felt those external things like commitment and loyalty are healthy, and good.

 

[drawn_inward]

Make a pros and cons list.

Is the new job going to move you up, give you more opportunities?
More pay/benefits?
Good commute, future colleagues, boss?

Having a permanent job certainly sounds more secure. Is your current job grant/funding dependent?

Oh, congrats, btw!

 

[Chad Sexington]

As a project coordinator, is the new project the same thing? What is this new job opportunity?

Are you certified with PMI?

I don't know what PMI is, so probably not.

This new opportunity is called "Project Analyst"; it would be similar to my role now, but within a much larger environment, with 2 or 3 projects using me as sort of a facilitator and factotum. I'd get to do a lot more challenging work, and organisational stuff, as well sort out communications between people. These are skills I have and enjoy. Right now, those are a very small part of what I do, and largely I do data entry, which can be ... dull. And too easy.[DOUBLEPOST=1371147027][/DOUBLEPOST]

Make a pros and cons list.

Is the new job going to move you up, give you more opportunities?
More pay/benefits?
Good commute, future colleagues, boss?

Having a permanent job certainly sounds more secure. Is your current job grant/funding dependent?

Grant. Basically the money runs out in June 2014.

 

[Jay]

Is the new job permanent or on contract?

So far, it's a slam dunk Pomawee.

 

[Chad Sexington]

I still don't know what Pomawee is

New job would be permanent.

 

[Shakey]

However, I question that what's best for me is all that matters. On the one hand, I won't suffer by not taking this new job. And there's something to be said for loyalty, for seeing a job through to its end. I know I could bring this project to its fruition, probably even ahead of schedule. Maybe that's not 'best for me' long term, but I've often felt those external things like commitment and loyalty are healthy, and good.

Things like "Commitment" and "Loyalty" won't amount to a hill of beans when you're LIVING IN VAN DOWN BY THE RIVER!

 

[Jay]

In my honest opinion, this is a great opportunity ONLY if you're ready to take on the new tasks.

Employment is one thing but this is a career change. I did this same move 4 years ago and I haven't regretted it.

Since you work in my field, you should also look into getting a CAPM certification and a few years down the line a PMP certification.

This will give you a lot of value. Possibly upwards to 10k with a CPAM and 30k with a PMP (#s are in my market)

 

[strawman]

Am I betraying the people who promoted me if I leave?

No, not at all.

You are currently selling yourself short. While loyalty is valuable, it's a one way street. They are only as loyal to you as their funding permits and their program exists. At that point they cannot and will not be thinking, "we are betraying you." You knew what you signed up for when you applied for the job. You deliver your work, they deliver your pay and that's the end of the transaction.

They will be able to find someone else to replace you. Sure, they'll be worse off than if they had you, but if you constantly try to please others at your loss, you will make some very bad decisions as life goes on.

A business relationship has to be of mutual benefit. If one party or the other is unhappy, or can get a better deal elsewhere, then the relationship is due to be reworked or dissolved.

If you really enjoy the work, if you're going to get more out of it than you're putting into it, if it will lead to something better soon, then maybe you should consider staying.

But as far as I can tell you should give them two weeks notice, tell them you'll be happy to respond to email and phone questions, and move on. They will manage just fine, and in fact you'll be opening a spot for someone who, like you did some time ago, needs that job but wouldn't qualify for the better job you're about to take.

I know it's difficult to leave your comfort zone, and you naturally feel like you're hurting someone when you leave, but this is part of growth.

Don't deny yourself this opportunity for real growth.

 

[Chad Sexington]

Ya'll make good points. It's not a sure thing at this moment, but it came out of nowhere last night and has a high probability of being formally offered to me next week.

Jay I am definitely ready for new tasks/challenges, and the CAPM advice is good. I'd never even heard of it. Looks like I qualify for the course offered by NAIT here, and could do it on weekends. Thanks for that tip. It is something I may pursue regardless of my decision.

I think you guys have helped me lean toward taking this new chance.

 

[Bubble181]

I was going to say that better income, better benefits, and even the permanency, aren't all that important.
Someone could offer you a job with 10x your current salary, all benefits you want, for ever and ever, but if it involves you feeling like a sac of crap and feels like a waste of your time and abilities, it'll still suck the fun out of life and leave you miserable.

Since you seem to think the new job would be "more of what I enjoy, less of what I find dull", that would be a point pro the new job.
The number one important thing about a job (after being viable - you want to be able to afford a roof and food ) is it making you feel fulfilled or happy or at least content - a job that makes you miserable cannot be a good thing, other than as a fallback to keep you alive.

I do understand your qualms about loyalty and leaving something you've built up, though - I have those same feelings and I've followed them - to my detriment, I might add.

Just make the balance: if you think you'll be miserable in the new job because you'll be thinking about the people you left stuck in the mud, with a hopelessly behind schedule program and no-one to help them - stay and see this through first. If you think you'll enjoy the new job and it'll lead you to places and jobs you want to do, don't hesistate - go. fly!

 

[Dave]

Research the company before you do anything! I once was blinded by dollar signs and I left a job that I loved for one that paid a lot more. I ended up not liking the new job and getting laid off the day before Thanksgiving. (Granted, September 11 had a lot to do with that, but still.)

So make sure the company you are going to have a good reputation for not laying people off.

 

[Chad Sexington]

Research the company before you do anything! I once was blinded by dollar signs and I left a job that I loved for one that paid a lot more. I ended up not liking the new job and getting laid off the day before Thanksgiving. (Granted, September 11 had a lot to do with that, but still.)

So make sure the company you are going to have a good reputation for not laying people off.

The company is quite big in my province, and has a good reputation for its staff overall. I have two friends who are quite happy there, and are well-treated (I would be working in a completely different department, possibly a different building even, mind you).