Worth it to take a job for more money even if it’s not exactly what I want to do (but could potentially lead to what I want) OR do I just stay where I am and apply for jobs that are directly what I want??

Anonymous

May 3,2022 at 7:53PM UTC

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Worth it to take a job for more money even if it’s not exactly what I want to do (but could potentially lead to what I want) OR do I just stay where I am and apply for jobs that are directly what I want??

Hi! I have a new marketing job opportunity, where my salary would be +$40k more per year than it is now, other benefits would be better, and growth potential is better. The culture at the new company also seems great from what I’ve heard.

The problem is that the job itself isn’t what I want. (They reached out to me). It’s doable, and very similar to what I currently do, but it doesn’t excite me in terms of the day to day tasks. If I take the job, I’d honestly be doing so for the money and for the potential of where this new job *could* lead (because this new company is much bigger than my current one and, should an opportunity present itself, I could move into the type of marketing role I want).

But would it be weird to take a job just to get my “foot in the door” at the company, when there’s not even a guarantee as to where it could or couldn’t lead me internally? Would it be better to just stay at my current job (where I enjoy my team, WFH, etc) and apply for roles that are directly what I want?

To be very clear, I’m ready to move on from my current role. I’ve gotten everything I can out of it, feel unfulfilled at this point, and due to the company’s small size it’s the type of role where my tasks haven’t changed over the past few years even when I’ve gotten a pay or title bump.

I’m sure there’s some regular “change can be scary”-type jitters at work here, but I want my next move to really feel right.

Do I just enjoy the extra money and growth potential of this new opportunity OR take advantage of the comfort/relative low stress of my current job to really apply for a job that’s firmly the type of marketing role I’m looking for?

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Joanna GiordanoMay 3,2022 at 7:57PM UTC
would it be weird to take a job just to get my “foot in the door” at the company - nope. not weird at all.
I say go for it. Change is good. Sounds like you're done with your current spot.
you can always leave the new gig too. Better to be stuck in a spot with better pay et al ,than not. Be aware the new job shine may distract you from your ultimate search, but who knows what the future holds?
Unless you're really going to take advantage of the comfort and low stress of the current gig, then I say move on.
AnonymousMay 3,2022 at 8:45PM UTC
Hmm I tend to operate from the school of thought that a role should have the following two goals in mind, 1) earn or 2) learn (I forgot where I read this, but I can't take full credit for this concept).
Ideally, we should have a combo of both, but sometimes it is simply one or the other (there's no right or wrong answer here too).
This new opportunity would be purely an "earning" goal, which is ok. If you're open to accepting the role knowing that the primary goal here is to "earn" then you have already relaxed your expectations for the "learn" part. As Joanna said, change is good. Because who knows, the role you may want to "learn" and grow in, may or may not have the same earning capacity. Whatever you decide, it will all work out in the end. Good luck to you! The most important takeaway is: your role should have one of those goals at the forefront, otherwise, you're shorting yourself (earning or growing-wise) and that's no bueno.
Alexis GladstoneMay 3,2022 at 9:20PM UTC
It all comes down to your priorities AND going in with your eyes wide open. That's where the pro/con list comes in and comparing it to your 'next role requirements'. I once took a job to with less pay and working for someone I knew would be a challenge so to relocate where I wanted to. Relocation was my #1 priority at the time, and I knew the organization was large enough to possibly provide other opportunities.
If you decide to take it and it doesn’t end up working out because of the role, and/or the growth opportunities you thought would be there, you've set yourself up to be at the next level in terms of salary.
AnonymousMay 4,2022 at 1:41AM UTC
Bird in the hand. Take it and buy yourself a nice bottle of champagne each weekend to celebrate.
Tomilyn RichardsMay 4,2022 at 12:05PM UTC
If you are ready for change and growth... it sounds like this position might be a better long term fit for you. I have seen many people take sideways steps for the bigger long term gain many times in my career and it typically is the right choice. From your words and tone... it sounds like you feel and know this and need reassurance, I understand that feeling all to well. Go with what your gut is telling you... change can be hard, but so can NO change.