Need some input on a big decision that I need to make. I’ve been at the same smallish company for 15 plus years.

13 Comments

1. AnonymousApril 21,2025 at 8:49PM UTC

   Yes, thank you! The company I am with was in financial trouble and the tariffs have made it worse. The new company is not directly affected by the tariffs as they are a different industry. Great insight.

2. AnonymousApril 22,2025 at 1:11PM UTC

   If they are looking to you for guidance that gives you the upper hand.

   Draft a thorough job description and plan for your investment. Start your engagement as a side hustle. Draft an evenings and weekends schedule with deliverables and milestones for 6 months so both you and the company can test out the arrangement. You will work as a contractor and earn the knowledge and side income while you see how your current company weather's it financial struggles.

   This will benefit both you and the new, interested, company. It will also position you as more valuable and allow you to insist on more compensation if brought on permanently.

3. AnonymousApril 22,2025 at 8:13PM UTC

   Yes, husband is on board whatever choice I make.

   I appreciate your comment about putting all my eggs in one basket. I think that I’ve been so desperate in wanting to leave, I’m jumping at the first real opportunity. I think I need to consider waiting for other options as well.

4. GirlBossanova934974April 23,2025 at 1:28PM UTC

   Unfortunately, we are reading way too many of these horror stories these days. And the obvious comes to mind??!! What is this person waiting around for? The owner hired his wife to run things. BIG NO NO! Then the company lost money. Then it got rid of people because the wife no doubt messed up and yet YOU are still hanging around? The resumes should be going out by the DOZEN each and every week. Startups are nice but are usually unstable. There has to be other jobs out there. That other job has YOUR name on it. What's the holdup??

5. Jacqueline CutlerApril 23,2025 at 2:22PM UTC

   What you describe sounds as if matters will only continue to go south at the place where you have been.

   You have benefits from your husband's plan, why not take the leap? At least you have an offer. If the much smaller company proves untenable, you will start looking, which is likely what you would have to do if you stayed put.

6. Colleen HansonApril 23,2025 at 2:46PM UTC

   It has been my experience that small companies that hire husbands/wives/ kids usually always become toxic and often do not survive long term. I have seen both sides; family member completely unqualified which causes havoc and/or family member highly qualified and employees start getting called out for poor performance. Either way it has never ended well.

   Going to a start-up would be risky, in my opinion. I would concentrate on putting your resume out there and finding a position with a well-established company.

7. AnonymousApril 23,2025 at 4:14PM UTC

   This is a hard one. Perhaps see if you can consult to them in the times that you are not working for the other company. As long as they don't compete then it seems like you could mesh both together to make one good situation. After a period of time you can then assess if leaving is the right thing. Don't wait for the axe to fall at your current employer is you feel that might happen.

8. AnonymousApril 24,2025 at 12:20PM UTC

   See if you can consult part time without other company as a 1099 and hold onto your other job.

9. AnonymousApril 24,2025 at 12:32PM UTC

   I've had to write my own job description a few times in my career. It has worked to my advantage.

   However, I too just left a toxic environment for a pay cut and the positive impact on my mental health has been priceless.

   Ultimately it's up to you. This thread had provided lots of options and considerations. In the end you need to do what is best for you in your situation.

10. AnonymousApril 24,2025 at 12:48PM UTC

    I am in the stay where you are category.

    After 15 years, I could put up with toxicity. I couldn't put up with being a fall-guy.

    If the new company is leaning on you for guidance, they will have a person to finger point to if things don't go well. Benefits are not that important until you need them. What about PTO?

    The vague job description is also a red flag. I take it to mean anything they find that they can't do is suddenly your job description. I feel like before long, you will be doing the work of 3-4 people but getting less pay.

    If they hit a rough spot, being new, they may decide to just cut their losses and shut down.

    During the housing crisis, my stupid a brother convinced my dad to go into a collections business with him. (In other words, my dad put up the money and my brother reap the benefits). My brother had worked in a collection agency so he thought he knew everything about it. Not So.

    My dad asked me what I thought. I told him he was crazy. At the time there was record foreclosure. If people were not paying their mortgages, they were not going to pay their 5 year old credit card or gym membership debt. He said I just didn't want them to succeed. 6 months later, it bled my parents dry and they closed. The only thing they made was the money off the cubicle equipment they bought.

    Good luck. Weigh out the positives and negatives and don't go on feelings - go on facts...

11. AnonymousApril 24,2025 at 1:26PM UTC

    I'd look at it as no right or wrong decision, simply a decision. Don't let the fear of the unknown hold you back from trying something which could potentially be a great opportunity if you are interested in it. Staying somewhere because of fear of unknown/change is a good recipe to not grow and to put up with more than you should.

12. Rosa GoesApril 24,2025 at 6:28PM UTC

    Writing your own job description doesn't really work. But it sounds like you would be part of their management or executive level at this new company. The good news is you met with them and like them. If you move forward with them, I would set clear expectations. Good luck to you!

13. Dawn McDonnellApril 25,2025 at 12:08PM UTC

    You want to ask yourself ? How old am I ? Do I have a sound financial plan in savings 401k Roth? How many years do I have until I’m 65 ( for Medicare)

    Is this small biz something I can see myself doing 3-5 years? Are there opportunities to learn and grow be it through moving up or laterally?
    Are the skills you have transferable for other types of small businesses.
    Are you looking for flexibility?
    If it’s a small family business don’t do it - Famiky is always first.
    Get out of the business with the Wife managing. You won’t get ahead.
    Leave while the going is good even if you take a small pay cut . Think future, think can I learn, think can I grow,. Think how can I make myself in disposable for this new company , How can I help them to succeed so I can succeed ?
    Ask for stiock ownership and shares in the company for your interest in seeing the company do well.
    Get out of Wife management co ASAP. You never win here.
    How do I know?
    I’ve worked in Corporate Americs and have a family business with my husband and father.
    Get out - Take the risk of opportunity!