Two job offers...

Anonymous

February 21,2023 at 1:11AM UTC

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Two job offers... follow your dream, or follow the money?

It looks like I have a terrific job I've wanted for the last few years headed my way. Interviewed last week and I expect an offer tomorrow. But my current employer may be offering me a chance to take on a new role which will lead to a lot more money.

I'm not sure what to do. I know I will regret turning down the offer for the job I want, but my current job and career path are so much more stable and will amount to more savings and even some interesting opportunities. I'm afraid I'm going to make the wrong choice.

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AnonymousFebruary 21,2023 at 1:28AM UTC
No one knows your financial situation. But these are a few dimensions that may add color: -do you have a strong retirement package, a solid savings of 6-9 months (bc of inflation), current on credit cards, debt under control, etc. These are factors that I would consider. Finally, a “dream job” is only as good as the people you work with. I took a dream job and the culture had folks working until midnight on client deadlines. All money made after our 40 hours was pure profit. Whereas, the “money job” hasgood work-life balance and a great boss. I find happiness AFTER my work hours. Do you have a realistic expectation of a “dream job?” Weigh all factors.
Stephanie StinebowerFebruary 21,2023 at 3:07AM UTC
Always take the sure thing.
Don’t count on “may be offering”
also remember, we work to live…. We don’t live to work.
AnonymousFebruary 21,2023 at 5:40PM UTC
This is a highly personal choice based on many individual factors that only you can truly know.
For me, I always follow the money. It has always been right for me personally and my career.
Maggie StoneFebruary 22,2023 at 1:23PM UTC
If you end up having a choice, make a pro/con list. I would go with the position you feel most excited about.
Jennifer WuolletFebruary 22,2023 at 2:10PM UTC
Personally, I never bet on a "Might" or "Maybe", because you may turn down that job offer and then it takes your company 2 more years to make that promotion happen or it may never happen. Know for sure that your current company is actually going to do something and get a timeline. You may be able to use this new job offer as leverage to get what you want at your current employer, however if you do this, it may not work in your favor and then you will be stuck taking the new offer.
There is a lot to balance here but since you don't have the offer yet, and you don't have the promotion at your current job, there really isn't a decision to be made until both those ships come in at the same time. The decision may be made for you.
AnonymousFebruary 22,2023 at 5:48PM UTC
Women get held back because of fear of flying, take the leap go for your dream and leave a warm exit in the current company letting them know that you are not running away from them, but instead taking advantage of the opportunity offered to stretch your skills in a new place. Ask about coming back, in the future as your career progresses. Be grateful and show the gratitude for what you learned there. If you are risk averse stay where you are but clearly you want more or you would not have interviewed and gotten to an offer if you were totally happy in your current spot.
AnonymousFebruary 22,2023 at 6:02PM UTC
As others have said, NEVER count on a maybe. If you really want to stay with your present company based on a promise, I would get everything down in writing and make sure what’s laid out is specific.
If they won’t do that for you, I’d bounce. Money doesn’t make a job you don’t enjoy or any resentments you are building go away. Being in a job like that will really sap your soul.
Arika LawrenceFebruary 23,2023 at 12:00AM UTC
Lots of great advice in this thread!
AnonymousFebruary 23,2023 at 3:02AM UTC
I've made a lot of career moves in my life; some for money, some for 'dreams' some good, some bad. I find as I get older my 'risk tolerance' to make moves has changed, so I'll ask the question I don't think anyone has yet asked: how old are you? If you have a lot of working years ahead of you, I'd say go with what your dream job is! Otherwise, it kind of depends what your safety net is, and how much you 'need' the stable/stronger income.
Don't do the 'sensible thing' and stay with your current role -just- because it's sensible. What does it truly offer you to stay or go, based on your personal values?
AnonymousFebruary 27,2023 at 3:25PM UTC
OP I’m curious, there is lots of great insight here. What have you decided to do?