I almost lost my job during the last month and began interviewing.

30 Comments

1. Shelly EdwardsJune 23,2022 at 1:37PM UTC

   If I read this correctly, your company was about to terminate your employment until a client helped save your job. Is that correct? If your company values your skills and time that little, then it sounds to me like you would not be making a bad decision in leaving. If the new company presents you with a job that you feel fits your skills more closely and is willing to offer you that much more money, you'd be making the wrong decision not to jump at the offer. The new company is already valuing you higher than your current company without even working with you yet. Your current company isn't doing that for you. Go where you are more valued and watch how much you grow.

2. AnonymousJune 23,2022 at 1:45PM UTC

   I had an employee who made some grave mistakes and a client who was effected blamed me and wanted both of us removed from the account. My employee was let go and my boss and I discussed that the role may not be the best fit for me but that I was doing great work for the company's largest client who loves me.

   Ultimately the CEO took my recommendation and created a new role for me to lead that account and build out a new practice area for the business. However, he makes it clear that this was his way of not letting me go. And yes I did know it was a possibility.

   I enjoy the work I am doing for this client and I know I'm doing really excellent work. But, there are a lot of stressors within my company and I'm honestly not sure how much I can trust my boss that he isn't going to change his mind about me if the economy turns for instance.

   I feel huge responsibility about what has happened with the other client but I also know that it wasn't all my fault. And that as the CEO, he bears responsibility for not listening to me sooner about this problem employee.

   So that's a whole other layer to the story.

3. AnonymousJune 23,2022 at 11:00PM UTC

   I mean this with all due respect but your job with this employer is hanging by a thread at best. Listen to the message that was already delivered: your boss was about to fire you. He clearly communicated this to you and did not mince words. If anything goes wrong with this client, you will be on the chopping block.

   With that info in hand, think through the courtesy you’re extending to this employer that will most certainly not be reciprocated, ever. You’ve stated that you’re severely underpaid and your employment is tenuous. Time to seriously consider this other potential offer that will afford you $60k more a year! That alone would be a big enough motivator to jump ship.

   best of luck in your next steps.

4. Erin BeemerJune 23,2022 at 1:47PM UTC

   If the client who likes you is the only "safety net" you have to keep employed, I would definitely look for a new role. They don't value you, they only want to keep the customer.

   I recommend to change your thinking though - what if it goes right?! What if you love it?

   Another indictor of your current company not valuing you: is the $60k increase because you're severely underpaid now or ? I would certainly move "just" for the money but given the other factors, seems like it's not really even a question.

5. AnonymousJune 23,2022 at 7:41PM UTC

   Yes, I am severely underpaid. I was a Covid bargain before the market started benefitting job seekers. As for your first point, it's very valid. My boss has never said it but it's clear to me that my value is based on this account, as it's the company's largest.

6. JodiAugust 3,2022 at 12:27PM UTC

   There’s your answer right there!

7. Barb HansenJune 23,2022 at 2:34PM UTC

   A potential new job with a 60K increase per year vs. the anxiety/stress/uncertainty of moving to another job?

   What would you tell a younger mentee?

   here's what I would tell a mentee,

   "Keep moving forward with the potential job. You don't have an official offer yet, and you should always be open to new opporunities in your career, especially if those new career opporunities come with new challenges and a substantial increase in pay."

   "You don't have to make a final decision until you get an offer letter, you have still have time to work through any uncertainties."

   "If you start to feel uncertain about leaving your current place of employment, remember, you originally decided to look for another job, so don't let the anxiety or stress of changing jobs overshadow what you need from your career"

   Good luck!

8. Sue Gordon- retired Career CoachJune 23,2022 at 2:42PM UTC

   My instinctive reaction is why would you remain loyal to a job that recently terminated, then rehired you?

   Fear of the unknown is a palpable thing. Feel the fear, but do it anyway.

   Good luck.

9. AnonymousJune 23,2022 at 7:39PM UTC

   I wasn't terminated. There was just a question about my fit for my current (now previous) role. I'm mainly loyal because I like my main client and I've done good work for them with real results. And there are several ppl I work with that I like.

10. Sue Gordon- retired Career CoachJune 25,2022 at 12:48AM UTC

    Apologies. I misread your post and thought you'd lost your job. Sounds like you have a lot to consider. Is your loyalty to your client or your employer? How does the answer impact your decision?

11. Gretchen SkalkaJune 23,2022 at 2:54PM UTC

    You don't need to make any decisions right now, so please take that pressure off yourself right now.

    Where you are is a discussion. And that's a good place to be.

    Your skills and the value you bring have piqued the interest of another company. Fantastic!

    The 'salary' discussion is also one where you can research the company before you have the chat with them to better understand:

    -Do they offer higher salaries to compensate for lack of potential growth or career pathing?

    -Do they offer higher salaries to offset their benefits package?

    -Is it just about the salary? (This one's more researching yourself and what matters to you there).

    $60k is significant, but you want to understand the non-compensatory tangibles and how they may impact you.

    Other factors could also include:

    -Is there a commute? Longer? Shorter?

    -Is training on the table (this is a sign the employer is ready to invest in you/the team).

    -What does the benefits package look like overall? (will you be paying more for insurance? is there a 401k match? etc.)

    But don't be scared.

    --> You have a job you like right now that has actually become more of a fit for what you want to do.

    Stay with that in your mind.

    What you're doing is checking out a possibility.

    Right now - that's what it is.

    Until there's an offer and start date on the table, it's just a conversation.

    So don't feel too stressed out about it. :)

    You're actually in a terrific position!!!

12. AnonymousJune 23,2022 at 7:37PM UTC

    Thank you, I really appreciate this framing

13. AnonymousJune 23,2022 at 3:20PM UTC

    You don't have to make any decisions right now and you have every right to explore that opportunity without feeling guilty for it.

    The thing is...there is a real possibility that you can make a wrong decision but just as much as you making the right decision. I stayed at my last employer for ten years because I was afraid of what it would be like at other employers. Once I did finally make that jump I realized it wasn't so scary. Yeah, every employer has opportunities to improve and nothing is perfect but I'm happier.

14. AnonymousJune 23,2022 at 3:44PM UTC

    Excellent point

15. Shelli Foster BagwellJune 23,2022 at 3:37PM UTC

    We all have things in a job in which we place our value. I'm about to hire someone who will make much less here, but he is placing value on the work/life balance and respect for family we have. Decide where you place your value and then determine which place offers rank to that value.

    I generally do not value salary above all else, but the economy is questionable and I think higher salary is a winning proposition right now.

16. AnonymousJune 23,2022 at 3:42PM UTC

    What you could do, which most don’t is to take 1-2 week temporary leave from your current job. Ask the new company if you can shadow for 2 weeks to observe the team you will be working with to include others already in your role. Those 2 weeks should give u some form of indication whether it is a place fits your expectations. For ex, in that time you can tell who you click well with or not, the tempo and demands of the office, and whether you may need to work long hr days into the weekends. If you request this and the new company allows I would ask the staff as many questions as possible to gauge the environment.

    at least that will give you the peace of mind to know whether you are making a right choice. Again not many people make this request and some willl say well if I’m. It getting paid to shadow. I don’t want to do it. But knowing what you will be stepping into before you do, can make a world of difference. I wish this was a common thing, but regardless, I think it’s great you have the support of your family. I would give it a try. Sure there will be twist and turns, but that is part of growth right and part of you taking the job is to further grow in your career. So whatever makes you anxious, pray over and seek guidance. You will do just fine

17. AnonymousJune 25,2022 at 1:27PM UTC

    Yes, it’s like buying a new house or renting an apartment. You really want to make sure the neighborhood is safe, your neighbors respect your privacy, if there’s a lot of noise and activity at night and the weekend, etc. Same with a job. You’ll be spending the majority of your working hours with these people. Do you even like them? A handshake and a hello will not be enough to gauge who these people really are. I just took a job with a boss that has no social media presence. Not even a LinkedIn page. Turns out, she was friendly at first but now wants to be incredibly demanding and micromanage me, and I’m only two weeks into the job. OP, please carefully vet this new company and be comfortable with what you’re stepping into. Good luck

18. AnonymousJune 25,2022 at 1:31PM UTC

    You raise an interesting point. The average person go through so much before making a final decision on a house, car, etc. we spend a great deal of 40+ years working. It is worth the investment to spend some time investigating what you are about to step into. Great advice!

19. AnonymousJuly 30,2022 at 1:36AM UTC

    What a wonderful idea!
    Understanding confidentiality could be an issue, this approach could have huge dividends in employee satisfaction and productivity! Even 5 days - you can’t put on a “show” for that long.

20. Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume WriterJune 23,2022 at 5:00PM UTC

    Do your homework - on the company, your prospective new boss, etc. Gather as much data as you can so that you can feel confident in making the decision that is best for you.

21. Michele DarleyJune 24,2022 at 1:07PM UTC

    A lot of people get that feeling when they're making a change.

    Your job was in jeopardy last month.

    You have a client now that really likes you, but what happens if that changes.

    Your therapist and your husbands, who i would hope both have your best interests in mind think you should make change.

    Have a conversation. You went through all of the work to do the presentation. 60K is a huge increase, and for some, a whole salary.

    Think about the long term vs the short term.

    You could love your new team, You could love your new job.

    you could say with your old company and lose your job, or not, and regret not taking a chance on something new.

    Do your research, get the information and don't get stressed until you actually have an offer - and then don't stress because it's a good thing and you're in a great place.

22. AnonymousJune 24,2022 at 1:58PM UTC

    They recently held a webinar here that talked about risk in making career changes. It was really great.

    One thing every panelist said was that you can't be afraid of making the wrong decision. You have to embrace that every decision has risk.

    o your research to understand how successful you would be in the new role, consult those you trust and then work to make the decision you choose a success.

23. JJJune 24,2022 at 3:06PM UTC

    Fo me, a 60k raise would make up for a lot. No job is perfect, but being able to stress shop and get a massage would seal the deal for me.

24. Audrey KirschJune 24,2022 at 6:30PM UTC

    You sound like you're already able to live off of the salary you have. If you are offered $60k more and decide to take the job, put half of the difference ($2500 per month) in savings. That way you will have a cushion to fall back on if you end up hating the new job and want to leave. If you end up loving the job, you'll be on your way to saving for a large purchase like a home, car, vacation or building towards your retirement. Either way, you'll be in a good position for the future.

25. AnonymousJune 24,2022 at 7:56PM UTC

    From my perspective as a recruiter and learning on the inside from hiring managers, when you almost lost your job and were moved to a new role, that is a band-aid for your company. It's not for you. If those close to you such as your husband and someone within your psyche as a therapist recommend a change, listen to them. If you are offered a wonderful opportunity that comes with a strong salary, take it. Change is scary. Period. If you are comfortable, yes, the employer wants you to be until they find another reason to get rid of you. Take what you earned (the new job at the new company) and leave. Your new journey is waiting for you, what are you waiting for? We all have clients, co-workers, etc. we like and we leave behind, that's what work is. Stay in touch via LinkedIn with any clients or colleagues, but you don't have to commit to a company you don't like because of it.

26. Amy Carissa OliverJune 25,2022 at 12:18AM UTC

    Beautiful advice, said perfectly.

27. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJune 25,2022 at 4:26AM UTC

    YOU SAID:

    "I'm scared of making the wrong decision and finding that I do not like it at the new company as much as I do my current company"

    Please don't let this fear paralyze you. Analyze all your options and then make the decision you feel is best for you. But please don't let fear cloud your judgement. If you accept this new position, you're not accepting a life sentence. Yes, you want it to be a good fit but not everything works out. You're able to find this new opportunity - if you take it and it's not what you'd hoped, don't be afraid to admit that to yourself and go and find something that's a better fit for you. Being afraid is not a reason to stay.

    YOU SAID:

    "Would you make the decision based on money or what would be your main deciding factors especially as we may enter an economic recession?"

    I like living indoors as much as the next guy and I understand paying bills, but money is never going to make a shit job into a better job.

    I recommend you take money out of the equation. Look at the job itself without the money.

    Will this job have you doing what you want to be doing? Will this job challenge you? Will you learn anything new? Will this job do whatever it is you're looking for in your new position?

    Now some people do take jobs just for the money - and that's ok too. Sometimes it's with a plan in mind - I'm going to work at this job that I'm probably not going to like for a year so I can pay off my bills then I can afford to work for less money at a job I love. No judgement here.

    YOU have to decide what's important to you. Not your husband, not your therapist. Once you have an honest conversation with yourself about exactly what that is, you'll be able to make your decision.

    Then do some research on the financial health of the company.

    Once you have all the facts you need to make a decision, go for it.

    Good luck!

28. Christi LopezJuly 25,2022 at 2:08PM UTC

    "money is never going to make a shit job into a better job"

    This is everything!

29. Nancy DamossAugust 3,2022 at 12:42PM UTC

    Don't quit current job, take vacation from current job. Accept offer of new job, work there while on vacation of current position. If you don't like new one. Go back quietly to current position.

30. PebblesAugust 9,2022 at 11:31AM UTC

    Two weeks isn’t a super long time to hear back from an interview. I can absolutely understand the anxiety during that time, but we’re not talking about ghosting here.

    Your current role sounds a bit precarious to me. If they almost let you go a few weeks ago, who is to say they won’t do it again? Also, one client doesn’t sound secure enough to me.

    However, a meeting with HR doesn’t necessarily mean there is an offer. When there is indeed an offer, weigh all the factors and choose wisely.

    Personally, a $60k difference would make me strongly consider a move, more so if I thought I could be let go at any minute. I suggest meeting with this new company and see what they have to say. Ask your questions before making a decision. Most of all, take care of you.