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Question

I have been offered a new, more senior role at my current firm that could be high risk / reward and a job at a new company where everything will be new. Salaries are similar (for now). How have others chosen between two opportunities with so much unknown?

Migita Dcruz · Answer

Something that I've found worked well for me, when I was at crossroads in my academic and professional life, was to talk to others who are already working at or used to be working at both places. Insiders may have been where you have before and can give you a fairly more honest and nuanced answers to niggling questions that would help with the decision. 
Above all, I've found that it's not just the nature of the work that matters, but also the work environment, and whether it's a good mental health place or not. Knowing why people who left, did so, is a potent guide.
All the best.

Roma Mehta · Answer

Since you are currently working at a company and you have been offered a job at another company, I suppose you are aware of both the companies and their benefits. I think you should start with the job profiles for both the jobs and see which aligns more with your interests and goals. Next, research about the departments/team you would be joining since each team within a company functions differently (e.g. some managers are cool with working from home and some aren't, although both belong to the same company). I think this is very important as everyone has different priorities.  Another thing to think about is what is more important to you in terms of your career goals, having a senior position (and advancing up the ladder) or be at the same level (and start everything from scratch at the new company).
I think these tips, in addition to the insights given by other women here, would help you find the right employer.
All the best!

Jackie Ghedine · Answer

What an exciting time for you. Making a decision for your next step based on abundance instead of scarcity is an amazing gift.

You have the answers within you, just look deep.

Ask yourself some really hard questions:
- Why did I start looking in the first place
- What are the skills/tasks I love in my job and which job will allow me to do that most?
- What are the skills/tasks that deplete me and which job limits this task?
- When I see myself in a year, I would prefer to be (where) doing (what)?
What am I afraid of if I stay at my current company, is this fear holding me back from achieving great things?
Which job challenges me more?
What prompted me to start looking? Will those elements still be there if I stay at my current company?

Be honest, I guarantee the answer will come!

yvette finley PHR · Answer

If salaries are similar, you should create a list of other desires that  you want in a position. Be sure to include your non-negotiables and perhaps a few perks that specifically appeal to you! Some key factors could include: commute to worksite (if applicable), ability to unplug from the job,   community involvement, benefit eligibility, unpublished perks, parking.,, (this was huge for me taking a downtown position).. hope this helps!

Anjali Nair · Answer

If you like your current company, new role, potential new boss and team, then getting a senior role at a firm where you hold experience and have a network will work in your favor. But if you're looking for a change and challenge and want to venture out then I would advise to do research more about the new employer. All the best!

Janna · Answer

First, congratulations on having two offers! That is great! Although I have not been in your specific situation, years ago I experienced a somewhat similar scenario.   I was on a path to growth and leadership in my current role, but had been looking for something else and was offered a position at another company for something completely new and very different. They pay for both was comparable, and so were the benefits which made it a very tough decision. Expectations for both roles were communicated to me, but there was a huge amount of unknown for me, personally.

Your current firm’s offer of the high risk/reward of the more senior position means they know  you have what it takes to rise to the challenges of the role. Can you talk to another person at your current firm who is or has been in the same senior high risk / reward role and find out more about the challenges and returns from a more personal and practical standpoint?

Something led you to start looking elsewhere, or at least seriously consider this other offer. Whatever that is, can you resolve it or deal with it if you chose stay at your current firm? Or is the only way to resolve it to pursue the new opportunity?

Also, consider your personal career goals or aspirations. Which position would best lead you to the opportunity to achieve them? It may be easier when evaluating your current firm than it is for a new company, but look at it from the skills you have to apply for both roles and think about what those skills may enable you to do later down the line.  Do you see the potential to grow/enhance your skills in one role more than the other to achieve what you want to achieve? Which will lead to the most opportunity for you?

I hope this helps and wish you the best on your decision!

Shanita Taylor · Answer

Research and asking more questions. If they can't be answered then I see an issue.

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