Hello everyone!

Danielle White

April 2,2022 at 12:13AM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

Hello everyone!

I need some serious advice and I don’t have anyone to ask.

In September, I left my job of 10 years for career advancement. I worked with a small non profit as an AD for 6 mos, and decided to leave because I noticed some deep structural/organizational issues. My previous job has taken me back as a contractor for a project, and tells me that my previous position is open but I have to go through the hiring process. The position pays more than what I made before and I’m comfortable here. However, because of the uncertainty of this position, I’ve been applying to other jobs and I may have a couple of offers with better titles and pay and it’s more aligned with my career aspirations. The only thing I’m concerned about is if whether I should leave again because it didn’t work out before and the management here have been so good to me.

How do I decide if I should leave ? Do I leave because the pay is better and more options for career advancement? Do I stay out of loyalty and comfort? I’m at a crossroads, and my only advice is from my parents who believe I should stay because it’s what I know and it’s safe, but they don’t understand that I want and need more out of life. Please help!

Why women love us:

Daily articles on career topics
Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
Advice and support from an authentic community
Events that help you level up in your career
Free membership, always

4 comments

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

4 Comments

Join the conversation

AnonymousApril 2,2022 at 1:18AM UTC
I would stay for now because you are safe and comfortable and it pays ok.
There is no guarantee you won't be comfortable at a new company again. You enjoy your company, have spent 10 years there and feel comfortable.
I would get your old job back, make a bit more money and get more out of your personal life.
Then down the road if you find something that truly speaks to you and is not just something you think you might like then consider it.
Building a career path moving up between jobs is not for everyone. It is not comfortable, it is stressful to grow and test yourself and stay ahead of the curve.
Danielle WhiteApril 2,2022 at 7:20PM UTC
Thank you, this is very reassuring.
AnonymousApril 3,2022 at 4:26PM UTC
I think you have answered your own question. "I want and need more out of life." You further write you are being considered for jobs with "better titles and pay and it's more aligned with my career aspirations."
Here are other points you may want to consider:
1. Your parents no doubt are well meaning, but could their advice be based on outdated information and possibly fear?
2. Right now employees are enjoying the benefit of the ball being more in their court--able to negotiate better pay and benefits--who knows when this might end.
3. You have 10 years of experience--you need to leverage that and strike while the market is hot
4. While it's positive that the people at your old job are nice to you, that does not protect you from (1) being let go, and (2) your favorite managers and co-worker leaving. Note, there is a limit to their niceness because they are requiring you to APPLY FOR YOUR OLD JOB.
5. Your inability to decide (and explain to your parents) may be because you have not put together IN WRITING an analysis of your value, strengths etc. What value do you bring to the table? Why are you an excellent employee? How have you saved prior employers money, improved processes, averted risks, solved important problems ? Can you give examples? You get the idea. There are plenty of free resources on the web to help you lay this out in writing and if you need a professional coach, there are plenty of those too.
6. Also, you need to evaluate where you are financially. Even if the old position pays more than it used to, how does that compare to what you could be making else where? Money on the table compounds such that a few thousand dollars ends of being $100,000s you could leave on the table over time. Can you afford that? Are you on track in terms of having adequate savings and assets for when you want to retire? We as women need to be building wealth and our own financial security.
7. You should check out the website https://www.bulletproofyourcareer.com. They have resources and a free Zoom call every Thursday that will equip you with the tools so that at anytime you loose a job or just ready to change jobs you can do it efficiently and in the driver's seat. I won't lie, it's a lot of work to get in this position and it takes time, but its doable.
Hope this helps.
AnonymousApril 19,2022 at 11:24PM UTC
...I want and need more out of life.
You have ambitions... Be ambitious!
What is there to fear? If there's one thing I've learned about the newest workforce coming into corporate America, they are not letting anyone or anything get in the way of their goals or happiness. Take a note from the 'kids' you are entitled to what ever your heart desires. Just keep track of your financial needs and go with your desire!
You've got this!