Comfort of Current Job or More Money? (1 Viewer)

[fantasycurse42]

I have a very reputable company who have been pursuing me... They reached out to me a month ago and I've met a large group of people there (my potential new boss, his boss, & the people who would be my coworkers). They want me to come back and talk with one more very senior guy there and the people who support the team I would be on. My experience and relationships are exactly what they are seeking & I don't think they will be coming across a more qualified candidate.

When asked what I was making, I told them and then explained for a similar position I wouldn't even think about leaving for anything in the same ballpark. I thought that would be the end of the conversation, but to my surprise they said "they would blow that out of the water if I was the right fit."

Here is my major conundrum:

I like my current job a lot - they pay me well, my expense reports are signed off blindly, my boss is the man, I have a ton of comfort here (come in late, taking days off, working from home, long lunches, whatever), amazing benefits - All in all just a great situation... The one key negative is our Group SVP likes me, but not enough and I doubt I'll ever progress beyond my position here. I'm just not a kiss ### and he feeds off that ####.

New job would most likely be a 25-33% raise in total earnings, but a ton of unknowns... It will prob be a large amount of money to leave on the table.

Would you stay with the current comfort or roll the dice for more money? Anyone been in a similar situation that could advise?

 

[kutta]

I'd go for the money. I have always felt like I will give everything I have in my 8 or 10 hours a day at work. Whoever pays me more can have me. While it is important to like what I'm doing, I put that secondary to making money (unless it is really close).

 

[17seconds]

age, marital status, kids?

I took all those chances before I was 30

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Assuming you are have no kids and are relatively young, definitely make the change.

 

[fantasycurse42]

30, married, one kid (15 months)... wife is pressing for a second.

 

[Phil Elliott]

interviews are just as much for the "candidate" as the "company". It should be a win-win. You need to find out what the work environment is like and what your opportunities are. Sounds like you aren't going to give in to the SVP so either he leaves for another assignment or you will eventually get too frustrated. The new company won't be perfect.

 

[17seconds]

30, married, one kid (15 months)... wife is pressing for a second.

I would seriously consider doing it. You don't get many opportunities to make a big jump like that. If you were 40 and had a couple of kids locked into school it'd be different. Your situation is still mobile.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

I'm in the same spot right now, and I think I'm going to take the promotion. I love my current job but the organization is wearing on me now, and going to a new place with a fresh start seems like a good idea. I have to wait for the clearance process to complete, so I have time to think it over.

I have more influence in my current job and am considered the expert across the field, but will have complete autonomy in the other job so I think those things offset each other. Basically I stay in my current spot for years, or leave and do something a little different. My current boss is also leaving for a job in Europe, so that contributes to me leaning towards leaving also. He has also offered me a job in Europe, but I'm not ready to go back yet. Maybe in a few years.

The commute will be longer to new job also, but this move will be a very good career move.

 

[SFBayDuck]

I'm in a similar situation in that I could easily make 30-50% more just by switching companies, and I have former colleagues with less-impressive resumes that have done so. With my current gig I work remotely (no commute), my boss leaves me alone, and the stress is low. I have an amazing life/work balance in that I have the time available to coach my kid's sports teams and volunteer on field trips and drive her and pick her up from school 2-3 times a week and go for a run during the day - all while meeting/exceeding the requirements and expectations of my job.

My kid is 10 years old and in a couple of years I know I should give up the freedom I have now in order to bear down and make some more money for a few years to pay for college and pick up the retirement contributions. But for now, it's worth the financial sacrifice.

 

[17seconds]

The commute will be longer to new job also, but this move will be a very good career move.

I went from a 10min commute to a 1hr commute to go up a level and a 20% increase. That was over 4 years ago and while the commute can be a challenge with a family, I haven't regretted it at all. If you can move up a level in your industry you stay there. I've come to realize that many folks in upper management are just the ones who took the opportunity when they had it. They have no special ability.

 

[fantasycurse42]

I'm in a similar situation in that I could easily make 30-50% more just by switching companies, and I have former colleagues with less-impressive resumes that have done so. With my current gig I work remotely (no commute), my boss leaves me alone, and the stress is low. I have an amazing life/work balance in that I have the time available to coach my kid's sports teams and volunteer on field trips and drive her and pick her up from school 2-3 times a week and go for a run during the day - all while meeting/exceeding the requirements and expectations of my job.

My kid is 10 years old and in a couple of years I know I should give up the freedom I have now in order to bear down and make some more money for a few years to pay for college and pick up the retirement contributions. But for now, it's worth the financial sacrifice.

First person who hasn't said money... I like it.

 

[mr roboto]

If the commute, the hours, the stress, and the life balance of the same, go for the money and the better career trajectory. Only you know what those other factors are worth to you and your family.

 

[DocHolliday]

Does your wife work now? If you take new job with the pay increase, will she have to work?

 

[SFBayDuck]

I'm in a similar situation in that I could easily make 30-50% more just by switching companies, and I have former colleagues with less-impressive resumes that have done so. With my current gig I work remotely (no commute), my boss leaves me alone, and the stress is low. I have an amazing life/work balance in that I have the time available to coach my kid's sports teams and volunteer on field trips and drive her and pick her up from school 2-3 times a week and go for a run during the day - all while meeting/exceeding the requirements and expectations of my job.

My kid is 10 years old and in a couple of years I know I should give up the freedom I have now in order to bear down and make some more money for a few years to pay for college and pick up the retirement contributions. But for now, it's worth the financial sacrifice.

First person who hasn't said money... I like it.

It just comes down to my priorities. I work to live, not live to work. You never get back the time you miss with your kids. My self-image is not tied to my job or my income. I hear that very few people on their death beds say they regret not working or commuting more. And I do make enough to live a comparatively frugal but decent lifestyle in one of the most expensive areas of the entire country.

All very cliche, I know. But for me, at this time, they hold true.

 

[fantasycurse42]

Does your wife work now? If you take new job with the pay increase, will she have to work?

No to both.

If the commute, the hours, the stress, and the life balance of the same, go for the money and the better career trajectory. Only you know what those other factors are worth to you and your family.

Commute is the same, money will be better... Work/life balance will prob be worse.

 

[Clifford]

I have a very reputable company who have been pursuing me... They reached out to me a month ago and I've met a large group of people there (my potential new boss, his boss, & the people who would be my coworkers). They want me to come back and talk with one more very senior guy there and the people who support the team I would be on. My experience and relationships are exactly what they are seeking & I don't think they will be coming across a more qualified candidate.

When asked what I was making, I told them and then explained for a similar position I wouldn't even think about leaving for anything in the same ballpark. I thought that would be the end of the conversation, but to my surprise they said "they would blow that out of the water if I was the right fit."

Here is my major conundrum:

I like my current job a lot - they pay me well, my expense reports are signed off blindly, my boss is the man, I have a ton of comfort here (come in late, taking days off, working from home, long lunches, whatever), amazing benefits - All in all just a great situation... The one key negative is our Group SVP likes me, but not enough and I doubt I'll ever progress beyond my position here. I'm just not a kiss ### and he feeds off that ####.

New job would most likely be a 25-33% raise in total earnings, but a ton of unknowns... It will prob be a large amount of money to leave on the table.

Would you stay with the current comfort or roll the dice for more money? Anyone been in a similar situation that could advise?

I just opted to stay with current job for more money and comfort, but kinda regret it now. Feel like I missed an opportunity to do something different at the least.

 

[Mr. Know-It-All]

Last February, I left a job I loved to work for a defense contractor largely because of the money they threw at me - not just increased salary but also a sizeable signing bonus - within 2 weeks I realized I made a terrible mistake and it took me over 4 months to get back with my original company. Maybe your situation is different but make sure you don't just interview with the people hiring you - try to talk to the people you will be working with and the people that will be reporting to you as well. Hard to do, but they are only going to show you rainbows and unicorns so you will agree to work for them. You don't find the downside until after you agree. In my case I found out that the position I accepted had churned 5 times in less than 18 months. Nightmare scenario.

 

[DocHolliday]

Does your wife work now? If you take new job with the pay increase, will she have to work?

No to both.

If the commute, the hours, the stress, and the life balance of the same, go for the money and the better career trajectory. Only you know what those other factors are worth to you and your family.

Commute is the same, money will be better... Work/life balance will prob be worse.

I didn't just jump at the money since I am a big believer in making family your first priority. If your wife worked, I would lean towards staying at your current job.

As you settle in to the new job, you may be able to work towards a better work/life balance. I would not pass up the opportunity for such a big pay raise.

 

[the moops]

I have had opportunities to double my salary and have turned them down. I would also be working 10 extra hours per week and a few extra weeks a year, so it is certainly more work for that money. we are also not talking anything close to what you are making.

I really like my job. I have a flexible sxgefule , work some nights, weekends if I want to take off midweek for a vaca, summers are 50% working on my own personal stuff. having the ability to be home 2 days a week with my 6 month old and 2.5 year old is worth the loss of income, IMO.

We live a comfortable enough lifestyle with what we make. Sure, a nicer house and a few more dinners out would be nice, but not at the expense of my time.

 

[NutterButter]

Once I found the place with the right non-monetary factors that paid me enough to live a lifestyle that I was happy with, the percentage you mentioned wouldn't get me to switch. You have to be honest with yourself when asking what that extra money is going to buy you. If its just some material possession like a nicer car or nicer house, no way would I jeopardize my happiness for those. As long as you're comfortable with your long term employability and maintaining your current lifestyle, I'd stay. Remember too that ~30% of that raise is going to the tax man.

 

[FDAS]

Roughly 4 years ago, I turned down about a 35% raise with a different company because everything other than the money said stay in my current role. Wife was pregnant with our first kid, the current job is work from home for a fortune 15 company and good money for what I do. The new job would've been 90% travel and a weaker company. Money shouldn't be the only factor, imo. Your comfort level and happiness should trump the cheese.

 

[johnnycakes]

At age 30? That's too young to be taking in the comforts you presently enjoy in exchange for no upward mobility. Get off your fat ### and start working and make some real dough.

 

[Marauder]

30, married, one kid (15 months)... wife is pressing for a second.

In your situation I would be inclined to make the move, especially since you said in your current company you will probably not advance past your current position. At this stage of your career you should be looking to advance your career and make more money. Remember, when looking at the money you have to look long term. Raises compound upon each other, so it's not just the 25% or so more you will be making now, it's how that higher salary projects to future raises over the next 20-30 years and how all that extra money adds to the money you will have in your 401K when you are ready to retire. When you do the math projecting it out you might be surprised at how big a difference it is. It could mean retiring significantly earlier.

 

[Dentist]

grass is greener theory... i'd be unlikely to switch... but i might use the offer as leverage to get some better pay at current work.

also there is a lot of value to be placed on satisfaction with life and work/life balance

 

[fantasycurse42]

grass is greener theory... i'd be unlikely to switch... but i might use the offer as leverage to get some better pay at current work.

also there is a lot of value to be placed on satisfaction with life and work/life balance

This is exactly what I'm thinking, but if they don't accommodate then what? Kinda screwed in that scenario...

 

[mr roboto]

grass is greener theory... i'd be unlikely to switch... but i might use the offer as leverage to get some better pay at current work.

also there is a lot of value to be placed on satisfaction with life and work/life balance

This is exactly what I'm thinking, but if they don't accommodate then what? Kinda screwed in that scenario...

If they don't accommodate, you've just discovered your value in their eyes.

 

[Gr00vus]

grass is greener theory... i'd be unlikely to switch... but i might use the offer as leverage to get some better pay at current work.

also there is a lot of value to be placed on satisfaction with life and work/life balance

This is exactly what I'm thinking, but if they don't accommodate then what? Kinda screwed in that scenario...

You have to be prepared to take the new job in that case.

I agree with the other person who advised you to get more insight into the new environment before you agree to move. You really need solid details on your role, expectations, who you'll actually be working with, etc. - if you can get that info.

 

[NewlyRetired]

30 is a great age with one kid to start thinking about long term life goals. Once you and your wife are in agreement with what your goals are, you can then align your finances to see how you can reach them.

That may help you make this decision. My wife and I did that when we first got married and always referred to our goals when having to make important decisions. It kept us focused on the end prize.

 

[Steve Tasker]

I don't think I'd ever be able to settle in a job where I'll never advance unless I'm the boss (and I don't mean middle-management...I mean THE BOSS). But that's just me.

You're 30. You say you're never going to be promoted. Is this what you want to do for the next 30 years of your life? Probably not, right? So you're probably going to jump ship someday....who's to say that a better offer is going to come 3, 5, 10 years from now. This is probably just a difference in personality, but I thrive on competition and challenge....I'd probably jump ship if I were you, given what you've said so far in this thread.

 

[The Ref]

grass is greener theory... i'd be unlikely to switch... but i might use the offer as leverage to get some better pay at current work.

also there is a lot of value to be placed on satisfaction with life and work/life balance

This guy knows stuff. Whats the chances you can get 10% out of your current POE?

 

[fantasycurse42]

grass is greener theory... i'd be unlikely to switch... but i might use the offer as leverage to get some better pay at current work.

also there is a lot of value to be placed on satisfaction with life and work/life balance

This guy knows stuff. Whats the chances you can get 10% out of your current POE?

It's possible, maybe like 1 in 3 chance... My direct boss will pitch upwards to keep me. Although, I just received a decent raise the beginning of Jan. I'm compensated above average for my position and my company is good to me, but it appears the new company pays very aggressively.

Current company is a dominant player in a specific vertical. Company I'm talking to is top 10 Internet destination which I would guess more than 50-75% of FBG use at least once a week.

I know it sounds lazy, but I'm at a good company right now with great people and make a very good living... My direct boss is the man, love the guy. But yes, I'm 30 and the most important thing should be earning and career path. Just sucks bc odds are very low I'll have the great work/life balance I have now. No chance I'll like my boss as much either.

 

[comfortably numb]

grass is greener theory... i'd be unlikely to switch... but i might use the offer as leverage to get some better pay at current work.

also there is a lot of value to be placed on satisfaction with life and work/life balance

This guy knows stuff. Whats the chances you can get 10% out of your current POE?

It's possible, maybe like 1 in 3 chance... My direct boss will pitch upwards to keep me. Although, I just received a decent raise the beginning of Jan. I'm compensated above average for my position and my company is good to me, but it appears the new company pays very aggressively.

Current company is a dominant player in a specific vertical. Company I'm talking to is top 10 Internet destination which I would guess more than 50-75% of FBG use at least once a week.

I know it sounds lazy, but I'm at a good company right now with great people and make a very good living... My direct boss is the man, love the guy. But yes, I'm 30 and the most important thing should be earning and career path. Just sucks bc odds are very low I'll have the great work/life balance I have now. No chance I'll like my boss as much either.

whats the price tag on that? then compare...

you're 30 and the most important thing is your family and your health

 

[xulf]

Spill your income....$5k vs $25k raise are very different.

 

[PinkydaPimp]

Your still very young and the later in life it will become riskier to make a change like that. Id give it a go. Plus, you need to think about your career. If you have gotten all you can at your current place of employment with no change for advancement, then you are hurting yourself staying there.

I would ask the new company about work life balance, maybe talk to a current employee, and if everything sounds good, make the change.

 

[MAC_32]

30, married, one kid (15 months)... wife is pressing for a second.

I was in the same spot at 29, wife stay at home, a two year old, and pushing for a second. I liked the people I worked with, but corporate was driving the place into the ground. I was offered a 20% raise at an aggressive company that really wanted me. After interview two, meeting with my boss, his bosses, and the guy I would be replacing I decided I would stay put. Corporate drove me nuts, but I really liked who I worked with day to day. I did my job well, but I could come in late, leave early, take long lunches, got along well with both co workers and our customers, it was easy. Then my current boss got canned. Knowing what I knew about the company I had a bad feeling long term, so I rolled the dice and bailed. Lasted nine months. Can't go into details as part of my buyout though. It was awful. Had my former boss not gotten canned I made the right choice by staying put for less money. As it turns out it was a lose-lose as I have heard through the grapevine that business is going to not be offered a lease extension at the end of the year.This is a good time to consider advancement, but with a wife that is not working you need to be careful. Do your homework on this company and who you would be working for then try to leverage a raise at your current job. Then make a decision. Do not rush this. If that company really wants you they will be patient. If you are just a number, and it is a sign of how things will go there, and they push you to make a decision that would sway me to stay put.

I would rather by happy making x per year than miserable making x + 15%

 

[tjnc09]

30 is a great age with one kid to start thinking about long term life goals. Once you and your wife are in agreement with what your goals are, you can then align your finances to see how you can reach them.

That may help you make this decision. My wife and I did that when we first got married and always referred to our goals when having to make important decisions. It kept us focused on the end prize.

I'm guessing this is a decision you made 20 years ago which unfortunately is not relevant to his situation in today's economy

 

[tjnc09]

grass is greener theory... i'd be unlikely to switch... but i might use the offer as leverage to get some better pay at current work.

also there is a lot of value to be placed on satisfaction with life and work/life balance

This guy knows stuff. Whats the chances you can get 10% out of your current POE?

It's possible, maybe like 1 in 3 chance... My direct boss will pitch upwards to keep me. Although, I just received a decent raise the beginning of Jan. I'm compensated above average for my position and my company is good to me, but it appears the new company pays very aggressively.

Current company is a dominant player in a specific vertical. Company I'm talking to is top 10 Internet destination which I would guess more than 50-75% of FBG use at least once a week.

I know it sounds lazy, but I'm at a good company right now with great people and make a very good living... My direct boss is the man, love the guy. But yes, I'm 30 and the most important thing should be earning and career path. Just sucks bc odds are very low I'll have the great work/life balance I have now. No chance I'll like my boss as much either.

If you are not mobile (own home, family in area), I would NOT interview with the aggressive competitor with the intention of getting more $ from your current employer. You will most certainly destroy any future chance of ever working there.

but I'm at a good company right now with great people and make a very good living... My direct boss is the man, love the guy. -> reread that sentence to yourself.

 

[bentley]

I'm generally all on board with the decision to stay with the current situation vs. chasing the money, but if you really think there is no room for advancement, I would jump for the cash in a heartbeat. I've turned down more lucrative opportunities over the years, but I've also known that there was opportunity for advancement internally.

 

[Judge Smails]

Once I found the place with the right non-monetary factors that paid me enough to live a lifestyle that I was happy with, the percentage you mentioned wouldn't get me to switch. You have to be honest with yourself when asking what that extra money is going to buy you. If its just some material possession like a nicer car or nicer house, no way would I jeopardize my happiness for those. As long as you're comfortable with your long term employability and maintaining your current lifestyle, I'd stay. Remember too that ~30% of that raise is going to the tax man.

Terrific answer. Sometimes taking less money is the answer for the right fit. When I decided to leave my company a few years ago I had 3 very good offers. I ended up taking the job that was the lowest - by 1/3. The company just felt right. Sales driven, great CEO, good people, interesting product. Proved my worth in a few short years and now am the SVP of Sales for North America and one of 8 in senior leadership with a sizeable equity chunk. The non-monetary DNA of a company is huge. If you find the right one it's hard to leave. Make yourself more valuable at that company, and you will earn more money. But like others have said, take a higher comp package and realizing you're in a bad company fit will make you want to puke.

 

[Banger]

In my experience there are only so many chances that come along that can be real difference makers in your life and if you choose right it can change your life. 4 years ago I was in a good job, loved the people I worked with and was there in various capacities for nearly 15 years. I had 30 people working for me and could've stayed there for years to come. Was in late 30's though was becoming bored and wanted to take some risk for some possible large rewards for me and my family.

Looked around and interviewed at a few spots mostly through people I knew not a formal job search through a headhunter. Ultimately I got an opportunity to work a former group of guys that had recently moved from my old shop to a new firm. Firm was kind of shaky but the guys were proven and I believed in them. Fast forward a few years, the old company was bought out and I was able move up and up the ranks with the new organization to points I wouldn't have thought possible a few years ago.

I guess my advice would be to not be afraid to take risk just because your comfortable in a spot and you like your boss. Make sure you make the move or the right reason though. IMO money alone is one piece of the puzzle but not the most important (at least to me). Think about upward mobility, the company itself and how they are positioned within the industry, your current spot and future opportunities or lack thereof at your existing shop, the people you are talking to are they intelligent guys that can make a difference/build a company, can you see yourself working with / for them, how important is work life balance (I know I had to take a 2 year step back where I was working insane hours doing everything that the guys who used to work for me used to do), etc.. Life is all about constant evaluation and calculated risks...whether it be fantasy football, your career, your marriage, etc. Even though I was about 10 years older than you are with a similar decision I had a stay at home wife with 2 kids under 5 at home. If you get lucky and choose right you may have the opportunity to make a lot more money than the 20-50% you're looking at now. For me, even though it was a big risk, I feel I made it for the right reasons and it turns out it was the best decision I could've made.

Good luck.

 

[the moops]

How much money we talking about anyway?

 

[Jobber]

At age 30? That's too young to be taking in the comforts you presently enjoy in exchange for no upward mobility. Get off your fat ### and start working and make some real dough.

I'd do this. If it turns out you don't love the new gig, you can suck it up p for two years and upgrade. And you just added some new experience and a higher base salary to boot. A win-win for you, imo.

 

[fantasycurse42]

How much money we talking about anyway?

At age 30? That's too young to be taking in the comforts you presently enjoy in exchange for no upward mobility. Get off your fat ### and start working and make some real dough.

I'd do this. If it turns out you don't love the new gig, you can suck it up p for two years and upgrade. And you just added some new experience and a higher base salary to boot. A win-win for you, imo.

Talking about a decent amount of money... However, the big difference will be in restrictive stock options (which I won't vest 25% until my first year so I can't sell for 12 months. Also, if I want to pay much smaller tax, I couldn't sell for another year after execution), so it won't be a huge jump in base salary or bonuses... New company has had a massive run on their stock in the last year, up huge. So a concern obviously is, if the stock comes back down, I've left for a much smaller raise then anticipated.

 

[NutterButter]

How much money we talking about anyway?

At age 30? That's too young to be taking in the comforts you presently enjoy in exchange for no upward mobility. Get off your fat ### and start working and make some real dough.

I'd do this. If it turns out you don't love the new gig, you can suck it up p for two years and upgrade. And you just added some new experience and a higher base salary to boot. A win-win for you, imo.

Talking about a decent amount of money... However, the big difference will be in restrictive stock options (which I won't vest 25% until my first year so I can't sell for 12 months. Also, if I want to pay much smaller tax, I couldn't sell for another year after execution), so it won't be a huge jump in base salary or bonuses... New company has had a massive run on their stock in the last year, up huge. So a concern obviously is, if the stock comes back down, I've left for a much smaller raise then anticipated.

So that 25% - 33% raise, is a lot of that in options? I thought we were talking straight up salary.

 

[fantasycurse42]

How much money we talking about anyway?

At age 30? That's too young to be taking in the comforts you presently enjoy in exchange for no upward mobility. Get off your fat ### and start working and make some real dough.

I'd do this. If it turns out you don't love the new gig, you can suck it up p for two years and upgrade. And you just added some new experience and a higher base salary to boot. A win-win for you, imo.

Talking about a decent amount of money... However, the big difference will be in restrictive stock options (which I won't vest 25% until my first year so I can't sell for 12 months. Also, if I want to pay much smaller tax, I couldn't sell for another year after execution), so it won't be a huge jump in base salary or bonuses... New company has had a massive run on their stock in the last year, up huge. So a concern obviously is, if the stock comes back down, I've left for a much smaller raise then anticipated.

So that 25% - 33% raise, is a lot of that in options? I thought we were talking straight up salary.

A strong amount of it yes... The raise is on total take home earnings.

 

[VA703]

go for the money

im in a similar situation but would take the money if I had the chance.. would also travel further for more pay.

 

[Banger]

How much money we talking about anyway?

At age 30? That's too young to be taking in the comforts you presently enjoy in exchange for no upward mobility. Get off your fat ### and start working and make some real dough.

I'd do this. If it turns out you don't love the new gig, you can suck it up p for two years and upgrade. And you just added some new experience and a higher base salary to boot. A win-win for you, imo.

Talking about a decent amount of money... However, the big difference will be in restrictive stock options (which I won't vest 25% until my first year so I can't sell for 12 months. Also, if I want to pay much smaller tax, I couldn't sell for another year after execution), so it won't be a huge jump in base salary or bonuses... New company has had a massive run on their stock in the last year, up huge. So a concern obviously is, if the stock comes back down, I've left for a much smaller raise then anticipated.

So that 25% - 33% raise, is a lot of that in options? I thought we were talking straight up salary.

A strong amount of it yes... The raise is on total take home earnings.

we've had quite the equity run and while there may be upside in the options...stock prices may look a good bit different than they do today in 2 years when you look to sell thereby negating the primary reason you'd be leaving your current gig. I'd definitely "remove" comp from the decision making process and look at the job opportunity and compare contrast with your current situation.

 

[TheIronSheik]

Normally, I would always say go after the money.

But a couple of years ago, I left a job that I made good money at. I was comfortable in the job like you describe and while I didn't enjoy it 100%, I'd say I liked it 75%.

Once I left, I realized I hated the new job. And even though the money was much greater than what I was making, I was much more unhappy. I always thought money would make me happier, but if I had the choice over, I'd stay with a job where I made good money that I liked over a job that I could make more money.

Just my thoughts.

 

[hxperson]

For me it'd come down to two things:

1. Is there an opportunity to learn more in the new gig? If I can learn more AND get paid more while having similar if not better upwards mobility, I'd sacrifice the life balance part a bit for that. (especially when it doesn't sound like it's going to be THAT much worse on that front)

2. Am I very comfortable with what I am making now, and how much more comfortable would I be with that bump? For example, if I were making 500K/year and the bump would be to 600K a year, that's nice but I'd feel 500K is already pretty comfortable so the pay bump wouldn't be a critical factor. However, if I'm only making 300K and the bump is to 375K, that's much more meaningful to me as I know that 300K isn't very comfortable and 375K gets me closer to what I want.

 

[saintfool]

i just made the switch recently. i was contacted by a start-up that was looking for their new regional sales rep. i have been with my current company for three years and thriving. i have a good boss, the discretion to work how and when i want, and making good money. the problem? there really was nowhere for me to go in the company. this start-up is very well funded and filled with the kind of opportunities i want for myself. they offered a little more money but at the end of the day, it's about the next 5-10 years for myself. this start-up expedited things for me by about 2-3 years in terms of what i would be looking for.