Deciding Between 2 Job Offers (1 Viewer)

[Peak]

Not starting this as a brag post...but.."Hey! Look at me!!"  

I've been contracting in the IT arena for the last few years.  As my current contract is ending, I started testing the market again.  After interviews last week, two companies called me today and offered me a permanent position.  Completely different industries, but the same type of role (Sr. BA) in their respective IT Systems departments.  Having been contracting, I just go to the closest business with the higher pay rate.  Now I have more options to consider.  How do some of you weigh out your options?  Is there any type of formula or consideration for choosing the right one?  I feel lucky to have these, and I expect to take one for the long haul.  But I haven't had to do this before - so new territory for me.

The obvious areas include:  Salary, Benefits, Driving Distance, Bonuses, Growth Opportunities, Continuing Education, Culture/Fit

Am I missing anything?  What has helped some of you through this process, and did you end up happy with your selection?

I tend to go with my gut - but each one has it's own merits.  I'd hate for it to come down to a coin flip....but.........

 

[ChiefD]

All things being equal, choose the one with the best looking tail in the office.

 

[IC FBGCav]

All things being relatively equal pick the place you see yourself being the happiest.  

 

[NutterButter]

Work from home and flex schedule and not just education which is nice but does the company actually use the latest and greatest technologies.   

 

[Johnny Bing]

Before you flip that coin I'd ask for 30% more in salary from one of the companies.  

Let that be your coin if they are that close in comparison. 

 

[HellToupee]

Before you flip that coin I'd ask for 30% more in salary from one of the companies.  

Let that be your coin if they are that close in comparison. 

I would definitely go back to the one that just is a hair behind and see if they move on salary & perhaps time off etc

 

[ditka...mike ditka]

Not starting this as a brag post...but.."Hey! Look at me!!"  

I've been contracting in the IT arena for the last few years.  As my current contract is ending, I started testing the market again.  After interviews last week, two companies called me today and offered me a permanent position.  Completely different industries, but the same type of role (Sr. BA) in their respective IT Systems departments.  Having been contracting, I just go to the closest business with the higher pay rate.  Now I have more options to consider.  How do some of you weigh out your options?  Is there any type of formula or consideration for choosing the right one?  I feel lucky to have these, and I expect to take one for the long haul.  But I haven't had to do this before - so new territory for me.

The obvious areas include:  Salary, Benefits, Driving Distance, Bonuses, Growth Opportunities, Continuing Education, Culture/Fit

Am I missing anything?  What has helped some of you through this process, and did you end up happy with your selection?

I tend to go with my gut - but each one has it's own merits.  I'd hate for it to come down to a coin flip....but.........

Why dont you share some info on these so we can help talk you through a decision?  You dont need to share exact numbers, but say "x offers 10% more salary than y" etc.

 

[RokNRole]

I say take the job that will cause you the least stress.

stress is a killer. A little extra money means nothing if you die before spending it

 

[Binky The Doormat]

I say take the job that will cause you the least stress.

stress is a killer. A little extra money means nothing if you die before spending it




 

Is that what they say down at Needle Park?

 

[RokNRole]

Is that what they say down at Needle Park?

I never used needles I snorted it

 

[Peak]

Why dont you share some info on these so we can help talk you through a decision?  You dont need to share exact numbers, but say "x offers 10% more salary than y" etc.

That's what I've been working on so far for myself.  Here's what I know thus far...I apologize in advance for the stream of consciousness writing style.  I have a spreadsheet growing with pros/cons as I type this out....

Company A is offering .05% more than Company B - so both are in the same ball park.  I have follow-up calls with both recruiters tomorrow, so I'll see which is willing to go a little higher.

Company A is about 12-13 miles away from home, but a 30min commute due to multiple stops/traffic.

Company B is about 26 miles away from home, but a 30min commute due to it all being highway miles with few lights/stops.

Company B offers 2 annual bonuses, but Company A does not have such a structure.

Company A has a 401k plan, but Company B does not have such a structure.

Both companies offer Stock Purchase Plans.

Company A covers cost of ST Disability and Life Insurance, Company B does not.

Company B has a lower employee cost (30%) for medical insurance, but higher deductible (15% higher)

Company B has a higher employee OOP (25%) for Dental and Vision plans.  Coverage between both plans is equal.

Company A offers 18 PTO days and 6 holidays; Company B offers 15 PTO days and 6 holidays.

Company A has a more Corporate Culture (Business Casual to Professional Dress Code).

Company B has a looser Culture (Business Casual) with employee focus, smaller office.

Company A offers and pays for continuous education as a BA (paid conferences, certification, days off to study for exams, etc)

Company B has multiple locations across US, but a smaller company feel.  Company A has one location, but a large corporate feel.

Company B has multiple projects = long hours, more stress, more time away from family

Company A has a BA structure where I would be a senior analyst with opportunities to train and mentor younger analysts; workload is smaller (2 projects at a time, with partner)

I'm sure there are more...but still researching to prepare for tomorrow's conversations.

 

[Mr. Know-It-All]

Dang, I like the sound of Company Bs general culture, but no 401K is a bit alarming if yo plan on being there awhile.  Really like the Company continuing education and certification focus...sounds like a tough decision.  For me it would come down to work/life balance....but I am 48 and am done chasing the corporate ladder, having found my destination and content being a Lead TE in a laid back company with a strong 401K.

 

[gianmarco]

That's what I've been working on so far for myself.  Here's what I know thus far...I apologize in advance for the stream of consciousness writing style.  I have a spreadsheet growing with pros/cons as I type this out....

Company A is offering .05% more than Company B - so both are in the same ball park.  I have follow-up calls with both recruiters tomorrow, so I'll see which is willing to go a little higher.

Company A is about 12-13 miles away from home, but a 30min commute due to multiple stops/traffic.

Company B is about 26 miles away from home, but a 30min commute due to it all being highway miles with few lights/stops.

Company B offers 2 annual bonuses, but Company A does not have such a structure.

Company A has a 401k plan, but Company B does not have such a structure.

Both companies offer Stock Purchase Plans.

Company A covers cost of ST Disability and Life Insurance, Company B does not.

Company B has a lower employee cost (30%) for medical insurance, but higher deductible (15% higher)

Company B has a higher employee OOP (25%) for Dental and Vision plans.  Coverage between both plans is equal.

Company A offers 18 PTO days and 6 holidays; Company B offers 15 PTO days and 6 holidays.

Company A has a more Corporate Culture (Business Casual to Professional Dress Code).

Company B has a looser Culture (Business Casual) with employee focus, smaller office.

Company A offers and pays for continuous education as a BA (paid conferences, certification, days off to study for exams, etc)

Company B has multiple locations across US, but a smaller company feel.  Company A has one location, but a large corporate feel.

Company B has multiple projects = long hours, more stress, more time away from family

Company A has a BA structure where I would be a senior analyst with opportunities to train and mentor younger analysts; workload is smaller (2 projects at a time, with partner)

I'm sure there are more...but still researching to prepare for tomorrow's conversations.

The 2 bolded items are the most important, IMO, and would make me lean toward Company A. 

 

[UncleZen]

I like the sound of the relaxed atmosphere sound of B but I would go with A if it's going to be less hours. The other thing I would check first though is company A's head count history. Do they tend to hire and layoff more since it's more corporate?

 

[Mr. Know-It-All]

I like the sound of the relaxed atmosphere sound of B but I would go with A if it's going to be less hours. The other thing I would check first though is company A's head count history. Do they tend to hire and layoff more since it's more corporate?

Might be the best post of this thread.  Seriously look at longevity.

 

[ditka...mike ditka]

Company A sounds like the winner to me based on the same thing others have mentioned: 401k, less of a workload.  

Then add in 3 extra vacation time as well as continuous education (if that interests you) and I think it separates itself even more.

One question I have is how big those semi annual bonuses could be.  If they can come out to a large % of your salary, it could change my opinion some.

 

[Johnny Rock]

I like A better too - 401k, ST Disability and Life, 3 more Vac days, train and mentor which I assume you think is a positive, less hours and stress (hopefully).

I also think you can move up quicker in a larger company with better opportunities to bolt in a few years. In that case companies can be drawn to the larger company name on your resume.

Whichever way you go definitely ask for their best offer "because I have multiple offers." Then still ask for more after that from your top pick to seal it. 

Don't forget to ask for mobile phone, laptop, internet access paid, etc. to cover the work you will inevitably do from home. 

Also, that's such a hot field with no signs of slowing down. Can you just stay independent and make more despite loss of benefits? Autonomy is nice. GL. 

 

[EYLive]

I also vote for A.

It's a bonus if they have potluck lunches.

 

[jon_mx]

All things being equal, choose the one with the best looking tail in the office.

Easily the most critical criteria.  

 

[NutterButter]

How do you not offer a 401k?

 

[Zerp]

Number one reason people leave a job? And it's not even close.  The boss.  You said you're in it for the long haul.   All things being relatively close...go to lunch with each hiring manager.  Choose. /thread

 

[Henry Ford]

Hours

Workload expectations

Vacation/sick days

Attitude of the office surrounding emergencies/family emergencies

And definitely a +1 for a company that makes people wear decent clothes to work.  Don't work for a flip flop office.  It's horrible.  Formalities at work are actually a good thing.  It keeps your boss from thinking he can call you at 2 am drunk and discuss a project, or ask you to lie to his wife about where he's been while on a week long coke and woman binge.

 

[Henry Ford]

How do you not offer a 401k?

Seriously.  Most places without health insurance still offer a 401k.  This is what I mean about formalities.

 

[Peak]

I like the sound of the relaxed atmosphere sound of B but I would go with A if it's going to be less hours. The other thing I would check first though is company A's head count history. Do they tend to hire and layoff more since it's more corporate?

Opening with Company A is organic in that the need is there due to a retirement.  Once people get into Company A, they don't typically leave.  With that said, I'd be near the high end in career path so a tight ceiling for growth.

Company B has the need due to company growth.  They are rolling out new systems/platforms across all locations and I would take a lead role in these implementations.

So both openings are due to positive signs, company health-wise.  Both are multi-billion $ companies with good reputations.  Only difference is A is local and B is national.

 

[Henry Ford]

Opening with Company A is organic in that the need is there due to a retirement.  Once people get into Company A, they don't typically leave.  With that said, I'd be near the high end in career path so a tight ceiling for growth.

Company B has the need due to company growth.  They are rolling out new systems/platforms across all locations and I would take a lead role in these implementations.

So both openings are due to positive signs, company health-wise.  Both are multi-billion $ companies with good reputations.  Only difference is A is local and B is national.

Wait, A is local and a billion$ company? That's a great setup.

 

[Peak]

Company A sounds like the winner to me based on the same thing others have mentioned: 401k, less of a workload.  

Then add in 3 extra vacation time as well as continuous education (if that interests you) and I think it separates itself even more.

One question I have is how big those semi annual bonuses could be.  If they can come out to a large % of your salary, it could change my opinion some.

One is individual/team performance based.  The other is a profit sharing/company performance bonus.  I don't have the performance structure.  I've asked, but the recruiter is out of the office for the night.

 

[Henry Ford]

One is individual/team performance based.  The other is a profit sharing/company performance bonus.  I don't have the performance structure.  I've asked, but the recruiter is out of the office for the night.

This could make your decision. 

 

[Peak]

How do you not offer a 401k?

Seriously.  Most places without health insurance still offer a 401k.  This is what I mean about formalities.

Company B doesn't offer a 401k persay, but does offer a "savings" plan which provides a 4% interest rate in return.  No company matches on amount deposited, but a good return rate that is stable/consistent.

 

[Peak]

Wait, A is local and a billion$ company? That's a great setup.

It really is like I can't make the wrong decision, which has me thinking there's a "gotcha" in there somewhere that I haven't found yet.

I like what I hear from both sides.  I know someone who works for Company A and they love it there.  I'm sure their referral helped get my foot in the door for the interview.  

 

[Henry Ford]

It really is like I can't make the wrong decision, which has me thinking there's a "gotcha" in there somewhere that I haven't found yet.

I like what I hear from both sides.  I know someone who works for Company A and they love it there.  I'm sure their referral helped get my foot in the door for the interview.  

If someone you trust loves working there, and the salary / bonus issue ends up a wash or in its favor, go.  Don't look back.  

 

[Johnny Rock]

If someone you trust loves working there, and the salary / bonus issue ends up a wash or in its favor, go.  Don't look back.  

Except for ask for more money and other perks. 

Also, what billion $ company B doesn't have a 401k?

 

[Henry Ford]

Except for ask for more money and other perks. 

Also, what billion $ company B doesn't have a 401k?

A terrible one to work for.

 

[Judge Smails]

A terrible one to work for.

Exactly.  That savings rate of 4% in lieu of is pure BS.  I've never, ever heard of a large company, let alone a billion dollar company, not offer a 401K plan if they don't have pensions. How can they even compete for talent? 

 

[Peak]

Had some new info come in this morning...

Company B pays for all employees medical insurance.  Nothing OOP for employees.  While they don't have a 401k, this puts a lot of $$ back into my pocket allowing me to invest as I see fit.

With that in mind, I tried to score out the two opportunities in the chart below:


Company A


Rate


Score


 


Company B


Rate


Score


Compensation


Good


4


 


Compensation 


Good


4


Benefits


Average


3


 


Benefits


Really Good


5


401k


Average


3


 


401k


None


0


Commute


Average


3


 


Commute


Average


3


Bonuses


None


0


 


Bonuses


Good


4


Life Ins


Average


3


 


Life Ins


Poor


1


PTO Days


Good


4


 


PTO Days


Average


3


Culture


Professional


2


 


Culture


Bus. Casual


3


Fit


Good


4


 


Fit


Good


4


Stress


Low-Average


2


 


Stress


Average-Hi


2


Education


Good


4


 


Education


Average


3


Travel


None


0


 


Travel


Average


3


Growth


Little


1


 


Growth


Average


3


 


 


33


 


 


 


38



I think both would be good fits and offer the same as far as opportunities go.  The projects for Company B would be more in my wheelhouse of SaaS / Cloud Based implementations, whereas Company A would be more cookie-cutter, mundane projects.  The pay for both is equal, but Company B provides full medical/dental/vision benefits,  whereas I would have to pay a portion from Company A.  While Company B doesn't have a 401k, I would have more take home $$ to use in my own investment strategy.  Company A would place me as a small fish in a large pond, but Company B would place me into high profile projects right off the bat - more exposure by upper management/executives.  I've researched employee reviews for both companies via Glassdoor, and talked to my friend at Company A.  Both are equal in what the reviews state - but Company B appears to be more employee focused, whereas Company A is more corporate/bottom line focused.  Overall they grade out very similarly, but I'm leaning towards Company B.

Any thoughts?  Anything I'm missing in my considerations?  Both are so close, I don't think either is wrong.  But the culture, pay/bonuses, and project load seem a better fit with Company B.  I'm not adverse to hard work, long hours and I don't get stressed out too easily.  I also don't like the slow pace of corporate red-tape when implementing new projects/systems.  I've worked in large, medium, and small size companies.  I tend to fit in better with the larger companies who aren't wound up tightly in red-tape.  I see Company A being a red-tape, slow moving machine.

 

[Gally]

For me the biggest issue is the people you will be working with.  If they are easy to get a long with and don't foster drama it makes for a much more enjoyable work environment.  If there are problem employees that make life miserable on a daily basis all the other perks don't mean anything.  Boss and the people you work with matter the most for your enjoyment. 

 

[bushdocda]

B

 

[gianmarco]

Had some new info come in this morning...

Company B pays for all employees medical insurance.  Nothing OOP for employees.  While they don't have a 401k, this puts a lot of $$ back into my pocket allowing me to invest as I see fit.

With that in mind, I tried to score out the two opportunities in the chart below:


Company A


Rate


Score


 


Company B


Rate


Score


Compensation


Good


4


 


Compensation 


Good


4


Benefits


Average


3


 


Benefits


Really Good


5


401k


Average


3


 


401k


None


0


Commute


Average


3


 


Commute


Average


3


Bonuses


None


0


 


Bonuses


Good


4


Life Ins


Average


3


 


Life Ins


Poor


1


PTO Days


Good


4


 


PTO Days


Average


3


Culture


Professional


2


 


Culture


Bus. Casual


3


Fit


Good


4


 


Fit


Good


4


Stress


Low-Average


2


 


Stress


Average-Hi


2


Education


Good


4


 


Education


Average


3


Travel


None


0


 


Travel


Average


3


Growth


Little


1


 


Growth


Average


3


 


 


33


 


 


 


38



I think both would be good fits and offer the same as far as opportunities go.  The projects for Company B would be more in my wheelhouse of SaaS / Cloud Based implementations, whereas Company A would be more cookie-cutter, mundane projects.  The pay for both is equal, but Company B provides full medical/dental/vision benefits,  whereas I would have to pay a portion from Company A.  While Company B doesn't have a 401k, I would have more take home $$ to use in my own investment strategy.  Company A would place me as a small fish in a large pond, but Company B would place me into high profile projects right off the bat - more exposure by upper management/executives.  I've researched employee reviews for both companies via Glassdoor, and talked to my friend at Company A.  Both are equal in what the reviews state - but Company B appears to be more employee focused, whereas Company A is more corporate/bottom line focused.  Overall they grade out very similarly, but I'm leaning towards Company B.

Any thoughts?  Anything I'm missing in my considerations?  Both are so close, I don't think either is wrong.  But the culture, pay/bonuses, and project load seem a better fit with Company B.  I'm not adverse to hard work, long hours and I don't get stressed out too easily.  I also don't like the slow pace of corporate red-tape when implementing new projects/systems.  I've worked in large, medium, and small size companies.  I tend to fit in better with the larger companies who aren't wound up tightly in red-tape.  I see Company A being a red-tape, slow moving machine.

For stress, you gave the 2 companies the same score yet they shouldn't be as one is "low-avg" and the other is "avg-hi".  Also, why is travel scoring a 3 when required vs. 0 for no travel?  And "A" should get a bonus for your friend "loving" it.

 

[Peak]

For stress, you gave the 2 companies the same score yet they shouldn't be as one is "low-avg" and the other is "avg-hi".  Also, why is travel scoring a 3 when required vs. 0 for no travel?  And "A" should get a bonus for your friend "loving" it.

I don't worry about stress that much, and that line should have been removed as it's not a true value/measurement for me.  I tend not to get stressed out, so to me they were both equal or close to average.  I labelled one 'low' due to it being more steady/basic projects, and the other 'above' because it would offer the chance to take on more responsibilities within projects.  I should have clarified it better. Travel isn't required, but an added bonus in my eyes.  Company A doesn't offer it, but Company B does as I'd be working with Franchise locations nationwide.  My friend "loves it" because she's a PM and loves regimented/detailed projects and tasks.  She is a task master.  I am the complete opposite of her, which is why we got along so well.  I kept her from stressing over everything, but that's her nature.  I called and talked to her about what she liked, and it was very much a conversation of "it's a stable company, solid financials, detailed projects, clear structure".  It's what she didn't say that worried me more - no talk of team environment, company culture, intangible benefits, not even a "they serve nachos on Tuesdays!". I wanted to hear a personal benefit from her recommending the company and didn't get one.

My current contract assignment is with a company like Company A.  Same industry, same type of matrix/project structure.  While I like what I am doing on this contract, I'm very aware that this isn't a normal project for this company - hence the reason I was brought in to help.  The normal projects are regimented and mundane.  It's a desk jockey world where I wouldn't get to expand on what we are doing to help the company grow.  I would be writing documentation for the sake of writing documentation.  What appealed to me about Company A was the opportunity to gain certifications, join regional organizations, coach/mentor younger staff members. With that said, I also want to be in it for the long haul and I didn't see me sitting at a desk for the long haul.  I'm not yet at that point in my life.  I like to be hands on and get into the field to help with installs, training, and implementation.  Not just write documents.  

All of that combined, I felt Company B would be better suited to my skillset and what I'm looking for in an organization right now.  I know others feel that a 401k is a big benefit, and while I don't disagree, this structure allows me to take that money and save/invest it on my terms.  I'm fine with that, and have been doing such for awhile being a contractor.  Company paid medical benefits and additional bonuses each year were also key contributors. 

 

[Ned]

Company A is offering .05% more than Company B

Unless they're really offering .05% more, Chet would toss your resume in the trash for such an egregious oversight.

 

[Ned]

 I know others feel that a 401k is a big benefit, and while I don't disagree, this structure allows me to take that money and save/invest it on my terms.

Is it a wash though?  The extra money you'll be bringing home (due to no health care costs) is going to be taxed.  The 401K contributions you make plus the employer contributions are invested tax free.  

 

[Peak]

Is it a wash though?  The extra money you'll be bringing home (due to no health care costs) is going to be taxed.  The 401K contributions you make plus the employer contributions are invested tax free.  

It's extra as the base pay is already above my contracting wages.  So comparing current wage vs future wage, I'll be coming out ahead.  Anything above that number is extra.

 

[Gally]

  My friend "loves it" because she's a PM and loves regimented/detailed projects and tasks.  She is a task master.  I am the complete opposite of her, which is why we got along so well.  I kept her from stressing over everything, but that's her nature.  I called and talked to her about what she liked, and it was very much a conversation of "it's a stable company, solid financials, detailed projects, clear structure".  It's what she didn't say that worried me more - no talk of team environment, company culture, intangible benefits, not even a "they serve nachos on Tuesdays!". I wanted to hear a personal benefit from her recommending the company and didn't get one.

So ask her that specific question.  If she is a friend it seems like that would be an easy conversation to have.

 

[Peak]

So ask her that specific question.  If she is a friend it seems like that would be an easy conversation to have.

I did.  Those were her answers above.  

I directly asked her about cafeteria lunch specials and her reply was "LOL  let me know what you decide"

 

[Gally]

I did.  Those were her answers above.  

I directly asked her about cafeteria lunch specials and her reply was "LOL  let me know what you decide"

Sounds like a very closed person.  My questions would all be about work environment and the people that work there.  If there are crappy people that work there your life will be miserable spending 40+ hours a week with them.  Flexibility in schedule and getting along well with the people you see everyday is the biggest thing I want in a job.  It is terrible if that isn't there. 

I left a company after almost 20 years because the management was terrible and made the actual interactions with customers terrible.  The reason I stayed the last 3 or 4 years was because the people I worked with were good people and the work schedule was very flexible.   My biggest worry when leaving was the people and atmosphere at the new place.  Luckily they are all good people and are easy to work with.  The 20% pay increase didn't hurt.

 

[Spike]

That's what I've been working on so far for myself.  Here's what I know thus far...I apologize in advance for the stream of consciousness writing style.  I have a spreadsheet growing with pros/cons as I type this out....

Company A is offering .05% more than Company B - so both are in the same ball park.  I have follow-up calls with both recruiters tomorrow, so I'll see which is willing to go a little higher.

Company A is about 12-13 miles away from home, but a 30min commute due to multiple stops/traffic.

Company B is about 26 miles away from home, but a 30min commute due to it all being highway miles with few lights/stops.

Company B offers 2 annual bonuses, but Company A does not have such a structure.

Company A has a 401k plan, but Company B does not have such a structure.

Both companies offer Stock Purchase Plans.

Company A covers cost of ST Disability and Life Insurance, Company B does not.

Company B has a lower employee cost (30%) for medical insurance, but higher deductible (15% higher)

Company B has a higher employee OOP (25%) for Dental and Vision plans.  Coverage between both plans is equal.

Company A offers 18 PTO days and 6 holidays; Company B offers 15 PTO days and 6 holidays.

Company A has a more Corporate Culture (Business Casual to Professional Dress Code).

Company B has a looser Culture (Business Casual) with employee focus, smaller office.

Company A offers and pays for continuous education as a BA (paid conferences, certification, days off to study for exams, etc)

Company B has multiple locations across US, but a smaller company feel.  Company A has one location, but a large corporate feel.

Company B has multiple projects = long hours, more stress, more time away from family

Company A has a BA structure where I would be a senior analyst with opportunities to train and mentor younger analysts; workload is smaller (2 projects at a time, with partner)

I'm sure there are more...but still researching to prepare for tomorrow's conversations.

A - you had me at 401k.

ETA - Reading through the whole thread, it's not even close.  Company A by a mile.

 

[ditka...mike ditka]

Had some new info come in this morning...

Company B pays for all employees medical insurance.  Nothing OOP for employees.  While they don't have a 401k, this puts a lot of $$ back into my pocket allowing me to invest as I see fit.

With that in mind, I tried to score out the two opportunities in the chart below:


Company A


Rate


Score


 


Company B


Rate


Score


Compensation


Good


4


 


Compensation 


Good


4


Benefits


Average


3


 


Benefits


Really Good


5


401k


Average


3


 


401k


None


0


Commute


Average


3


 


Commute


Average


3


Bonuses


None


0


 


Bonuses


Good


4


Life Ins


Average


3


 


Life Ins


Poor


1


PTO Days


Good


4


 


PTO Days


Average


3


Culture


Professional


2


 


Culture


Bus. Casual


3


Fit


Good


4


 


Fit


Good


4


Stress


Low-Average


2


 


Stress


Average-Hi


2


Education


Good


4


 


Education


Average


3


Travel


None


0


 


Travel


Average


3


Growth


Little


1


 


Growth


Average


3


 


 


33


 


 


 


38



I think both would be good fits and offer the same as far as opportunities go.  The projects for Company B would be more in my wheelhouse of SaaS / Cloud Based implementations, whereas Company A would be more cookie-cutter, mundane projects.  The pay for both is equal, but Company B provides full medical/dental/vision benefits,  whereas I would have to pay a portion from Company A.  While Company B doesn't have a 401k, I would have more take home $$ to use in my own investment strategy.  Company A would place me as a small fish in a large pond, but Company B would place me into high profile projects right off the bat - more exposure by upper management/executives.  I've researched employee reviews for both companies via Glassdoor, and talked to my friend at Company A.  Both are equal in what the reviews state - but Company B appears to be more employee focused, whereas Company A is more corporate/bottom line focused.  Overall they grade out very similarly, but I'm leaning towards Company B.

Any thoughts?  Anything I'm missing in my considerations?  Both are so close, I don't think either is wrong.  But the culture, pay/bonuses, and project load seem a better fit with Company B.  I'm not adverse to hard work, long hours and I don't get stressed out too easily.  I also don't like the slow pace of corporate red-tape when implementing new projects/systems.  I've worked in large, medium, and small size companies.  I tend to fit in better with the larger companies who aren't wound up tightly in red-tape.  I see Company A being a red-tape, slow moving machine.

Your rating system is waaaay to simple to help you make a decision at all.  For example, company A received a 3 for its 401k, while company B scored a 3 for its "business casual" culture/dress code.  I dont think you really consider those two things to be equal when tallying things up.  At least I hope not.

That said, to me it seems like you are strongly leaning towards B and want the push there.  I say go with your gut and dont let some message board guys change your mind if its something you really want!

 

[FUBAR]

:star: 

going to read this more in depth later as I expect to be in the same position soon, albeit with fewer differences.  I'll probably get 3 offers soon, and hope for a 4th.  The 3 are all with the government with slightly different pay, specific work area and co-workers; the 4th is at the local university.