Chuck The Geek.com

Changing jobs?

August 11th, 2008 by Chuck Sharp

I recently went through the interview process at another company. This in itself is interesting, because my wife and I decided I would not go looking for another job for one more year. This situation got around that agreement because the recruiters/headhunters found me, and even had to work a little bit to get a hold of me. They initiated contact, and they pursued me doggedly. Nice folks, by the way.

Well, I decided to see where this went, and I ended up with a decent job offer in the mail last week. What’s a guy to do? I feel a little stale at my current position. However, the job offer is for a position that, while I’d do great work (not exaggeration, just a statement), it would not be the position I’d like to get next. On the other hand, it may open some interesting doors in the future. The pay is good, without title promotion at my position, it would take about 3 years to get to that level.I may have to work more hours, and the unknown is always scary. My current position has unmatchable flexibility and a ton of vacation, which is perfect for a young family such as mine.

I’ve decided to decline the offer. At first, it was because my wife and I discussed it, and I realized how hurt she had become from my almost-absence during the last year at graduate school. When she said that, and I realized how much it meant for her for me to stay where I’m at until she graduates from school, I started thinking about my job.

When I really started pondering staying at my current position, The most interesting thing happened. I felt happier than I had in  the last week. I remembered how interesting some of the challenges were at work. I remembered the friends that I’ve made. I thought about the flexibility and the ability I had to spend time with my daughter and support my wife. I realized the opportunities for learning and advancement that may come up in the few years. I realized that at the end of the day, I actually really like where I work. It took a month of thinking, interviewing, introspecting, studying, and conversing. But at the end of it, I think I was selling out for money. Lord knows we could use it. But by staying, I can benefit from all the extra benefits from work that few other companies can match. I know that next summer I’ll be looking again at the job market and revisiting this question.

For now though, I know that I have more to offer my current employer, and it has more to offer me.

Entry Filed under: General, Personal