Job decision-stay or go?

LegacyUser

Hi all,
Going unreg for ths one. I had a massive post in my head, but I've decided to keep it simple. I'm 30, have a BSc in a science field. Have with a company for almost 7 years which is moving operations to China. We are guaranteed our notice in December. I currently earn app. 38k and my expected redundancy is about 38-41k.

In the 6 years, there have been 2 promotions given out in the office, one of which was a lateral move. So, apart from doing a few voluntary things like Fire Safety, H&S and First aid, i'm doing the same job I was when I graduated.

Yesterday, I was offered a new contract to stay on for an indefiante number of years. Probably in the region of 41K but with a decent chance of getting another promotion.

So I have had a sleepless night wondering if I should take it. There doesn't seem to be many jobs in Science atm, and what I am trained to do would be of little benefit to companies who are usually in the Science/Medical field. So if I refuse this contract, its the dole for me, and perhaps a lengthy time unemployed.

However, I know I can do better than this. I'm 30, I have a great gf who I want to marry, no mortgage and no ties to hold me to a certan area. It's obvious that I will have to retrain whether it be now or in 5 years when I eventually do finish here (albeit with a significantly larger redundancy). But I'd rather be in this situation (leave now with no ties), than be 35 with a house and kids and having to relocate to go back to university.

My gut tells me that I should take the money, retrain and get on with my life, but am I mad to throw a 40k job out the door in a time when the country is facing tough times?

With a 30K redundancy (after tax), my stamps (185/week) and my savings, I have plenty time to make a correct career choice once I leave.

Actually, will I get my stamps regardless of the size of my redundancy?

All comments appreciated!

Tony

AngryBadger

If there's a good chance of promotion with the new job and you'll be getting an extra 3K per year that seems like the obvious option to me.
Would you have to re-locate to CHina for the new contract? Is that the problem?

If there's no relocation then I'd take the new contract, with the pay rise, and potentially larger redundancy in a few years (if you decide to leave then). In the meantime I'd look at some evening, or part-time courses.

You're looking at this as if you only have 2 choices, leave now and start to re-train. or wait 5 or so years and then start to re-train.

I don't see any reason you can't accept the new contract, with the pay increase, and hopefully with a promotion down the line, whilst also going looking for part time study options. (or indeed full-time, or night courses that might suit your needs).

Reku

I assume this new contract would require you to move to China? If so how does your girlfriend feel about this and what would be the plan; break up, long distance relationship or her moving over there with you?

Probably best to find out exactly what extra duties the new job would require as more responsibilities would sound better on a CV than a simple change in title as most job titles are a load of BS anyway and tell you nothing about what the person actually did. Then it's really a matter of which you think would impress potential employers more, the added qualifications or the added responsibilities you get entrusted with.

LegacyUser

My apologies folks, I was in a rush to write this this morning as I was due in a meeting to further discuss my options.

There will be no promotion opportunities available. The office here is being scaled down to a small group who will oversee the production and quality of the work done in China. So basically its a deadend in terms of progression or learning new skills.

Also, I will not have to relocate.

Regarding extra duties, they are not certain, it would not be much more than what I currently do.

Miss Fluff

I work in China, PM me if you like. If you get the opportunity to go to China grab it with both hands.

AngryBadger

I'd still consider looking for other options to re-train, or get additional credentials while working in the new job. Seems to me like the only other option you're considering would mean living hand-to-mouth for the next few years while you re-train, and even then you're not guaranteeed a better job, you may not even be able to find one, and if you do manage to, you may find yourself (most likely) starting form the bottom up again.

At least if you can re-train while working under the enw contract with more money you can be planning ahead. It's not nearly as much of a gamble if you find a course to do, while putting aside cash you may need against a future change in jobs, and that way you could allow yourself a year or two after getting some more credentials to seek out alternative employments.

In conclusion my advice is to take the new contract.

Persius

I'd take the redunancy. I think it'll be easier to find a new job at 30 with 7 years experience in just one job, than at 35 with 12 years in just one job.