Currently employed, received better offer elsewhere

JaMarcus Hustle

Hi,

Just wondering what the best way to approach this situation is. I'm currently employed in the financial services industry in a very niche department. I've been in the job 2 and a half years and have received 2 promotions in that time, the latest last month. I wasn't very happy with the wage increase I was offered last month, so I rejected it while submitting a very reasonable case for why I should be paid more (it was below what was being offered for similar positions elsewhere, I'm the department "expert" on a system that is core to our day-to-day operations, have introduced a lot of automated efficiencies to remove manual tasks etc.)

Basically, all feedback I have received in my time there has been hugely encouraging. But it was depressing knowing that counted for little come payday. I requested €5k above what I was offered, and a few weeks later I was offered a compromise of €2.5k above the original offer - and it was made very clear to me that this was not a usual occurrence and that I should feel lucky to get that (even with the extra €2.5k, it would still be below what other companies would pay according to my research). I reluctantly accepted, purely because it was that or nothing.

So I decided to submit my CV to a recruitment agency to see what else was out there, and I now have an offer that is €10k above what I was initially offered here (or €7.5k above the compromised offer).

At the end of the day, if my current employer cannot match that offer, I will walk. I may even do so even if they can match it, because there is not much room for more progression here, and it would take a me a few years to get up to what I'm being offered elsewhere. My question is, how do I bring this up? Is it simply a case of saying to my manager "I have received a better offer elsewhere, so unless this company can improve on that offer, I'll be leaving"...? It's just tough in that I have a very good relationship with my colleagues and management. Any advice/similar situations you've dealt with appreciated. Thanks.

danthefan

I left my job recently too to move onto something else and I was just honest with my manager about it. You've nothing to fear/feel guilty about/whatever, you have to do what's best for yourself. You've already been involved in a negotiation of sorts regarding your pay so I'd go to whoever you've been talking to and tell them you've been offered another position which you've decided to accept. If you leave just make sure it's on good terms, nothing to gain by burning bridges.

Stheno

I would not take the "pay me what they offered or I'm going" line with your current employer.

Instead, line up all your ducks in a row, get your references, new contract, hand in your notice, and leave it up to your current employer to make a counter offer.

In your resignation letter outline how you have enjoyed the role you have been in but have been offered a better opportunity elsewhere and thank your manager/colleagues for being part of the team you have worked with.

Ball then in your employers court.

Also note, and while somewhat of a generalisation it's fairly true imo. Those who leave and are then enticed to stay due to an increase in pay tend to be viewed less well in organisations as a result.

Eoin

Stheno wrote: »

Also note, and while somewhat of a generalisation it's fairly true imo. Those who leave and are then enticed to stay due to an increase in pay tend to be viewed less well in organisations as a result.

I'm not sure about that at all, but the majority of people who do stay end up leaving within a year anyway as salary is rarely the only reason someone leaves. The extra cash seems great for a while, then you get used to it and all the other reasons come to the fore again.

JaMarcus Hustle

Some real good advice people, thanks very much.

April O Neill

Eoin wrote: »

I'm not sure about that at all, but the majority of people who do stay end up leaving within a year anyway as salary is rarely the only reason someone leaves. The extra cash seems great for a while, then you get used to it and all the other reasons come to the fore again.

So true.

My BF recently changed jobs. He was unhappy in his old position of a long, long time. Basically, he was spread too thin in his job, and so couldn't do any one thing to the standard required because he had an unmanageable workload (and he worked really, really hard). The pay was terrible to boot. Did a few interviews over the summer, got offered a job with a pay raise. He toyed with using it as a bargaining chip in his job, but decided to go for the new role. Best thing he could have done. He is so much happier now, and it isn't just because of the better pay. He is learning a lot of new skills and has a realistic workload, which means he can do his work to a high standard now. That's very important mentally, I think.

Take the job offer, OP. Leave your company on good terms and that will leave the door open for working there again in the future. (not necessarily the same role ) Sometimes a change can be invigorating.

modmuffin

Congratulations, great position to be in.

I would have a chat with your boss, explain that you have been offered a the job and let him know you intend accepting.
Say something like "you will leave with a heavy heart as you have enjoyed your time with the company, however the offer you have received is too good to refuse"

If he says your company will match it make sure you squeeze an extra 5-10k... They don't know what you've been offered

Stheno

Eoin wrote: »

I'm not sure about that at all, but the majority of people who do stay end up leaving within a year anyway as salary is rarely the only reason someone leaves. The extra cash seems great for a while, then you get used to it and all the other reasons come to the fore again.

Agreed, I guess I was basing it on organisations I worked in about four years ago and beyond, there was constant "I'm leaving as I'm not paid enough" going on and there were counteroffers, but thinking on it, you're right, most of those who accepted a counter offer did leave shortly thereafter I can however think of three instances in five companies where the reputation of someone was negatively affected by their accepting a counteroffer, it was felt that they were not fully committed to the company!

There's the old saying that people don't leave jobs, they leave people!

interestedman

Stheno wrote: »

Instead, line up all your ducks in a row, get your references, new contract, hand in your notice, and leave it up to your current employer to make a counter offer.

Couldn't agree more, get the offer in hand before counting your chickens so to speak. I am in an almost identical position to you OP, except I'm an engineer. These posts have reminded me, extra money is not my motivation.

Irish_Elect_Eng

Some great posts here on Motivation, with which I agree 100%

Daniel Pink has a great book called "Drive" that has a good take on this.

"Pink identifies three elements underlying such intrinsic motivation: autonomy, the ability to choose what and how tasks are completed; mastery, the process of becoming adept at an activity; and purpose, the desire to improve the world."

Money only matters up to the point when you are paid enough for it not to be an issue for you after that it is all about more intrinsic motivations.

Thoie

One extra thing - on the basis that Ireland is a far smaller country than we sometimes remember, make sure to let your current boss know that you appreciate that she managed to get the extra 2.5k. The likelihood is that she'll have had to fight tooth and nail for that (she mightn't either, but in a lot of places managers have to fight for raises/bonuses for their teams).

scamalert

Thoie wrote: »

One extra thing - on the basis that Ireland is a far smaller country than we sometimes remember, make sure to let your current boss know that you appreciate that she managed to get the extra 2.5k. The likelihood is that she'll have had to fight tooth and nail for that (she mightn't either, but in a lot of places managers have to fight for raises/bonuses for their teams).

That depends from company to company,but from OPs description,job he has and qualifications its rare in the field ,and as he said he is payed way beyond average,so most companies are doing exact opposite instead of paying properly they find excuses to pay as little as possible. Another factor as someone mentioned,if employer was to offer same wage etc,he would be looked up on all the time from that point,as you owe as type of thing. If new company is offering you full contract and proper pay,with possibility to rise higher,just sign it,and give employer notice of 2 weeks with all the above,it was pleasure to work for you etc.As you have a skill set that is rare in the industry and if company cant afford you then,go for better.As for colleagues and people you can always stay in touch,dont feel that you are being owned and GL.

Thoie

Sure, but a quick private word saying "I appreciate the effort you went to for the extra pay" doesn't really take any skin of his nose and gives the manager the warm fuzzies if (s)he runs into him again. Meanwhile, he saunters off to new pastures with an extra 10k.

scamalert

that's what ive meant,move onto new job,but leave old one by saying thanks for them years etc.Its a big deal when such matter occurs to someone,but one has to keep in mind that while he moves ,someone else will take over,as this happens everyday everywhere,people move and challenge themselves.