Not Sure What To Do About Job Offer

tempnam

I'm in a tricky situation. While technically this is 'Work Related' it's more of a 'Personal Issues' problem as it's about how I'm feeling.

I'm working in a job now that I don't particularly care for. I don't get excited about the work, it's a nightmare getting to & from work, and the sheer volume of work is overwhelming.
Also, my current job is slightly outside the field that I previously worked in and am still studying to complete a qualification in.

I've been approached by another company, which is more closely related to my studies, and the field that I previously worked (and gained a lot of experience) in. Their office is a lot closer to home. However, the nature of the work suggests that I would be expected to be contactable out of hours. 'On call' for the most part. There may also be the expectation to work late (attending meetings etc.) - while I don't mind this on occasion, I don't want this to become the norm (never seeing my family!)...

The money is slightly better than what I'm currently earning, and there is more of an opportunity to progress.... but I'm questioning whether or not I actually want to 'progress' as this means more and more responsibility!

I'm wondering whether I'd be happier just clocking in and out every day and having set working hours, with no late nights & extra hassle!

I'm also a little nervous about moving too - there's all the 'what if's'... what if I don't get on with new colleagues, what if I don't like the job, etc. etc.

Sorry for the rant - I'm just torn as to what to do!

Carriexx

You don't like your current role at the moment, the travel isnt convenient, and your workload is massive.

I dont think the new role could be anymore than you are doing now, also if it is in a field you are more suited too it will be a more enjoyable experience?

Also alot of companies always say contactable out of hours etc, so that if they do happen to need to do it , it is in your contract.

Are you working in a field that it would be the norm to have to go back in at night or at weekends?

tempnam

Thanks for the reply.

When it's put like that I suppose the obvious choice is to go with it.

The new role would involve more work 'on the road' as opposed to being office based.

You would also be expected to attend certain meetings out of hours (evening times for example) from time to time.

The nature of the role means that yes, I would need to be contactable during evenings / weekends in the event of an emergency.

I suppose the main thing is my anxiety about taking the leap. it's a 'what if' scenario.

What if it's worse than my current situation?! I'll never know unless I go for it though I suppose!

Dixie Chick

I think you should go for you. You aren't happy currently, you have a choice for change here so grab it!!

IlmoNT4

whats the worse thing that could happen? You take the new job and it doesnt suit?...Find a new job...

If you stay, then you'll be still in a job you dont like, with a massive workload in a nightmare location. How does that impact your well being and that of your family?

You never know where your new job will take you, where will your current job take you?

The out of hours contact...I've worked in plenty of jobs with on call...I might have been called 3 times a year, maybe less. As for attending meetings, I'd ask how often and how long are the meetings. If your talking about a few times a year, big deal... wouldnt it be better for you to attend a few meetings over going into work in a place you dont like in a field you didnt train in?

If its more cash, google paye tax calculator. This will be able to show you what your take home pay would be like, in case your new salary bring you into a new tax band.

LegacyUser

Whats the long term aim here? If you just want a job that you have set hours for then stay put but it sounds like the job offered would be more career developing. Any job change is going to have what if's....I just started a new job myself this week and all last week I was going through all the what ifs (what if- no one likes me, I can't do the job, it's too much work etc etc) but one week down and I'm so happy I took this job and if it turn out to be tough I'll stick it out while looking for something else.

Reesy

I'd suggest that you go for it, and use the next stage to find out more about the job and in particular the parts that worry you.

If they offer you the job and you still have concerns, email them with your questions and ask for clarification before you make your decision.

Good luck!

Rubberchikken

weight up the two jobs - pros and cons. in the long term, which one would you be happier doing.
because even though you'd be 'on call', have to work later, more responsibility etc, it sounds like a better prospect than just punching in the time in a job you get no satisfaction from.

good luck with whatever decision you make.

Stavro Mueller

Any time you leave a job for another one, you're taking a chance. Unless you plan to stay in ths job til you retire or are forced to move, you're going to have to take that chance sometime.

To be honest, you'd be mad to pass up this job offer. It sounds like there's an awful lot to be gained by taking it. If you don't like the job you can always start looking around for another one anyway.

Also, responsibility's not the big bad wolf you make it out to be. When I was a young person starting out it used to scare the hell out of me. Then when I got a bit older I realised that I'd been taking more responsibiity than I'd noticed (or being paid for!). These days I'm in a different job, I manage people, I've got responsibilities and it's certainly not keeping me awake at nights.

tempnam

Yeah I've been thinking about it since I met the boss man of the (potential) new place. Im due to meet him again next week and have another chat. The phone calls and first meeting have been very informal so far (which I quite like) so I'll see what vibe I get from the next meeting in their office.

I think what I felt on friday was the initial fear of possible change.... Which is why I put this in PI..... I dont do well with change at all!