Another job offer - and I feel terrible!

[Aerkuld]

I"m such a lucky sod. I was laid off last November and took a new job in February. The job and the company are both great, my only issue is it's about 500 miles from home. I sought the advice of you lot at the time and ended up taking the job despite the location. I'm glad I did as it's really interesting and I'm working with a great group of guys.

As it happened, the local possibilities that I'd interviewed for didn't pan out...


...until now.
I got an offer yesterday to go and work for a company 8 miles from my house. I'd be a fool not to take it - get to see my wife everyday, easier to see my boys (ex lives locally), more money, more vacation, clear development potential, and I can keep my car in the garage. I'm amazingly lucky, but I feel really crappy that I'm going to have to hand in my notice where I am now. I'm also concerned that the new company is going to have a tough time living up to the one I'm leaving. I know it's a great decision to have to make but it doesn't stop me feeling terrible about having to go and speak with my boss tomorrow. He's such a great guy too.

So for now I'll just spend my evening doing something constructive and wonder if I'm doing the right thing.



Bugger!

[stomachmonkey]

It sucks cause you have integrity and a commitment to family.

They are at odds right now.

If I were in your shoes I'd do the same thing, i'd have some reservations but in the end you do what you gotta do.

Sorry and also congratulations.

I'll hoist one for you tonight as well.

[masraum]

Congrats, in this day and age, you're lucky to have a job, much less the opportunity for a second.

Still, closer to home sounds good.

[cstreit]

Well family has got to come first. When you're old and drooling and toothless you're not going to recount that extra day of work, but one more day with your family? Well that's worth remembering.

I'd tell your current boss basically what you told us. I'm sure he'll understand.

[Joe Bob]

Employment contract for the move....make them assuage your guilt.

[YTNUKLR]

take counsel in liquor, and resolve afterward in water.

best of luck.

[Pazuzu]

Originally Posted by cstreit

I'd tell your current boss basically what you told us. I'm sure he'll understand.

Honestly that would be my answer. I've learned that sometimes, there's a chance sitting in your lap, all googly eyed and full of kitten fur, and when that happens, don't question it. It those weird squinty-eyed chances that have claws that you need to drink Stone over...

[Rot 911]

I doubt the company you are working for now will go through much angst if they ever have to lay you off. Your family is number 1 priority.

[slow&rusty]

What is your line of work?

Yasin

[billybek]

Originally Posted by kurt v

i doubt the company you are working for now will go through much angst if they ever have to lay you off. Your family is number 1 priority.

+1

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by Kurt V

I doubt the company you are working for now will go through much angst if they ever have to lay you off. Your family is number 1 priority.

Damn straight. Unfortunately you have to look out for yourself, because guaranteed your employer won't do it for you.

[Dave L]

Originally Posted by Kurt V

I doubt the company you are working for now will go through much angst if they ever have to lay you off. Your family is number 1 priority.

+1, be as loyal to your company as they are to you. Also its a lot easier to replace a job (even now) than a family.

[sammyg2]

Dude. There is no such thing as company loyalty anymore.
Every time I've changed jobs it's worked out for the better.

[911Rob]

Congrats, I think you're doing the right thing and really there is no better way to leave a place of employment! No one can fault you for doing the right thing.

FWIW, my greatest increase in my personal income started along a similar scenario. I told my current client I had to leave his employ because I was taking a full time position at a competitors company; he said no way; it went back and forth a couple times and I ended up taking a full time position at the current employment for about double the money that the other guys first offered me. I stayed there about 5 years; it was great fun and we had a very successful operation working together.

Cheers!

[DUK]

Marc, as others have said; you need to look out for yourself and your family. I know the long distance is always a drain on family life and I'm sure you're aware of that. I mean you have a great family across the pond and one in GA.

Leaving a job always sucks when you like what you're doing and the people around you. So you just have to let them know that family comes first and if they don't understand well than so be it.

[Seahawk]

Since I've had the pleasure of meeting you and then working through a simple transaction, I know you'll do the right thing. You seem to have an abundance of humor and an absence of vice.

But I was drinking both times. It's up to you.

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by YTNUKLR

take counsel in liquor, and resolve afterward in water.

best of luck.

In wine as the Benjamin Franklin quote goes.

Still, rather sage like for a youngin'

[Shadetree930]

Originally Posted by YTNUKLR

take counsel in liquor, and resolve afterward in water.

best of luck.

In Mark's case, it would be Scotch ... very old ... very good ... very expensive.

Best shared around a bonfire in the Smokey Mountains with Bill.

[Aerkuld]

Originally Posted by slow&rusty

What is your line of work?

Yasin

I'm a mechanical engineer. A lot of design and project experience in engines, powertrains, vehicles, etc. My new job offer is in project management for a company making lawn and garden power equipment.

Here is what I will say regarding my 'luck' with these jobs. As soon as I lost my previous job I worked my butt off doing research, making contacts, and following leads. I was probably putting in 10 or 12 hours a day for several weeks.

The particular job I have just been offered I started off by calling the hiring manager directly, asking for a moment of his time, and offering to send a resume. I stuck my neck out a bit to get the interview and followed up every couple of weeks to see if there were any developments. I was a bit concerned that I'd piss the guy off as I was probably quite annoying.

My point is I did invest a lot of time into the search and work very hard at getting something lined up. Obviously this one just took a while to develop.

[Aerkuld]

Originally Posted by Shadetree930

In Mark's case, it would be Scotch ... very old ... very good ... very expensive.

Best shared around a bonfire in the Smokey Mountains with Bill.

Straight up!

I got all prepared to go and speak with my boss this morning only to find he was out of the office! It would have been easy to type out letter and leave it on his desk or take it into HR, but I respect him and feel he needs to be the first to know and I owe him the decency to tell it to his face.

I flew back down home this weekend anyway to spend some time with the boys and my wife so I'll have the 'good stuff' out tonight

I'll fly back up again Sunday evening and get ready to speak with the guy on Monday morning. I'm hoping he'll let me work the week out, otherwise I'll be flying back up there only to turn around and come back.


Thanks for the opinions - you guys are great!