[msk1986911]

I've been with my current employer for just over 1 year. We have recently been informed that there are to be layoffs across the company, totaling approximately 2,300 out of a total population of around 36,000. We should know the outcome of the layoffs by the end of February. I've got an offer for similar work in a different industry (telecommunications) with a small company that employs about 500. 2 friends of mine work there and seem to like it. I am at a cross road and need some advice. Any thoughts regarding working for a small company versus a larger one? Any thoughts on the viability of the telecommunications industry? The company I currently work for is a large supplier in the marine and aircraft power industries (think UK based high-end luxury car brand, that no longer makes motorcars).

In any event, my gut tells me to stay put and ride this out for another 2 weeks. Unfortunately, the offer from the other company is only good through 2/19/08.

I am somewhat ambivalent about the offer and don't want to jump just to jump. Adding some complexity to my problem is the fact that my supervisor and I don't really see eye to eye, which was something of a catalyst in my looking for alternate work in the first place, since I don't see that situation changing or him moving on anytime soon.

The offer currently on the table is for 5% less than I currently make, although the difference is less than that since I would get more vacation, stock options and a higher employer match (35% versus 5%) on my 401K contributions. I have diminished the value of the stock options since their worth is subject to great change and they will not be vested all at once. Similarly, I have diminished the value of the 401K since I would not be fully vested for 6 years. Of the three "incentives" the vacation time has real value for me.

Thanks for reading; any comments will be appreciated.