[onewhippedpuppy]

So about one month ago I switched jobs, primary motivation was the lack of pay and promotion because I genuinely enjoyed the job. The new job wasn't as interesting, but there was a slight raise and the company is more secure. Quite frankly I hate my new job, it's a mundane desk job driving metrics and updating databases, not at all what I expected. Basically the most boring parts of program management, with no real visibility or authority. Also no real technical content, which I miss (I'm an engineer with management aspirations). The upside is that it's a true 9-5 type job with little stress, which bores me but my family enjoys.

In the meantime, my old company has now offered me a position with essentially the same pay as the new job but substantially more authority. I would be the test operations manager on my old team, managing three test aircraft with three direct reports. This would be my first official management position, doing dynamic work that I enjoy and already know well. My biggest hangup is the fact that I know the job is worth far more, and the previous person was making much more money. I would also be working a lot more hours as well as traveling more. On the upside it would be a big step up in the company so I would have lots of leverage to angle for a promotion, as well as look good on a resume. For a bit of perspective, the previous person doing this job had 20 years of experience in the industry, I have 4.

So I'm stuck in a tough spot. I can take the job with my old company which I know I'll enjoy, but I'm getting screwed on pay. I also know that leaving my current company after 6 weeks will burn some bridges. On the other hand, I can keep my current job which I hate and hope that it either gets better or that I can get re-assigned to a different role. I'm fairly new to this industry so I hate to burn bridges, but I also feel that I need to take any opportunity to advance and grow. Thoughts?