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Hello. I'm hoping someone can offer some insight and may be some advice here. I am currently a billing specialist at a recovery unit for a rental car company. My yearly salary there is $24,200 (I know, pretty low). I like the job, co workers, benefits, etc, but I need more money. I have been there for one and a half years and based on what I was told, yearly raises can either be one, three, or five percent.
The next position up (exam specialist) would start at $14.50 per hour, but would go no higher than $18. However, that position only opens about twice per year, and there is always only one position. I recently interviewed for it and didn't get it because I didn't shadow with that department (that's the reason I was given). However, That is pretty much where my career would end unless I am looking for supervisory or management, which I am not. So, I started applying for other positions outside this job. I got an interview with a major well known insurance company. The pay was NOT listed in the job description but I applied anyway. During the application process I got a questionnaire packet that included details about the job including a pay range that only says: "The minimum starting salary is $25,100 annually (Salary B2/Area 1 -- $25,100- $27,900-$30,600 and will be based on level of experience"
I got my offer today and it is for $25,300, only $1069 more than what I currently make. Also, the hours are 38.75 per week, not a complete 40 (non exempt). I asked if the salary was firm or if it would be negotiable, and the recruiter said it's firm. But what about the range in the packet? I was disappointed because though I don't have experience with this particular type of insurance (commercial), I have all the skills they want, and then some. I also have a BA (Criminology). If I took this new job I would still get weekends off, pto accrues every pay period, yearly bonuses, benefits appear the same as my current job, 18 days vacay as opposed to the ten days I get now, and more opportunities for advancement. My question is, if any of you were in my position would you take the new job even though its only a thousand dollars more per year, or should I stick it out at my current job and wait for the next position to open which would pay $27,840 per year?
its not always about benefits or the money, it also includes the experience and what youll get out of it. youll be more marketable with having several experiences rather than just the one...it will help you sell yourself in the future to other employers, like is full of choices, taking risks are ways to help you advance your young career, good luck.
I would consider it. Plus it sounds like the new job has more opportunities for growth. Only plan to stay in the job 1-2 years. Spend that time looking inside the company for your next job move and getting new job skills. Take every free training class or certification you can get. Network across other departments. When you identify your next job, see if you can get a mentor in that area.
I would go for the new job --- the other one sounds like a dead end job for the most part -- and the new one sounds like you can go for promotions. Plus the 8 more days of vacation would be lots better.
I always tell people when they ask me -- it's not the starting amount that matters as much as the potential amount you can make.
If a job will provide a range of $26,000 to $28,000, then you're better off with a job that starts at $25,000 but goes up to $35,000.
Of course you take this other position. You are getting a raise in the vicinity of 10%, which I calculate as a combination of the $1069 cash and a reduction of 136 hours worked per year.
Plus you get an opportunity for a bonus.
Most importantly you have an opportunity for advancement in this new position, while you are virtually topped out in your current position.
Don't wait any longer. Accept the new job.
As for the range, this is pretty typical. Without direct experience you get placed at the low end of the schedule. You may have more education and/or related experience than strictly necessary, but that is what got you the interview and job offer in the first place.
Last edited by fishbrains; 12-20-2013 at 04:52 AM..
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