Dilemma (employees, interview, employer, job)

[stanman13]

I have what in this economy seems to be a rare problem.

My current employer, where I have been working for almost a year as a temp, has finally made me an offer. It's a bit disappointing, but it is at least a full time gig with benefits.

At the same time, I have an offer from another employer. Each offer has pros and cons.

Current employer is a third shift job, and as long as I am there, I will always be third shift. There is no prospect of moving to days, unless my manager retires or leaves. Which is possible, I suppose. There have been major changes in management in the last 2-3 months, and many long term employees are unhappy and looking to leave. There have been a number of layoffs. I feel I am safe from the layoffs because of my particular qualifications, which are hard to find. However, there is no security here, as I suppose is true everywhere. My daily commute is about 50 minutes each way. Unknown chance of a raise in one year, due to new management.

Prospective employer is offering the same wage and similar benefits. It is day shift. The commute would be cut in half, more or less. It is a company that I predict will be growing, more likely than contracting. It is a direct hire position, no temp agency involved. Good prospects of a raise in 6 months, and another in one year.

However, both employers are offering an initial rate that is lower than I can get if I become willing to leave the state (Michigan). I am seriously considering this, as I could get 50% or more pay if I do. So, whichever job I take, I will still be looking for new opportunities.



Current employer offers these advantages as I see it:

• Known situation. I have the respect of management and my peers.
• Night shift may be more convenient for seeking new jobs, such as availability for interviews during the day.
• Manager will give me time off as needed to interview, as he is aware of and sympathetic to the wage situation. He has offered to give a good reference.
• Possibility of moving into management if my manager leaves for whatever reason.
• Dept of Defense supplier

Prospective employer offers these advantages:

• Shorter commute=more time at home with the family and less spent in fuel.
• Day shift=something resembling a normal life if I do decide to stay.
• Probably more room for growth over time. Also a foot in the door of an industry which is hard to crack.
• Nuclear power supplier

I'm just sort of thinking out loud here, weighing my options, and though I would seek input here. Thank you in advance.

[Gottasay]

Originally Posted by stanman13

I have what in this economy seems to be a rare problem.

My current employer, where I have been working for almost a year as a temp, has finally made me an offer. It's a bit disappointing, but it is at least a full time gig with benefits.

At the same time, I have an offer from another employer. Each offer has pros and cons.

Current employer is a third shift job, and as long as I am there, I will always be third shift. There is no prospect of moving to days, unless my manager retires or leaves. Which is possible, I suppose. There have been major changes in management in the last 2-3 months, and many long term employees are unhappy and looking to leave. There have been a number of layoffs. I feel I am safe from the layoffs because of my particular qualifications, which are hard to find. However, there is no security here, as I suppose is true everywhere. My daily commute is about 50 minutes each way. Unknown chance of a raise in one year, due to new management.

Prospective employer is offering the same wage and similar benefits. It is day shift. The commute would be cut in half, more or less. It is a company that I predict will be growing, more likely than contracting. It is a direct hire position, no temp agency involved. Good prospects of a raise in 6 months, and another in one year.

However, both employers are offering an initial rate that is lower than I can get if I become willing to leave the state (Michigan). I am seriously considering this, as I could get 50% or more pay if I do. So, whichever job I take, I will still be looking for new opportunities.




Current employer offers these advantages as I see it:

• Known situation. I have the respect of management and my peers.
• Night shift may be more convenient for seeking new jobs, such as availability for interviews during the day.
• Manager will give me time off as needed to interview, as he is aware of and sympathetic to the wage situation. He has offered to give a good reference.
• Possibility of moving into management if my manager leaves for whatever reason.
• Dept of Defense supplier

Prospective employer offers these advantages:

• Shorter commute=more time at home with the family and less spent in fuel.
• Day shift=something resembling a normal life if I do decide to stay.
• Probably more room for growth over time. Also a foot in the door of an industry which is hard to crack.
• Nuclear power supplier

I'm just sort of thinking out loud here, weighing my options, and though I would seek input here. Thank you in advance.

To me "prospective employer" is the clear choice especially since its a day shift and shorter commute (and you have a family).

[Susan815]

The "prospective employer" is the one I would pick for all the reasons you listed (room for growth, day shift, shorter commute).

The fact that your current temp job has had a major change in management and several layoffs with no chance for a move to days, as well as your manager willing to give you time off to interview just doesn't sit well with me.

Good luck whichever way you chose to go.

[yellowsnow]

I agree with the other posters. Gas is expensive and 2 hours a day with your family or doing what you want is valuable.

[stanman13]

Thanks to all. That's the way I was leaning, too. Well, off to turn in my notice.

[buzzpost]

I would go with the prospective employer as well. Good luck!