Been offered another job, not sure its a wise move...
Discussion
First of all I'll apologise in advance as this could be a bit lengthy, but I really need some advice as this is giving me sleepless nights over what to do.
I left school at 16 after I got an electrical/mechanical apprenticeship at Land Rover. I stayed there till I was 26 and generally I loved my job. However a job came up at Network Rail which I thought would be a slight progression in my career for me. Turns out I was promised things that haven't really materialised mainly due to us having a massive re-org because of the current economic climate.
Currently I enjoy my work, but not like I did when I was at Land Rover. My job now doesn't really stimulate my mind. About 4 months ago my old manager from Land Rover got in contact and asked me if I would consider going back as they have a new model starting and a big recruitment drive going on.
Long story short, I did the selection tests and the interview and I have been offered the position. However things have changed and the contract is completely different to what I was on before I left.
The main points are, 80% pay for the first 2 years. Then after successful completion of this period you get a permanent contract of 90% pay. I will never be on the same 100% pay as the older employees. Compared to my current wage, the 90% would be roughly what I am on now, however where I am now I earn a bit more because of overtime, but there will also be overtime at Land Rover.
During the 2 year period you have 3 monthly meetings with your line manager and HR to see how you're progressing. This I am not bothered about as I was very good at my old job, and I'll be doing exactly the same this time just with newer kit on a newer model.
Also, I'll be going back to only getting factory shutdown holidays. I now really like having time off when I like so this would be another negative point.
But really my biggest concern is which will be the safer future for me? I am one of life's worriers. To me if I lost my job it'd end me, I wouldn't be able to cope. So what if I go back and during those 2 years the economy gets worse and people stop buying cars and they let me go? Conversely, next year my current employer could do the same as they have only guaranteed no compulsory redundancies to 2013.
I survived the re-org at my current place of work by the skin of my teeth (last man to get a job) as I only have 4 years service. Lots of rumours going round at the moment that once the olympics are out the way there will be another cull of maintenance staff.
Ultimately once I finish my HNC in june I wish to try and get in with a big energy company as an electrical engineer as ultimately this is what I want to do. The work at Land Rover was more closely related to this type of work than Network Rail is.
So with all the above in mind, what you be inclined to do?
I left school at 16 after I got an electrical/mechanical apprenticeship at Land Rover. I stayed there till I was 26 and generally I loved my job. However a job came up at Network Rail which I thought would be a slight progression in my career for me. Turns out I was promised things that haven't really materialised mainly due to us having a massive re-org because of the current economic climate.
Currently I enjoy my work, but not like I did when I was at Land Rover. My job now doesn't really stimulate my mind. About 4 months ago my old manager from Land Rover got in contact and asked me if I would consider going back as they have a new model starting and a big recruitment drive going on.
Long story short, I did the selection tests and the interview and I have been offered the position. However things have changed and the contract is completely different to what I was on before I left.
The main points are, 80% pay for the first 2 years. Then after successful completion of this period you get a permanent contract of 90% pay. I will never be on the same 100% pay as the older employees. Compared to my current wage, the 90% would be roughly what I am on now, however where I am now I earn a bit more because of overtime, but there will also be overtime at Land Rover.
During the 2 year period you have 3 monthly meetings with your line manager and HR to see how you're progressing. This I am not bothered about as I was very good at my old job, and I'll be doing exactly the same this time just with newer kit on a newer model.
Also, I'll be going back to only getting factory shutdown holidays. I now really like having time off when I like so this would be another negative point.
But really my biggest concern is which will be the safer future for me? I am one of life's worriers. To me if I lost my job it'd end me, I wouldn't be able to cope. So what if I go back and during those 2 years the economy gets worse and people stop buying cars and they let me go? Conversely, next year my current employer could do the same as they have only guaranteed no compulsory redundancies to 2013.
I survived the re-org at my current place of work by the skin of my teeth (last man to get a job) as I only have 4 years service. Lots of rumours going round at the moment that once the olympics are out the way there will be another cull of maintenance staff.
Ultimately once I finish my HNC in june I wish to try and get in with a big energy company as an electrical engineer as ultimately this is what I want to do. The work at Land Rover was more closely related to this type of work than Network Rail is.
So with all the above in mind, what you be inclined to do?
Can you not negotiate on the salary? If they match what you are on now (so that 80% beng moved to 90%), and then a slight increase after your first year to take you on to a better salary than current.
I agree with above. I would much rather prefer to enjoy what I do and earn less, than earn loads and not enjoy it. So if they won't budge on salary then I would probably take it anyway.
What about commute? Is Land Rover closer to home? If so, then the lower salary will be offset by reduced commute costs.
I agree with above. I would much rather prefer to enjoy what I do and earn less, than earn loads and not enjoy it. So if they won't budge on salary then I would probably take it anyway.
What about commute? Is Land Rover closer to home? If so, then the lower salary will be offset by reduced commute costs.
STW2010 said:
Can you not negotiate on the salary? If they match what you are on now (so that 80% beng moved to 90%), and then a slight increase after your first year to take you on to a better salary than current.
I agree with above. I would much rather prefer to enjoy what I do and earn less, than earn loads and not enjoy it. So if they won't budge on salary then I would probably take it anyway.
What about commute? Is Land Rover closer to home? If so, then the lower salary will be offset by reduced commute costs.
I live 7 miles from land rover. Currently I get the train into work, the station is 2.5 miles from my house and I get an annual rail pass (discounted) for £155 per year.I agree with above. I would much rather prefer to enjoy what I do and earn less, than earn loads and not enjoy it. So if they won't budge on salary then I would probably take it anyway.
What about commute? Is Land Rover closer to home? If so, then the lower salary will be offset by reduced commute costs.
The salary is definitely non negotiable.
(a) When you were at Land Rover it probably wasn't just the work which you liked but also the people, the management etc. How much of that has changed since you left? Maybe have a quiet chat with your old boss.
(b) Are you going to move into electrics soon after you've completed your HNC e.g. by end of year or build up experience and watch out for good opportunities? If you're intending to move quickly then is changing job now such a good idea? Potential employer thinks "he changed jobs 6 months ago and now looking for another one...hmm.."
(c) Think about which is the best option for you over the longer term e.g. next 3-5 years.
(b) Are you going to move into electrics soon after you've completed your HNC e.g. by end of year or build up experience and watch out for good opportunities? If you're intending to move quickly then is changing job now such a good idea? Potential employer thinks "he changed jobs 6 months ago and now looking for another one...hmm.."
(c) Think about which is the best option for you over the longer term e.g. next 3-5 years.
72EuropaTC said:
(a) When you were at Land Rover it probably wasn't just the work which you liked but also the people, the management etc. How much of that has changed since you left? Maybe have a quiet chat with your old boss.
(b) Are you going to move into electrics soon after you've completed your HNC e.g. by end of year or build up experience and watch out for good opportunities? If you're intending to move quickly then is changing job now such a good idea? Potential employer thinks "he changed jobs 6 months ago and now looking for another one...hmm.."
(c) Think about which is the best option for you over the longer term e.g. next 3-5 years.
Thanks for the reply.(b) Are you going to move into electrics soon after you've completed your HNC e.g. by end of year or build up experience and watch out for good opportunities? If you're intending to move quickly then is changing job now such a good idea? Potential employer thinks "he changed jobs 6 months ago and now looking for another one...hmm.."
(c) Think about which is the best option for you over the longer term e.g. next 3-5 years.
A - I am still in contact with most of the lads I will be working with, its changed lots, from what they tell me, most of it for the better, some not so.
B - I did think this. It wouldn't look very good on my CV if I was applying for other jobs (which I have already) with energy companies.
C - I think Land Rover is the slightly better future (and more secure) if there is such a thing these days?
"The main points are, 80% pay for the first 2 years. Then after successful completion of this period you get a permanent contract of 90% pay."
I know what my response would be to this.... and it wouldn't be "I'll start on Monday then"
But if its what you REALLY want to do, and if the comments i have heard on the grape vine about your current employer are true, maybe its a good move.
I know what my response would be to this.... and it wouldn't be "I'll start on Monday then"
But if its what you REALLY want to do, and if the comments i have heard on the grape vine about your current employer are true, maybe its a good move.
hornetrider said:
How does the offered JLR salary compare to the salary you had at JLR before you left? Did you leave them for better money at Network Rail?
The 90% is a little bit less including the shift allowance for the shifts I will be going back on. I do earn more at NR but only because of the overtime I sometimes get. The basic salaries are almost the same.Mr Pies said:
Guys I thought I should now add to this. Have found out its a rolling 13 week contract for the first 2 years.
Do you still think its a good move?
This is standard for 'Prestige' Companies like JLR, as THEY call the shots in recruitment terms and have more applicants than they would ever need, but I guess that it adds a bit of uncertainty, because it only takes a boss you get on with to move sideways, and the new boss to be a Bully boy, or for sales to drop, before you find that you are out of work. It's designed to weed out those people who have glowing references but turn out to be unsuited, but in your case you already have a JLR track record. Do you still think its a good move?
There's nothing to stop you saying you are not happy to take that risk and explain that you'd appreciate it if they could take into account your previous record.
New POD said:
Mr Pies said:
Guys I thought I should now add to this. Have found out its a rolling 13 week contract for the first 2 years.
Do you still think its a good move?
This is standard for 'Prestige' Companies like JLR, as THEY call the shots in recruitment terms and have more applicants than they would ever need, but I guess that it adds a bit of uncertainty, because it only takes a boss you get on with to move sideways, and the new boss to be a Bully boy, or for sales to drop, before you find that you are out of work. It's designed to weed out those people who have glowing references but turn out to be unsuited, but in your case you already have a JLR track record. Do you still think its a good move?
There's nothing to stop you saying you are not happy to take that risk and explain that you'd appreciate it if they could take into account your previous record.
All I am concerned about now is if sales of the new model don't reach expected demand, or the kit runs really well, with too many maintenance staff on board I'd be the first out.
I'll call them tomorrow but I think I know what the answer will be regarding a full contract.
Mr Pies said:
New POD said:
Mr Pies said:
Guys I thought I should now add to this. Have found out its a rolling 13 week contract for the first 2 years.
Do you still think its a good move?
This is standard for 'Prestige' Companies like JLR, as THEY call the shots in recruitment terms and have more applicants than they would ever need, but I guess that it adds a bit of uncertainty, because it only takes a boss you get on with to move sideways, and the new boss to be a Bully boy, or for sales to drop, before you find that you are out of work. It's designed to weed out those people who have glowing references but turn out to be unsuited, but in your case you already have a JLR track record. Do you still think its a good move?
There's nothing to stop you saying you are not happy to take that risk and explain that you'd appreciate it if they could take into account your previous record.
All I am concerned about now is if sales of the new model don't reach expected demand, or the kit runs really well, with too many maintenance staff on board I'd be the first out.
I'll call them tomorrow but I think I know what the answer will be regarding a full contract.
Polite but firm. Talk to the boss not H.R. - He approached you, so he obviously wants you, and it might be a minor change he's prepared to push back to HR if he wants you. Or he might just toe the 'it's out of my hands' line.
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