Another should I move Jobs thread.

[Previous]

Hi all

Once again seeking collective PH views and wisdom.

TLDR: Stick at a well paid, slow progressing comfortable job that I enjoy, or Take a leap into the unknown and push myself...risk vs reward.?


Longer version:

I'm in a mid level role in my current company, a PLC firm. TBH I'm slightly frustrated in role in that my boss, whilst nice enough, isn't a great leader.

That plays out in a number of was, including a confused organisational structure and senior level interfacing stakeholders not really knowing what they should expect from me and my team. Ive attempted to address this several times but its not supported by my manager, which just leads to the same problems being perpetuated.

That said I'm relatively well respected by various members of the company senior leadership team and am pretty much left to do as I please.

I probably do 50ish hours a week plus commute anywhere between 30 mins to 2hours depending on site, with 2 days WFH. Salary circa 6 figures.

Alleged 9 day fortnight but very rarely happens.

Family life is important to me and, despite the hours, I can take time to walk my 9 year old son to school a couple of times a week.

I'm early 40s. I've been jn this role 2 and a bit years. I know exactly what the next 5, 10 and possibly 15 years looks like. And TBH I probably won't get as far as I'd like if I stay.

But comfort is comfort- its not a bad role at all. I pay off my mortgage and save a bit into my pension.

However....

I've recently been approached by an American company who are looking to organise several of their European acquisitions into a new business unit, and are seeking a director for the function I'm in to play a role in that, whilst stabilising their business performance.

It'd be jump into the unknown: The UK office is pretty small <20 employees total. Functionally I'd lead a small team based in the UK, and a couple of EU countries.

It's 1.5 hours from home to the office (T&S may be an option, including overnight stays). Obviously I'd need to travel regularly to build relationships with the European based staff too. I suspect the required hours would be longer.

It'd be a jump into the unknown - likely hard, long hours and many nights away.

It d also be sink or swim - However....Assuming that a) I dont sink, and b) the business doesnt sink, I'd personally progress much faster... but lose some time at home.

Salary would be 20-25% more...of which all would go to pension.

I'm currently 50/50 on what to do.

So.... stick with the comfortable role and bear out the frustrations I have, or jump into the unknown?!

What are your stories? Anyone done similar and never looked back? Anyone done something similar and regretted it?

Thanks!

[AB]

Still youngish, so young enough to put in the hard slog now.

If you were mid-fifties I'd have a different opinion.

Go for it, comfortable is boring but other opinions exist. I'm glad I didn't stick with that option 10 years ago.

[InfamousK]

Go for it. As long as you don't burn the bridges when you leave your current firm you can always go back.

[sherman]

Go for it.

Dont burn your bridges with the current company just incase.

60 odd hour weeks away from family are not healthy but if you can negotiate a more hybrid approach then why not.

[h0b0]

I think the new opportunity is a good one but I’d caution the commute and the expectation your new manager will be your cheerleader. I work for an American company. You will be expected to hold your own.

However, your post gives me cause for concern. You say it is your manager that should be managing expectations for the work you do. It isn’t. It is you. Don’t run away and do the same things. At Director level you will be eaten alive if you continue to hide behind your manager.

[Previous]

h0b0 said:

I think the new opportunity is a good one but I’d caution the commute and the expectation your new manager will be your cheerleader. I work for an American company. You will be expected to hold your own.

However, your post gives me cause for concern. You say it is your manager that should be managing expectations for the work you do. It isn’t. It is you. Don’t run away and do the same things. At Director level you will be eaten alive if you continue to hide behind your manager.

Poor articulation on my part.

Less hiding behind. More a case of being undermined.

I'm not seeking an easy ride.

Very much appreciate the response though!

Edited by Previous on Monday 2nd December 08:35

[RayDonovan]

The concerns for me would be the new businesses performance (you mention stabilizing their performance) and the fact that it's an American company who are known for being ruthless with hire/fire.

Business travel, especially outside of the UK is grim on the whole too.

[AyBee]

I'd be on the jumping side, but would want more money than that for the change given the changes to work/life balance.

[Antony Moxey]

Rather than asking on here, regardless of what anyone says, it's what your wife thinks that's the deciding factor, and that alone I'd suggest. You already know what you'd like to do, but she's going to be the one that says which way you go, just make sure she's completely aware of what the extra hours and travelling actually means rather than just looking at pound signs (not saying she's monetaristic but sometimes it does need properly spelling just what it is you'd be committing to). Good luck.

[RayDonovan]

Good point, there's no way I'd move jobs that would make my Wife's life harder unless it was absolutely life changing money.

[Edible Roadkill]

Sounds like potential for hassle and a disruption to the home life for not that much extra dosh, 20% at 6 figures isn’t much once tax man’s taken his bite.

Ive learned to value time at home & less hassle as possible these days over earning a little bit more.

[Gastons_Revenge]

The most sage piece of advice I've ever been given by a mentor was "work to live, don't live to work". I hear his voice in the back of my mind every time I've looked at tantalising opportunities like you currently are.