I work at an SME in the countryside. The workplace environment is good, management tries to look after us, and my colleagues are great. Because of the President, the office is pretty casual and it’s easy to take time off for whatever reason.
But, the company operates in an industry where I can’t see a bright future. The company has been hit hard by multiple geo-political situations, Covid, and the supply chain constraints. And the current President is looking to retire soon, leaving the future of the company to his son.
Personally, my mental health has been hit badly with the failure of a new client. Another colleague in a similar position is currently WFH due his mental health. I was desperate to quit earlier this year for my mental health, but the company hired two people to support me.
My dilemma is: a friend invited me to apply for a job at the company they work at; his department just happens to be looking for someone with my skills and experience. It’s a much larger company in an industry with a much brighter future. During the interview process, one of the higher ups took an interest in my application and wants me to eventually transition to another department doing something I’m much more interested in. I’m likely to receive an offer in the next couple of weeks from this new company.
Problems are:
1) New larger company does not have a great reputation when it comes to worker welfare and treatment.
2) I feel guilty “betraying” my current company. The current President has a lot of hope in me and I’m valued by my colleagues. Management has even hired two people to support me, which I really appreciate. I’d also feel a little guilty for leaving my direct boss to have to supervise my current workload on top of everything else.
3) My friend who invited me to apply for the new company was probably expecting me to help permanently in his department, but now his big boss wants me to transition to the other department, meaning his department will be short again at some time in the future.
Sorry for the ramble, but I’d really appreciate any advice on my situation.
Thanks
7 comments
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The big thing about considering changing jobs to keep in mind is that you need to put yourself first. You don’t owe things to the company. They were paying you so that you could do a job for them, and you did. If you stop working for them, they won’t pay you anymore, and that’s normal.
You also shouldn’t worry too much about your friend feeling betrayed if you jump departments. If they’re actually your friend, they will be cheering for you wherever you go.
The question about the future of the company also hinges on whether you have a contract or permanent hire, and whether you’re in an industry where you could easily find a new job several years in the future if your current company fails. You didn’t write the details about that, and you don’t have to, but you’ll need to know that information to weigh in on this factor.
Only thing I would worry about is 1. The rest is totally in your mind.
I know the other comments have mentioned not worrying about your company or the people you work with and only worrying about yourself, but it depends how close you are to these people. My advice would be to set a meeting with your immediate manager and explain your feelings etc. He will probably know how to approach the subject better with your shacho. They may be able to move you to a consulting position where you still get paid, but the workload is reduced during the transition phase.
First get the offer. I think you want to change, but you are shielding yourself for a possible rejection. Once you have the offer it will seem like a much easier decision.
Try to take some time to clean things up at your old company, try to take some time to prepare before the change. If you jump from one to the other without break it may be tough.
have you checked out the company’s reviews on glassdoor and indeed?
The is no such thing as betrayal in an employment contract. You work and the company pays you. Remember, company is not your family and coworkers are not your friends. One day the employment relationship will end and we all move on with our lives.