Accept or not acceptTo make a long story short... I was laid-off at the end of March and received a generous severance package. I started applying for positions at the begining of May and I had an interview last week and was offered the position this week. The salary is $9,000 lower than what I was making previously, plus they do not offer year-end bonuses which I received previously. In my last position, part of my position did have an accounting/finance function and this job does not although it does comprise of my other functions. The hiring manager did tell me that the company is growing rapidly and that there is a lot of potential for growth in the future and I do feel as though he was sincere about that. I am receiving unemployement but I am trying not to use my severance money and save it for something else in the future. The question is do I accept a lower paying position with the potential of growth or just keep on looking and hope for something better to come along as far as salary. I have never been in this unemployed situation before and not sure if I am just "jumping the gun" so to say. Thanks for any advice.
What you need to do is understand what the market value is of this job and others that you are looking at. Your previous pay may have been higher due to seniority or being hired during better times, neither of which apply to what you are doing now. So look at the other jobs that are the same or similar to this one and require the same or similar education and experience. If they all shake out to be about $9K less than what you were making, chances are you won't do any better. However if you see that they come in at the same or better salary than what you were making, maybe you should rely on your unemployment and severance to continue looking for one of those jobs. OK, you've been out of work about 2 months. Other than unemployment benefits, you're earning zip now, therefore, the offer you've received should be thought of as a ton more than you're presently earning, not $9K less than what you were earning before being laid-off. Bonuses are a function of performance and profitability, so you can't really say you're losing anything to which you'd otherwise be entitled. If I were you, I'd take the job and see how things go over the next 6 months or so. If the growth potential is really there you'll know it by then. If it's not, you can quietly begin another job search, keeping in mind that it's always easier to find a job when you have one! Besides, by accepting the job you have a great opportunity to demonstrate what you can accomplish and, hopefully, begin to move up the corporate ladder based on your own contribution to the cause. All most of us can ever ask for is the chance to prove what we can do. Looks like you've got that to me. Paul W. Barada The Negotiation Expert Thank you very much for the advice. I have decided to accept the decision and focus on the positive, which is having a job. Thank you both. | |
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