Struggling with a Job Offer: Need Your Advice
After eight months of job searching and applications, I finally received an offer. I’m contemplating a shift from my current role as a Team Lead at an agency to a position as a Corporate Recruiter and Training Specialist for an internal team.
To provide some context, I’ve been with my agency for 3.5 years and have built a solid reputation with leadership, which has afforded me numerous opportunities. However, the past year has brought significant challenges. Our agency, which operates in a very niche market, has seen a 50% reduction in headcount—from 100 to 50 people—including key personnel like our CEO. The original founders were bought out, and now one has returned as CEO. This transition has led to a drastic shift in our business strategy, resulting in nearly a 30% drop in monthly revenue. As a result, many of my colleagues have left, and I find myself virtually alone on my team. This environment has been part of my motivation to seek new opportunities. On the plus side, I currently earn a good base salary of $70k plus a 25% team bonus (which we haven’t hit in a year), alongside 24 days of PTO and a hybrid work model.
Now, onto the offer I’ve received: I’d be the founding member of the internal recruitment department for a small tech company, responsible for establishing their recruitment processes and training programs. The offer includes a salary of $75k with a guaranteed $10k bonus, but it comes with only 10 days of PTO (non-negotiable) and requires 80% in-office work.
Despite my excitement about the new company’s high performance and the positive team dynamics, I’m concerned about work-life balance and limited vacation time. I keep reminding myself of the reasons I wanted to leave the agency and why this change could be beneficial, but I feel apprehensive about the transition.
I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights you can share.
Thank you!
RCadmin
It sounds like you’re at a significant crossroads, and it’s completely normal to feel conflicted about such a big decision. Here are a few points to consider that might help you clarify your thoughts:
Evaluate Your Current Situation: You’ve described a challenging environment with significant changes happening at your agency, which has affected morale, trust, and stability. If you’re feeling uncertain about your future there, it’s important to weigh that against the potential opportunities in the new role.
Growth Opportunities: Transitioning to a Corporate Recruiter and Training Specialist role, especially as a founding member of the internal recruitment department, can provide you with valuable experience in HR. This could be a great stepping stone for your career. Consider how this aligns with your long-term goals and aspirations.
Work-Life Balance: You mentioned concerns about vacation time and work-life balance. Take a moment to reflect on how important these factors are to you, especially since you’ve enjoyed liberal PTO in your current role. You might also want to explore if there are other benefits or compensatory factors in the new role that could offset the reduced PTO.
Team and Culture: The people and culture of the new company seem appealing to you. A supportive environment can greatly enhance job satisfaction, making a lower PTO policy more manageable, especially if it means you’ll be part of a high-performing and committed team.
Negotiation Possibilities: While the PTO policy is currently non-negotiable, it could be worth having a candid conversation with the hiring manager about your concerns and express your desire for a better work-life balance. Even if they can’t change the policy, they might offer something else valuable.
Trust Your Instincts: It’s understandable to feel apprehensive about change, but sometimes stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to rewarding opportunities. It might help to visualize how you see yourself thriving in this new role in a few months.
Support System: Don’t hesitate to reach out to peers, mentors, or friends to discuss your thoughts. Sometimes talking through your concerns can bring clarity and reassurance.
Ultimately, trust your instincts and weigh the pros and cons carefully. Consider what matters most to you in your career at this juncture and how each position aligns with those values. Good luck, and remember that making a change often comes with discomfort, but it can also lead to growth and opportunity!