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I'm in a dilemma, and could use some advice... (1 Viewer)

krafticus

krafticus

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First off, I want to say it is a good dilemma to have, but I have no earthly idea what to do. Any thoughts, suggestions, ideas would be greatly appreciated, either via reply or pm.

I have been employed with my current company for 7 months. It is a small company, but is growing and they value their employees very much. I am contractor through them, subbing under a large prime contractor. My company pays for 100% of of my health insurance; however, it is terrible insurance. They are based in Colorado, and have a plan that is really used out west. On the East coast, very few providers accept this insurance. It is essentially useless, and with my past conditions, I need insurance. on top of this, I do not like that project that I am on. Being a PeopleSoft person in my situation, my company can only place me on 1 of 2 contracts. I left the one to come on to this one. I will -- maybe -- have some growth opportunities, but it really depends on what the client will bill me as.

Today, I put in my resignation, and it was hard. My company values me very much, more than I had ever thought. When I left the office, the 5 staff all had a look of disbelief and shock. They were not happy. I explained that my main reason for leaving is the health insurance, and didn't go into the details of the project.

The company that I will be going to is also local, but I don't need the same "credentials" to work there. I had interviewed back in November; and while I made a great impression, and it went well, I didn't want the job as described. I was also questioned about my skills (I have been doing this for 20 years now). I was informed that I was well liked, and hoped that I would have taken the opportunity. Fast Forward to late January, I talked to my recruiter, and they wanted me to come back and interview again for the same position. This time, they changed the position to cater to what I wanted to do, and how that would best work with the teams. I left the interview feeling great and excited, as this is the position that I have wanted for the last 8-10 years of my career.

Now, later this evening, I received a call from my current company. They spoke with the owners, who were also very upset to hear that I was leaving. Citing the insurance as my main reason, my company came back and told me to pick what ever plan works best for me and my family, and they will pay for it out of pocket. I was told the company is not the same without me. That, and our MD office really likes me (as they said.. "did you see us hang out with anyone else out in Denver at the holiday party??"). With this also comes a 15-20% promotion, and more project management responsibilities.

So, here I am now, stuck with a decision to make.

Tl:dr
I have my current company with great owners, and great vision offering to my for my expensive ass health insurance for the remainder of this year, but the work is not ideal.

My new company has great work, and the role I have been waiting for, and the benefits are ok.

The salary and PTO is comparable, larger base with the current, no bonus vs slightly smaller base with a potential 15% bonus

The current people love me to death and don't want me to leave.

The new people love me to death, and can't wait for me to start.

I love my current company, but I hate going into the office

There is no guarantee I will love the new place, but the environment is awesome.


I HAVE NO F'N CLUE WHAT I SHOULD DO ..... I have never in my life been in this position. I have never had anyone gush over me, and willing to do some of these things.


HELP !!!!!! (sort of)

Mark
 
There are so many variables here, some are intangible while others are not. A few things I will say :
  • You chose to leave for a reason, which likely wasn't entirely health insurance related.
  • Higher base, in my experience, is more beneficial when negotiating for future roles because it is easier to verify. Bonuses can be tricky sometimes.
  • After you stay in a certain role for an extended period of time, your learning subsides. This causes you to get complacent. That's fine if you like to be valued doing the exact role you are in, but it doesn't motivate you to advance yourself and learn more.
Obviously, I'm oversimplifying things based on a few factors, but I say make the change. Tackling a new challenge keeps life interesting.

Good luck brother!
 
Take this with a grain of salt, as I have been at the same job for 16 years and have never really had to look for new work..........
But I think you already answered your own question with these statements:
"the role I have been waiting for"
and
"but I hate going into the office"

Seems like you're mentally ready for the change.
I've also heard many times over the years that you have to look out for 'numero uno' (yourself) since the "company" is always looking out for its best interest first as well, no matter how much "The current people love me to death and don't want me to leave"..........

Good luck with whatever decision you make, hope the health insurance gets fixed for you either way!
nitzilla
 
An advice I got a while back has helped me often In taking hard decisions.

Take a coin and flip it. Promise to do what the coin lands on. When the coin is in the air you will know what side you are rooting for.

Other then that I would say go for the new job if you really loved the old one we would not be having this discussion
 
krafticus said:
but I hate going into the office
Click to expand...

My number 1 rule in life: "If it ain't fun to do, it ain't worth doing".

Before getting into firefighting I was working for a printer. I was making bank. I got a side job as a "paid-on-call" firefighter (basically a volunteer that gets a $5/hr stipend) to give back to the community (and so I could speed "legally"). When my pager went off I had to leave work, which my employer hated (but legally could do nothing about), so they made sure I clocked out. After a while I realized that every time I was paged I felt better about... everything. It was harder for me to make ends meet, but I felt better.

It wasn't long before I started traveling the country trying to land a job as a professional firefighter.

That was 24 years ago.

Last year my salary finally surpassed what I was making as a printer.




I regret nothing.

Well, I might regret it during chiproom sales, but I get over it
 
I agree with mega. Primarily that you left without giving your current employer a chance to fix the insurance thing (or whatever was bugging you) which lends me to believe Mega is right on point #1.

Spidey sense (Spider-Man reference about gut feelings) is real, and I'm wondering if you don't have some spidey sense that was telling you to move on?
 
Feeling smitten about the current employers reaction is nice, but amateur hour if that's swaying your decision. Giving insurance as a reason for leaving while not expecting that to get resolved somehow is also amateur hour. If non-insurance reasons exist for you wanting to leave, then you leave. Otherwise you're putting yourself in some ridiculous cockteasing match with employers/recruiters that will leave everyone feeling played at the end.

Seldom does leaving an employer feel 100% kickass, so you need to put the sentimentals in check and identify why you really want to stay or go, then put a weight scale on each.

Good luck Mark.
 
My gut says to take the new job. As mentioned before, if you arent happy going to work, you are doing the wrong thing.

I do burn out easy.. im in a career I don't like but have no way our being a sole provider for 5. What I want to do comes with about 75% pay cut..
 
Mark, best of luck with the new position and the next adventure in your life (and life is so much more enjoyable with multiple adventures).

I am 99% positive that is the direction you will end up taking. Bonus is that you are burning no bridges behind. (y) :thumbsup:
 
How old are you? If you're 20, then find something you enjoy. If you are 55, then play it safe and hold on to your new health insurance, which seems very important to you (if that's the real reason for leaving).
 
It may be a small consideration, and I don't know what kind of numbers we are talking about, but if you ever did need to go on Disability, I believe those numbers are calculated off your base salary only and will not include any Bonus. If health concerns are an issue, it may be a consideration.
 
Really, health insurance is HUGE to me. I'm diabetic and had thyroid cancer. Follow ups are often, and instead of keeping my doctors, I had to find new ones... an hour away.

I have a torn ACL I need fixed. I have a shoulder problem that I need looked at. My current insurance, outpatient co-pays are 1200.

My son needs to see a psychologist, which isn't covered with my insurance. Urgent care (with 3 kids 14,10,7) isn't covered. To pay for a PPO through a good local provider would cost me $1927 per month. My ER copay is 500, a specialist is 250.

So, yeah, health insurance is a big deal to me.

By the way, I'm 43. :-(
 
Ooof, that is a tough one, Mark. I can't really say I've been in a similar situation, but I would say try not to be guilted into going one way or the other. You're obviously a very liked and wanted guy, so you're in a great position to negotiate and hopefully create the position that will both be rewarding to you and best provide for you and the family. Best of luck!
 
Well....I'm going to go with the current employer. Seems that the health insurance is a huge benefit to have.
Are they only paying the additional for the remainder of 2017? Because maybe this is only a temporary benefit and I may change my answer
 
Some of the best advice we ever get was as a child. We are told to stop, look and listen before we cross a road.

Sounds like you have done that. It's safe to cross now.

Travel well and wisely.
 
Full disclosure: I read the OP but skipped the rest of the thread.

All I wanted to say was: Whatever you do, whatever you choose, get it in writing. I say again: GET. IT. IN. WRITING.

Now that your current company knows that you're capable of leaving, the moment anything gets tight they will remember that and be much more willing to cut you loose, or more likely, renege on stuff until you leave out of frustration. I have seen this happen time and again where people were promised lots of great stuff that never materialized.

Get it in writing, with timelines and deadlines, and clauses spelling out what will happen (i.e. what you will do) if their commitments are not met.

Good luck no matter what! (y) :thumbsup:(y) :thumbsup:
 
krafticus said:
Really, health insurance is HUGE to me. I'm diabetic and had thyroid cancer. Follow ups are often, and instead of keeping my doctors, I had to find new ones... an hour away.

I have a torn ACL I need fixed. I have a shoulder problem that I need looked at. My current insurance, outpatient co-pays are 1200.

My son needs to see a psychologist, which isn't covered with my insurance. Urgent care (with 3 kids 14,10,7) isn't covered. To pay for a PPO through a good local provider would cost me $1927 per month. My ER copay is 500, a specialist is 250.

So, yeah, health insurance is a big deal to me.

By the way, I'm 43. :-(
Click to expand...

Given your age and the health needs for yourself and your son, stay where you are. As you age, stability and great health insurance are a lot more important than pursuing some dream job, especially with a family to consider. You have a wonderful opportunity to get the best health insurance available at your current job. Plus, you have no idea if the new job will stick. Things may sound rosy up front, but you can't predict how it will go once you are in. There is always a probationary period on any new job - whether stated or not. Things can go wrong that you can't predict, like some trusted long-time employee wanting to undermine you because they covet the position given to you; or a re-assignment to a different position and salary because of a sudden coincident downturn in their business; etc. (I've seen both of those happen with my daughter.) It is impossible for you to really know the inside scoop on the business until you start working there, so there are definite risks - risks you could afford to take in your 20s, but not in your 40s.

It looks like a "bird in the hand versus two in the bush" choice. But really it's two parrots in the hand versus one flamingo in the bush - the new job may look attractive, but what you have is more practical and better for your lifestyle. Buck up and make yourself love the job you have, and treasure your personal relationships with your co-workers.
 
I think a KNOWN is always better than an UNKNOWN! If you leave and things don't work out, your old company might not be as willing to take you back then as now! You know the hand you are holding now...if you make the move, you will be dealt a whole new hand...
 
krafticus said:
First off, I want to say it is a good dilemma to have, but I have no earthly idea what to do. Any thoughts, suggestions, ideas would be greatly appreciated, either via reply or pm.

I have been employed with my current company for 7 months. It is a small company, but is growing and they value their employees very much. I am contractor through them, subbing under a large prime contractor. My company pays for 100% of of my health insurance; however, it is terrible insurance. They are based in Colorado, and have a plan that is really used out west. On the East coast, very few providers accept this insurance. It is essentially useless, and with my past conditions, I need insurance. on top of this, I do not like that project that I am on. Being a PeopleSoft person in my situation, my company can only place me on 1 of 2 contracts. I left the one to come on to this one. I will -- maybe -- have some growth opportunities, but it really depends on what the client will bill me as.

Today, I put in my resignation, and it was hard. My company values me very much, more than I had ever thought. When I left the office, the 5 staff all had a look of disbelief and shock. They were not happy. I explained that my main reason for leaving is the health insurance, and didn't go into the details of the project.

The company that I will be going to is also local, but I don't need the same "credentials" to work there. I had interviewed back in November; and while I made a great impression, and it went well, I didn't want the job as described. I was also questioned about my skills (I have been doing this for 20 years now). I was informed that I was well liked, and hoped that I would have taken the opportunity. Fast Forward to late January, I talked to my recruiter, and they wanted me to come back and interview again for the same position. This time, they changed the position to cater to what I wanted to do, and how that would best work with the teams. I left the interview feeling great and excited, as this is the position that I have wanted for the last 8-10 years of my career.

Now, later this evening, I received a call from my current company. They spoke with the owners, who were also very upset to hear that I was leaving. Citing the insurance as my main reason, my company came back and told me to pick what ever plan works best for me and my family, and they will pay for it out of pocket. I was told the company is not the same without me. That, and our MD office really likes me (as they said.. "did you see us hang out with anyone else out in Denver at the holiday party??"). With this also comes a 15-20% promotion, and more project management responsibilities.

So, here I am now, stuck with a decision to make.

Tl:dr
I have my current company with great owners, and great vision offering to my for my expensive ass health insurance for the remainder of this year, but the work is not ideal.

My new company has great work, and the role I have been waiting for, and the benefits are ok.

The salary and PTO is comparable, larger base with the current, no bonus vs slightly smaller base with a potential 15% bonus

The current people love me to death and don't want me to leave.

The new people love me to death, and can't wait for me to start.

I love my current company, but I hate going into the office

There is no guarantee I will love the new place, but the environment is awesome.


I HAVE NO F'N CLUE WHAT I SHOULD DO ..... I have never in my life been in this position. I have never had anyone gush over me, and willing to do some of these things.


HELP !!!!!! (sort of)

Mark
Click to expand...
Peoplesoft what?? Developer? BA?
 
Quick response

Agree with gear, can't un-ring the bell. You need to leave company 1.
 
A wise man once told me two things about business:

  • Good news fast and bad news faster.
  • Once you've decided to leave an org (put in your notice) you have to leave.
His explanation was that even though everything seemed status quo, you might have a different expectation. With all that being said it's the IT world and it seems like those guys are always coming or going.

Do whatever you want!
 
Speaking from the employer side, I just had my head technician leave for a new job. I also offered to match her current offer and she still decided to leave. Although I miss her, life goes on. I hired a new technician and things are fine.

Oftentimes, there are unspoken issues which factor into the decision making process. If it is just insurance, you should stay. If there are other intangibles, you should leave.

Good luck with your decision.
 
nitzilla said:
Take this with a grain of salt, as I have been at the same job for 16 years and have never really had to look for new work..........
But I think you already answered your own question with these statements:
"the role I have been waiting for"
and
"but I hate going into the office"

Seems like you're mentally ready for the change.
I've also heard many times over the years that you have to look out for 'numero uno' (yourself) since the "company" is always looking out for its best interest first as well, no matter how much "The current people love me to death and don't want me to leave"..........

Good luck with whatever decision you make, hope the health insurance gets fixed for you either way!
nitzilla
Click to expand...
this is good advice, after a few months, it will still be the same job you don't like and the $money bump and better insurance won't change that, even if it makes it better in the short term.
 
pltrgyst said:
You can never go back again.

From my own experience, once you give notice, you're gone. The old place will never be the same again. They will always have it in the backs of their minds that you might leave.

Good luck either way!
Click to expand...


I think Larry hit the nail on the head here. And when you couple that with your own personal feelings, happiness is important also. Staying won't make you happy, so congrats on the new position, we're rooting for you!
 
Lots and lots of great advice in here Mark... The spectrum of the advices ITT reflects your decision is not black and white man, just like most important decisions we make in our lives... Oh, and more options better than less options! Always!

Everything will work out for the best my friend...

Clear eyes, full heart, can't loose! (y) :thumbsup:
 

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