Lateral career moves and small businesses

[Jasmine1]

I’m 10 years into my career and have been employed for the past 2 years at a well-known and well-respected company, in principle the job is challenging but rewarding and the remuneration package decent, but I fking hate the place. The workload is insane and some of the people I work with are borderline nasty.

The stress it causes me affects my mental and physical health, and the unpaid overtime I have to do to keep on top of my workload makes it difficult to invest time looking for a new job but I think I am getting there now. My CV is on numerous job websites and I typically have between 1-2 recruiters contact me each week but I've only been able to secure one interview so far.

I have been offered the position by the owner of the business and he's' eager for me to join; it’s closer to home, in an interesting industry, seems quite laid back, there’s a good vibe in the office and ultimately the prospect of working there excites me.

The problem is I’m worried it might be a lateral career move, given I’m going from a large market leading company to a small 30-man organisation and while the salary is the same as what I’m on now there’s not scope for it to grow compared to my current role and potential future options.

Are my concerns legitimate and should I see what else comes along, or should I take a chance and accept the new role?

[spikeyhead]

Put your health first, for without that, an slightly higher salary if you stay becomes irrelevant

[MOBB]

The difference between a stressful long hours environment and a laid back environment is huge, can be life changing

I made the change 2 years ago and you don’t appreciate how bad it is until you leave it

[agent006]

Jasmine1 said:

it’s closer to home, in an interesting industry, seems quite laid back, there’s a good vibe in the office and ultimately the prospect of working there excites me.

You've answered your own question.

Sod 'career'. Do a job you enjoy, with people you like.

[SimpleSimonSays]

I moved 12 months ago from a very large multinational to a small start-up, for less money.

So far it’s definitely been harder work than with the multinational, but they’re a much nicer bunch, with a lot less corporate BS, and things are starting to settle down now as the team has grown, and it was the right move to make (but it’s taken this long to be sure).

In terms of your concern about career progression in a much smaller organisation, I’m not sure you can tell, unless you know what their plans for expansion are, can you?

Also, my view would be that 10 years into your career is an excellent time to do something different, you’re not tied to a company pension that’s too valuable to let go of, so you don’t have to go in every day hating it.

Do it!

[StevieBee]

Do it. Just do it, mate!

Guessing you're what, early to mid 30s? In the blink of an eye you'll be in your 50s. Life's too short to just keep chasing the money. If it's bugging you now it will be tearing you apart 10 years from now and probably being on its way to finishing you off in 20.

In smaller company, you can easily end up working with mates, not colleagues. If you're good enough, you can help the company grow and grow with it.