Have I made the right decision?

[ObSene]

I work for a large global company as a technology SME. Recently I was approached by a smaller and less know company to apply my trade there. They offered me a considerable package with what I think is above the market rate...great you might think?

I love the technology I work with but at the grand old age of 38, I still need to focus on where my career is heading. The problem I have with the position offered at the new company is, that if they don’t offer any form of career progression, I’ll be stuck there priced out of the market.

My current employer counter offered and while they can’t match the salary package (but not far off once travel cost are incorporated), they offered me a promotion in to IT management (exact role is still undetermined) which could in the future open many doors. Even if the new company offered career progression, it might take a few more years to get the promotion I’ve be offered by my currently employer, so am I mad making the decision to stay put and turn down the generous package offered by the the new employer?

It's a bit of a leap a faith but after 9 years employment with them, there's a level of trust.

Edited by ObSene on Tuesday 25th April 21:37

Edited by ObSene on Wednesday 26th April 12:41

[ObSene]

essayer said:

What do you mean by technology SME? It does appear a good opportunity to get into management IF that's what you want to do (could mean no coding and days full of meetings..)

By technology SME, I mean I specialize in a specific technology within IT. It's a hands on, technical role, but after 17 years of being technical, I feel maybe I'm ready to make the change.

[ObSene]

Thanks for all the advise, this has been a really tough decision for me to make.

In my current employers defense, I've never felt under valued and in the last 9 years. I've had promotions, nearly doubled my salary, had excellent bonuses and have complete flexibility on working from home. But with my divisions management all be based in the US, there's never been a management position of this level in the UK (this is unique to my division), so when I said I had another job offer, they have set about creating a new management role for me based in the UK for which I've been reassured will have substance to it with additional responsibilities or direct reports.

[ObSene]

Foliage said:

You as a person are a business, your aim is to make a 'profit' you offer goods and/or services for a fee. Your existing employer isn't willing to match the value that your prospective new employer puts on your knowledge and experience. Why would you stay? if you would like to stay get everything in writing because without things in writing these promises are empty.

With the additional commuting and childcare costs, there's not much difference in the actual take home pay, but on paper the the gross difference is fairly large.