What would you do?

[Helpmedecide123]

I've been in my current job for 10 years. I've got a senior role. I went back after my second maternity leave a year ago, and have been pushing for my next promotion since then. I've been at my current grade for 7 years. All was on track for promotion next cycle but I've suddenly been told that due to business pressures they have to cut the number of people going for it, and that they don't think I've been back from maternity long enough.

I have been offered the promotion by a smaller company. There's a good pay rise attached to it. My current employer has freaked and I've spent the past week in a series of meetings with senior colleagues discussing what can be done differently in order to keep me. They've offered targeted coaching to get me the promotion in the following cycle, but no mention of extra money or anything like that. They keep telling me how much support I have from the bosses and how I'm given extra flexibility with the children etc because they trust me to deliver (to be fair this is true, they let me chop and change my working pattern as much as I want).

I really like my job - I'm pissed off about the promotion and feel misled, but I like the company, the clients and the people I work with. The smaller company cannot offer me the same sort of clients or infrastructure. It would be like going from an iPhone to an old Nokia handset. But they are keen to have me onboard. There's also a six month probationary period which is making me wobble slightly because Brexit etc.

My dilemma is whether to stay or go. I've got two small children and a parent with Alzheimer's, plus a husband who works long hours. I can't decide whether it's better the devil I know or whether to try something new...

What would you do?

I would just set my terms down and tell them what I want. Nothing is ever achieved by beating around the bush. Go in and calmly and professionally say I want A-B-C and if you can't offer me this than I unfortunately I will be leaving.
The key is to set terms, not negotiate. If they want to keep you that badly they will meet your terms. Judge Judy is a really good role model for this, look up the story of how she got her 80mil a year pay package.

I think I'd stay for a year and apply for promotion again if possible or a new job elsewhere.

In a year's time the Brexit effect will be clearer and you can look for a job if nothing has happened in your current one.

The flexibility you have is worth a lot and now they know you are not happy they will look out for an opportunity for you, one hopes, within the firm.

Have a bash at negotiating a pay rise and stay put for a year. Liking the people you work with and having a flexible work pattern when you have caring responsibilities are worth their weight in gold.

I'm a strong believer on changing jobs every 3-7 years. See how other people are working, learn new methods and get the pay rise.

If the counter offer doesn't include a pay raise its not much of a counter offer.

However, what the small company can offer is a big sticking point.

Maybe it's a case of looking for another job with someone else.

Fianlly as for job security. If they're having money issues then it could be a case of statutory redundancy in the worst case which isn't very much.

Additionally probation periods don't mean much. You have no real protection in the first two years of employment so I wouldn't worry about that

Thank you all - this has been really helpful.

I'm going to talk to my boss and point out that the current counter offer is all about me compromising and not them - they're wanting me to walk away from a fairly significant amount of money and put my faith in them.

The flexibility/people in the current firm are not to be underestimated, you're right.

Ahhh. I hate making these decisions!

I think they have pulled through too late and have broken the psychological contract. Move on. It will refresh your view and practices and be of more value for the next job.

Don't get stale. But do sort out your childcare to ensure you are able to render a full contractual service wherever you work if progress is important to you.

Thanks @OhTheRoses . The childcare itself isn't the problem, I have one child at nursery and two at school for whom we use wrap around care - it's all those pesky illnesses/school shows that throw spanners in the works.

Interesting point about the psychological contract. Do you think there's ever any way to regain trust?

Sigh.

One at nursery and one at school. Haven't suddenly discovered a third hiding under the sofa!!