Applying for jobs when I've just got a new one

[jobseeker0194]

Hi everyone,

I've got a bit of a conundrum and I'd really appreciate some advice. I've recently got a new position in the last couple of months, with an organisation I already worked for. The work used to be shared between a few of us but the new role has meant that now the team is just me. It's not particularly well-paid (less than £18k, but this is up from what I was on previously). I'm regularly working over my hours and have other jobs to try and supplement my income as DP and I are saving for a house deposit. My employer took a long time to sort out this new role, first telling me that we needed to secure it quickly and then taking ages to sort anything out and being radio-silent on the matter, then when they'd sent me the new contract to sign, they said out of the blue that there'd not be as many hours as I was originally told (so not as much pay), but then the hours were somehow found again. They also didn't keep my colleagues informed about any of this, so it was a real shock for them when I was given the new, expanded role and they were left with much less work.

I have an MSc in quite a specialist area and there's a job that's just come up which is the perfect fit for my skills, experience and qualifications. It also pays quite a bit more than the new role I've been given by my current employer and it'd mean more stability for me and DP, and a better chance of getting a mortgage when we've got our savings together.

WIBU to apply for it? If I were to get it, it'd mean leaving a job I've just been given only a few months in, and leaving my employer having to find a replacement for my clients. I'm really torn about what to do - I know it's disloyal, but also it would mean that DP and I would have the opportunity to make plans and save for the future.

Sorry for the long post. TL;DR - can I apply for a better job if my employer has just given me one?

If anyone can give me any advice, I'd really appreciate it. Thank you

[chatterbugmegastar]

Apply for the better fit role.

No question

[Singinginshower]

Of course you can apply for a different job!
You don't need to justify going for a role that pays you more.

[SimpleComforts]

Absolutely go for the new job. Good luck

[AnotherEmma]

No brainer. Surprised you're even asking the question. Apply for the better job, obviously! And good luck.

[Bargebill19]

Apply for the better job and good luck!!

Your existing (well, any) company wouldn’t think twice about ditching you if they needed too. You need to put yourself and your future above the concerns of the company.

[Faraway20]

18k does not buy any kind of loyalty in my book, it's not even minimum wage if you work over 40 hours a week!

[MrsElijahMikaelson1]

Go for it!🍀🍀🍀

[jobseeker0194]

Thank you, everyone! I think, being in it, I almost can't see the wood for the trees, if that's the right saying? I feel like a horrible person to my colleagues because of the way the process was carried out and I'd be leaving my clients in the lurch just after joining them. But the money side of things is totally a no-brainer, you're right.

[TracyBeakerSoYeah]

Just go for it!

[Hoppinggreen]

Of course you should apply - do you think your employer would hesitate to get rid of you if necessary? Unlikely so do what’s best for you and your family

[Chewbecca]

Apply without hesitation.

[helpmum2003]

Apply!

If you're current job is related to your Masters you're being really underpaid.. They sound like they've messed you around also.

[Cyclewidow46]

Definitely apply for the new job.
Good luck! 🍀🍀🍀

[tectonicplates]

If I were to get it, it'd mean leaving a job I've just been given only a few months in, and leaving my employer having to find a replacement for my clients. I'm really torn about what to do - I know it's disloyal

Please stop feeling guilty! So many people stay in jobs they're unhappy with just because they don't want to let people down. Loyalty counts for nothing these days.

Do it!

[3rdNamechange]

Apply for the better job. I was in your situation and didn't and still regret it years later.

[jobseeker0194]

Thank you, everyone, I really appreciate your replies.

@helpmum2003, the pay is terrible for the work we have to do. When I started, I misunderstood how I'd be paid and ended up in what was called a 'leadership position' on less than £700 per month. But then, at the same time, I know that I'm also really lucky to have a job in the current climate, and that my former colleagues can't say the same thing.

tectonicplates, you're right - I do spend a lot of time feeling guilty anyway, not just about this, so I think it's in my nature to be an overthinker!

3rdNamechange, I'm really sorry that you have regrets about not replying. I hope your situation improved are you still in the job now?

Thank you everyone, I'll send off an application. Fingers crossed!

[Frownette]

Good luck with it.

There's no harm in just submitting an application.

[Dontknownow86]

Are you fairly young op? I got taken advantage of a lot in my 20s because I always wanted to be nice and it set my life back loads. If I were you I'd be applying for anything as your current employers don't really sound like they care about you. We don't work for the fun of it do we?

[jobseeker0194]

@Dontknownow86, yes I'm in my 20s too. A bit naïve and very easy to guilt into things, I think! You're right, we can't work just out of the goodness of our hearts.

[TheDragQueen]

Go for it and good luck.

[nowaitaminute]

Go for it OP!18k is not a great salary I would always aim to get my wage to match my age at least. They will manage without you!!

[Faraway20]

I'm a bit concerned you might not be earning the minimum wage OP have you checked??

[TSSDNCOP]

Like a shot! Good luck!

[jobseeker0194]

Thank you! I've sent off an application, so 🤞🏻🤞🏻

@Faraway20 I've not checked specifically but I don't think it's below NMW. I'll have a proper look. I'm on a fractional contract which is then topped up with additional hours, but you're paid for the hour you're physically present and not for the additional prep before or feedback/debrief afterwards. Almost everyone who works there is employed/paid this way, as far as I know, until you get up to proper management levels. It's just 'how things are done' there. The more I think about it, the more demoralising it is!