To ask if you've moved jobs purely because of the money was it worth it?

[doistayorgo]

By way of background I've been working for my current employer (Big 4 professional services) for over 15 years. We've just lost a senior person in my team and although someone new has joined recently to make up numbers it's not a replacement as they are much more junior. I can't cope with my workload and it's badly affecting my home life and my DC/DH are bearing the brunt of my stress and anxiety.

I've been offered a job at a direct competitor who have a slightly bigger team and it's a decent pay rise. The new job is likely to be just as demanding/stressful as my current role but with more pay and a bigger team maybe I can cope better as there will be more people to share the load and I can outsource more at home. The problem is I can't get over this feeling of guilt about moving to a rival. AIBU to move for the money? Is the grass really going to be greener?

Are you client facing? If so I would go and take the pay rise and Outsource as much as possible. It makes a huge difference with the right team around you. If you find it still isn't working, I'd consider a industry (depending on your speciality)

I think this is a totally normal thing to do and it sounds like a good opportunity for you. You're not happy where you are now, so what's to lose?

GiGiraffe yes I am client facing and responsible for a small team.

If I left the new person would effectively be leaderless and I was key in recruiting her so I feel guilty about that. I would also have to start over again building a network which could take years. But it's a 12% pay rise on offer!

I moved purely for money and regretted it. But there was nothing wrong with my job. I enjoyed it but it just didnt pay enough.

But thats all thats wrong for you. Wpuld your employer not employ someone from a competitor to be nice?

If all that is stopping you is that its a competitor, put yourself first and do it.

I have worked for one of the Big 4.... I would do it in a heart beat. They do not care about you personally and you are only useful to them for as long as you are able to continue to deliver to their requirements. They would be ruthless in executing any type of change that meant redundancies..... I have seen it. I used to occupy what I thought was an ethical stance until I realised that they are only interested in actually what serves them and them alone. Think of yourself. You would be a mug to place them above your own needs and well being. Seriously.

Seriously - take the new job.

It's up to your employer to replace you. Don't feel bad about the person you recruited. This stuff happens all the time; you've just been at one job too long to know that.

You need to refresh your CV if you want to remain employable too.

Go for it!

Seems to be a resounding yes! Anyone else with a different viewpoint?

Wont they just offer to match the salary when you try and resign?

What will you do then?

If they did match the salary I would probably stay at least another year. But we had salary reviews a month or so ago and I got a big fat zero pay rise.

Yes, I moved for the money after 26 years. Best thing I ever did.

They will not have any loyalty to you so if you think you'd get something from the job I would take it.

I would go. It's not just for the money, it's because the working environment you're in is no longer working for you. I'd take the new challenge, better support and more money.

I also work for one of the big 4 and pay rises have been non-existent for the last couple of years - I asked my boss what I needed to do to get a decent pay rise this year as I've worked my ass off and he said go to a competitor and come back in a year.

I'm not client facing, so not as easy to move, but I think you should go for it!

I moved for the money 2 months ago. I really enjoyed my previous job and liked my colleagues. I am still quite sad about it. Nothing wrong with the new job - the work is more interesting. I suppose I miss the people. But it doesn't sound like you would miss much about your current role. In your situation, I wouldn't think twice.

what I needed to do to get a decent pay rise this year as I've worked my ass off and he said go to a competitor and come back in a year.

I work in a different sector and tgats the standard advice for us too. You get far more money coming in externally. You are lucky to get 1% for a promotion. Even though someone coming in externally would get far more for the same job. Great way to keep staff loyal

It seems crazy to have to leave and come back to get any sort of pay rise. But I'm the same, no rise at all in the last 2 years and no bonus either and I guess the idea of having some extra cash seems really appealing.

I still can't shake the feeling of my guilt at leaving what is otherwise a good place to work, albeit a place that's under resourced. I worry I will miss the people but the fact I'm struggling to keep on top of all the work coming in is a big worry

Most people change jobs because they are bored, or want to earn more. Completely normal. It's sensible to move regularly in my view, otherwise you end up being taken for granted and/or becoming stale.

Don't stay just for your new team member. How would you feel if she moved a couple of months after you turned down a good pay rise to stick with her?

Yes x 10! My last 2 jobs I moved for money.

I was not unhappy in my last job but I got an offer I could not refuse. Turns out the job is busier, more stressful, broader, less well-resourced but I am learning so much. I am gaining both in terms of £££ and experience.

I moved to a competitor for a decent pay rise and the grass isn't always greener. I stuck it out for 6 horrendous months but as soon as I could I took a pay cut to work for a better organisation (almost double holiday, flexi time, good pension, more responsibility, etc) and haven't looked back. More money would be nice, but my quality of life has improved immeasurably.

Please please please do not stay because of guilt. You REALLY need to shake that feeling off. It's a business. They would get rid of you in a heartbeat, so your loyalty is massively misplaced. Here's a grip, held out by a friendly hand. Take it and move jobs. Without a backward glance. Your career, your bank balance, your health and you're home life will thank you for it.