To leave a job I love purely for money

[CashBunny]

I’m in a job I love, perfect for me. I like my colleagues, my managers - the work - everything is great. I’m also well thought of and respected because my way of working is unique and brings a different perspective to things. My pay is already good for the area - middle /high end of what’s typical.

However, something has come up that pays much more - enough that I can get the mortgage we need to move somewhere that would be completely suitable (current place has compromises but liveable - though no possibility to extend. this is a hugely expensive area). It’s also a step up in title to something very senior and not a leap into the unknown as it’s with a company I’ve worked in before (I’ve been headhunted).

I have talked to my manager and senior directors about the dilemma. Because I’m different to most in what I do I’m effectively doing a very similar job here now - complete autonomy but we don’t have fine grained titles. Everyone is under the same heading despite huge differences in experience and for want of a better word, seniority.

They all want me to stay, and have tried their hardest (I know exactly what’s gone on) to get a pay match, but HR are blocking it because their research says I’m fairly compensated. In some ways, yes I probably am around ‘market’ but we all know that some employees are worth more and their special skills are just that - very special. It’s infuriated my manager but they aren’t budging at the moment. It keeps getting escalated so there might be a chance of a change but....

....I need to give an answer to the other firm very soon. I like them too, would be fine with working there and the challenges but I really feel like this is the best match to my skills I’ve ever had, and have unfinished business. I just love the role and the scope.

But I have to think what’s right for my family. If I chuck in my resignation and then they finally counter, I’m going - it shouldn’t take that and I will commit to the other job. Is there any way to force this issue? Am I making a mistake to move purely for cash?

Leave.

While the ego is nicely massaged by them not wanting you to leave, it’s good for you to move on. If, as they say, they’ll have you back - what have you go to lose.

But I suspect you’ll leave and they’ll soon recover!

I've moved for more money and status. I bitterly regretted what I lost.

However, I'm not you. Good luck whatever you decide.

CashBunny

That's a fair consideration.

When I turned down the offer, to be fair, I was on a salary that already paid for everything I could reasonably need. So to me this was the difference between "good" and "spectacular".

I am also in a line of work that practically guarantees career progression providing you're good at what you do. Up to a certain level of seniority at least. So I was fully aware that my earning potential and career growth were better in the mid to long term was better if I stayed.

I'd love to know what you do OP.

Go and dont look back id say

For every person who has a sad story about leaving, there is someone else who stayed and got made redundant later or whose company folded. You can only make decisions with the cards you have in your hand right now, and only you know what your cards are worth.

Whenever I feel sad about the wonderful job I gave up for more money, I remind myself that about two years later, the whole management ethos changed, and in place of a relaxed academic environment with masses of autonomy, there is now a much more hard nosed commercial environment - the job I loved doesn't exist any more.