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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be unsure about a potential new job with almost double my current pay?

55 replies

WildOrchids67 · 16/07/2020 21:13

I have an interview tomorrow for a new job. I've been at my current company for nearly 13 years, so I have a lot of experience there.

A few months ago I was feeling a bit fed up with not really progressing, even though I have a lot of knowledge, I'm good with processes etc, so I applied for a job at another company. I was offered an interview, but then Covid came along and my interview was postponed.

Last week I got an email inviting me to a Skype interview, which is tomorrow. Since I applied, I'm feeling more settled and content at my current job, especially since I've been given more responsibility for the time being. But I thought I might as well do the interview and see how I got on.

I know someone at the new company (who encouraged me to apply in the first place), I spoke to him about it today and he told me that I'd likely get offered a figure that's around double what I'm on now. It seems they offer pay based on experience, rather than just a standard salary for the role.

That sounds amazing, but in all honesty, I'm unsure about leaving my current job. I've been there for so long, I know what I'm doing there, and I have a lot of friends that I'd be leaving behind. If I do get offered the job with such a huge pay increase, I'd be mad to turn it down, right? Maybe I'm just scared. Has anyone been in this position and can offer some advice or tell me what happened with them?

OP posts:
Yarboosucks · 22/07/2020 14:01

So if I understand this correctly, you have worked for a large PLC for 13 years and have recently taken on new responsibility (therefore you must be white colour and WFH?) and yet, you are on £17K (50% of £34k). Is this correct?

Would I commute an hour for £25K - no. If you were going to negotiate, I would go in at £30K and be prepared to drop to £28.

If you choose to stay, you need to discuss your current salary.

Original poster
WildOrchids67 · 22/07/2020 14:21

It's an hour's drive total, half hour there and the same back, so my fuel costs would go up quite a bit.

We've just been told we're getting a 2% pay increase. With overtime I earned over 20k last year, but with the raise I'm not sure what the annual salary is now, the letter hasn't come through yet. Unfortunately I can't negotiate my pay where I am now.

The additional responsibility I now have is helping staff who are new to the business a couple of days a week. I get no extra pay for doing this, but I've been finding it quite stressful for some reason so I've asked to step down from this.

If I hadn't been told about the 34k, I probably still would be disappointed, because it's really not much more than what I'm on now, once you factor in fuel and the benefits I get at my current job.

OP posts:
CantSleepClownsWillEatMe · 22/07/2020 14:22

I would definitely try to negotiate the salary and really consider taking this job. I know you’d be adding a commute to your work day when you don’t ordinarily have one but if £34k is double your current salary after 13 years then you’re very low paid.

Given you’re not desperate for the job there’s no reason not to chance your arm and push for a better salary offer, maybe a couple of days wfh if that would suit you and can be done?

Even if you don’t take this particular job it’s worth thinking about the fact another employer is prepared to pay you more than you’re currently earning! Even if it’s not as much more as you’d anticipated.

Rwoolley · 22/07/2020 14:27

What role do you work in? To be only on £19k after working for 13 years is quite shocking tbh.

Original poster
WildOrchids67 · 22/07/2020 14:34

It's a customer service position. I am working on my development though, it just seems that when it comes to interviews, other people do better. I've been recognised as being really good at my current job though, which is why I've been asked to help out the newbies.

OP posts:
CantSleepClownsWillEatMe · 22/07/2020 14:46

I've been recognised as being really good at my current job though, which is why I've been asked to help out the newbies

Well, recognised in the sense that they can see how useful you are to them! The only recognition that counts in this scenario is payment though and that hasn’t been forthcoming has it? You say you’re all getting a 2% pay rise but that’s a pittance given the salary you’re on. I really think you’re undervaluing yourself!

I know it can be really hard to leave a job after so long. Like you say you’ve got friends there, you know how everything works and it’s convenient to get to so making the jump can be really tough. But employers aren’t not promoting you because you don’t do so well at interviews - they don’t need to promote you because they’re confident you’ll stay anyway, taking on extra responsibility when asked and not costing them any more.

I’d lay money that you do over and above regularly without a second thought. You’ve been there years so things will have become WildOrchid does that/can help you with it, it’s always the way.

Like I said earlier- even if you don’t take this particular job you should consider the fact that another company has valued your skills a lot higher than you and your current employer do. Something that should give you pause for thought.

IncrediblySadToo · 22/07/2020 14:57

Half an hour either way? Really, that's nothing.

If you don't change jobs you'll never mi e up the ladder or the pay scale. I think you'd be mad not to negotiate your pay up with the new job & take that. As long as you're sure it's pretty secure in this climate.

ismellamouse · 22/07/2020 15:08

As others have said, try asking for more money, for the new job. They probably know what you're on now but if others in similar roles are being paid more you can only ask. In the current climate also be very careful that the new company is making a profit (I think a few small utility companies have gone bust) as if you change jobs you will have no redundancy rights and be cheap to get rid of.

Original poster
WildOrchids67 · 22/07/2020 16:13

They did tell me about holidays and their pension, and their website has info on their life insurance. As for maternity and sick pay, I have no idea. I'm not in a relationship so I doubt I'd be having a baby in the next couple of years, but anything could happen!

I'll take some time to think about seeing if they'll offer me a higher amount and list the reasons why.

OP posts:
KatherineJaneway · 22/07/2020 16:23

I'd negotiate. They are chancing their arm to get you for less and, if it was me, I'd play hardball and ask for the 34k but would accept a bit less after negotiation.

However I could be biased as I should have negotiated harder on pay for my current role but hey ho.

KatherineJaneway · 22/07/2020 16:23

Oh, congratulations on the offer!

Wallywobbles · 22/07/2020 16:42

So you'll be earning 24k where you are now. Say that the offer is not enough because it isn't. Ask for at least 30k. Negotiate. Learn to do it now when you don't mind not getting it. You could not be in a better position to gamble on asking for more. Go for it.

midwifeyNC · 22/07/2020 18:39

Half an hour each way really isn't a lot! I know you're used to 10 mins but you adapt really quickly. I used to live in the same building that I worked in so my commute was 0!! Then moved to a job with a 20 min commute there and 20 back and I was used to it by the end of the first week.

It's a good pay rise... and nothing food ever comes from staying in your comfort zone OP, how can you grow when everything around you is the same? I say go for it! The extra pennies will be nice

midwifeyNC · 22/07/2020 18:40

Good! Not foodWink

Original poster
WildOrchids67 · 22/07/2020 18:50

It's not the length of the drive, it's the increased fuel costs. There's all sorts of other benefits and discounts I get with my current job I have to factor in too, so it would need to be worth my while.

I've emailed them asking if there's room for negotiation so we'll see what they say.

OP posts:
KTheGrey · 22/07/2020 18:54

Have you asked your friend why it's so substantially less than he thought it might be?

Fungster · 22/07/2020 23:48

Fuel costs won't be that high if it's only an hour a day. I also agree that you aren't being valued where you are if after 13 years you're only on £17K. It's scary to think about leaving a safe, comfortable place, but it seems to me that it can only be an improvement.

TokyoSushi · 22/07/2020 23:55

You really don't sound very keen on the new job, if you're happy where you are then stick with it.

zigzagbetty · 23/07/2020 07:29

I was in my last job for 20 years then moved to a lower paid job with better promotion prospects. In that 20 years I moved steadily up the ladder though. It is hard to leave somewhere after being there for a length of time and I applied for a couple jobs and turned them down before finally leaving. It was the best thing I ever did, after 2 years there im earning more than my last role and am on track for the next grade. Sometimes its just getting the courage up to leave the familier behind and get out of your comfort zone. If you don't take this job keep looking and applying. Take the confidence from the fact you passed this interview and fly with it.

TheGodmother · 24/07/2020 00:41

Did they get back to your email
OP?

DateLoaf · 24/07/2020 08:25

OP your current employer is taking the piss if you have been there that long, know everyone’s jobs, aren’t getting promoted yet you are inducting the newbies. You have nothing to lose really if you do want to stay. Suggest you get the highest offer you can get in writing from the new place, show it to your current manager, say you’ve been offered this to do a similar role. Say you want same pay and more responsibility (if you do) like you would get at the new place. Either your employer will be able to match it, or not. You then get to make your choice knowing what all your options are. Good luck.

yearinyearout · 24/07/2020 08:31

They probably offered the other person 34k because they were coming from a job that paid 30k+, did you have to put salary expectations on the application?

CMMum88 · 24/07/2020 08:50

Go back and ask for 34k.

Original poster
WildOrchids67 · 27/07/2020 13:04

I haven't heard back and I don't really expect to. I'm also not actually bothered.

They asked about salary expectations at interview, I said that I'd be looking for an increase given I'd be doing a lot more driving, losing discounts I get with my current job, etc. If you factor in all the additional expenses, it's actually not a huge increase.

I've already explained I can't get an increase in my current job, it doesn't work like that where I am. I get paid so much an hour and I'd only get more if I were to move to a different role that comes with higher pay. I've been told there may be another role I'm interested in coming up soon so if it does I plan to apply. I've already mentioned this to my manager. We just got a wage increase and I'm on closer to 19k now. I don't often do overtime but it's usually there if I want it.

I was thinking about it though, and it's just my current role I'm bored with, I actually love working where I do.

OP posts:
Home42 · 27/07/2020 13:10

Yeah - I stayed at the company I had worked for for 12 years after being offered a job elsewhere. I stayed because I had friends, liked the job, worried about change etc... 6 months later I was made redundant. It was gutting. I then got a job in a new place, lots more money. I had nightmares for the whole 3 months of my notice that I’d not be any good at the new job. Turns out I’m REALLY good! 6 years on and having changed job again 3 years ago for another step up I earn a lot and am well respected globally in my field. I should never have doubted myself. Change is good!