To be considering this job move?

[PenguinTime]

My line manager is leaving our team in November to go and work in a higher position (think heading up a whole business function) at another company.

They have asked me if I want to go with them, as they have been asked to create a new post within their new team, and they said they think I’d be a great fit and have a lot of potential.

The job would be for the same money to start with, but with opportunities to gain experience in a much broader area of our sector; areas which are very gate kept and protected by our well established senior team in my current company (ie. I’ll never get the chance to learn more because they don’t want to hand it over or delegate).

On paper it sounds great, but my issue is that this manager doesn’t get on very well with a lot of our current team and one of my closest workmates has had run in after run in with them. There have never been any issues between the manager and myself; under their tutelage I’ve gained professional qualifications, applied for promotions and have always been treated with respect, but I am not blind to how they have been with other people.

I don’t want to come across as disloyal or like I’m betraying my workmates and current place of work if I consider and get this new position, by effectively following someone they strongly dislike, despite having no issue with them personally. But the experience and possibly career progression that could come long term are a huge draw, and also I’m flattered to have been asked.

AIBU to consider this opportunity?

What would you lose, if anything, in terms of accrued benefits?

Do what suits you, it doesn’t matter what others opinions of her are like, your experience counts for more. Will you lose anything financially or other benefits from moving? If not then go for it.

Worrying about colleagues’ opinions wouldn’t even register with me. I’d assess real risks very carefully though.

I'd be worried about building good relationships at the new company. It's likely that a new manager trying to make their mark will rub people up the wrong way, especially if they have a history of run-ins with people. There's a risk you'd be seen as being affiliated with them because they brought you on board and it might affect how people behave towards you. Not to say that should influence you too much, it's just something to be aware of.

I'd go with what's best for you. It's surprising how quickly 'work friends' disappear once you've left and the internal politics seem so unimportant retrospectively. Any true friends will stay in touch and be happy you've got a great opportunity. My one concern would be this manager sounds a bit volatile if they've had do many run ins with others and what if they fall out with new colleagues at this new place or don't settle in well - this could make life hard for you and effect how well you settle in. Good luck!

There's a risk you'd be seen as being affiliated with them because they brought you on board and it might affect how people behave towards you.

Yes - have to admit that 'new manager bringing their mate along with them' (which is how it will be seen) doesn't always go down well. There might be internal people who had their eye on the role!

The role doesn’t actually exist yet, and I’d have to go through a formal recruitment process to get the job if internal people showed an interest- should have said that in the OP!

Was mainly concerned about how guilty I’m feeling even considering applying!

I don't think you should feel guilty, but you should go into it with your eyes open.

Being brutally honest, if I applied for an internal position and it went to the external colleague of a new external manager, I would suspect favouritism. I'd hope I'd be professional enough not to show that, but I would be thinking it.

Of course you should go

… I did similar and it worked out well.

I don’t think it is going to especially bother your new colleagues as in lots of industries it’s normal to bring people with you.

Worrying about your old colleagues is just irrelevant

Your current job would replace you within weeks if you died or went on long term leave never forget that. The reason you work is for your own income and fulfillment that's it

So you just need to apply at this stage. Sorry about whether to accept or not later

you don’t need to state you’re following him, you can explain you’ve gone as far as you can go in present company and been offered an opportunity at x company which over time will allow you to work in areas presently restricted. So you’re moving for skills, experience and pay development.

It sounds like a good opportunity, and there’s no reason you should feel guilty about moving.

I would try to negotiate a pay rise though. Your manager clearly values you, and good staff is hard to find. To move when asked without at least trying to get a pay rise, would be a missed opportunity.
Good luck.