Obviously it's his decision but he's talking to me about it.
He's 20yo, just scraped some A levels but not interested in going to Uni, which for him is probably the right decision.
Since he left school he's stayed with the large fast food chain where he had a PT job, working for a franchise holder who has 4 stores. I have to say, they've been excellent employers to date, excellent training, really supportive through lockdown and when DH died. (DS has suffered a major life event in the last few months, not a great time to be making big decisions).
DS has done well, he's now a shift manager, which means whilst he has no overall responsibility for the restaurant, he is the most senior person in the store on his shift. He does seem to have some aptitude, both for dealing with the public and managing people.
Through a friend's parent, he's been offered the opportunity to be "Area Manager" for their fast food franchise. They're just starting out and have (apparently) bought three takeaways. The chain itself has operated in UK for more than 20 years but is new to our area and much smaller than the one he currently works at. I'd never heard of them, but they do seem well established in the areas where they do trade.
My natural inclination is to stay with the company who have proved themselves to be supportive and that this new venture comes with significant risk.
I'm also concerned that whilst he's done well in a closely managed environment with good support and training, he's in no way qualified for this post.
I've always worked for large firms while DH worked for several small businesses and the small companies were mostly terrible employers.
OTOH, I've probably missed opportunities through being too risk adverse throughout my life and if you can't take a risk at 20 when can you?
It's double his current salary and if it really was a disaster, the current employer might take him back (or might not).
However, there might be an opportunity for a degree apprenticeship with current company and (if he wants it) eventually progression beyond area manager for 3 stores.