Would you rather work somewhere with great culture but in a role you don't really like or somewhere that doesn't offer as much opportunity but in a role you prefer.

[AcesandClubs]

I am in a bit of a dilemma with two job options. Lucky to be in this position, I know.

Both jobs in the banking industry

Firm 1
Global, 2k+ employees, lots of perks that come from big finance firm such as great pension, room for growth, training, socials etc. Team is 15 strong in UK with 7 people oversees to support as well. £20k payrise, great bonus

Firm 2
European, 600 employees, average perks, much smaller team (just me and manager), ok bonus

Both offer same hybrid working schedule.

Firm 1 will be exclusive with high level client work with money behind it

Firm 2 is more mini projects to support the high level work they do (which isn't as high as Firm 1 if that makes sense)

Job 1 at Firm 1
Same as what I'm doing now. Heavy going, occasional long days and weekend work, pressure and short deadlines. You get paid well but you're expected to work for it. (I would be on £20k more doing this job compared to what I'm on now.) Thing is, the team is very big so there would be lots of support (apparently) and teams to help source info.

Job 2 and Firm 2
Much more relaxed (apparently) and deadlines aren't as strict. A slight side step to what I'm doing now (which is almost the same as the opportunity at Firm 1). There will still be pressure at times and I'll be expected to much in on the high level work when requested. This job sounds like more of the thing I want to do but I'm worried at such a small firm that I'm going to end up doing the big stuff as well. The guy who interviewed me said they were always busy!

So that's it. What would you choose? I'm not too fussed about salary, more concerned about culture and working life. The job at Firm 2 sounds better but the environment at Firm 1 sounds better... hence the dilemma! Please let me know your thoughts and experiences.

Thank you

Honestly I would go firm 1 job 1.

Bigger companies can offer better experience and career progression. Culture in a workplace is also really important to me. Having the support of a good team, both with physical workload and mental capacity is invaluable.

Can you ask regarding potential career paths to both to help build a longer term picture rather than only comparing the initial job?

Thank you, I will do that.

1

I'd be most interested in a firm with the right culture for me.

You've very made job 1 firm 1 sound best. I can't see that working my atse off for less money is ever a good idea.

You also sound suited to job 1 whereas job 2 you just think the grass could be greener.

The question about career paths in a valid one.

Thanks all. I'm just thinking if I still want to be doing the job I'm doing now just at a bigger firm. Yes, it's well paid and they're international, so there will be more support, but at the end of the day, it's the same job. Firm 2 offers a bit more variety and the job sounds better but yes, they are smaller so I could well get dragged into the same sort of complex stuff I'd be doing FT at Firm 1. Hmmm...

And yes, I'll ask about career paths. Good question.