To accept or decline job offer?

[FemWoman]

So it's a long story, but I was made redundant earlier this year and somehow miraculously I managed to secure a job in the same company and I stayed. However, during the months before getting this job I applied to several places. One of the places I progressed to last stage but then the company had a hiring freeze so they took a few months to offer me the job.

Now, ordinarily, I wouldn't bat an eyelash and just decline for several reasons but mainly because they only matched my current package and didn't really offer anything more and furthermore going through redundancy was really tough on me so I just want to enjoy calm and relaxed environment.

However, the new job is 2 levels above where I am and is in a reputable company that will look very nice on CV and can open a lot of doors in the future. The role is interesting and I am a really good fit with loads of relevant experience. It will be a lot of stress and hard work and sweat though.

My current job is interesting and stable but doesn't provide much chance for advancement. It's very relaxed and I am very familiar with everything.

Would you take the risk of moving jobs especially since the new job doesn't offer higher compensation? Is progression and prestige enough to move?

What would you do guys or what have you done in such situation and have you regretted it or were happy you did it?

Thanks!

I would stay where I was until something better came up if the money was the same

So if the new job is 2 levels above but for the same pay, that would be the equivalent of a pay cut. For more work and hassle. How long have you bin your current job? If no more than 2-3 years, I’d stay put. If 7-7, I’d move.

I have been in my current company for over 5 years. :) I'm bored to my core :D at the same time I'm not sure I want to ruin my relaxed environment. :)

The previous time I moved jobs it was no brained as they offered me around 30% pay increase.

I work in a company with many benefits so my base pay doesn't seem great but when you do the add ons it gets to a huge sum. The other place offers a very high base but nothing g extra.

I would move I think.

Every move doesn't have to be for money. If you're bored and there's more opportunity for progression, that's a good enough reason to make a change.

I could never be happy working in a job that pays below the going rate there would always be resentment in my mind. You accepting this job in only going to validate them being stingy with the salary.

They want you to work for them so go back and ask for 20% above what they offered.

@PlipPlopChoo

This is what annoyed me. I told them what my package is honestly no lies or exaggerations and they literally offered what I told them + 2% on top which on my next yearly review I will get anyway so they know they are offering the same pay.

If I want a motivated and excited new hire I would never offer them same money ...

I should simply have lied and topped my salary by 20 percent to begin with. I'm so naive ...

I'd move because progression is important to me.

have you checked the value of the benefits including pension?
have you counter-offered?

i wouldn’t turn it down until you have said “look I’ll move to you for another £xk but it won’t be motivating to move for the same money I’m getting now as I’ll be on same or more after annual pay rise”.

Agree don’t move for same money as now.

I have checked their benefits. They are not better, they are comparable to my current. I am going to counteroffer although I strongly believe in 1st impressions and trying to low ball me doesn't sit right with me.

I also checked glassdoor salaries for same level and the average salary is about 10% higher what they offered me.

Good fact for you to go back with!