Should I take the job?

[Returnoftheredmac]

First time poster – really need some advice please

I currently work in the office of a small, family-run construction company. I’ve been there almost five years, and my DH works there too as a builder – he’s been with them from the very start, about ten years.

Over the last couple of years I’ve really started to struggle with the fact the business just isn’t making a profit and cashflow is constantly tight. Since around May, I’ve been worrying every single month about whether we’ll actually get paid. There have been days where there’s literally been no money in the bank on payday and we’ve had to wait for clients to pay before wages can go through – though to be fair, wages have never actually been paid late.

It’s just getting really stressful and I honestly don’t know how the business is still going. I’m also really worried about next year, as there doesn’t seem to be much new work lined up, and I can’t help but think the pressure will only get worse. On top of that, I’m finding it harder and harder to get on board with the way the business is being run – I don’t always agree with the decisions being made, and it’s becoming more difficult to keep quiet about it.

The owners have become good friends over the years – they took a chance on DH when no one else would, and they’ve always treated us well. That’s what makes this so hard. I feel so guilty about even thinking of leaving, because I know it’ll leave them and everyone else in the lurch.

A few weeks ago, I decided to apply for some jobs just to see what’s out there – and at my first interview I got offered one! It’s about £2k less a year, but it’s 5 hours less a week, much closer to home, great pension, proper sick pay, 5 extra days’ holiday and a Christmas shutdown.

I really like my job and the people I work with, but I can’t keep living with the constant anxiety about whether there’s enough money in the business or if we’ll even have work next year.

DH doesn’t want me to leave as he’s worried about the pay cut and how it’ll affect us, but I keep thinking I need to do what’s right for my own peace of mind and job security.

I just feel sick with guilt, but also terrified about what might happen if I stay.

If you can manage the pay cut then all of the other benefits completely outweigh your current position - including your peace of mind as you say. Plus - and this might be the way to explain it to your DH - if you are both working for the same company and it goes under there is NO salary coming into the home at all. By each of you working in different places there is more overall security it could be argued, as it would be unlikely that you would both lost your jobs at the same time. Honestly, it's a no brainer to me. And if it helps, I have never worked anywhere for more than five years, it's really important to me to advance my skills by working in different places and expanding my own horizons a bit.

Have you worked out what that 2k cut actually amounts to each month after tax? And would that amount seriously change your budgets? Because, if you can manage it, I think you should go for it because of all the benefits . Also, might there be a chance of paid overtime if the base is a shorter working week?

Edited to add: that @Arlanymor's point about both working for the same company is a very good one

I’d take it, it’s just a job at the end of the day, people moving jobs is normal. And if the business is doing badly they may appreciate one less wage to pay.

It’s just over a £2k difference once tax and pension are factored in. It would definitely have an impact on our monthly budget, especially with the mortgage going up, so we’d have to cut back a bit here and there. The way I see it though, the pension contributions kind of balance it out long-term — I’d lose a bit each month now but gain it back later when I retire.

My husband completely gets why I’d want to leave and he’s really supportive, but he’s more worried about the pay drop. He thinks I should just ride it out for a bit and see what happens.

I completely understand that some people would see this as an easy decision — a job people would jump at the chance to leave — but that’s really not the case for me. I’ve offered to step away before and they’ve made it clear they can’t afford to lose me, which makes the guilt even worse.

Have you asked if there's any room for manoeuvre on the pay? Could they match your current salary, or even go up by £1K?

I did actually ask, and that’s what they came back with — the figure I’ve mentioned is their best offer.

Then I would review the household budget to see how tight it would make things, and if it would be too close for comfort, decline. But I'd keep looking.

Your employer is backing the horse called Self Interest. You can back that horse, too.

I would take the new job. If your household budget is that tight, then spreading your risk is a better move, I think.

I like to fall back to what are the risks of doing nothing.

In your case:

You risk losing your job with no pay and notice. You would be forced to find another job - which is never a good way to job hunt.

Personally, I would take the job. 2k over the course of the year is £165 a month. A substantial amount for sure, but manageable with cutbacks or a dip in to savings for a short period. If the business goes bust tomorrow you would be out with nothing. A hell of a lot worse than trying to find £166.

Worst case you could look for another job whilst still having security.

Oh and I would be strongly encouraging your DH to find a new job too. The primary purpose of a job is to earn a wage.

There is no amount of personal IOU that trumps your family's financial security.

I’d take the job, difficult as it might feel.

I think you should take the job but apply for others paying more. I would also say that your husband needs to apply for a new job as a matter of urgency. This business is in a very precarious situation and having cash flow problems. If there is no money in the bank then either the business is being badly managed, the owners aren't getting in sufficient new business, they aren't managing invoicing and payments or are taking too much out. None of this is good and suggests that it will collapse and you'll both be left with nothing.

If you really can't make the pay drop work, it may be worth either asking them if there is any scope for increase once you've joined (trial period, what have annual payrises/bonuses been like for the last few years), making it very clear you are interested in the job and while it's not all about money you do need to make sure that it is an affordable change.

Also...the 5 hours less a week- are they spread over the week or in one day? Could you pick up any extra work elsewhere?

This.

Always always look after your own interests. If the company is up shit creek then there will shortly be both of you looking for work and that’s not a good place to be.

Depending on what else is out there and if you can afford it I would take this job.