Job Advice

Hey guys I need some advice. I have recently been very unhappy at my job. My new boss and I just do not click. I have spoken to an executive recruiter and she tells me that I am underpaid for my education and experience. She is sure she can get me another position for at least $20k more than what I am making and a bigger bonus. In addition, the new position is in a controller's group doing financial statement analysis (I am currently in internal audit). I am looking to make a change out of auditing. These are my issues:

My current job is very flexible and they offer great benefits.
I do not work very long hours.
I am TTC and I worry about getting a new job and then getting pregnant and having to go out on maternity leave,

What do you guys think?

Re: Job Advice

If you are planning on having a baby, i would not recommend moving out of your firm. I can tell you that hiring a person who shortly thereafter goes on maternity leave looks really bad and can permanent hurt your career. Plus, there is no gaurantee you will like your new position better but you could be working longer hours and have other problems.

Is there anyway you could transfer internally?

Re: Job Advice

I think about this so much!! It is a huge and very difficult decision. Business professional and career vs motherhood vs career change vs everything else in your head. I sent you FM!

Re: Job Advice

I agree with Stef's suggestion to try to change jobs internally within your company. Many companies have a requirement that you have to work XYZ time period (6months to one year) before they allow you a paid maternity leave... Obviously, the regular unpaid leave you'll probably get anyway, but it will not look good.

But if you do chose to work for another company, can you wait out about 6-12 months from your start date before TTC? Or is TTC more important due to age and other factors?

Re: Job Advice

I think the only way to know for sure is to go on the interview. Find out what they are offering (aside from money) in terms of benefits. Maybe the new place has great maternity benefits but on the other hand maybe they want you work weekends. Sometimes these things work themselves out and on the interview you might discover that your job isn't so bad after all. I think it doesn't hurt to see what your options are and take it from there. You can always turn down the job if its not right for you.

Re: Job Advice

Irene - you make a great point - there is no reason why you can't explore your options and than later make the difficult decision...

Re: Job Advice

I figure I will go on the interview, but I will not make any hasty moves. Right now my work/life balance is more important. I used to work crazy hours and I was very stressed, I do not want to go back to that type of life. I also agree that taking a new position and then going out on maternity leave is very unprofessional. I just wanted to hear it from someone else.

Re: Job Advice

I would go in for the interview BUT I would think long and hard about the new hours. Remember you have to be at a job for at least 1 year to qualify for maternity leave so make sure you factor that into your decisions.
I can tell you that when I was younger I worked my butt off for more money and I didn't care what the hours or life/work balance was. But now, the money is a secondary consideration . I would investigate the opportunity, and then truly consider what my current priorities are.

Re: Job Advice

Hi Christina.

I do think that you should go on the interview and see what they are bringing to the table.

As the others said carefully explore your options.

I do agree with trying to find an internal position.

Re: Job Advice

You should look into this new job, you never know. It may be more flexible than you think. You may also want to speak to the recruiter and explain your issues. There may a a family friendly job out there that is perfect for you. It never hurts to know what else is out there, even if you decide not to act on it now.

Re: Job Advice

go on the other interview...and if they offer you something...ask your current company if they can counter. although be prepared if they don''t...

but one thing I have learned in my short life...is that more money can bring misery


the inventor of Trivial Pursuit (who is a multimillionaire) 'money doesn''t buy happiness...it just lets you to choose your misery'