Should I Be Switching Jobs at This Time?

Lgertie89 on 16/04/2020 - 09:48
Last edited 16/04/2020 - 11:14

Looking for advice on what to do in my current employment situation.

I am 9 months into a 3 year contract as a full time employee in my current job.

Back in February I accepted an offer for a permanent full-time role in a different company, to start in May. The new role comes with a 9% pay rise and is permanent rather than a contract, but has a 6 month probation period. I contacted them this week and the project that they hired me for is still going ahead, and they say they are still keen to have me.

Obviously things have changed a lot since February, and now I am wondering if leaving my current work is a good idea.

Context:

  • I work in the resources/engineering industry
  • The new company headhunted me for the job; I didn't submit an application or have a formal interview
  • I have worked for new company previously and am confident I can pass probation based on my skills; however the company's position in those 6 months is of course not guaranteed
  • my current job seems secure (as far as i know); EDIT after double checking my contract, i am not eligible for any separation payment at my current job and may be terminated for any reason in my first 12 months of employment; there is no encumbrance for me if i leave early

Thanks for any advice, I appreciate it especially in this time when many are facing unemployment.

Education & Work

Comments

  • Slippery Fish on 16/04/2020 - 09:52
    +1

    9% pay increase. Must be nice?

    • [Deactivated] on 16/04/2020 - 10:16
      +3

      9% is nothing mate. You can't be serious right?

      If OP is really serious, he should negotiate the terms, ask for more security, say less probation, or termination fee if terminated within 2 years (ask like $100k or so). Be clear to them that you want security that they are not going to kick you out because of budget cut from the corona.

      • sghetti on 16/04/2020 - 11:46

        Depends on what his current salary is, 9% could be massive.

        • [Deactivated] on 16/04/2020 - 11:50
          -3

          9% is 9% mate. Say it's $100M, so it's $9M. Great you can now afford more things.

        • Bonbi on 16/04/2020 - 12:54
          +4

          9% on 100k is only a 9k increase, hardly a good enough raise to change jobs.

          If you are on 100k you'd be looking for at least 30% when changing jobs.

          • gertie89 on 16/04/2020 - 14:36

            @Bonbi: My salary is less than that but can I ask why you would be seeking at least 30%? Is it because of the upheaval of changing jobs?

            • [Deactivated] on 16/04/2020 - 16:28
              -2

              @gertie89: Mate, 30% is reasonable, especially for 100k, even for 200k.

              Seriously 9%, even at normal market conditions that is just lame…
              Plus you are only 9 months in that job, you will be burning bridges to move now. And for what? For 9%…..

              • gertie89 on 16/04/2020 - 17:29

                @[Deactivated]: For 9% and a full time position, off a contract.

                • [Deactivated] on 16/04/2020 - 18:18

                  @gertie89: Is it a very big multi national reputable firm and not in one of those badly impacted industry like tourism?

                  Are you also joining a big team?

                  If your team is made redundant would it make newspaper?

      • gertie89 on 16/04/2020 - 14:39

        Thanks. I think I have good leverage to ask that they waive the probation period, since I have experience with the company and they have sought me out.

  • bossmode on 16/04/2020 - 09:53
    +3

    If they're both in the resources/engineering field, then I'd compare the two projects the companies have you working on. You need to get a feel for which project will still be operational in the next 6 to 9 months - how long are the pipelines for both?

    The one that has the better legs should be the one you go for - good luck!

    • gertie89 on 16/04/2020 - 10:58

      That is a good point. The new project is a state-funded infrastructure project, likely to go for several years IF it makes it through all approvals etc. My current role is comparatively small projects for mines e.g. typically 6-12 months long. The former relies on government stability, the latter relies on mines spending money… bit of a rock and a hard place :)

      • bossmode on 16/04/2020 - 11:53
        +2

        Government sounds more stable. I'd accept the offer but negotiate as OzBargein notes above.

      • brad1-8tsi on 16/04/2020 - 13:10
        +1

        The government department I'm in has a huge infrastructure program over the next 5+ years. It's the way I'd head providing you are used to dealing with some very onerous requests and people that can't make a decision.

  • TheMindsetTraveller on 16/04/2020 - 10:11
    +1

    Since you are considering the switch, make sure there are no restraint clauses within your current contract.

  • Caped Baldy on 16/04/2020 - 10:18
    +3

    Noooo. With 6 month probation they can get rid of you if there's no work. You should have a look at your contract for consequences if you leave and payouts if you get stood down or released.

    With the uncertainty, I'd stay. A bit more job security is worth more than the 9% raise.

    • rockman117 on 16/04/2020 - 10:29
      +3

      agreed. 6 month probation is a huge risk right now.

    • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 16/04/2020 - 10:44
      +2

      Agreed +2. Super risky. You could even pass probation and it's still cheap to make you redundant.

    • gertie89 on 16/04/2020 - 11:28

      Thanks for your comment, this industry is a uncertain one at the best of times, so it's good to see the perspective from the outside.

      As far as I can tell from my contract there are no consequences for me leaving the contract early, just have to give the standard notice period. From the employer's perspective, they don't have to pay me anything if I am terminated in the first 12 months, then it is a weeks salary for every 6 months served after that.

      • Caped Baldy on 16/04/2020 - 11:39
        +1

        I do have some experience in the eng field and I'd be very hesitant if you're going consultant side as design work is probably going to dry up a bit. Not sure about resources though.

  • spychiatrist on 16/04/2020 - 22:32

    Stay put until the pandemic settles

  • misswanderlust on 13/06/2020 - 02:02

    9% isn’t enough to offset the risk in this climate. I would try to negotiate terms since there are so many unpredictable factors.

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