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Changing jobs

WhiteKnight

Platinum Member
I'm thinking about changing jobs sometime within the next year. I'm currently in my first job out of grad school (engineering master's) and I've been here for about two years. The company pays a little bit below what I believe is the going rate for my job, but not grossly so. From talking to other employees, this seems to be the trend for everyone, not just me.

I am expecting a promotion to Sr. Engineer/Engineer II this spring and I am trying to decide whether I'm better off changing jobs before or after that promotion and the raise that comes with it. I guess my main concern is that if I wait until after, and my raise is not as much as I'm hoping for, I'll be on weaker ground when it comes to negotiating my new salary. Conversely, having that higher title may make me more attractive to potential employers.

Maybe this is a no-brainer, I don't know, but I'd appreciate feedback. Thanks.
 
Well you're better off not telling a prospective employer your current salary, so I wouldn't worry if your raise was lower than what you'd expect.
 
It doesn't sound like you are dying to get out of there so wait and you will benefit more at the new job after the promotion.
 
Why does everyone go for the money? What if you get more money and hate the new place? You'd be SOL. I would take the promotion and see how you like it from there and if you still don't like the place, then look elsewhere.
 
Originally posted by: gnumantsc
Why does everyone go for the money? What if you get more money and hate the new place? You'd be SOL. I would take the promotion and see how you like it from there and if you still don't like the place, then look elsewhere.

Because sometimes you hate the place you are at even more. And besides, if im going to be miserable at work at least i want to be well paid for it
 
The main reason I'd be looking to change jobs is because of the commute (60 mile round trip). I'm fortunate that my current employer allows flexible time, within reason. I currently leave the house a little before 6 to arrive at my job by 6:50 and then leave at 3:00 to arrive home by 4:15. I realize that lots of other people commute further and longer than that, but it's really starting to wear on me and there are companies involved in work that interests me much closer to my house.

If I can get a higher salary at the same time, that's just gravy.
 
The more money your current salary, the more money your negotiated salary will be. This seems like a no-brainer, get the promotion then leave.
 
Originally posted by: her209
So you don't know if the promotion is really going to happen or not?

No, I don't know for certain, but it's highly likely. I've gotten excellent reviews every time and during last year's review my manager and I reviewed the qualifications for the new position and worked out a plan to make sure that I meet those requirements over the course of the year. We get along very well and I'm confident that as long as I continue to do well it won't take long to get the promotion.
 
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