Difficult job decision...

[James Bond]

Have worked for current employer for two years. Due to the economy, a bunch of changes are being made, we're losing customers, etc, and layoffs are coming soon.

My boss has hinted to me multiple times that I will likely be laid off. We are pretty open with each other so he's doing this out of good faith.

One of our current customers, who is leaving, is hiring a new company to replace us. Their CIO was hoping to get me to join this new company (he has ties), and asked my boss if that was possible. Not exactly sure what they talked about, but one way or another, I had an interview, which went well.

I just got an offer from them. When they originally asked what my salary requirements were, I told them. They offered me 7K less.

This is for a 90 day contract-for-hire position. It will be a LOT of work for me. The guy who wants to hire me insists (and has many times) that he plans on hiring me, but that should things change, he wants me to be prepared.

Because I'm worried about time, I'll likely end up working for these guys while I continue to look for another job. Honestly, though, I find the offer rather insulting... Am I wrong to feel like that? What's an appropriate way to rebut? My roommate told me to ask them if the entire amount was for the 90 days,

 

[RagingBITCH]

Negotiate salary. End thread.

 

[racolvin]

You're not wrong to feel that way. The guy knows you're going to get laid off soon and he's taking advantage to keep your skills available.

Obviously you have to do what you have to do in order to survive and pay your bills but personally I'd be looking for another job ASAFP.

 

[Kev]

I would stay put.

 

[Muadib]

I like the way your roommate thinks.

 

[JS80]

Go find another offer to leverage?

 

[KLin]

They probably offered less because they're aware that you could be laid off shortly.

 

[buck]

Originally posted by: RagingBITCH
Negotiate salary. End thread.

This.

More work + less pay = :|

If they reject it, look elsewhere. Thats what I would do.

 

[mchammer187]

$7K is not alot if its 100K vs 93K but if its 37K->30K it makes a hell of a difference.

Still though I'd take it and look for something better while continuing to work. You may be in a much better situation to negotiate after you fulfill your 90 day contract (economy picks up, they have a better grasp of your capabilities, and you could prover yourself to be invaluable).

 

[Reckoner]

Originally posted by: mchammer187
$7K is not alot if its 100K vs 93K but if its 37K->30K it makes a hell of a difference.

Still though I'd take it and look for something better while continuing to work.

I agree with this. Too risky to turn down a job in this economic climate, unless you're certain you can find something better rather quickly.

 

[HannibalX]

Your current boss wants you gone so he doesn't have to give you a severance package when he lays you off.

He also thinks you're a nice guy but not worth what he's paying you so he has found you a job that he thinks you'll do well in.

The new company has offered you the job probably because of your bosses recommendation and relationship with the hiring manager. The hiring manager also knows what you're worth.

Take the offer and move on, thank your old boss and your new boss.

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: iFX
Your current boss wants you gone so he doesn't have to give you a severance package when he lays you off.

He also thinks you're a nice guy but not worth what he's paying you so he has found you a job that he think you'll do well in.

The new company has offered you the job probably because of your bosses recommendation and relationship with the hiring manager. The hiring manager also knows what you're worth.

Take the offer and move on, thank your old boss and your new boss.

This was very well-worded. :thumbsup:

I agree. New, lower-paying job = better than unemployment. You're not at the point in your life/career where you can call (some) the shots. For now, put the tail b/t the legs, take your small bone and go chew on it. Figuratively, of course. It's great that your old boss hooked you up. Take what you can get...for now.

 

[James Bond]

Originally posted by: iFX
Your current boss wants you gone so he doesn't have to give you a severance package when he lays you off.

He also thinks you're a nice guy but not worth what he's paying you so he has found you a job that he thinks you'll do well in.

The new company has offered you the job probably because of your bosses recommendation and relationship with the hiring manager. The hiring manager also knows what you're worth.

Take the offer and move on, thank your old boss and your new boss.

Probably correct on the top statement.

The amount I'm paid here is appropriate for the work I'm doing now.

The amount I'm being offered for the job I'm supposed to do is severely low.

 

[Stuxnet]

What do you do for a living? If you're in a high demand field and skilled at what you do, negotiate. If your future boss knows the market well and he has leverage (your skills aren't in high demand), then you take the job. Staying at your current job is not an option: the fact that your boss helped you land this next job is the clearest signal you're going to get that you are history.

 

[Muadib]

Originally posted by: MichaelD

Originally posted by: iFX
Your current boss wants you gone so he doesn't have to give you a severance package when he lays you off.

He also thinks you're a nice guy but not worth what he's paying you so he has found you a job that he think you'll do well in.

The new company has offered you the job probably because of your bosses recommendation and relationship with the hiring manager. The hiring manager also knows what you're worth.

Take the offer and move on, thank your old boss and your new boss.

This was very well-worded. :thumbsup:

I agree. New, lower-paying job = better than unemployment. You're not at the point in your life/career where you can call (some) the shots. For now, put the tail b/t the legs, take your small bone and go chew on it. Figuratively, of course. It's great that your old boss hooked you up. Take what you can get...for now.

You better listen to this.

 

[HannibalX]

It sounds to me like he's an IT person but I could be wrong.

Really, your boss has stuck his neck out to try and help you - he knows he is going to lay you off.

 

[James Bond]

Originally posted by: jbourne77
What do you do for a living? If you're in a high demand field and skilled at what you do, negotiate. If your future boss knows the market well and he has leverage (your skills aren't in high demand), then you take the job. Staying at your current job is not an option: the fact that your boss helped you land this next job is the clearest signal you're going to get that you are history.

Network Engineering. This specific job will consist mostly of a 100 site company being transitioned from one colocation to another, along with transitioning all sites from DMVPN to MPLS over time.

 

[BoomerD]

Kudos to your boss for helping...reduce his potential severance payout.

While I agree with those who have said that the new lower paying job is still better than unemployment...it's for a temporary contract job.

If you're relatively new and need the job experience...take it. Otherwise, if you're any good at what you do...and have a decent resume, keep looking.

 

[James Bond]

Originally posted by: BoomerD
Kudos to your boss for helping...reduce his potential severance payout.

While I agree with those who have said that the new lower paying job is still better than unemployment...it's for a temporary contract job.

If you're relatively new and need the job experience...take it. Otherwise, if you're any good at what you do...and have a decent resume, keep looking.

Thanks for the advice