In a career dilemma

[IHAVEAQUESTION]

Just before I left for the long weekend last Friday, our director called me into his office...I kinda knew what this was about. Basically, he is offering me a big step-up from my current position. I will be in a somewhat managerial position and the raise will be at least 30% from what I am currently making.

There is a string attached though. I need to make a long-term commitment to the company. Whether this is something I need to sign is beyond the point, because out of good faith, I wouldn't want to shortchange our director anyway.

Now the problem is...I've been looking for a while now. I am waiting for responses from a couple places, which if offered, would be my "dream job"...so to speak.

Our director wants to hear from me tomorrow but I am still waiting for responses from other places. What do I tell him? He knows I am looking that's why he is forcing my hand into making a quick decision.

 

[Jadow]

do it

 

[sdifox]

depends on how much you like your current place.

 

[IHAVEAQUESTION]

depends on how much you like your current place.

Not a whole lot. I can put up with it but I never feel a fit with current employer.

 

[Baked]

If money > happiness to you, then you have no soul. Therefore, you shouldn't have bothered asking this question, because you already knew the answer and made the choice before you hit the post button.

 

[sdifox]

Not a whole lot. I can put up with it but I never feel a fit with current employer.

then move on. Fit is more important than anything else.

 

[Farang]

If you're getting a new functional title that is important, it could be good to stay for a year so when you're looking that is what you market yourself as. If not it sounds like you already decided this isn't the right place for you and you should put the priority on moving on.

 

[IHAVEAQUESTION]

Our director has two years as long-term commitment in mind.

But it's is a pretty big step-up...and will probably make me more marketable in future job market.

 

[Dirigible]

Wtf is this long term commitment? Are they committing to pay you for a long time? Or are you still subject to layoffs and such?

If its one way, you committing to them, there's no way I'd hold myself to that. I'd take the bigger job and keep looking.

 

[andylawcc]

tell the boss straightup, you are waiting for a better opportunity.
cuz it seems like you will be leaving this company anyways.

 

[sunzt]

Our director has two years as long-term commitment in mind.

But it's is a pretty big step-up...and will probably make me more marketable in future job market.

2 years is not really long. I'd take it and then jump ship with an even bigger offer.

 

[IHAVEAQUESTION]

Well...he might make me sign something. I don't know much about employment law...but would it be enforceable if I quit before 2-year commitment?

Part of me wants to do the right thing. If I can't make the commitment I don't take the job.

Another part of me says.."well, you haven't received any offer yet, why not take this? Who knows how long it will take to find another job?"

 

[Markbnj]

Two years isn't very long, and as far as commitment is concerned, it can't be much more than moral. We no longer have bonded servitude, at least not for white collar types. They can ask you to sign a contract, which, by the way, is almost always to your favor because in exchange for a few watery provisions they'll have a hard time enforcing against you, they'll have to give some salary guarantees and codify the terms under which you can be terminated.

 

[IHAVEAQUESTION]

Will meet with director today. See if morning crew has anything to add.

 

[CptObvious]

Need more info...How badly do you need the money? How likely are you going to get these other offers?

Two years is not long, I agree.

 

[highland145]

If they decide to downsize your job, would they honor the "long term commitment?"

 

[Michael]

Just take the promotion. If you get offered the other job then you have a decision to make and at worse have better bargaining power. If you don't get your dream job then you have more money.

Michael

 

[IHAVEAQUESTION]

Just long term commit from me. They are not under obligation to keep me around.

Money is not a big factor in term of motivation. Although it will take years for me to grow into this type of position elsewhere if I decline the offer.

 

[highland145]

Just long term commit from me. They are not under obligation to keep me around.

Money is not a big factor in term of motivation. Although it will take years for me to grow into this type of position elsewhere if I decline the offer.

Typical. Take it, read and understand the legal ramifications of any non-compete.

 

[soulcougher73]

Id move on.

 

[steve wilson]

I would take the job your boss offered. As other have said, 2 years is not a long time and then you have managerial experience, can earn more money in the future and move to a better job down the line. Just see the next 2 years as paying your dues and then you can move on and enjoy your work more/earn more money.

 

[Texashiker]

There is a string attached though. I need to make a long-term commitment to the company.

Screw the company.

Would the company make a long term commitment to you?

 

[mikeymikec]

2 years is not really long. I'd take it and then jump ship with an even bigger offer.

+1

Would it help your job prospects in two years' time do you think?
significantly, OP?

Would the company make a long term commitment to you?

Fair point. IMO the employer - employee relationship is a two-way street, which is probably why I'm self-employed now

 

[Uppsala9496]

Tell them you want it to be bilateral agreement. Why should you have to legally commit yourself to two years to the company when they don't have to?
If they really want you around they can give you a bilateral 2 year employment contract.
Oh and ask for additional vacation days. Why not?

 

[Rakehellion]

Take the dream job. You hate where you're working now and extra hush money won't change that.