Job question: What are you supposed to do here?

[AgentZap]

So I like my current job, but I am grossly underpaid according to the average salary for what I do in my area according to Monster.com

I interviewed with another company and they loved me. They offered me a 30% pay increase over what I am making now.

Pros: Better title better pay doing the same general thing
Cons: Small company, not sure if I'll be able to pickup their proprietary system, farther drive (currently takes me 15 minutes to drive to work, this would take me an hour), not as flexible with my hours

So I asked my company if they would counteroffer. They are willing to give me a 21% pay increase.

What would you do? Is my current employer going to think I am greedy and screw me down the road and/or think I am a pushover if I accepted a lower counteroffer?

Due to the fact there is less uncertainty and I know what to expect day to day I am considering staying. Also I hate rush hour driving.

Whats the strategy here? Thanks for your opinions.

 

[KLin]

Quit and go get paid more at the new job.

 

[CarlKillerMiller]

Is pushing for a higher increase at your current job a possibility? A 21% increase makes it seem like your company Knows that they've been underpaying you.

 

[jlee]

Is it worth a 9% pay difference for 1.5 hours of extra driving? Take the time you leave home until the time you get back..figure hourly wage if you had a 21% raise. Do the same with the extra drive and 30% raise -- see which is better.

Maybe you can talk them into a 25% raise, since they shot so high to begin with..

 

[Maximus96]

after the current company finds out you're looking to leave, they'll match just to keep you there until they hire your replacement.

 

[spidey07]

If they really like you they'll bend over backwards to keep you.

that makes the other offer only 9%. General rule of thumb is to jump only if 20% or higher.

But if they offered 21% - that is a HUGE raise. so if you like the job stay.

 

[Lonyo]

Originally posted by: CadetLee
Is it worth a 9% pay difference for 1.5 hours of extra driving? Take the time you leave home until the time you get back..figure hourly wage if you had a 21% raise. Do the same with the extra drive and 30% raise -- see which is better.

Maybe you can talk them into a 25% raise, since they shot so high to begin with..

Also factor in extra fuel costs, which will take away even more of the 9% extra.

In the end I think it comes down to:
How much is your time worth?
And is it possible to move closer to the new job in the near future?

 

[jimbob200521]

Stay with your current company.

 

[SampSon]

For 21% pay raise at your current job you would be fairly foolish to switch to a company 1 hour away.

 

[AreaCode707]

What are your priorities? Pay or being in a large company which may offer more mobility? Cash to cover your commute time, or the time itself?

I think you need to figure out first what you want from your job before you can decide.

 

[lytalbayre]

I think you should stay with your current company (if they are offering you 21%). Also, perhaps they would be willing to change your job title (for some reasons, labels go a long way in our society and this would help you with your future jobs).

Driving an extra 1.5 hours a day, plus gas and wear and tear on your car would decrease your quality of life, plus it would impact the extra 9% you would be getting at the other place.

Word of caution, of course, is to be sure to keep up a good impression if you stay, as management might be slightly resentful towards you and looking for a reason to let you go.

 

[Turkish]

Dude, just keep your current job. You know the business, you know the people, and they have already offered you a %21 hike in salary. Considering the price of gas at the moment, I'd stay at the current job.

 

[thomsbrain]

i would take the raise and stay.

 

[yowolabi]

I'd take the raise. I wouldn't try to get it up any more. Even if you can get it raised higher a few percent, it wouldnt be worth the ill will you'll build up in the process. You've already gotten a substantial enough raise for it to be worth your while.

 

[Koing]

Originally posted by: CadetLee
Is it worth a 9% pay difference for 1.5 hours of extra driving? Take the time you leave home until the time you get back..figure hourly wage if you had a 21% raise. Do the same with the extra drive and 30% raise -- see which is better.

Maybe you can talk them into a 25% raise, since they shot so high to begin with..

 

[Kelemvor]

The only problem is if they look at you finding a new position as being unhappy and they keep you around so they can replace you. Tread lightly and just think about al the possiblities.

Was pay the only reason you wanted to leave? Were there other things about your job you don't like? DO you have any concerns about the new position?

Only you can answer those questions so good luck.

 

[OrByte]

Originally posted by: Maximus96
after the current company finds out you're looking to leave, they'll match just to keep you there until they hire your replacement.

ZOIINKS!! that would suck if that were true. Are you speaking from experience?

 

[DaiShan]

Do a cost/benefit analysis on all costs (monetary or otherwise) and determine if 21% raise at your current job is worth more than a 30% raise at a new job. If not then put in your 2 weeks. Good luck!

/edit listen to Spidey and Sampson, they've got it on lockdown

 

[AgentZap]

Thank you for the good perspectives

 

[OOBradm]

Originally posted by: AgentZap
Thank you for the good perspectives

so what are you going to do then?

 

[D1gger]

Originally posted by: OrByte

Originally posted by: Maximus96
after the current company finds out you're looking to leave, they'll match just to keep you there until they hire your replacement.

ZOIINKS!! that would suck if that were true. Are you speaking from experience?

That is exactly what I usually do in that situation.