Job advice...

[WilmywoodNCparalegal]

So, I've been an immigration paralegal for 5 years. Been working in NYC since May 2002. Now, the firm I work in has a small immigration department of which I'm part. There is an attorney, another paralegal and then me. This other paralegal thinks he knows everything and is a very difficult person to work with. The boss is great. I just had foot surgery and the firm let me work from home, so I could still get paid. I pay about $320 a month pre-tax for health insurance coverage for myself and husband. The work I do is ok, nothing special.

Now comes along this job offer, where I'd make $3500 more and where health is 100% covered with a small amount (something like $30 every two weeks) to cover my husband. This is a small firm, very laid back. The work would be interesting. The benefits would be nice. The work is interesting and varied; I'd be working with creative people in the arts and entertainment fields.

My husband says the loyalty my current firm showed me through the surgery should count for something.

I would like the challenge of a more exciting type of work and $3500 more a month would be nice too.

I am very conflicted, as I have to provide an answer today. Help me out!!!!

[da_chimperor]

1. Why would you decide to stay?

Just because you like your boss? I personally think you should take the new job, but can you list any other reasons why you would want to stay?

[eaprez]

2. What Are You Waiting For?

Take the job. Your first loyalty is to your family - not your job. Your present employer should be thrilled for your opportunity - give them a months notice and move on.

[Love Bug]

3. How much loyalty will your present company have

towards you if business got bad and they had to cut staff? Your firm let you work from home because they needed your work to be done, right? It was probably less expensive for them to do that than to bring in an untrained temp to do your job while you recuperated.

I'm not trying to be cynical here, but in my experience, loyalty in any business only flows in one direction, from the worker to the company. It is the rare company that will really do anything for their workers they don't really have to.

This job offer sounds like a good deal for you. Interesting work, $3,500 more a month and better health coverage? What's the problem, here?

[IdaBriggs]

4. Good bosses don't want you to turn down opportunities.

Take the new position, and leave on good terms with your co-workers. Your #1 priority is not your employer -- it is your family, and that money represents a lot of opportunities for you and your husband in the future. Your current employer behaved with class about your foot, but also displayed appropriate self-interest by having you continue to work when they needed work done. Also, you will undoubtedly get the chance to "pay them back" someday when job changes happen for them in the future. Unless you plan on retiring with this firm, give them a hug AND TAKE THE NEW JOB. Best, Ida

[2Design]

5. to thine own self be true - if the company cares about you - like a

parent - they want their employees to succeed.

You could offer to work from home for them while they find a replacement but that you expect to get paid the same

then move on to the new job - earn some extra money with old company and look out for you and your family

the old company would do the same - they will look out for their own interests first.

Have fun in new job

[oldtime dfl_er]

6. on the other hand

if loyalty means something to you, give your current employer the chance to match what the new one is offering.

[sam sarrha]

7. DON'T BE STUPID, your loyalty counts for NOTHING to your present boss.

he is likely to give your job to the first immigrant who say they will work for minimum wage under the table.

I cant believe anyone in your position would even consider not taking the good job.

I worked for Boeing for 3 years and saved their contracts year after year...inspite of their incompetence. and they layed me off because i was the highest paid worker in a slow time.. and i was only making $8.34 hour... only non union shop,... they kept people because they made $0.17 less and hour, but had never built a board that ever passed inspection...with out rework.. i did the rework, i fixed everything they fucked up.. and they fucked everything up...all the time

they work by the BOTTOM LINE ONLY...and that line has NO LOYALTY.

You are talking $35,000 a YEAR !!!!!!!!!!!! i have never made that much a year EVER !!!!!!!!!

Wake UP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[skygazer]

8. Loyalty is only worth so much

I agree with the other posters. Sounds like your boss has been good to you - in that case, he/she would no doubt be delighted to hear you got such a good offer though no doubt sad to see you go.

You cannot deny yourself the opportunity to improve your life because of misguided loyalty. Give them a reasonable notice, thank them for all they've done for you and go with no guilt. I bet they'll be happy for you.

edited to add - though it was nice to allow you to work from home, it likely helped them as well. Keep that in mind.

[On the Road]

9. Take the Offer!

but make sure to tell your current employer "I greatly appreciate what you've done for me, but I have another offer I can't refuse."

[skippysmom]

10. Take the job

In the working world, the only one who will look out for you is you. If it's a better offer, your employer will understand. That's the give and take of the "at-will" employment world. They can fire you at any time -- but you can quit at any time.

[WilmywoodNCparalegal]

11. Thanks all.... I accepted the other offer!

My husband won't be happy, since he said I was too much of a job nomad and he values loyalty... then again, he will vote for Dumbya...

[pagerbear]

12. Excellent!

Next NYC gathering is on NYCparalegal's tab!

[tjdee]

13. He'll be happy when you get your check, LOL!

Congratulations!