Jobs, job offers & advice

[XennoX]

Right so here is my situation.

I got called in pretty recently (within the last 3 months) by my manager. Out of the blue I got given a pretty significant increase (>15%), thanking me for my hard work and my drive to contribute value to the company. I was told that I was being carefully monitored and the company was looking forward to growing me. At the same time I had my CV redone by a professional writer, which has garnered me a lot of attention from companies looking for people with my qualification, but not necessarily for the position I want.

Here is my dilemma, my current company does not do what I studied for. They're in a completely different industry. In light of the attention my new CV has gained, I have been approached by a recruitment agency that wants to place me in a company that is more aligned in my field, but not in a position I'd ideally like. The company develops (and possibly manufactures) structural steel sections for construction use. The position is for managing the sales and development of such sections.

The reason why I have this dilemma, is because my current company - even though not in my line of work - has identified me for potential growth and has rewarded me as such. I feel some sense of loyalty to them because of that, but my main gripe is it's not in my field of study. I'm not unhappy at my current company, but I'm not being challenged enough, I'm constantly going to the higher ups and trying to draw work off them. Most of the time my lack of experience gets me a "No" but sometimes they entertain my request and I get to learn something new.

As always, the saying of: "The grass is greener on the other side because there is more shit there," applies.

 

[Chevron]

Right so here is my situation.

I got called in pretty recently (within the last 3 months) by my manager. Out of the blue I got given a pretty significant increase (>15%), thanking me for my hard work and my drive to contribute value to the company. I told that I was being carefully monitored and the company was looking forward to growing me. At the same time I had my CV redone by a professional writer, which has garnered me a lot of attention from companies looking for people with my qualification.

Here is my dilemma, my current company does not do what I studied for. They're in a completely different industry. In light of the attention my new CV has gained, I have been approached by a recruitment agency that wants to place me in a company that is more aligned in my field, but not in a position I'd ideally like. The company develops (and possibly manufactures) structural steel sections for construction use. The position is for managing the sales and development of such sections throughout Africa.

The reason why I have this dilemma, is because my current company - even though not in my line of work - has identified me for potential growth and has rewarded me as such. I feel some sense of loyalty to them because of that, but my main gripe is it's not in my field of study. I'm not unhappy at my current company, but I'm not being challenged enough, I'm constantly going to the higher ups and trying to draw work off them. Most of the time my lack of experience gets me a "No" but sometimes they entertain my request and I get to learn something new.

As always, the saying of: "The grass is greener on the other side because there is more shit there," applies.

You say the company wants you in a position that you don't wanna be. Sounds like you can tell them no. Stay at your current company till you come across a position that you really want.

How long have you been in your current company?

 

[XennoX]

How long have you been in your current company?

Less than a year.

 

[Chevron]

Less than a year.

Then definitely don't go. Will look bad on your cv. Not worth it for a position you don't wanna be in.

 

[ToxicBunny]

Yeah, stick it out, build up your CV a bit at the current company. It will look better in the long run.

 

[Alton Turner Blackwood]

Yeah, I agree with the other guys. Stay there for a while longer

 

[MrR]

What's your short, medium and long term goals? Which job will fulfill this better?

If you have been earmarked at the current employer for potential growth, then what does that entail, other than increased remuneration? How does that fit into your plan?

Although your current employer isn't in the same industry as what you have studied for, is it imperative that you work in that industry (that you studied for)? Is there not perhaps a bridge between the two?

 

[rorz0r]

Considering you've been there less than a year and it already seems to be going fairly well I'd probably stay there unless some super amazing position comes up. Have a good chat with them about future prospects. I'm sure even if they don't do what you studied they can still find some challenges. I think most people I know kinda work with what they've studied but there's a whole lot that are doing something completely unrelated so I wouldn't be too bothered about that. There's maybe 100 things you can study but there's 1000000 different jobs

 

[OrbitalDawn]

I also reckon you should stay. Unless the job is unbearable.

Why is it so important that you work in the direction that you studied? Just because it seems like you should or because you have a passion for it?

I think few people (besides very specific industries) end up doing what they studied, anyway.

Sticking it out where you are now could get you valuable experience, and also hopefully a glowing reference.

 

[hellfire]

If you look at (most of) the advice given, it's to stay at the company. But not for the company's sake, or for "loyalty" to the company, but because it's the best option for YOU!

Always keep yourself top of mind when making these decisions - company's are not loyal to individuals so you shouldn't base your life decisions on loyalty to the company. This doesn't mean don't give your all at your workplace - you have to do that to get ahead.

With respect to industry - what you studied often matters jack sh%t when it comes to your field of work. Are you happy with your job now? Can the potential growth options at this company also make you happy? Will you continue to earn well there? If yes, then why move based on some vague notion of linking your career to what you studied?

 

[SauRoNZA]

I don't think anybody is actually working in the original field or even job they studied.

The minority I would warrant.

So what I studied certainly wouldn't be my motivation to make a change. You seem happy enough where you are so unless a deal comes along to make you HAPPIER I don't think it's worth a move.

Also company loyalty is utter bull****, don't fall for it.

 

[OrbitalDawn]

Also company loyalty is utter bull****, don't fall for it.

Depends what it means, though. If the company rewards you for hard work, then being "loyal" could just mean continuing that same high work ethic.

But staying loyal while the company is shafting you - fsck that. And it certainly shouldn't be a significant factor in determining whether you take a potentially great new job.

 

[SauRoNZA]

Depends what it means, though. If the company rewards you for hard work, then being "loyal" could just mean continuing that same high work ethic.

But staying loyal while the company is shafting you - fsck that. And it certainly shouldn't be a significant factor in determining whether you take a potentially great new job.

I meant it more along the lines of don't expect a company to stick their neck out for you just because you stuck your neck out for them.

When the time comes for the chop they don't give a damn how much effort you put in or how hard you worked.

Unless there's profit sharing or shares to be had...they can bugger off if something better comes along.

 

[OrbitalDawn]

I meant it more along the lines of don't expect a company to stick their neck out for you just because you stuck your neck out for them.

When the time comes for the chop they don't give a damn how much effort you put in or how hard you worked.

Unless there's profit sharing or shares to be had...they can bugger off if something better comes along.

Definitely.

 

[rorz0r]

+1 on the loyalty. Do what's best for you (which may include working hard etc etc) because at the end of the day "business is business" and you are in the business of selling your time.

 

[Tman*]

If you have already received an increase after less than a year you are really doing well. My SO is in a similar position, and she has received 4 increases of the course of the last 24 months. Now this alone is a good reason to stay with your current company. Im not saying stay there forever, but at least stick it out for a year or so, specially if they are seeing potential in you and they are rewarding you accordingly.

You say that you are not unhappy at your current firm, and this is too a very good reason to stay in your current role for a little longer. You dont want to come across as a job hopper

With that said, there is no harm in considering other positions, test the waters, go for an interview here and there. Just make your intentions VERY clear to the recruiter and your new prospective employer. You dont want to piss off an prospective employer because you wasted their time, and 2 years down the line they wont employ you.