Job change WWYD

[wildrice]

*poof*. 

Thanks for the advice, y'all!

[followyourarrow]

The positives outweigh the negative for the new job, in my opinion. I'd definitely interview and try to get a better feel for the director. From what I know of you, you'd be much happier in a team setting.

[sarahsays]

Apr 20, 2021 15:44:57 GMT -5 followyourarrow said:

The positives outweigh the negative for the new job, in my opinion. I'd definitely interview and try to get a better feel for the director. From what I know of you, you'd be much happier in a team setting.

I agree with this.

[goldengirlz]

I don’t think you’d burn a bridge if you interview because there IS a chance (a good chance) you’d want to move over. As long as you keep things professional, no one will fault you if you eventually decide to turn them down (even if you eventually want to be considered for other opportunities at that organization.)

[smock]

The new job is more money, a shorter commute, and a more flexible schedule. Those would all be big perks in my book, so I'd definitely interview.

[tacokick]

I’d not only take the interview I would 100% take the job without a second thought.

[sofamonkey]

You’ve posted plenty about how unhappy you are with your current role. I’d say that’s a good vote for exploring the new option. Good luck!!

[lilypad1126]

There’s a lot to be said for having a good team in higher Ed. You’ve posted before about your job in a way that makes me think it’s not the best fit for you long term. This new job sounds like a much better fit. And the opportunities for developing professionally are definitely worth considering. It doesn’t sound like you are going to get that any time soon, if at all, at your current role.

Given everything you’ve said, if you get an interview, I think you should definitely take it. And remember, the interview process is a chance for you to learn more about them. You may decide the role/team isn’t for you after all, but I don’t think you have enough info to definitively say that yet. You applied for a reason, so if it were me, I’d continue through the process.

[sonrisa]

Does changing institutions change the cost of your grad school program?

[wildrice]

Apr 21, 2021 2:20:41 GMT -5 sonrisa said:

Does changing institutions change the cost of your grad school program?

I should know the answer to this, but I'm not completely sure. I think maybe I'd get 50% tuition remission instead of 100%, which I think would be around $800 more per class. I have 7 classes left so I guess that is a chunk of money, though I'd pay cash over time so it isn't quite a dealbreaker on its own either. Something to add to consider, though!

[wildrice]

Apr 20, 2021 17:20:57 GMT -5 lilypad1126 said:

There’s a lot to be said for having a good team in higher Ed. You’ve posted before about your job in a way that makes me think it’s not the best fit for you long term. This new job sounds like a much better fit. And the opportunities for developing professionally are definitely worth considering. It doesn’t sound like you are going to get that any time soon, if at all, at your current role.

Given everything you’ve said, if you get an interview, I think you should definitely take it. And remember, the interview process is a chance for you to learn more about them. You may decide the role/team isn’t for you after all, but I don’t think you have enough info to definitively say that yet. You applied for a reason, so if it were me, I’d continue through the process.

This is a good point - I am probably making some assumptions about the new job just based on conversations I've had casually over the last couple of years. I will definitely use the interview to better evaluate if I even want it!

[picaflora]

From what you've posted, I agree that this other role sounds like a better fit for you. I would not hesitate to interview. I also operate under the ideas that an interview isn't a commitment (from you or the hiring company). I encourage everyone to keep an eye on their job market to evaluate if their current role is still a good fit, or if there is a better opportunity out there.

Should the interview go well and you get an offer, I'd also take the new job. It sounds like the structure would be a good thing for you, as well as a stable team for mentorship. And even if the pay isn't that much more, an increase is an increase! Plus the added benefits of a shorter commute and more WFH days, and not having to make a change in other benefits like medical.

[CrazyLucky]

Definitely interview for the new job. It'll give you more data to make your decision. But I'll add this. I had a 45 minute commute for about 17 years. I changed jobs and now I have a 20 minute commute and I honestly can't overstate how much difference that has made for me. I feel like I get in the car and I'm already home. Not wasting so much time driving frees up time for playing with the kids, making dinners that require more effort. I thought I would like it better, but I didn't expect to like it this much better.

[wildrice]

Apr 21, 2021 8:59:10 GMT -5 CrazyLucky said:

Definitely interview for the new job. It'll give you more data to make your decision. But I'll add this. I had a 45 minute commute for about 17 years. I changed jobs and now I have a 20 minute commute and I honestly can't overstate how much difference that has made for me. I feel like I get in the car and I'm already home. Not wasting so much time driving frees up time for playing with the kids, making dinners that require more effort. I thought I would like it better, but I didn't expect to like it this much better.

I am definitely not thrilled about my current potentially 45 minute commute! We actually moved further away from my job last May so this is new.

The only thing about the commute for this new job is that I think the timing will be hit or miss. It's 25 minutes without (much) traffic, but going into the city during traditional business hours may add some time. I am not sure it will add 20+ minutes, but I am guessing some days it might. I have never driven into the city at that time of day - only out of it! I guess if I'm working partially from home I'd have to deal with it less, though.

The good thing about my current job is that it bypasses the city entirely so I won't hit city traffic. Which isn't to say I won't have traffic. So far the few times I've driven up to my work town it has taken about 35 minutes, but I know once more people are consistently on the road it will probably be longer frequently. 

[sonrisa]

I would definitely use whatever is the most accurate drive time estimate app and check on a few days at the real time. Traffic can definitely double some rush hour drive times or more around here. And I’d expect that whatever estimate you get is an underestimate of what it will be in a year as more people return to offices.

(It sounds like while there is a nominal salary increase in theory, when you factor in increased parking costs and tuition changes, you may actually take home less. Could you negoatiate a higher salary?)

[jlt19]

I'm in a much similar position (except I KNOW I want the new job, lol) except for the fact that my current job is part of a team and the new job will not be, and I have learned that I do NOT work well on a team because people are idiots. But I have the same brand new role/ambiguity/lack of mentorship b/c manager is stretched too thin/etc. If I get this new job I'm interviewing tomorrow it'll be me and a supervisor (who only has me to report to him).

Now, I do think both of my options are planning on continuing to let us WFH part time (if not FT), but going back to an office 5 days a week is now a deal breaker for me (assuming I will have a job elsewhere).

As far as the schooling, would it be possible to transfer to the new school?

[wildrice]

Apr 21, 2021 9:23:53 GMT -5 sonrisa said:

I would definitely use whatever is the most accurate drive time estimate app and check on a few days at the real time. Traffic can definitely double some rush hour drive times or more around here. And I’d expect that whatever estimate you get is an underestimate of what it will be in a year as more people return to offices.

(It sounds like while there is a nominal salary increase in theory, when you factor in increased parking costs and tuition changes, you may actually take home less. Could you negoatiate a higher salary?)

This is a good idea. I haven't really done that yet, but would be good to know.

I doubt there is much room for salary negotiation, unfortunately. Especially since I am transferring from another system institution, so they could easily see what I make now and decide that 4k is enough. These state universities tend to be pretty set as far as what they can offer.

This is why I'm torn - I think most of the traditional salary/benefits/commute stuff is kind of a wash. It would be more of a work environment/development thing, plus the option to work from home part time. I kind of feel like those things could be really great in the new job, but really only time will tell if they ACTUALLY are since they are a little less tangible (I am guessing the WFH thing is not able to be put in writing yet since everyone is still figuring out what the post-COVID world will look like. I do feel confident the director will push hard for it).

[wildrice]

Apr 21, 2021 9:32:17 GMT -5 jlt19 said:

I'm in a much similar position (except I KNOW I want the new job, lol) except for the fact that my current job is part of a team and the new job will not be, and I have learned that I do NOT work well on a team because people are idiots. But I have the same brand new role/ambiguity/lack of mentorship b/c manager is stretched too thin/etc. If I get this new job I'm interviewing tomorrow it'll be me and a supervisor (who only has me to report to him).

Now, I do think both of my options are planning on continuing to let us WFH part time (if not FT), but going back to an office 5 days a week is now a deal breaker for me (assuming I will have a job elsewhere).

As far as the schooling, would it be possible to transfer to the new school?

I hope the new role works out for you!!! 

I really don't want to go back to the office 5 days a week, either. I am actually kind of angry at the idea, since it seems pointless and like it is coming from a traditional mindset vs an actual business need.

Unfortunately the grad program is only available at my current employer. 

[idahome]

Like everyone else it sounds like there are a lot of pros to continue moving through the interview process with the new job.

I really liked I what one of the previous posters also said: the interview process is an opportunity for YOU to interview the new job. It’s a two-way street.

In some ways I think you would regret it if you declined an interview at this point.

[tacokick]

Apr 21, 2021 9:04:24 GMT -5 wildrice said:

Apr 21, 2021 8:59:10 GMT -5 CrazyLucky said:

Definitely interview for the new job. It'll give you more data to make your decision. But I'll add this. I had a 45 minute commute for about 17 years. I changed jobs and now I have a 20 minute commute and I honestly can't overstate how much difference that has made for me. I feel like I get in the car and I'm already home. Not wasting so much time driving frees up time for playing with the kids, making dinners that require more effort. I thought I would like it better, but I didn't expect to like it this much better.

I am definitely not thrilled about my current potentially 45 minute commute! We actually moved further away from my job last May so this is new.

The only thing about the commute for this new job is that I think the timing will be hit or miss. It's 25 minutes without (much) traffic, but going into the city during traditional business hours may add some time. I am not sure it will add 20+ minutes, but I am guessing some days it might. I have never driven into the city at that time of day - only out of it! I guess if I'm working partially from home I'd have to deal with it less, though.

The good thing about my current job is that it bypasses the city entirely so I won't hit city traffic. Which isn't to say I won't have traffic. So far the few times I've driven up to my work town it has taken about 35 minutes, but I know once more people are consistently on the road it will probably be longer frequently. 

If it’s where I’m guessing it is, I think you’d be heading in the opposite direction from most of the traffic in the city. The route I’d assume you would be taking to your current job is much more prone to bad traffic IMO. Plus if you were working from home more, you’d be missing it all together.

[wildrice]

Apr 21, 2021 18:16:28 GMT -5 tacokick said:

Apr 21, 2021 9:04:24 GMT -5 wildrice said:

I am definitely not thrilled about my current potentially 45 minute commute! We actually moved further away from my job last May so this is new.

The only thing about the commute for this new job is that I think the timing will be hit or miss. It's 25 minutes without (much) traffic, but going into the city during traditional business hours may add some time. I am not sure it will add 20+ minutes, but I am guessing some days it might. I have never driven into the city at that time of day - only out of it! I guess if I'm working partially from home I'd have to deal with it less, though.

The good thing about my current job is that it bypasses the city entirely so I won't hit city traffic. Which isn't to say I won't have traffic. So far the few times I've driven up to my work town it has taken about 35 minutes, but I know once more people are consistently on the road it will probably be longer frequently. 

If it’s where I’m guessing it is, I think you’d be heading in the opposite direction from most of the traffic in the city. The route I’d assume you would be taking to your current job is much more prone to bad traffic IMO. Plus if you were working from home more, you’d be missing it all together.

It's downtown... About 3 blocks from where I used to live I am not sure about going the opposite way unless I'm not thinking of something? Usually leaving the city in the morning is low traffic but I would be taking 95 into the city with this new job.

695 can be pretty bad too though! Ugh traffic sucks.

[MixedBerryJam]

Are you in a union? Would you lose seniority if you moved to the new job? Even if the answer is yes, it yr sounds like there are a lot of pros to the new role, and that you'd be happier there. Good luck!

[tacokick]

Apr 21, 2021 18:58:04 GMT -5 wildrice said:

Apr 21, 2021 18:16:28 GMT -5 tacokick said:

If it’s where I’m guessing it is, I think you’d be heading in the opposite direction from most of the traffic in the city. The route I’d assume you would be taking to your current job is much more prone to bad traffic IMO. Plus if you were working from home more, you’d be missing it all together.

It's downtown... About 3 blocks from where I used to live I am not sure about going the opposite way unless I'm not thinking of something? Usually leaving the city in the morning is low traffic but I would be taking 95 into the city with this new job.

695 can be pretty bad too though! Ugh traffic sucks.

I think it would be better than 695 by a ton and just a couple days a week is better than the beltway five days a week.