Opinion from fellow DU's, am I doing the right thing here?

[EnviroBat]

A few weeks ago I posted here that I would be losing my job at the end of December. I was concerned about it, but I never felt an impending sense of doom, and the people here were very supportive and you sent great positive energy for which I am eternally grateful. I've been in the contracting racket long enough to know that when you're about to be cut, you hit the ground running and start making calls. So I score an interview with a smallish type insurance company, met with 6 different people, and second interview into it, I get the job. Suddenly the company I'm with is coming back with an offer to extend my contract with a possibility that I will be offered a full-time position mid January. Now I like the people here, but things seem a little too insecure. The thing is I know what I'm going to be doing here at this place, and I enjoy the work. The new job is somewhat dis-organized at the moment, and I think they are looking to me to give some direction. The new job is offering more money, but I don't want to make a decision based on money alone. The people in both companies have really fought to keep me, and it's hard to disappoint the people I'm with now. I'm thinking about taking the new job though it involves a longer commute, which always sucks. I guess this is just one of those really difficult life decisions, and I was wondering what y'all may have been through, and what you did.

Thanks all of you

[acmavm]

1. The new job: a sure thing with more money. The old job:

who knows?

Doesn't seem like a hard one to figure out to me. If the people at the job you've got right now want you bad enough they'd lay the cards on the table now, not give you a MAYBE for sometime in January.

[EnviroBat]

3. Yeah, that's pretty much been the deciding factor...

[Nickster]

5. I agree, but I would simply tell them to lay their cards out on the table right now, Mid-Jan is not

that far away and if they really want to keep you, they should understand your position and be able to give you a clear cut yes or no now so you can make a decision. What do you have to lose by telling them you need a clear cut answer on a full time gig and you need the answer now?

Also, go back and re-evaluate this new job offer and whether the new company is right for you. Don't make a jump just to jump, make sure it's really a good move for you personally and professionally.

[johnnie]

2. I've never been in that position, but..

I would say that if you feel less secure at your old job, you might take the new one. Of course, as you pointed out, the old job says there is a possibility that you can get hired full-time. How difficult it is to find a job in your industry and what you do?

You know.. I was going to offer some advice, but as I'm typing this I am realizing I have no clue..LOL. Sorry.

[radfringe]

4. go with the new job offer

if the old company was serious about making the job full-time they would have done it and not dangle a possibility, plus it sounds like extending your contract is good for just a couple of weeks...

my partner did temp jobs/contracting for about 4 years. each time, she was promised the job would be going full-time and permanent. when the "time" came to make the job full-time/permanent she got some excuse about "re-structuring" and she was out the door..

yeah, commute may be longer with new job, but it's more money and sounds a bit more secure over a longer period of time.

[EnviroBat]

6. Thanks radfringe...

I delivered the baaaad news about 30 mins ago. I feel a sense of relief.

[LSK]

7. good move, go with the new job

[auntAgonist]

8. Good luck in the new job. I think you made the right decision.

:applause:

aA

[seemunkee]

9. If they didn't make the solid offer right then and there

You made the right choice.
Good luck in the new job

[FedUpWithIt All]

10. Good luck in this new direction :)

:hi:

[Ramsey]

11. Ask for what you want

If you think you want to stay with the current position, tell them you must have a written offer for a permanent job before you agree to stay. Do NOT accept a verbal promise. And insist that they meet the salary offer of the new job. If they want you bad enough, they will give you what you want. If not, then you should take the new job, because they are playing around with you. If they try to offer excuses why they cannot give you what you want now, but may be able to soon, just say no. If they can do it soon, they can do it now, I promise you.

The new offer sounds like an opportunity to come in make a difference and improve things, which if you do so, may position you for rapid advancement.

Don't be afraid to negotiate for what you want. You are in the driver's seat, with the two companies competing for you.