Job advice sought

[Book Lover]

I'm asking for your (yes even you Whitacre D_WI) advice as to what I should do. I am in a very lucky position - I have been employed by the company I work for for two years and I pretty much like it here. A week ago, I got an interview kind of out of the blue with another publisher. Hell, I'll tell you all; it's Klutz. I sent them a resume over a year ago, and they actually kept it on file. Well, you can see where this is going: had the first interview and it went killer. The second is coming up this week. But, do I want to leave where I am (familiar, stable, lovely location, spacious cubicle, lots of friends, 25-35 minute commute) and go to Klutz (unfamiliar, ugly warehouse setting, bullpen workspaces, extra 15 minutes for the commute, but about $300-400 more a month after taxes).

[billybob537]

1. Up the ante

If they go for it, it will be harder to refuse!

[Book Lover]

2. Hmmm

Well, I am currently employed, right? If they say no, then I have nothing to lose.

[LuLu550]

3. I think that depends n what you need...

Don't know your age, but do you need stability or do you need to get on the career escalator? What are the chances this will position you for something better down the road?

I always do two columns, pro and con and actually write it out to see it on paper. I stay where I do because I am older, have a kid in high school (the one I work in so I can keep an eye on her) and a kid in collage. I need the money and stability. But if I had no attachments, I would try something new.

If you are young, no attachments, go for it!
:thumbsup:

[Book Lover]

6. Well, here's the story there

To be brief, I'm 34, married with an infant son and a lot of old credit card debt. This is a good position for further advancement, yes, inasmuch as there is a certain amount of advancement in print publishing, but not too much. The usual path is something like: layout tech, layout supervisor, project editor, many many many important projects project editor, department manager, then VP of production and manufacturing. Right now I am only a many important projects project manager; this position would push me up to many many many important projects. Also, I'd be in a smaller pond in the new place.

[LuLu550]

11. Would it be worth it if you

were so stressed out you couldn't stand it? Will it take you away from you new family too much? Do the balance beam,

upward mobility/more money vs. less money, security, happy, What else?

[Book Lover]

13. I think there would be less stress there

but I have no real basis for that except my gut feeling. And I would be spending about the same amount of time with Mr. Bunny and my dearest husband... I guess I'm a bit afraid of change, too.

[LuLu550]

17. Less stress is always better

Are you the primary bread winner? If not, can your husband give you the safety net you need to take the plunge? It sounds to me like you do want to go, maybe you just need to talk it out with your husband and feel more comfortable about it.

[Book Lover]

20. Not any longer

We have two breadwinners in the house now. You know, after reading everyone's advice, I think I am just trying to talk myself into saying yes. But, the second interview is still to come... 'tho I have to say I really think I'm in.

[Whitacre D_WI]

4. Klutz?

Be careful, people may bump into you a lot more than you like.

[Book Lover]

7. Hey, that was my ankle! (nm)

[Donkeyboy75]

5. I like bullpen spaces.

Are they hiring you as a closer or for middle relief?

[Book Lover]

8. More like a Steinbrenner-like manager

Wait! That's horrible! Yet sadly, many book designers and editors/authors will think of me as such.

[Whitacre D_WI]

10. They deserve it.

Editors are the scum of the earth.

[Book Lover]

14. Now, now

I mean, yes, but we can't let them know that's how we feel.

Hey, wait a sec! What did an editor ever do to you?

[Whitacre D_WI]

15. More horrible things than you could ever imagine.

[Donkeyboy75]

12. Do you mean you vastly overpay for your help?

Hopefully it's not the egomaniac part.

[Book Lover]

16. Ha!

Wouldn't that be sweet. Sadly, in publishing the only ones who get vastly overpaid are the sales staff and the head fella. No, I meant in the overbearing micromanaging way.

[ScreamingMeemie]

9. Here's what I think.

Book Lover, I really think you should look at what is going to make you happy in the long run? A comfy position, or an upward move. Ask yourself seriously if there is a chance for you to move up the ladder where you are located right now...and if not...if that's worth it to you.

My father always told me to do what I would enjoy doing and eventually the money would come. You know what? He's right! Best of luck to you.

Laura

[Book Lover]

18. Many thanks

for your thoughts. I am happy doing what I do - making books. Making Klutz books just looks really cool, plus they are offering me more money... I'm leaning that way, I really am.

[Droopy]

19. If you're happy where you're at

And are making ends meet alright, don't change a thing. There's nothing better in life than having a job that you enjoy. So many people don't have that and they live their lives in misery for 8-12 hours a day.

[Book Lover]

21. And there is a lot to be said for that too

I don't want to make a change for the sake of change; I want to do what is best for my career and what I'd enjoy doing... On the other hand, I would get a lot of opportunity to do book arts nearly every day at Klutz...

[Red_Viking]

22. OK, no one suggested this:

If you get an offer, go tell your management. See if they'll match the new salary and/or give you some possibility of advancement. Then you could stay in your current position and make a little more bling-bling. :P

Good luck! Let us know how it goes.

RV

[Book Lover]

23. I certainly

am going to give them the chance to keep me by throwing more money at me, you betcha. Thing is, I don't see anyplace for advancement where I am now. More money, though, I'll take.