Serious Question: Go for promotion or stay at current job?

[Pitman]

Hello everyone, it’s been a little while I've visited this site, hope everyone is doing well, and saving those pennies

Any who, on to my "dilemma", so a couple of weeks ago, there's been constant discussion going on in the office that we'll be getting a 4% raise in January which will include a nice sized bonus check. I’m not sure the exact amount the check will be, but I do know it’ll be in the high 4 digit range. This is all has to do with the fact that our union finally got a contract signed at the beginning of this year.

Also, currently I've been looking for a new job, still working for the government, but in a totally different sector from the one I'm working in now, which means different union. Now I'm juggling between keeping this current job at my current salary and wait for that juicy bonus check in January or should I just shoot for the promotion, which would increase my salary substantially?

What do you guys think? All comments welcomed

[cschin4]

A promotion will get you much further ahead than one bonus check.

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by cschin4

A promotion will get you much further ahead than one bonus check.

I agree. I'd take the higher salary going forward to the quick bonus now.

Of course, that assumes all else equal with benefits, hours, commute, etc. and the new position is one you are interested in having.

[mdcrim]

I agree to go for the promotion. Is there a chance that the process would take long enough for you to collect your bonus?

[Pitman]

Originally Posted by disneysteve

I agree. I'd take the higher salary going forward to the quick bonus now.

Of course, that assumes all else equal with benefits, hours, commute, etc. and the new position is one you are interested in having.

There will be a few changes, the commute will be longer, so will the hours, but by only an hour. The good thing is the benefits will equal so I won’t be losing anything in that area. I’m not in my dream position now nor will the promotion put me in my dream job, I’m currently working here because they have agreed to pay for my school tuition in full, that’s something I couldn’t pass up.


BTW, I’m sorry to hear about your friend. I do agree we should hug our loved ones as much as possible, because life is short.

Originally Posted by mdcrim

I agree to go for the promotion. Is there a chance that the process would take long enough for you to collect your bonus?

Well from what I gather, the promotion process in this sector could take as long as a month, which will have me fall a few months short of that bonus check. I’m still mulling this over in my head, and my eyes are dead set on the promotion, but I’ll still give it a few more days before I make my final decision.

[cschin4]

but by only an hour.

Um, are you sure about that? I would be careful not to swap a hourly paid position with OT, etc for a salaried position where they own your soul for a few dollars more. And, a longer commute is consideration day after day after day.

[Pitman]

Originally Posted by cschin4

but by only an hour.

Um, are you sure about that? I would be careful not to swap a hourly paid position with OT, etc for a salaried position where they own your soul for a few dollars more. And, a longer commute is consideration day after day after day.

Both jobs are salaried positions. My "soul" is owned for now, but won't be for long

[cschin4]

I have had hourly and higher paying "salary" jobs. I hope to NEVER work on salary again as I was beholden to the company 24/7. No thanks. I would rather earn less money and live in a tent.