Keep my old job or take a new one?

mynameisguido

So, I've had this library job for about three months now, and though I don't love it, I like most of the people I work with pretty well, and due to the fact that it's part of a system of interconnected libraries, the chances for moving up in the system once opportunities open up is pretty good. Which is aided by the fact that I have a library degree, so I have a leg up on potential future employment opportunities.

However, it is only 45 hours every two weeks, pays about 10.25/hr, and due to the City of Birmingham's budget woes, I'm likely to get a 10% paycut in the near future.

Now, due to my connections (mostly family) I may have a full time position (at 10.75/hr), full benefits and all that fall into my lap. However, though this particular job does cooperate with the Birmingham city libraries as a part of a Cooperative, it is not in the same library system, which means that getting back into Birmingham city libraries might be a bit harder. I'm also concerned about "burning" the people I'm working for due to me leaving so early in my tenure.

I'm at about 80% yes on taking the job (assuming it's mine to have, which I'm not sure is a foregone conclustion) because the financial incentives are pretty good, but the other 20% is concerned about the ways in which this may or may not harm any future prospects I end up having. Though I think that most people are going to understand you wanting basically twice the hours for slightly more per hour plus benefits.

bowen

There's no reason you shouldn't take it. The first thing you learn after having a shitty job is that the only person that matters is you. Funny thing is, everyone else is thinking that exact same phrase at the same time.

Enc

Have you discussed your need for full time employment with your supervisor or boss? At three months, you don't have much negotiation room, but it's still an option. Withe the budget situation in your current place, I'm doubtful from what you posted that any sort of promotion within the field will be possible in the short to medium turn. At three months, you don't have much reason to be loyal to an employer that will only offer you part time.

I'd go with the full time position in this market, but I don't really know much about library systems. It could be that the gamble of staying on and hoping for more might pay off in the long run. Or you could be canned next month with the next budget cut.

Go with your gut.

Sipex

Think of it this way.

Your boss and co-workers are all (probably) getting the same pay cut. Most of them wouldn't blame you for taking this.

3drage

My vote is to go for the new job. When I worked for the county I noticed that they had a wonderful carrot......that was purched at the end of an alluring stick. Since they tend to pay less, one of their few retention methods is to promise future opportunities. They rarely deliver on the promise. People in higher positions tend to keep their jobs wrapped in the grasp of a harpy that produces super glue through their sweat glands. It'll be ages before a position opens and often times they are required by law to give a person outside just as much chance as a person on the inside. Leads to many heartbreaks.

You should always go after a better opportunity so long as it is indeed better... i.e. better pay, hours, benefits. The only time I'd recommend not increasing is if it messes up your lifestyle, or you know for sure you wouldn't be happy there.

mynameisguido

Yeah, I have had a couple of conversations with several co-workers regarding full-time work, so I know that several of them would be fine with it. Heck, my original supervisor (before I got moved for clerical reasons) actually mentioned a full-time opening at Bessemer. I'm not sure about my boss, though. She runs the whole Southern Region so it's rare that we get to talk at all.

I think my main worry is that there are a lot, lot, lot of people set to retire soon (full Librarians and such) and they'd mainly hire from within. I'm definitely leaning more towards taking it though. I could actually move out and live off what I make (especially since I get health insurance). Whereas now I don't really think I could afford it.

My other concern is that, being a small city library, they may not have as many protections in place for employees, whereas working for the city of Birmingham, it's not easy to get pushed out of a position except for very, very good cause.

ceres

Retiring soon like this year or retiring soon like this decade? The former makes it more reasonable to wait and see if you have something; if the latter you may as well take something better if it comes along.

This is modified, of course, by how much you need to live on and how close your current job brings you to that mark.

bowen

The good thing about making more money is it gives you more cushion in case something like that does happen. I'd rather take something that's paying more than twice as much (double the hours). At least in 3 months time you'll have made half a years worth of earnings. And have benefits to boot.

GungHo

Sorry, I just don't see a downside to taking the new job, especially if there's no way your current employer could match.

CelestialBadger

You'd have to be a lunatic not to take the better job. You won't burn your co-workers. They'll have their pick of replacements for you in this current economic climate.

Jimmy King

Take the new job. If leaving on friendly terms burns bridges there, it's probably not a place you want to work long term anyway. I've worked a lot of places, everyone is aware that it's not the perfect job for everybody. People are also very accepting of the fact that in a job market where an employer will leave you jobless the second it's financially beneficial to the company, that you also need to do what is beneficial to you. That goes for every manager I've worked for all the way up to the CEO of my current company.

KidDynamite

I'm not sure why an amiacable leaving would burn any bridges. You gotta eat and pay rent like everyone else.

As long as you don't flip the finger on the way out, I'd say take the new job.

mynameisguido

Update: I went and talked with the director, and the job is mine as long as the board approves it.

Part of the reason that she was trying to fill it fast was because they were concerned they were going to take it away from her apparently---literally the fastest job process I've ever been involved with, a little over 24 hours from hearing about the job to basically accepting it.