You Asked: Should I Risk It?
DearSugar,
I have been with my current company for almost four years -- it is my first job out of college. I've grown up a lot in this job, both professionally and personally. I have great clients that I get along well with and a pretty good team. I've had some frustrations with my manager in the past, but feel I'm at a point where I can finally stand up for myself and speak to her about them.
In December I cruised around the Internet looking for new jobs -- not that I am unhappy where I am at, but I'm not entirely stoked to be here everyday. I just thought I'd look to look. One job totally caught my eye so I sent my resume: two months later, I have an offer from them.
I'm very torn on whether I should take the new job or stick with my old one. The new job is exciting and scary and I'm definitely comfortable where I'm at now. I would also feel guilty leaving when there is so much work to do in the next month, including a trip across the country. Also, just recently I was promoted and given a raise.
I don't know if my reasons for staying at my current job make me a coward, or if it's just really not the right move to leave.
Any advice you offer would be helpful! ~ Ambivalent Amanda
To see DEARSUGAR's answer read more
Why is it that exciting and scary frequently arrive as a pair?
I imagine this is a particularly difficult decision because you've 'grown up' professionally in this organization. I don't doubt you're ready to go, Amanda; making this leap will depend on how much security you need, how much confidence you possess, and how resilient you feel.
Despite the hiccups with your manager, I'm glad you're valued at your current company; you've recently been promoted and given a salary increase. I imagine you can see the path ahead, and every turn. Depending on one's temperment and goals, this can be either a good thing or a bad thing. Still, I don't imagine you went this far with a prospective employer unless you're getting a little uncomfortable being comfortable.
That's the thing about risk: it's risky. Say you take the new job, and it's not right for you. Do you feel strong enough and capable enough to walk away and start over somewhere else? Can you see how that might be difficult but manageable? Or does that scenario overwhelm you? We shouldn't overlook the fact that it feels good to feel competent; being a beginner in a new role at a new company can be humbling, unnerving, and challenging. But those learning curves usually yield more growth, more refined skills and new information about ourselves.
I'd suggest getting out a notebook and making some lists. Dig down and ask yourself the hard questions, Ambivalent Amanda. What are your professional goals? What kinds of experiences do you want to have? What are you afraid of? If you were going to fail at something, what would you choose? Whether or not you accept the new job, is the current one challenging you appropriately? What kinds of things do you want to learn? To avoid learning? Using those lists, which of the two jobs most mirrors your answers? Or, maybe you keep looking.
It's alright to be afraid (please refrain from calling yourself a coward, Miss Amanda!), and it's alright to sit this one out until you feel more ready. However, don't let guilt guide your decision-making. This is business. Be ethical and responsible, but be a business woman: it's perfectly appropriate to accept a new opportunity after 4 years. Oh, and Amanda, whatever you do, do not underestimate yourself. Good luck.
