I am heading to a job interview on Saturday, and my current boss knows nothing about it (I’m about 98 certain he doesn’t know anything. I mean there is no way he can. Well, technically he could read my email, but I am positive he doesn’t do that) Anyway, he calls me up today, Thursday, and gives me a raise, saying he knows that it’s not much but his budget is extremely tight (very true - I can’t believe he found the small amount he gave me) but he wanted to show his appreciation for the job I am doing. I was really touched.
Now, like a snake, I am sneaking off to interview for a job where I could make double my current salary (I am not totally certain that is a great metaphor).
Obviously, I don’t know if I will be offered the job, but I think there is a good chance. I feel so conflicted.
I understand being conflicted - you’ve spent some time with your current company - you have a relationship with your current boss, and he has recently expressed his appreciation for your contributions to the company and attempted to reward you. The raise they gave indicates that they value you, and this deserves consideration…but this is a “business” decision.
This is an advancement of your career and an opportunity for growth that isn’t available (if I’m reading your message correctly) in your present company.
If the new opportunity works out, go for it. Pros understand this. They’ll be disappointed, but they’ll understand.
Does the raise bring your pay up to what you would expect to be earning, given your experience and ability? If so, then there is a certain (small) guilt factor in going looking for a job. If not, then it’s great that your boss thinks highly enough of you to give you a token raise, but it shouldn’t be enough to lock you into that job for another year. It can even be used to your advantage at your job interview if you word it carefully–that your boss likes your work enough to give you a raise even when he probably couldn’t afford it.
In a business sense, I am sure both of you are right. But this boss took a chance on me when not many others would. I was seen as over the hill and my technical skills were definitely in question.
Of course the position was one that nobody with any experience would even think of taking and the people who did take it didn’t last long. The low salary didn’t help.
As I said, intellectually, I’m sure you are both right but it does add a level of something to feel I am stabbing my supervisor in the back just when he is patting mine.
Well, I don’t know for certain that I will be offered the job and I can always turn it down if it is…But that being said, that much more money…
Well, first you have to get the other job. After that, one has to remember that 1) you are being paid for your skills 2) fair market means what you are able to get for them 3) while they did take a risk on you, had it not worked out they would have dropped you immediately thus no loyalty on your part 4) (and most importantly) during your time there, you provided them with assets and contributed to the value of the services and products that the company offered, so it’s not like they were doing you a favor.
Then again, it sounds like you’ve got a great supervisor, which is, literally, worth a job. That’s not to be given up lightly.
Just remember (and I know you know) that money isn’t everything, and even triple your salary can’t buy you job satisfaction. If this new place turns out to be a great place to work, then you’re golden. But if you’re miserable, I can just about guarantee that a year down the line, you’d gladly turn in the extra money for the security, appreciation and value of the rare boss who actually appreciates you AND shows it (now matter how token the raise may be.) He’s giving you a raise to say thanks, and not to keep you, and to me that’s a sign of a something you very rarely find anymore.
Of course, a person has to do what they have to do. If, financially, you’re in no position to turn down a large increase in your income, that’s just the way it is. But if you can live fairly comfortably off of what you’re currently making, I think the happiness you’d gain from it would be a lot more rewarding - assuming you actually enjoy your job, and not just the boss, that is.
I’ve hired (and fired) people for years, and the way I’ve always looked at it is, if someone leaves me for more money and better opportunities, then that reflects well on me. It’s too bad if I can’t give them the same things without leaving, but maybe I’ve contributed to their added value. Perhaps your boss could even make use of your leaving, to push for more salary budget in his department.
It also sounds like you’re in a position for which you’re over-qualified. If that’s the case, then your current boss got more than his money’s worth out of you, and he shouldn’t be to surprised should you decide to move on. Disappointed, yes - nobody likes to lose a good person - but not surprised. As **Fritz ** pointed out, it’s business.
I wouldn’t worry too much about stabbing your boss in the back. His pat on the back is an effort to keep a good resource, but his motivation is (probably) driven by business considerations, and he should understand that your decision is likewise driven by business considerations. Or should be.
Remember, nobody is irreplaceable. Your boss will be able to find somebody else to do your old job, and life for him will go on. Your primary responsibility is to yourself (as if you didn’t know that, excuse the preaching).
Whatever you decide, keep things positive and professional with both your old and your prospective employer. You never know who you’ll run into in the future, and in what capacity. I’ve been hired by a vendor, and also hired as a vendor somebody for whom I used to work. Things, and people, just keep coming around in different guises.