Imagine this scenario: You are enjoying your current job, but after being headhunted for a different position at an attractive company, you are presented with an offer. The offer includes a better compensation package and more engaging role than you are currently in, but you are feeling hesitant to leave your current employer. What do you do?
In the past, you may have heard that a new job offer is the best way to ask for a raise. Could this be an opportunity to discuss your current compensation with your boss and clarify what your future in that company looks like? In order to decide between your current job and the new opportunity, the key is to know what is most important to you in the workplace.
If your preference really is to stay with your current company, another offer could be a chance to ask for a raise. However, while a discussion with your current boss will likely result in a negotiation to convince you to stay, you’ll need to ask yourself if the real reason for your dissatisfaction is being addressed. A pay increase is easy for a boss to put on the table, but it is much more challenging for them to address issues such as work environment and a less than decent group of coworkers.
While money is something everyone wants, salary is not typically the biggest factor for most individuals. Studies show that other aspects of a job such as environment, colleagues, and leadership styles are bigger predictors of employee satisfaction. A 2014 Boston Consulting Group study on employment preferences with over 200,000 respondents concluded that the #1 factor for employee satisfaction was how much individuals feel appreciated for their work! This was followed by good relationships with colleagues and a work-life balance.
This is one example of the many studies that have concluded a growing desire for “softer” workplace rewards. The reality is, if you are entertaining another position, it means that there is something lacking in your current work. Whether it be workload, desirable work hours or another factor, remaining unhappy in your position is never the answer and by evaluating what the reason is that you are interested in leaving, you can decide which option is best for you. Being presented with an outside offer is an opportunity to check-in, ensure your career is on the path that you would like, and make some adjustments.
The recruitment process can be lengthy and takes time and effort on the part of the recruitment team and yourself. This begs the question if you are taking the time to go through that process, is it possible that you are simply not satisfied in your current role? This scenario really is a bit like dating- if you are considering other partners, it typically means that you are ready to leave your current one. The best job for you to accept is always the job that you are most engaged and excited about, and while you could leverage an outside job offer to get a raise, more money is not likely to bring you the career satisfaction that you are looking for.
If you are a candidate in building materials, construction or architecture and design who is thinking about changing positions, contact Shawna Wagner at [email protected].
