Changing Jobs - Need Advice

[Turtherlips]

Dear DML,

I've been out of school with my M.S. for about a year now. I'm working at an engineering firm in Boston. My current employer is one of the the "big dogs" for our discipline. I haven't been happy here at work since I started, and don't feel I'm being fairly compensated. This truly isn't about money. This is about being valued and having mentors to go to in times of question. This week, I've interviewed at a couple of places and received offers from the other two "big dogs". Each offer was about 15% higher pay and the work environment seems much healthier.

What's the question, right? Well, I'm nervous to burn bridges by leaving this place so early on in my career. My current employer isn't exactly kind to their ex-employees down the road. Am I making this into too big of a deal? Should I just give my notice and hope this next job is better?

Help!

-A

[wbeck257]

First off, do you have a non-compete agreement? That might make switching from one big dog to another hard...

You can talk to your current employeer. Tell them that you have concerns with the lack of mentorship. If you approach it right you could even tell them that you have gotten offers from other places (only tell them that if you are willing to take the new job...), but you want to stay here...

If you do leave, be respectful. Put in two weeks, and make sure you finish all that you can and prepare you other coworkers on any projects you've been working on that you can't finish. Don't let them find little eggs of joy on jobs left hanging that they'll have questions on 6 months down the road when your long gone...

[DucIt]

Walk into your boss' office take off your shoes, nail them to the door and say "fill these" and walk out. At least they will always remember you. ;D

[ducpainter]

Originally Posted by Duc It

Walk into your boss' office take off your shoes, nail them to the door and say "fill these" and walk out. At least they will always remember you. ;D

That's good. [thumbsup]

[Turtherlips]

There's no non compete agreements in my field. That would definitely complicate things. I probably should have given a little more background; I have spoken to my boss and explained that I was unhappy and felt I needed more mentoring. Nothing changed. I've been honest with him from the start, so I feel that I have been fair.

I plan to give him 4 weeks notice. I am in the middle of a big design at the moment, and that should give me time to finish it.

[ducpainter]

With 4 weeks notice there is no bridge burning.

If he hasn't responded to your concerns already chances are he won't.

[ItsaDuc]

Originally Posted by Duc It

Walk into your boss' office take off your shoes, nail them to the door and say "fill these" and walk out. At least they will always remember you. ;D

Very good. But I think you are making a bigger deal than you should. Most of the BigDog companies could care less about their E/E's. You are very replacable, and if they were looking for someone to replace you, you would be history.

You should give proper notice and work it out completely leaving on great terms so they cannot hurt you in that way. In the end, you have to look out for yourself, they're not going to. :-\

P.S.-still a little sore about the way I got the shalf from one of the Big Dogs >

[bluemoco]

Originally Posted by Turtherlips

There's no non compete agreements in my field. That would definitely complicate things. I probably should have given a little more background; I have spoken to my boss and explained that I was unhappy and felt I needed more mentoring. Nothing changed. I've been honest with him from the start, so I feel that I have been fair.

I plan to give him 4 weeks notice. I am in the middle of a big design at the moment, and that should give me time to finish it.

It sounds like you're handling this very well. If your current employer isn't responding to your desire for mentorship, etc., then it's time to move on. This is hard to do, but in the long run, you've gotta look out for your own best interests.

Get an offer in writing from the 'new' employer of your choice, then proceed with your 4 weeks' notice. Good luck on the new job. [thumbsup] [thumbsup]

[George2]

Originally Posted by ducpainter

With 4 weeks notice there is no bridge burning.

If he hasn't responded to your concerns already chances are he won't.

+1

[ODrides]

You're handling it great. Before agreeing to a new salary, always ask for more! Their first offer will never be their best offer. Our culture is so programmed not to discuss salaries that we get nervous even talking to the one entity that controls our salary!