WWYD? RE: DH and job

Mike&Care

DH was acquired from another competitor company, they offered him a promotion, a 40% raise and a $10K "signing" bonus to go to their company (OIL). He had basically made up his mind, given his 2 weeks, etc. Today his former company calls and says "We want to match their offer" plus he would still get his bonus in March, which is 25-40% of his salary.

I told him to stick with the new company. He has already worked with them a week and signed the papers and made a commitment. I think it he would be burning bridges to flip flop back to his old company. Everyone in the industry knows each other too. I just think it will make him look flaky and like the only thing he is in for is $$. The new position is a lot more responsibility and a promotion, so it is moving up, even though the old company offered to match, it is not a promotion.

He is all pissed at himself and doesn't know what to do. He loved the guys at the old company.

So if you have had experience with this or just an opinion. Should he stick with the new company like I said or go back to the old company since they matched?

(Either way I am so proud of him! I got laid off a month ago, so we really needed this.)

lovindan

I went through this myself last December and decided to stay with the new company and I'm really happy I did.

In my case my previous employer wanted to make an offer to keep me but they really didn't have the funds to back it up, I'm glad I didn't take it because they ended up laying a lot of people off this year.

If he's already made the decision to switch I would stick with it, especially in a tight knit industry, if he's ever looking for another job people would think twice if they knew he accepted and backed out previously.

ZaraLou

I wouldn't go back.. its messed up they made him this offer AFTER he started the new job!!! If they would have made it before he started..then i def. would have accepted. He left that job for a reason..he should just move on.

rbidi

Hmm, the question I would ask are what are the perks of either? I'm all about perks. Sometimes that outweighs money. But the new company does sound like it's a step up, and if that's what he wants, then it's better.

Mike&Care

That's a good point I didn't think of. They do all know each other within the industry. He would be the guy that backed out and didn't keep his word.

Mike&Care

rbidi:

Hmm, the question I would ask are what are the perks of either? I'm all about perks. Sometimes that outweighs money. But the new company does sound like it's a step up, and if that's what he wants, then it's better.

It's the same with both. Good benefits, 401K, stock options, computer, company car, phone, gas, company credit card and internet paid for + bonus in March. The new company is giving him the up front bonus and additional money to furnish a home office. These 2 oil companies are in the top 5 worldwide, so it is pretty comparable.

Roothie427

I would suggest playing the two companies against each other...tell the new one about the offer and then see if they come up with a counter offer.

He shouldn't be snotty about it but just say hey my old company is making me a new offer...That is the best way to get the most out of a job search

The_Jen626

My DH has been with the same company for about 7 years, and is really well known and respected in his industry.  About every 2 years this happens to him.  Another company comes along, offers him a ton of money, we debate it back and forth, he gives his 2 weeks notice to his company, and then his company offers him a HUGE promotion and/or raise.  It's happened 3 times now.  Every time DH has decided to stay with his current company, and we are both happy that he's now been with them for 7 years.  He really likes his employer and the owners of the company are great, and he makes good money for what he does.

It's a personal choice for you guys... you'll just have to figure it out.  Sorry I can't give better advice!

sarrahs

I want to know what it is your husband does in oil.... my DH needs a new job and would love to be pursued like that (he was formerly working for a great mortgage company that went out with the rest, and nothing has been the same since).

The Jen - what does your hubby do? You're at least in the Portland area. Is his company hiring?

Mike&Care

Thanks everyone. DH asked my opinion and I told him, he decided to stick with the new company. He has already started, which is why we think it's the best decision. Thanks for all your advice!!

To PP: My DH works on the distribution side of oil, rather that the exploration side. Luckily, his side doesn't get as affected by the rise and fall of gas prices like some of the other parts of an oil company do. I grew up with a father that worked for Mobil on the exploration side (geophysicist),so it is kind of funny that I now have a hubby on the other side of things. Trust me, I have been laid off 2 times (comm. real estate), so I am fortunate that one of us has a stable career.