Howzit, could do with your advice please.......?

Question

I would like to know what the rest of you think about the following situation as I'm struggling to make up my mind.

I'm currently working at one of the top financial companies in SA for R12 600 a month although I'm not in the exact field that I studied for. (I have an actuarial science degree).

A member of staff that I know has said that he could get me an interview at another company (also a good company although not as good as the one I'm at now) and with his recommendation, will be likely to get a job there in the actuarial division. He says that my current market value, given my degree and other qualifications is around R15 500 per month.

I only started at my current company in May. My boss had to pull some strings to get me a permanent employee post given that I'm a white male and therefore did not fall under BEE, so I feel that I need to repay him for what he did for me - Since leaving after 6 months would be a slap in the face.

I'm currently using up my whole salary a month since I'm paying rent, Water&Elec and I am supporting my parents so more money would be welcome.

Also, I'm busy with my Honours as well which gives me a lot of extra work to do. Going to the other company (and the actuarial position) would give me even more wrok to do and I'm worried that I will not be able to cope with everything.

I'm happy in my current job and enjoy work and cannot make up my mind whether to leave or not.
I'm still young (22years old) so I do have time on my hands so plan better for the future.

Your opinion would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Hey unreal hero!!!

I think you should stick to your current job - loyalty is always important!!!

Seeing that your still studying - I think the new job will be allot of responsibilities & where will you get time for you?

Money is not always everything - ja of course we could all do with a few extra rands but your happines in your workplace should come first!!

Good luck
CHEERIO
MERCAYDEES

Answer 2

The grass is not always greener on the other side! Does that sound familiar?

Keep what u have for a while, changing jobs to often does not reflect well on a CV. If u pull your weight and u approach your boss in another six months he might give u a fair increase.

Remember u know what u have but u do not know what u will get. Happiness at work is worth more than money, u spend 90% of your time at work and even if u get allot of money if u are not happy it can be hell.

Answer 3

Looks like we are in the same boat. I have also been offered bigger & better {more pay} jobs by bigger companies. But the company I'm working for now, was the only one that was willing to employ me after spending 5 years at sea as a commercial fisherman. I have had some realy good offers, but somehow i cant get it over my heart to leave them, they helped me when i had nothing and to me that is more than a bigger pay packet.

No matter what anyone says, you have to decide for yourself. Just remember the grass is not always greener on the other side, although it looks like it.

Answer 4

I am 23 (young black female with engineering credentials - full BBBEE candidate) and believe you me I am kinda in your situation (alot). Current job not directly linked to studies and more impostantly future career prospects...I will be celebrating 1st yr with current company on 21st Nov and from then till now I have been given five good to excellent job offers but I didn't take them. Why? 'cause I kinda feel like I also owe some loyalty to the company as a whole (sent me to school overseas) and my senior manager. I have thee worst manager who is too old school and has a problem with a female in an engineering environment and racism but I still put up with him...why? 'cause I know it's more important to prove loyalty to members of my network (my senior manager in this case) and some other executives in the company and also to stay focus on my ultimate goal.

My current company whilst not having put me in a division of my choice, it has the ability to take me to that division any time...and they also have the power to educate me anywhere at any time. In a period of a year, my work environment has not been as pleasant as I would have love it to be but I have had more travel and exposure than most people on the same level as me. So I see my current manager as more of a short term problem and hence I have decided to stay with the company even though companies have come even offering twice what I am getting now.

So my advise,
1. stay if you feel the network you have created within your current company will benefit you in future. Chances are the other job might not necessarily pay much..maybe benefits are incomparible with your current company as the case was for me with some of the offers.
2. Approach your boss with the offer and show him your frustration. He might be able to match it within your current job or he might be able to offer (or promise) you acturial science experience within the company. This will prove to him that you want to be with the company but circumstances beyond your control are pushing you to in a different direction. Bosses this days are educated on the human element of human capital..he will appreciate your honesty and translate it as loyalty which will enable you to still have a network (in him) you can still trust even though you might decide you leave.

All the best.

Answer 5

Hi,

Money is not always everything, trust me. And in today's life, it is crucial to build a good CV, (a good working history). Remember good things comes to those who wait, and the grass isn't almost greener on the other side.

Maybe if you wait a few months, the company you're at will give you more money or even a promotion.

Good luck with it.

Answer 6

I do not understand exactly what degree you have. If you are a QUALIFIED ACTUARY, then you are grossly undepaid.

If you have a B Comm/B A with majors in actuarial science, then your salary seems fair. You will hav eto list actual qualifications and experience in order to get an opinion on the fairness of your salary.

Answer 7

stay were you are, if you are studying you might as well finisg your masters first before moving on to a new job, thay you will be worth so much more, also you never know when you finish your course speak to your boss he might give you a raise, that way you can stay in the job you are in and have more money.

you could always have a interview at the other job first, to see if you are interested, and if they are interested in you, no point in leaving one job till you are sure you have the other one.

Answer 8

I'd stick with the current job a little longer, besides the higher salary you don't mention any other pro's for leaving.

Answer 9

Keep your job! I'm always disappointed when I go for something new. Like trying out a new restaurant. But then I know never to go the one I disliked again. Your job is something different. You can't decide to go back to your old job just because you feel like it!

Answer 10

how about speaking to your current employer and explaining your situation to him, I think the least you can do is that. If the boss pulled strings for you, it would be uncalled for to leave him in the lurch.

Try it...