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Dear Gen@Work,
I started a new job three months ago. A competitor offered me 10 percent more money to do the same kind of job. Should I take it?—Newbie in Seattle

Generation X Perspective: Magan Crane

Dear Newbie,
Um, yes.

Of course, it isn’t really that simple or you wouldn’t have asked the question, right? So let’s ponder why you would hesitate. You said the work would be the same now, but are your future prospects as good at the competitor? Do you like the company culture? Are the benefits as good? You have to weigh all of the pros and cons—not just salary—and decide which job you want, just like you would if you hadn’t started the new job. You only have a problem if you’ve been jumping from job to job for a while. It could start to mar your resume if you seem unable to commit to a job for more than a few months, repeatedly. If that’s the case, you might want to stick it out a few years, even for less money.

But, if you are hesitating out of a sense of loyalty to your new job, then I think you are making a mistake. Do you think they would have the same loyalty to you? You need to look out for number one because you can be sure you are the only who is. I was taught that everyone in every industry should keep an updated resume on hand. You never know when a good opportunity is going to come along. Grab the brass ring when you get the chance.

Boomer Perspective: Marilynn Mobley

Dear Newbie,
Leaving so quickly for a few more bucks could hurt you in the long run. Unless you feel you’ve made a bad decision and your current job is not a good fit, stay put.

Leaving just for a raise in pay sends a message to both your current and new employers that you value money above all else and can be easily bought off. Frankly, I wouldn’t trust an employee who could be swayed that easily to leave a current job for essentially the same job. I would wonder if you have any appreciation for the investment that has been made in you by your current employer. Moreover, I may consider you impulsive. Ironically, the very employer who snagged you away may suddenly wonder if it was a good move.

Each time you change from one company to another, it should be clear why. Will you get more responsibility? Be able to learn something new? Work with different kinds of clients? Use your experience in a new way? Achieve a dream to travel or move to a new city?

Sometimes, it’s appropriate to change jobs for very pragmatic reasons, such as getting critical health coverage you’re currently lacking, or because your commute will be significantly less and you need the extra time for family reasons. A 10 percent increase is rarely going to make such a significant difference in your lifestyle that it’s worth risking your reputation.

When employers consider your work history, they’re also looking for patterns, especially those that indicate professional growth. Don’t hurt yourself down the road for a short-term, small financial gain.

You can sell your integrity, but you won’t be able to buy it back.

Millennial Perspective: Traci Tsai

Hi Newbie,
There are a number of factors I would consider in this decision. The pros and cons need to be carefully compared; while my instinct leans towards not taking it, there are specific details that may make the difference between one choice and the other.

First, are you happy at your current job and with your current manager? If you are currently happy, then there are a number of reasons to stay (see the next two questions). If you were actively looking to leave, then make sure you ask the right questions to determine if this new position would alleviate any of your current problems.

Second, is there any additional responsibility you would gain at the new job or any incremental career benefit? If not, a lateral move to a competitor is harder to justify. Thinking longer term, future potential employers will inevitably inquire about the three-month position on your resume. Will you have a good explanation? Also remember that leaving after only three months may render your current manager a less favorable reference for future jobs and opportunities. Unless you are gaining something that out-values these potential negatives, think about whether this move could become a detriment to your professional development.

Final question, is this industry one that you plan on building your career in long-term? Not only would you be leaving after an extremely short period of time, you are also going to a competitor, which may burn bridges. Even if you adhere to the strictest standard of confidentiality, your current company will naturally assume that you are taking trade secrets straight to the enemy. If you plan and want to stay in the same industry, remember that industries are small worlds, and paths often cross multiple times in a career.

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