Job interviews when you're happy with your current job...

[dss62467]

Has anyone ever been approached by another company about an opening when you're happy in your current position, and you accept the invitation for an interview?

The other day I got a call from an HR person at one of our larger banks in the area for a position in the benefits area. I had sent them an interview about 3 years ago, after my last job had been eliminated during a restructure. They never contacted me then.

I am currently working for a non-profit agency where I'm treated extremely well. I make as much as I did at my old job, but I only work 4 days a week (35 hours), and get TONS of time off (40 days annually, which will go up to 45 days when I hit my anniversary in September). The people are great and I'm respected. But, I get a little bored.

After being so loyal to my last company and been eliminated, I have developed a "must keep my eyes open" attitude. I'm pretty much certain that I won't get the same sweet deal that I have where I am anywhere else, yet I'm kind of hoping I'll get an offer for more money and I can use that as a bargaining chip where I am now. I have to say...an offer somewhere else would have to be a HECK of an offer for me to leave where I am now.

Do you think I'm wasting my time and the other employer's time by interviewing?

 

[nancy324]

No, not at all Donna. They know you're not looking because you didn't send a resume recently. If they want to talk to you, let them talk to you. Hear what they have to say. Maybe if they wanted to, say, double your salary, you would be willing to have a little less time off. You won't know unless you explore it a little. Good for you! It never hurts to meet new people and make new contacts.

 

[NurseLRT]

Donna, Good for you.

In my opinion nothing beats time off. Who wants to work day and night if you don't have to? You have a child if I am correct. This new job may want more of your time. Sometimes money isn't as important as having freedom. Good luck.

Lori

 

[Maximus]

I think you should never turn down an opportunity. Even if it turns out your not interested in their current position, it's still networking.

I've been through something similar w/a local university--I applied 2 years ago & they've offered me 2 positions so far. I turned them both down even though the money was slightly more b/c I do love my current job & am not willing to leave unless someone really makes it worth my while. But they called me again this week for a 3rd position. You just never know what might happen.

 

[dss62467]

Lori - you're absolutely right on the time thing. It's because of my dd that I am loathe to give up the time. When she starts kindergarten in the fall, I want to be able to have a schedule that allows me to be home shortly after she gets out. I would be hard-pressed to find something at a bank, I think. Still, at my old job, they let me work 2 days from home and I didn't think I'd find anything to compete with that.

 

[FitnessGoddess]

Donna,

You've gotten some great advice here.

From an HR perspective, it doesn't hurt to interview but having an offer for more money may NOT get you more money in your current position. You superiors may look at the fact that you are looking as disloyalty & tell you to take the position.

Some things to consider when you do interview & IF you are offered the position...

You currently have 40 days off in your current position. That counts as $$$. If you loose some of those days off, you are loosing money.

You are currently making the same money in a 35 hour position that you would in a 40 hour position. Calculate that out in a dollar per hour to see how much you would have to make to equal or better your salary. For example if you make $35000 for a 35 hour work week--

(35000/52weeks)/35 hours per week=$19.23 an hour

If they offer you $40000 for a 40 hour work week--

(40000/52 weeks)/40 per week=$19.23 an hour

Do you see where I'm going? You would need more than a $5000 a year increase to actually be making more per hour worked.

Then if you end up working over-time as a salaried employee (I assume this would be a salaried position) you will be making less money.

Also, does that 40 days off count holidays? Sick time? Is it a "paid time off" situation where you use the time for sick time & vacation? Does it roll over if you don't use it all? If it doesn't include holidays & assuming you get 10 (I think there are 10) Federal holidays & the day after Thanksgiving you can say that you actually get 50 days off throughout the year.

If you are going into a vacation & sick time situation, how much time would that give you? If the new position gives you all of the Federal holidays, again I assume 10 but not the day after Thanksgiving because I think banks are open, 2 weeks vacation & 2 weeks sick time, that gives you only 38 days off throughout the year.

You have to way these things out. Good luck whatever you decide.

Deborah

edited to correct some of my math...

 

[dss62467]

I think I already know what I'm going to do. I've already taken that all into consideration (I'm Human Resources, too, and gather all the information for our Total Compensation Statements. With my benefits and everything, I make about $10k more a year than is reflected in my paycheck).

I'm just going to go for the interview for the experience. I like your advice about not telling my current employer unless I'm seriously considering the other job. Chances are, the bank won't offer me a position anyway since I've been focussed very heavy in the HRIS area for the past 5 years and haven't seriously dealt with the Benefits area for 6.

Thanks!