Job Saga

[gidget1978]

Ive been going over and over this in my mind the past few days and have lost lots of sleep b/c of it and wondering what others opinions are. I know my check in buddies have heard about this over and over again so I don't mean to beat a dead horse! Im just confused....but I think I know what I am going to do.

I was approached by my neighbour last week with a job offer, its the same kind of thing I do now, just a different place. He is offering me 1.50 more an hour. But the thing is, they have such a big turn over in staff and I wonder why? Some of the girls that have worked there have actually applied with us,why is that? Here is the low down on both jobs:

Job offer:
* Work Shift work but it is 8:30-5 and go on call after hours
* Medical
* Dental
* Raises
* Bonuses
* Room to negotiate higher wages
* Willing to pay my babysitting expenses

BUT
* have a high turn over (why is that?)
* only 2 girls which makes it hard to get vacation time
* can't have a drink (not that I am a big drinker) when on call
* not sure if I want to be attached to a phone
* major boredom factor!
* See DS less b/c I work 5 day shifts a week

My current boss is the kind of guy who doesn't like to be backed into a corner or feel like he doesn't have the upper hand. I was only to surprised when he called me back and said " I don't want you to leave, I want you to stay, tell me what you want and we can talk about it" This was a BIG thing for him...he doesn't do stuff like that. But he knows that I am the only full time girl where I work and without me he is gonna be in T-rouble!

Current job
* 12 hour shifts, 7 day shifts, 7 night shifts
* Medical
* RRSP contributions
* Ask for money whenever you want and get it
* Bounses
* Raises ( not so much)
* I get along with everyone
* Know what I can get away with and what i can't
* Is ready to negotiate pay to get me to stay

DH wants me to take the job offer b/c it will make his life easier b/c I can pick DS up from the sitters and its more money.
I "think" i want to stay where I am (atleast thats what my gut is telling me" ask my boss for the 1.50 raise and see what happens. If he says "No" then maybe I will move on. I don't think he will though b/c he knows he needs me.The other thing is, if he gives me a raise the rest of the girls will get one as well. I already asked him about a $1 raise and he said "yes" perhaps I will push it a little further on Mon and tell him for 1.50 I will stay even though the other guy is willing to offer me more once he finds out.
I just want to get a good nights sleep! Wahhhhhh!

Lori

 

[chefkate]

ooh, that's tough! I have no advice on this major thing for you.
Just wanted to offer support.

I hope it all works out!

 

[irishrose]

Lori,

I think you should ask your current boss to meet the compensation the other guy is offering and stay where you are for two reasons. One, being on call sucks. No other way to put it. My ex-husband has an on-call shift every six weeks, and he's tied to the phone and must respond no matter what he's doing. Basically, normal life stops for that week because he doesn't go far or do much of anything for that week. And that's only once every six weeks! When we were married, it affected the whole family. Reason number two, there is no better indicator of a crappy work environment than a high turnover rate. That's a huge red flag. And I read the fact that a lot of those people who've left him have applied with your company as they like what they do, they just hated where they do it. If you have security where you are, which it sounds as if you do, stay. It doesn't sound like the benefits are that much better than what you've got.

Jen

 

[berry99]

Lori, I'd be inclined to stay at your current job. Talk to your boss (like you said you would) and see if he will make your raise $1.50/hr. If he does, there's no way I would leave. I mean you know what it's like there and that you like him and the co-workers. That is such a big deal when it comes to your job. Also, the high turnover rate would be a red flag for me too. Plus you would get to see your adorable DS less at the new job :-(

 

[eaglobo]

The on-call situation screams red flag to me. To me, it is worth less per hour to know that when when my day is done, it's done.

 

[angie_nrs]

IA, being on call is the pits. I'd actually rather be working than be on call. You just feel like you can't DO anything or GO anywhere. It pretty much takes the "free" time out of your free time.

Is there any way you can find out why the turnover rate is so high? I would be cautious here as well. IA, a high turnover rate is a definite red flag.

If your current boss will increase your pay, then I think I would be inclined to stay where you are. If you like your job and your workplace, that is really the most important thing. Trust your gut!

 

[nancy324]

I agree with Jen. Ask your current boss to match the offer. It sounds like he will. Then stay where you are, for sure. Your DH won't be happy for long if you're miserable.

 

[gidget1978]

Thanks everyone! Just what I wanted to hear My gut is telling me to stay where I am and I think I have my boss in the situation where he may give me the raise and if he doesn't, he already said he would give me $1 raise He was at work on Thurs night, I think he came to talk to me but there was another coworker there so he didn't bring it up. When I looked he was on his hands and knees LOL Being silly of course, but making his point.
My friend did do a bit of research for me last night and said that the guy who is offering me this job with all the perks isn't good to work for...makes sense now. Thats probably where the high turner over is comming from. Im glad it had to be researched though and isn't public knowledge b/c if my boss knew he may be less likely to give me/us a raise.
Anyway..thanks for chiming in. I will let you know how our chat goes on Mon morning. I am kind of hoping the weekend zooms by cause I want to get this over with!

Lori

 

[trixie42]

Lori - good luck with everything on Monday! I think you made a good decision. I have left jobs because I got tired of being on call. There's nothing worse than being up all night only to have to put a full day in at work. The on call pay never makes up for the hours you work "on call".

Colleen

 

[janie1234]

Also wanted to add that sometimes being on call can equate to a heck of a lot more hours than you want a week. Not that by the looks of it you don't work a lot already. 7 days -12 hour days?!!!! That is tuff stuff- makes me feel like a total baby for whining about a 24 hour a week shift- good luck and usually your gutt reaction is the right way to go- just make sure you make your decision and don't look back and say shoulda coulda woulda, I know I tend to do that and it isn't worth the stress- Good luck to you.