Been offered a new job and would appreciate advice.

[searching solace]

Been in a job (ad industry) for the past year or so in the country capital. Good company, big clients - it's a decent job but the pay is crappy.

However, despite trying, I just cannot fit in with my team, who are all female - fairly power and control hungry but good at their jobs. Kinda sick of all the gossiping and female conversation/tonnes of laughing at **** that's not funny - I can't join in with it and have no desire to either. My manager has made it pretty difficult for me from day 1; she didn't help me at all in welcoming me and helping me fit in (quite the opposite), feel like I'm often stepping on egg shells round her and we just don't really get on that well. I've often been pretty unhappy/uncomfortable there.

TLDR at bottom.

I've become fairly reserved in the office and don't feel as passionate about the work as I'm sometimes more focused on how I'm being scrutinised and perceived by this team. No mention of a pay rise, promotion or a bonus after over a year but not asked either.

I have recently been offered a new position in a smaller company in the same industry and city. The guy who offered me it actually used to work at my current company and sympathises with my situation - he used to be in the same team for a while and was edged out. He's new to the company too, hired as the MD who calls the shots. He has offered me much better pay (about a 30% increase) and a better job title. Says it'll be more relaxed, clients aren't as big and work might be a bit dull to begin with, but he wants to pitch for more business. Says I can be more autonomous and be my own man in the role. He's a decent chap. I'm just aware that it's a risk as it could all go south after a few months, especially if he doesn't pull in much new business. I'd be leaving a steady job, even if it doesn't make me the happiest.

Also worth mentioning, I've had a tough couple of years and was recently pretty depressed from a horrible breakup (not sure if current job contributed a bit but I suspect it may have) so the move could give me a new lease of life.

I'm keen to hear any advice. Would you take the offer?

TLDR: Difficult year in current job, no pay rise, team is all women who I don't fit in with. Been offered a new job in a much smaller company with smaller clients but better salary and more relaxed. Might be a risky move as we'd be pitching for new business and my current role is pretty steady in a big established agency.

 

[Tictac]

Sometimes, you need to roll the dice.

 

[mrgoodstuff]

So if you are all on a football team, each one can be an Alpha male, but fit in to their role and support their team in the way that they can.

 

[speed dawg]

Are you single? Any dependents?

If no to both, I say take the job. If the company goes under, so what? Get another job. I would only stick with the steady income if I had a lot of dependents and debt or something.

Sounds like you could get run off at any time in the current company. I say go for it, and bust your arse to help make them successful. Seems you may be getting in on the beginning part of it, and you might progress quickly.

 

[searching solace]

My opinion:

Stop "fitting in" at the workplace.

"Team player" means absolutely nothing to me. Your coworkers don't pay you.

Work hard...bring focus and intensity, and you'll be just fine--wherever you end up.

But in my mind, as long as you keep trying to "fit in" and be a team player, the more likely you'll get paid crappy.

I get what you're saying and I completely agree with you. But I've tried everything, there is just a lack of fit, and it's become exhausting. I've never encountered this problem in my life. I'm just not a cliquey person and I have no desire to be either.

Are you single? Any dependents?

If no to both, I say take the job. If the company goes under, so what? Get another job. I would only stick with the steady income if I had a lot of dependents and debt or something.

Sounds like you could get run off at any time in the current company. I say go for it, and bust your arse to help make them successful. Seems you may be getting in on the beginning part of it, and you might progress quickly.

I hadn't considered it like this before. I'm single with no dependents so I guess, in that sense, this would be an ideal time to take a risk. However, I am at an age (26) where I really need to be making progress in my 'career' (hate that word) and working towards success and not making bad choices. I am edging more towards taking this new job and working hard to make it the right choice.

 

[searching solace]

Handed in my notice of resignation yesterday.

 

[BeExcellent]

Good decision.

You can position yourself in the new role to help bring in new business, be heard and valued, and be seen as gutsy, determined & unafraid.

Security is ALWAYS an illusion. The younger you are when you learn this the greater the opportunities you are able to see and to seize.

Hope you are getting excited. Congratulations on making the correct move!