Dear Muse: Real Advice for Real People (Sorta)
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Muse, the inspiration that motivates a poet, artist, or thinker.
Dear
Muse,
So many of my friends have lost their jobs in layoffs. How do I know if
my job is secure?
Nervous
Nelly
Dear Nell,
In this economy, it's natural to wonder if you might lose your job in
a downsizing. To answer your question, a job coach might tell you to look
for signs of instability in your company. Is there a high turnover rate
at the executive level? Is the company reporting earnings on time? How
much profit do the reports show, if any?
That's what a pro might tell you. The Muse says, go by your gut.
Let's say you hear a rumor about layoffs. Do you think, "Wow, we
haven't done layoffs in the three years I've worked here," or do
you think, "Layoffs? Hmm. It must be Tuesday." If the latter
is your response, get your résumé in circulation.
*****
Dear Muse,
I have been offered my dream job in another company. The only problem
is that the pay is $15,000 per year less than what I make now. In this
job, I'll learn new skills, get great healthcare benefits, and even receive
tuition reimbursement. It's just the pay that bothers me. I'm not happy
in my current job, so I'm tempted just to overlook the compensation issue
and jump. What should I do?
Teetering
Dear Teetering,
You didn't say whether your dream job is the same type of job you have
now or a position in a different line of work. This distinction could
resolve your dilemma.
If you're switching from one tech-writing job to another, I would question
the pay cut. Granted, the job market is tight and employers are hiring
recruits at lower salaries than they were two years ago. But that doesn't
mean a huge pay cut is necessary. Compare the numbers to industry standards.
(The STC Web site usually
has survey results you can peruse.)
Is your current
salary well above industry standards? If so, the pay cut might be necessary
to get to a better opportunity. If the salary you are offered at the new
company is significantly lower than industry standards, I'd think twice
about moving, because a company that pays below industry standards probably
does not value its employees.
On the other hand, if the new job is a career change for you, then it
might be worth it. An entry level position in a new field will not equal
the salary of an mid-level position in a different field, so it's fair
to expect a pay cut in the switch. No doubt you'll work hard and soon
be earning close to what you're making now in a field you love.
No matter what decision you make, follow your heart; your salary
will benefit (eventually).
