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Ask HN: Leaving a critical project for a better job (more money). Wise?

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Ask HN: Leaving a critical project for a better job (more money). Wise?

#1

Post by throwawayjob »

Background: I'm currently working on a critical project at a tech company. The work is good but the salary is less than satisfactory/comparable (I didn't really negotiate - my mistake + personal reasons). I've a job offer from another company that's willing to pay me 30-40K more than what I currently earn. My manager (who knows nothing about the offer) told me that I'll only get a 10K bump after my level-up (which happens in the next month or two) - typical company "policy"...And even if I negotiate, there's noway they will match a 30-40K bump (fact, not a rumor from grapevine).

So, is it wise (or rude? - bridges will be broken) to leave a critical project (that will go live in the next 3-4 months) for a way better salaried job given that the current company would never match a huge salary bump from the offering company? Is it wrong to be selfish and not think about the greater good of the team/project/company?

Also, the offering company prefers that I join within a month or two and they can't wait for more than 3 months because otherwise I'd have seen my product go live and then switch jobs.

Would love to get/hear some advice/opinions. TIA.

Re: Ask HN: Leaving a critical project for a better job (more money). Wise?

#3

Post by Sander_Marechal »

I'd switch. You're not indispensable. If you were, your current company would match the offer. If you want to be considerate to your current employer then just give him plenty of notice (i.e. don't wait until the last possible moment to hand over your resignation letter but do it as early as possible). That way they have more time to find a replacement and you have more time to transfer your knowledge to the other people.

Re: Ask HN: Leaving a critical project for a better job (more money). Wise?

#4

Post by throwawayjob »

velus wrote: post #2

Almost always go for the higher offer. As odd as it sounds, company value the higher paid person more, it's almost a rationalization on the part of the company. One more thing: never accept counter offers from your current employer.

Well put in the most succinct possible way. Thanks!

Re: Ask HN: Leaving a critical project for a better job (more money). Wise?

#5

Post by throwawayjob »

Sander_Marechal wrote: post #3

I'd switch. You're not indispensable. If you were, your current company would match the offer. If you want to be considerate to your current employer then just give him plenty of notice (i.e. don't wait until the last possible moment to hand over your resignation letter but do it as early as possible). That way they have more time to find a replacement and you have more time to transfer your knowledge to the other pe…

Touche. I'd give them a month notice and see how that pans out. Good thinking herein. Thanks!

Re: Ask HN: Leaving a critical project for a better job (more money). Wise?

#7

Post by ayers »

velus wrote: post #2

Almost always go for the higher offer. As odd as it sounds, company value the higher paid person more, it's almost a rationalization on the part of the company. One more thing: never accept counter offers from your current employer.

Do you have past experiences or reasons to share for your view on never accepting a counter offer?

Re: Ask HN: Leaving a critical project for a better job (more money). Wise?

#8

Post by yitchelle »

velus wrote: post #2

Almost always go for the higher offer. As odd as it sounds, company value the higher paid person more, it's almost a rationalization on the part of the company. One more thing: never accept counter offers from your current employer.

Good advice on the "counter offer". The trust is broken, and the working environment can never be the same again. It is like living with your ex after you have broken up.

Re: Ask HN: Leaving a critical project for a better job (more money). Wise?

#9

Post by [deleted] »

Sander_Marechal wrote: post #3

I'd switch. You're not indispensable. If you were, your current company would match the offer. If you want to be considerate to your current employer then just give him plenty of notice (i.e. don't wait until the last possible moment to hand over your resignation letter but do it as early as possible). That way they have more time to find a replacement and you have more time to transfer your knowledge to the other pe…

[deleted]

Re: Ask HN: Leaving a critical project for a better job (more money). Wise?

#10

Post by mcotton »

throwawayjob wrote: post #5
Sander_Marechal wrote: post #3

I'd switch. You're not indispensable. If you were, your current company would match the offer. If you want to be considerate to your current employer then just give him plenty of notice (i.e. don't wait until the last possible moment to hand over your resignation letter but do it as early as possible). That way they have more time to find a replacement and you have more time to transfer your knowledge to the other pe…

Touche. I'd give them a month notice and see how that pans out. Good thinking herein. Thanks!

I was in a similar situation and gave a month notice. It was awkward to stay that long. I would give them two weeks of your normal work along with one week of training for your replacement.
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