Contemplating a career change 2

[joekm]

I currently work for a small engineering consulting firm that specializes in large commercial aircraft. It's a great working environment and I enjoy a tremendous amount of autonomy working for them. However, small companies are limited in the type of benefits they can offer. I now have a young family and this is becoming more and more of an issue for me. Furthermore, I am also looking for opportunities for further personal development.

As a result, I am seriously considering moving to a larger company. I anticipate this will be a bit of a cultural change but I am hoping that the plusses out weigh the minuses.

On the other hand, the company I presently work for is a good company that gave me a chance to prove myself some years ago. I am their structural engineering department. Should I make the final decision to move on, I would like to find someone capable of replacing me - preferably a DER. However, I'm not sure how to get the word out without tipping my hand or having to purchase an ad on Monster.com or something like that.

2 questions:

1) Anyone out there made the transition from small consulting firm to big company care to relate experiences?

2) Any suggestions on how to look for a suitable replacement without tipping my hand where I work?

Thanks,

--
Joseph K. Mooney
FAA DER Structures

 

[PLB]

joekm,

I have worked in both environments. I may not be able to give you the best answer simply because I am a designer and NOT an engineer. However, I have found that the larger firms will tend to treat you like a number. The smaller firms know your name. I have also run into the "Need to Know" theory where a huge amount of empire building goes on and the people who really do "Need to Know" are generally the last ones to find out. Shmoosing and Butt-kissing are much more rampant in the larger firms.
I also used to think that the larger firms would be able to weather more of the slow periods in the economy, but, I think that now-a-days all firms will cut the workforce at will.
A good note about larger firms can be (depends on the situation) that you may be able to get some great networking in that could help you even further down the road.
I hope that I haven't been too negative. My experience has shown me that all companies, large and small are trying to make ends meet as much as possible and noone in the company is completely safe.

Hope this helps,
Paul

 

[controlnovice]

PLB describes it well. Don't forget all of the "Programmes du Jour" that the larger companies have (very painful). Don't do it for the money or financial/material benefits. Do it because you want to improve yourself if you feel the possibility at the new place.

I started with a large company, and moved to a small company due to the things PLB listed and others. The small company was far better. I work for a large company again - but only due to location. If I could have stayed, I would have. Just to show you that there are reasons for leaving.

Your second question sounds like you are considering looking for your own replacement. When I read that, it sounds like you really don't want to go. I know you don't want to burn any bridges when you leave, but looking for your own replacement is a bit much. Maybe give them 3-4 weeks notice rather than the standard 2. Sounds like you really care for the company (which is great!), but maybe you really don't want to go.

 

[PSE]

joekm,

If you like where you are, talk with your superiors about possibly adding some supplemental benefits. If the company cannot add something outright, you might be able to find individual supplements that the company could help pay for.

You seem to like your position and the autonomy provided by this small firm. Remember then that you are in one of the strongest positions to help it grow and are therefore considered an important asset. Recognition for your efforts can disappear quickly in a large corporation.

From a personal development side, if you are looking for formal classroom studies or an advanced degree, the larger corporation is attractive because they likely have a tuition reimbursement program. The small firm will give you considerable "field" experience as you are so close to the day to day operation of the company that you cant help but pick up a broader perspective on how business operates.

Regards,

 

[epoisses]

fully agree with PSE

 

[joekm]

Well, the plot thickens.....

I'm looking at possibly having to fly to Malaysia in mid November to look at a couple of airframes to support a customer with a track record of turning 3-day trips into sitting around, far from home, for 2 weeks with nothing to do.

If I were still single, or even if I didn't have kids, this might even be fun. After all, don't often get the chance to go to Malaysia. As it stands right now, it's me being separated from my family over the holidays for an unknown period of time with very little notice.

Since this is a small, family-owned business, I've re-read that thread and I think a lot of the comments would apply in this case. Maybe I'm thinking about this wrong. I've been thinking in terms of whether they are still a fit for me and it just may be that I'm really not a fit for them anymore either.

This project was known about for some time so I'm a bit frustrated that they waited so long to tell me I was expected to travel on site. Undoubtably, that is effecting my judgement right now. Even so, it's just starting to seem more and more like we are growing apart.

--
Joseph K. Mooney
FAA DER Structures

 

[PLB]

joekm,

I have a suggestion... Consider how the market looks for possible job openings in the "Larger companies" that you have mentioned. Then, sit down with a paper and pencil and write out a good old-fahioned PROS and CONS list that objectively covers all aspects of your current employer and the possible new employers. This may very well require some serious homework to find out how the market is AND what each of the new jobs will offer. Nobody will be able to give you a better evaluation of likes and dislikes for each job opportunity than you. Then, if you are ready to switch jobs, have faith.

It is good to see that you are still objective while the situation has changed at the current office.

Hope this helps,
Paul