Going back to old job for technical lead position 5

[mash1983]

After working 4 years for mid-small engineering consulting firm as an instrument engineer, I switched to big automation Vendor Company to get more hands on automation experience (and it wasn't for money since this new job was for less money). Then after 7 months in the new job, my old company called and offered me an I&E technical lead position since this position became vacant. Now I am thinking to go back to the old company to get the experience of being a lead since this type of opportunity doesn't present itself that much often especially for engineers with 8 years of experience like me. On top of that i will get 60% salary increase.


What would you do if you are encountered with similar situation? Of course I have concerns about being considered as a job hopper, moving to a lead position early, etc...

I am trying to compare between the positives and negatives and get the opinions of those who are on this forum before making my decision.

Thanks!

 

[MikeHalloran]

Of course you can't change jobs real often, but should anyone ever ask about the short duration, you can tell them about the 60 pct bump in pay. Hell, I'd put it in my resume.

Get the offer in writing; then give notice the next day.




Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[IRstuff]

I think that so long as you don't bail again too quickly, it should be OK, i.e., if you spend 4 years in the lead position, there would only be one minor blip.

TTFN
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[ajack1]

If you only change jobs every time you get a 60% increase offer you will be just fine.

If in seven years time you find you have had twelve jobs, pat yourself on the back and congratulate yourself on being so highly regarded and sort after. It probably won’t hurt to look at your pay cheque every month that should bring a smile to your face.

 

[Comcokid]

I don't think there is any job-hopper issue involved here. Your resume will show that you returned to a previous employer. That implies: "the employer thought enough about him to get him back".

As always, just be sure to leave your current employer on as good terms as possible.

 

[MacGyverS2000]

One question I would have, though, is will you receive the experience you desire as a lead if the company is small... management titles are great and all, but if you manage a team of one, well...

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[mash1983]

@MacGyverS2000. The point you raised is one of the things I am thinking about. The company has about 500-600 employees (so it might be considered medium size company). I will be managing three engineers and 6 designers at this moment but the number can increase if we need to hire more. So the head count of the people I will be managing might not be much compared to very big companies but that is probably a good start since this will be my first lead position. Plus the company has a parent company which is treated as a separate entity with 5000 employees that might provide opportunities in the future. Good point MacGyverS2000.

 

[MacGyverS2000]

I would say a team greater than, let's say, 3 people is good experience... 9-10 sounds perfectly acceptable. Considering the experience and extra pay, I'd likely go for it.

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[rotw]

mash 1983,

I think you need to build your decision based on your own values and how your prioritize them. As you know we are all different in that respect. So ask yourself the central question why have you left the company and see if going back for the counter offer will have the original problem solved.

60% salary increase seems to me to contradict with your career goals and objectives. Because you value knowledge far more than money see below:

Quoted
"I switched to big automation Vendor Company to get more hands on automation experience (and it wasn't for money since this new job was for less )"
Unquoted

Why the lead technical position became vacant suddenly now...? I am just too paranoid I know

 

[mash1983]

rotaryw,

The technical lead position became vacant because the previous technical lead had health issues that forced him to leave.

The reason that is making me think of going back is gaining the technical lead experience which is an opportunity doesn't present itself that much often and not the 60% increase. The old company gave me a counteroffer with more money to stay as an engineer when I tried to leave the first time but I didn't accept their counter offer. So I won't go back for the 60% increase for an engineer position.

So I am trying to decide if I should stay in my current company to gain automation knowledge and hands on experience as much as possible and wait until another technical lead position hopefully becomes available or should I take the technical lead opportunity with the old company since it is not much often that a lead position becomes available.

I believe that an engineer should develop both his technical and leadership/people management skills. So I am considering taking the technical lead position to gain the leadership skills. But again I have to make the decision if I should continue on the path of gaining more hands on automation knowledge before jumping into technical lead position early (depends on the definition of early. I have 8 years of experience)or go right now to the technical lead position since in my opinion it is not very much often you get offered a technical lead position.

Thanks for the insight rotaryw.

 

[MikeHalloran]

... wait until another technical lead position hopefully becomes available ...

As in, "drawing to an inside straight"?

Neither is a smart move.


Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[racookpe1978]

Hint: Don't wait too long. Doors that open quickly can also shut at the same speed.