Having hard time leaving first job out of college? 5

[kywill]

I currently work for a small firm owned by a father(70) and son(40) both are PEs and PLSs. We do site work/water/wastewater engineering and just employ me, a survey chief, and a secretary. I just passed my PE and applied for another job with a mid size firm, which I have been offered. I would make more money and get more benefits, I currently have 5 days vacation a year, no retirement, and no sick days. Here's the catch someday I would like to own my own firm or crazy as it sounds get into commercial development. The new job would be water/wastewater only, whereas now I do a mix of all civil. I have thought I may someday be a partner, but the father won't retire. Anyone ever been in a similar situation? Thanks

 

[apsix]

Be thankful, they are making it easy for you to leave (as I see it).

 

[brandonbw]

What ended up happening?

My first job I became very close to my boss, who's father still run's the business with another PE. I tried leaving once and he beat the other offer. I ended up leaving about a year later and he sat me down and said he thought I would end up becoming his partner later on if I just stuck it through.

I went to another company and then 1 more and was let go from that last one because of the economy. I then decided to start my own Civil Company. My original boss ended up not doing any more Engineering work and only survey stuff. So guess who got all the referrals. I had to dissolve recently as my other 2 partners had life issues to attend to.

But I am back rebuilding this new company, B+W, and my old boss once again is very happy that I am back so he can refer us work.

So even if you leave, remember to stay in touch, you never know what will happen. I still miss those early days after college when I knew I wanted my own company by the time I was 35 and telling everyone about it. And now some PM's I have worked with want me to hire them. And like you my main goal is to develop my own stuff.

B+W Engineering and Design
Los Angeles Civil and Structural Engineering

http://bwengr.com

 

[kywill]

I ended up going with the new firm, my boss(the son) has four teenage boys that I feel will someday enter into the picture. I didn't discuss any options with them, I simply felt it was time to try something else. They let me work out my two weeks, which was rare (normally when employees gave two weeks in the past they were walked out immediately). On a side note, I am starting a real estate venture with a partner and I am actually more excited about this then the new job. Thanks again!