In seek of career advice

[LONDONDERRY]

Greetings:
Recently a former co-woker "Ken" from 15 years ago, I still keep in contact with, called me last week about a ME position as a company he's at, small group division which is part of a larger company. Never turning away from an oppertunity, I send him my resume. Yesterday he called me and said they like what they red on my resume and want me to come in for a casual interview/ discussion if I have time this week. I've scheduled this "interview" tomorrow after lunch, people always feel better after eating.

So here' s my dilemma.
three years ago a company I was at closed doors, 2 days after x-mass... yaya I know, sleezy, but 2 months later I found another ME job. I was there for 16 month and quit because it was a bait and switch, engnieering done in Germany, my role was support (shipping box, packing instruments, grunt work)
Currently, I'm at a better company for the last 14 month. There is over 2000 thousnad people here, I'm the only Mechanical engineer its basically a s/w company.
I have my ups and downs about my job and comapny. On the plus side, the benifits are unbelievable and everyone has the oppertunity to qualify for an incentive bonus. I love my manager, he goes to bat for his staffing if anyone gives us a hard time, he's firm but fair. Basically the company in my opinin treats its employess very good.

Not that is complete paradise,the down side, is there's almost no intersting mechanical engineer at all. Again its a s/w company, so limited ME work and no manufacturing ,r&d labs or product development at all. So my exposure to learning new technology is very limited. The company is also very top heavy in managment. In addition, alot of people are staying here because the pay and benifits are so good, but admitted they are letting there engineering skills go, we have an EE that's not doing any design.
So my concern are:
1. If I jump ship I lose out on a very large bonus check of ~7K coming in December and 100% vested in my 401K, which will be in 8-9 months from now, so i would lose another 3.5K
2. Job hopping is another concern, 14 months on one job and then another. I'm in my late 40's and I don't want to become unmarketable in he future.
3. IF I stay here I lose my engineering skills, I was seriouly considering moving on after 2 years becasue of lack of ME work
4. My wife's concerns, she thiks I'm crazy to be ever looking at a new company as she keep reminding me, you like your job, love your boss and company..


any advice and insight.. so confusing!!

 

[urgross]

Your choice, but I'd agree with your wife. Not all professional growth or challenge needs to be directly from your job, at least if you enjoy and can afford it.

 

[IRstuff]

So, if there's not that much ME work, what exactly are you doing for the 8 hrs a day you're there? Are you busy?

TTFN
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Of course I can. I can do anything. I can do absolutely anything. I'm an expert!

 

[LONDONDERRY]

There is engineering work but its sort of the short-order-cook designs of simple task. IMHO, the position and work load would be a great fit for an ME with 1-3 years experience, but nothing more than that.

 

[ewh]

I'd try to stay long enough to get the bonus you mentioned before I gave serious thought to jumping ship. Going on the interview might be enlightening; if they really want you, they would probably be willing to wait until after the first of the year to bring you on. It will also give you the opportunity to find out if you might be happier working for them. Keep in mind the positive aspects of where you are currently and be honest with them... if they like you, perhaps they would be willing to throw in a "signing" bonus to make up for the bonus you would lose.

“Know the rules well, so you can break them effectively.”
-Dalai Lama XIV

 

[Compositepro]

No one can help you much with such a personal decision. However, I think you have an unrealistic vision of what "high tech" engineering is. Any job is greater than 90% mundane routine. Engineers who work for Lockheed may spend years designing, developing, and perfecting a small part of an aircraft. Yet they feel pride when they see the aircraft even if they cannot see their part. It's a matter of outlook. You can feel pride in making a company more successful. Or you might not. Having a good boss and work environment is pretty valuable. Also consider that your attitude towards your work also affects the quality of the work environment of those around you. If you do stay, do not do it just for the money. You will start to feel trapped and resentful.
There are many ways to exercise your engineering talents besides working in high tech. I just made a new "discovery" that will be very valuable in making composite parts while watching a tv show on cooking pasta. I do work in a high tech field so I don't have deal with the longing for it, which is nice. But it is still just work.

 

[LONDONDERRY]

On one hand, I like the company, manager and benifits, salary and people. On the other hand, there is no product development, r&d, manufacturing and basic engineering small tasks. Sort of short-order cook tasks, such as design a bracket or plate to mount this or that

 

[KENAT]

As others say, maybe you can find a way to exercise your engineering brain outside of work.

Maybe you can find a way to increase or expand your role to challenge you more?

Do you take this attitude of 'this job is below me' into work with you each day? Even if subconsciously this could be impacting how you interact with others (yeah, yeah pot calling the kettle black here on personality stuff).

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[IRstuff]

Having a secure job is not so bad, but loving what you do is also important.

You certainly don't need to make your decision this instant. Go to the interview and see what happens then. You can always turn down an offer, if one is offered.

TTFN
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Of course I can. I can do anything. I can do absolutely anything. I'm an expert!

 

[rotw]

If I was in same situation, I would get the 7k + the 3.5k that is about 10k and I would use that money to attend several fine training to sharpen my skills in any discipline I particularly love, that way I still keep an edge over competition candidate in a tough job market. It does not replace practice of tasks and skills along real projects but it mitigates the problem.
On the other hand the good thing is that it definitely keeps you safe from jumping into an unknown path...

"If you want to acquire a knowledge or skill, read a book and practice the skill".

 

[LONDONDERRY]

KENAT, I would not say I come in with an attitude of this twork is beneath me, though I've working with enough MIT's that thing that. I never have a bad day at work..
But after weeks of creating assembly drawings and processing ECO after ECO, you too might want to slit your wrists. And I've been in the field long enough to know its not always glory work

 

[MacGyverS2000]

Initial thought is to stay for that $7k bonus, but... what will you miss out on salary wise by taking the new job now? If the difference over the course of the remainder of the year even approaches $7k, consider the money a wash and remove it from the decision tree.

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[KENAT]

LONDONDERRY, you could always try to console yourself with knowing that you aren't stuck checking other peoples crummy drawings but at least get to do your own - that was a miserable couple of years of my life.;-)

Like others say do the interview, but think long and hard about the fact that you are interviewing them not just the other way around. You're in the enviable position of not really needing to change jobs so make the most of it in the interview and potential hiring process.

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[GregLocock]

I'm amazed an ME with time on his hands couldn't (a) automate the dull parts of his job and then (b) find more interesting projects to work on. First thought is to go and do a 6 sigma course and start raising hell in the software side, if that's where the emphasis is. Just because you are an ME doesn't mean all you know is CAD and gearboxes.

Cheers

Greg Locock


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[SAK9]

It all boils down to what you value most.It appears you are overqualified for your current job so it is hard to find happiness in such a situation.If you think the new job may offer you a more stimulating environment and challenges,go for it.The risks are very little as you got your old pal already working there and he can give you some inside information on your future boss ,his operating style etc.Negotiate a delayed start so that you can collect all your benefits or alternatively they can compensate you for the loss.

 

[LONDONDERRY]

SAK9-
Sort got it right, there is ajust a lack of design work and so its a less stimulating environment, its a great first time job for a new grad, but not for someone with 20 years. There are lots and lots of people at this company that fall into I love the company and benifits, but the challanges are finding intersting projects...

 

[LONDONDERRY]

So as an upate, when on the interview and my friend "Ken" was there. Its a small group of engineers doing optical technology, they all seemed inpressed, and having mt friend there during the interview helped. It was refreshing to see R&d lab space, nuts and bolts type of engineering, which discussions I can relate to instead of s/w meetings. The interview ended with the vp of product development basically asking when I can start and what willit take to transition out of my current job.. I was told I will definqatly hear back by monday. So bacilly sounds like I got the position..

excuse the typos

 

[SAK9]

One of the key ingredients for job satisfaction is how much value you can add to your work and how much it counts in the overall scheme of things.It appears the new opportunity gives you the space to do it.Wish you good luck.Please keep us posted as it could be useful for lot of people stuck in similar situations.

 

[CELinOttawa]

Stay. Risk to Benefit ratio is nearly 80% in favour of remaining...

 

[rotw]

quote
Recently a former co-woker "Ken" from 15 years ago, I still keep in contact with, called me last week about a ME position as a company he's at, small group division which is part of a larger company. Never turning away from an oppertunity, I send him my resume.
unquote

I am curious to know, have you made "Ken" aware that you were not very happy at your current job before he tells you about the position ? or was is coincidental ?



"If you want to acquire a knowledge or skill, read a book and practice the skill".