Should I take up this job offer?

[timeless]

I'm 30 and in a job I'm not happy with. Mainly for the irregular hours, late nights and weekends burnt. A major part of the job involves operational work (with anti-social hours) that does not suit me. It is a high pressure environment with frequent operational problems that we have to deal with immediately and it is a tense environment.

On the flip side, aside from this, my regular work is still acceptable. Boss recognises my above average work but promotion in the next 3 years is unlikely. What I do get is more work though, work that others aren't handling well. I've been here for a year and my notice period is 2 months. On more than one occasion, I have pondered quitting without a job. A substantial chunk of my pay is made up of shift allowance. My basic pay is average.

After starting my job search 1 month ago, I have received an offer from a ministry. Pay is close to the total I'm getting now, an increment on my basic but slightly lesser (4.5%) than my current total pay inclusive of shift allowance.

Honestly from the interview, the ministry job sounds rather dry. Not exactly what I'm interested in, but I dislike a large chunk of my job now anyway. Heard from an acquaintance working in another department that she heard that the department is "bitchy" and boss is "demanding".

My impression of the boss at the interview isn't that great. She came across as fake and a lil sarcastic. But that's just a first impression.

The yearly increment & bonus at the ministry are better than my current job, although medical benefits and leave are less attractive.

Should I take up this job, despite not being attracted by the scope? Give it a try then leave if it's not suitable? Or stay on in my current job and see if things get better? The irregular hours aren't going to change though.

[gags]

I guess it's a little late as i just noticed your date of entry.

it sounds to me you have gotten quite tired off your current role due to the numerous operational issues and passing of the additional responsibilities to you. Is this something you are finding overwhelming? Or are there learning opportunities which you are able to gain additional exposure or experiences. It seems that you are 'trusted' as you trusted with the additional responsibilities with your capabilities. Although not alot is shared, but is your relation with your boss great? if yes, have you considered speaking to him on a pay increment possbilities since you have accepted more responsibilities?

On your new role offered, the pay sounds a decent offer where i am assuming it does not involve shift work and you would have gotten a pay that is almost equivalent to your last drawn including shift allowances. Follow your gut.. despite the reasonable pay offered, you seem to have not like the job from your description and your impression of boss have not been good. these are red flags you would want to ask your self for this role or other offers it may come by.

still, just my 2 cents worth and hopefully it helps
good luck!

[sofarsogood]

hey, give the job a chance before u even start!!

[timeless]

Thanks for the comments guys!

Thought I would update on my decision... I was lucky to find an acquaintance who used to work in the dept where i was offered. I contacted her for more information and she shared with me about the scope etc.

This gave me a much clearer picture to make a more informed decision. The job offers regular working hours, a better work life balance which I seriously have been lacking in my current job, stability etc. And also, despite my long notice period, the boss is willing to wait for me. The HR told me that the boss would rather wait than to take the "reserved" candidate who can start earlier.

as for my current job, i told the boss i was going to tender after i signed the offer. She tried to get me to reconsider by saying i was doing well etc. The funniest part was when she asked me to stay for one more year to help her, because next year she would be rotated to another department.. Hahaha that wasn't very effective.. anyway, the progression here really isn't good, i have colleagues who are all in the same position but have not been promoted even after 5 years here..

as for the new job, i do really need to give it a chance to find out if it is alright. at least, it is a progression for me in terms of position and basic pay it is also going to be very near to where i stay, and will take me 1/3 of the travelling time i need now.