Should I switch job?
 

Am a diploma holder working in quite a big company for close to 2 years drawing $1915 currently, starting from $1,800. This year's increment is only $40... VB normally at 1.5 to 2.5 months. 21 days AL + 7 exam leave (i'm currently taking part-time degree). Annual income approx 28.7k.

Got a job offer at a UK telecommunications firm. Basic $2,400, no aws, VB at 5% to 15% of 12 months annual income depending on performance (calculated and it's about 0.8 to 1 month if I take the mid rate). 15 days AL. Annual income approx 31.4k.

Should I switch? The annual income is just less than 2k difference but with a higher basic. My main concern is will the higher basic enables me to ask for a higher salary if I switch job? I have went for several interviews and input 2.4k as my expected and they said it's a big jump from my current. The pull factor for staying is this current company is the leave. If I don't utilize them, I can cash it and the annual income will work out to be around the same? Push factor will be the higher basic. Job scope wise, both jobs are around the same, prospects wise, my current job is quite stagnant already. I'm not sure if I should wait till I get my degree to switch (1 more year, 2015) or switch now and not waste my time here. Advices please!

IMO, yes, you should switch.

1. Current job is stagnant. No new projects, opportunities etc means you will not get the recognition (and rewards) nor be able to gather enough experience to make a significant jump up when you jump ship

2. Employers (most of them anyways) will consider how much to pay you based on your last drawn salary. This often translates to "last drawn basic pay" unless it is common for your current and future job to compute allowances etc inside (claims are taken out of the equation).

3. From what I've heard, a diploma holder who gets a degree part-time while working will more than likely be paid fresh grad salary when they make a jump. So...

Go for higher basic anyways, if you know you will still be changing jobs in the mid-term.

if all things equal, go for higher basic.

and when you obtain degree, try to hop again.

U can try to get a counter offer from your current employer. Make sure yr role&responsibility expands with higher pay
There is a shortage of human resources at entry level in the coming new year with clampdown of EP pass while the economy continues to do well , hence you have some bargaining power

Best of luck

Switch, bigger basic is usually > everything else.

The reason other places are saying you are asking too high when you indicate 2.4 is because 2.4 is ~25% more than your current drawn. So take the 2.4 and next time you will have an easier time asking for more in your next jump maybe after you graduate.

Will be tendering end of this month and see if they wanna keep me. But I'm guessing not cos the work load is really at the minimum now. Even if I leave, I don't think they will hire replacement.


What's the norm percentage increase for every switch?

Thanks for the advices everyone, guess I will accept the offer :)

My previous jump was 25%. This is for similar role, but increased scope and additional unique skill required.

Recruitment agents will say normally should aim 10~20% I think.

I have never had counter offers before so good luck. Make sure you get all the bonuses you're entitled to before you leave.