Should I accept the offer?
 

Hi,

Please share your thoughts.

Previously from the pte sector, I am 35 and currently a civil servant. Drawing reasonable salary and very comfortable in my work and environment and I could have retire here. I however have reached stagnation here and I go to the office everyday with a faint heart and no passion.

I though it could be time to move on. Hence, I applied and am considering an offer now. The financial company (MNC) is offering $950/mth more. It indeed sounds attractive, however when we look at the annual package, it is only a negligible increase, knowing that bonuses in civil service is quite substantial. The offered employee benefit are though more attractive, i.e. not negligible.

I have limited experience in this new role and am thankful the hiring manager is willing to give me this opportunity.

Should I take or skip it? Opportunity does not come twice.

how much is your currently salary now as civil servant

Same pay and less job security and longer working hours. Doesn't sound logical to me unless it is something you really have passion in.

Also take note that because of the poor economy now, everyone is applying for civil service job. Once you go out and want to come back after 1-2 years, it is almost impossible due to supply imbalance.

In short if the job is just another quite interesting "could be different" from status quo prospect, don't bother. If it is really something that excites you to have passion to wake up for work everyday for longer hours, then go for it.

Based on his narration and assume civil 16 months annual package.
$950 difference in offered and current. Negligible increase in annual.

Assume 12 months annual package offered: current shall be $2850
Assume 13 months annual package offered: current shall be $4116
Assume 14 months annual package offered: current shall be $6650
Assume 15 months annual package offered: current shall be $14250

Based on his age and working experience, his current shall be around $6650 +/-

at 35 I'd say worth taking the risk. civil service become dull in most cases, like you said, more suitable for those waiting retirement. unless you are a scholar, otherwise promotion is painfully slow

Promotion is slow in civil service, but most in private sector are not any better either. Those that can go on to draw 200/300k or above pay is still the small minority. The average private sector 50yo employee is paid the same as civil service. The main difference is private sector has a higher ceiling if you are top 10%, but civil service get much better security.

The reality is on an average basis, a 50 yo civil servant is much better off compared to a private sector PMET. The pay is the same, but there is work life balance and less prone to be retrenched when you are old. Some people will say this mentality is loser, but I think most of us should be honest to ourself in terms of our own capability. Cannot always keep hoping you are the top 10% and think of only upside and not downside.

My 2c after seeing many friends in their late 30s/early 40s in private sector getting mediocre careers and always living in fear of being laid off. They had big dreams when young as well, but cold hard reality is statistically speaking most of us will be average career.

Depending on u. I was from cs and now pte. I regretted on venturing out and now trying my way to get in cs.

I dunno abt u. But u regretted and i rather be boring every day at work as i have more time on my personal stuff

Hi,

I believe you have already have the answer which is FIRMED YES.

So go for it before it is too late and as you mentioned opportunity knock once.

Hi All,

Thanks for your thoughts and advice, its wise words.

I am drawing low $6k. Inherently, i am somewhat competitive and a go getter, so I am putting many assessment on myself now. Its the fear and its understandable, I am so comfortable now. There are pros and cons to both side, and alas, no place will be perfect.

I have until monday to give my answer. To be honest, I am 70% okay to take it. So lets see over the weekend.

Are you able to foresee in the next five years, progression in your current job compared to the offered? Normally you can ask the interviewer what are the plans for this offered role. You can also talk to your boss to understand what are demands of you and is there room for progression in the next three to five years. I believe this will help to clear some of your doubts in career progression. Last but not least, I strongly encourage you to ask for at least 5-10% more pay (in terms of annual package) to cover some of your losses in the coming AWS and performance bonus.