[Seeking advise] Evaluating job offer

[Silver]

I'm in my early 30s. Married with no kids. Presently studying part time in unisim due to complete in 2017.

Currently i am working for a large local developer as an executive. Recently my GM is transfered to another area. I requested for a transfer but it wasn't granted. My GM is unhappy but can't do anything about it.

Another GM will take over as my new boss. I feel that my chances of promotion is gone. The new Boss has alot of bad rumors and likes to micromanage. I'm independent and prefers to be given the freedom to solve problems. I have previously request for a transfer during an internal meeting with my new boss present. So she heard and knows I want to transfer.

I like the current company as the benefit is good and I see myself progressing in this industry. They pay me competitively.

On another hand, a job offer comes to me. This company(nee company 1) is a well known marketing company. I don't know about the benefits yet but they are offering about 8 to 10% increased in my salary and it is a manager position.

Now I'm conflicted and cannot make up my mind. Please advise me if I should make the switch.

Edited: The new company 1 revised the offer and now they are offering me 15% increase in salary.

Another company offers me. We shall call it new company 2.

Old company
Position: Executive
Salary: About $4k+
Working hrs: 9am to 6pm (mon - fri)
16 days annual leave
100% mobile phone claims (capped at $100)
Have AWS
Have Variable bonus
$1k flexible benefits
$2.5k holiday benefits (once every 2 yrs)
Food is value for money. One plate of cai peng (veg and meat) only $2.20

New company 1
Position: Manager
Salary: $4k + 15% increase in salary (able to cover the $1k flexible benefits and $2.5k holiday benefits)
Working hrs: 9am to 6pm (mon - fri)
Alternate sat 9am to 1pm
16 days annual leave
70% mobile phone claims (capped at $100)
No AWS
Have Performance bonus
Have Variable bonus
Total estimated bonus (2 mths max)


I wanted to go over because the position meant that in future I can apply for manager position easily but after seeing the benefits and AWS, I did not feel so wholeheartedly about the offer.

The 15% increment is able to compensate for the lack of AWS, $1k flex benefits and $2.5K holiday benefits but I have to take into consideration the increase in traveling time about 40 mins more per day, traveling expenses and daily lunch expenses also increased.

new company 2
Position: Assistant Manager
Salary: About $4k + 8%
Working hrs: 9am to 6pm (mon - fri)
15 days annual leave (2nd yr onwards is 17 days)
$80 transportation allowance
Given company mobile phone
Estimated bonus 3.5 mths (1 mth aws and 2.5 mth bonus)
Location orchard road.

Hr shared with me total Bonus is minimum 3.5 mths and on top of that im eligible for an pro rated increment in july. They expect it to be about 3% after pro rated.

Small Japanese company but they managing a large portfolio and very famous in singapore. I foresee i will work like crazy but if i can work there i can work anywhere in my industry. It benefits me in the long run. Sadly the inital salary is 7% lesser.

My gut senses is both offers are not attractive at all.

Company #1 total package ends up almost the same as what you are getting now, not to mention all that additional inconvenience and the need to work on Saturdays. Think in terms of salaries, bullshiit titles mean nothing these days. This sort of package is really just junior executive pay in bigger MNCs, just because they print a 'manager' in your name card doesn't count for squat.

Company #2 even less sense. Firstly need to take 7% pay cut, then still forsee to work like crazy!? Forget about it honestly, it's not that Jap companies are considered premium branded employers in the first place. They are famous for poor increments and slow progression, I doubt torturing yourself there are few years is going to make your CV shine somewhere else.

In summary, unless you have serious push factors, I wouldn't waste time on these 2 unattractive offers. Don't make hasty decisions just because of some rumors about the new GM.

[Silver]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

My gut senses is both offers are not attractive at all.

Company #1 total package ends up almost the same as what you are getting now, not to mention all that additional inconvenience and the need to work on Saturdays. Think in terms of salaries, bullshiit titles mean nothing these days. This sort of package is really just junior executive pay in bigger MNCs, just because they print a 'manager' in your name card doesn't count for squat.

Company #2 even less sense. Firstly need to take 7% pay cut, then still forsee to work like crazy!? Forget about it honestly, it's not that Jap companies are considered premium branded employers in the first place. They are famous for poor increments and slow progression, I doubt torturing yourself there are few years is going to make your CV shine somewhere else.

In summary, unless you have serious push factors, I wouldn't waste time on these 2 unattractive offers. Don't make hasty decisions just because of some rumors about the new GM.

Thank you for your insights

Bump for more advice

What is your field of work (e.g. Engineering, tech, HR etc.)?

Ever consider Civil Service?

With relevant experience and a degree, getting > 4k/month, aws, perf bonus, variable bonus, 5 days work week, worklife balance, 18 days AL, office-to-office transportation claims should be very attractive to you.

Interesting case study. My advice is more from a banking-oriented perspective but I believe the essence of any career jump should always be the same regardless of industry.

When you negotiate for your new pay, you have to set your base on a annual basis, because of your AWS. I'm assuming this AWS is a guaranteed component set out in your contract? If it is not, most companies will not be willing to consider the AWS amount as part of any new deal that they offer.

However, assuming that it is indeed guaranteed, the total annual amount should be your base upon which you negotiate any increments. A simple solid guideline will be a minimum of 10% for the jump. 15% is not out of the question as well.

Bonuses are tricky and often not considered as part of the negotiation process in the banking space, especially for the lower-mid tier positions. I'm not sure how it's like in the MNC/SME space though.

Benefits are definitely not part of the considerations on the offering firm's decision matrix, so it's really up to you if they differ enough to make or break the deal for you.

I agree that both offers are not attractive enough to even contemplate a move away from your current position.

Agree with the posters above.

At your sort of nearly fresh grad jr level, there should be a significant 15-20% increase in package for jumping. It is not worth considering if they come back with similar or even reduced package and expect you to work longer hours.

It also shows the mentality of this type of company - just want to low ball offers hoping someone will be desperate enough to take the bait.