Recruited by great company for lateral move, but love where I am - how to respond?

[Ruby Slippers]

The founder of what looks like a great company in my field messaged me on LinkedIn and invited me to have a video chat about an opening at their company, exactly the same position I have now with a government agency that I love. Demand for professionals in my field is through the roof - many more positions than qualified people, and salaries are skyrocketing as a result. 

Though it looks like a fantastic company, I don't see them making an offer that would beat what I have now. Even if they did, I've only been in this position for 10 months and I think it's unprofessional to leave before at least 1 year. But this woman is clearly a star in my industry and it's good to keep options open. Maybe they'd make a stellar offer and be flexible on the start date. 

How should I handle this? I don't want to give her the impression I'm more open to a move than I am - but don't want to close any doors for the future. 

[FMW]

No harm in chatting about the opportunities with the other company, it's actually a great networking move. Meeting (even by Zoom) new people and getting your name out there can pay dividends in the future.  You might also find out there are perks with her company beyond the salary.    

She's a bright professional, she won't see your willingness to "chat" as any more than that.  You can respond by accepting the invitation and telling her you would be happy to learn more about her company.  

[introverted1]

I would accept the invitation to talk but I would not be inclined to make a lateral move regardless of time in your current position.  I see nothing wrong with having a chat and letting this woman know your goals while exploring what her company has to offer. 

If it turned out to be a step up, and you thought it was a position you would enjoy, you can possibly negotiate a start date closer to the one-year mark at your current organization.

[Ruby Slippers]

I did some research and discovered some of the pros and cons. It's a small company, which means definitely less secure than my very stable position with a large government agency that's in excellent shape financially. It's 100% remote, which I love. My job is now due to the pandemic, but that could change later - hope not, though. But it's very likely they couldn't match my current salary and benefits. 

The job posting says it can be full- or part-time. I'll ask her if she's open to a contract/consulting arrangement. Though my current job is demanding, I could potentially devote some time on the side to this company on a part-time consulting basis and sock away even more for an earlier retirement. Not a whole lot else to do during the pandemic, anyway. 

[introverted1]

9 minutes ago, Ruby Slippers said:

I did some research and discovered some of the pros and cons. It's a small company, which means definitely less secure than my very stable position with a large government agency that's in excellent shape financially. It's 100% remote, which I love. My job is now due to the pandemic, but that could change later - hope not, though. But it's very likely they couldn't match my current salary and benefits. 

The job posting says it can be full- or part-time. I'll ask her if she's open to a contract/consulting arrangement. Though my current job is demanding, I could potentially devote some time on the side to this company on a part-time consulting basis and sock away even more for an earlier retirement. Not a whole lot else to do during the pandemic, anyway. 

Stock options?  Equity? 

[Ruby Slippers]

Doubtful. I think the only way it could work is if she's open to a consulting agreement. We're talking next week. 

[salparadise]

Just do the meeting and let them make an offer if they're inclined. You don't have to tell them what you will or will not accept in advance. I guess you could hint that you'd be open to advancement. Once there is an offer on the table you have a place to begin negotiating if it looks promising. If what they offer is only a lateral move, tell them that you're happy where you are, but if they were to offer advancement you'd consider it. If you're working full time now, a consulting contract might become complicated, but it's up to you if that's what you want of course. Anyway, the point is, lateral moves are not usually good career moves. This is especially true if you're happy, secure, and making what you should be. So prime them for a better offer now or in the future. 

[Eternal Sunshine]

I am considering something similar and will likely accept the new lateral offer.

My situation is different though, I am very bored in my current role, I feel like I am learning nothing new. I have been in it just over a year.

New role is in a related but pretty new field (latest tech), I am sure I will learn tons and I am excited. It will also augment and update my skills so that it will open up new options in the future.

My long term career goals are also different: typical career progression is going into increasingly managerial roles, with less and less technical work. I found managerial roles are mostly administrative, overseeing budgets, sales, juggling resources... Except for the title, there is nothing in senior managerial roles that appeals to me. 

I want to be a technical leader.

[Wiseman2]

Seems more like a downgrade than a lateral move. Unless they are offering significantly more perks and benefits.

[introverted1]

Good luck @Ruby Slippers.  They will be lucky to have you, if that's what you decide.

[notbroken]

Listen to what they have to say. Tell them you are happy where you are at but would consider a change for x$ (an amount right to the edge of reasonableness).   You never know, they may make you an offer you can't refuse.    BTDT.   

[Lotsgoingon]

How should I handle this? I don't want to give her the impression I'm more open to a move than I am - but don't want to close any doors for the future.

This is not your worry. Recruiters love finding people who are deliriously happy in their present jobs. Happens all the time. They think well yes, the kind of person we want is someone who enjoys where they are.

It is totally professional to fully meet with this new employer and to consider their offer. In fact, your company would think you are foolish to not seriously think about an offer. 

Being somewhere for 10 months is not important. Your company would dump you in ten months if you were no good or if they had a crash in company revenue. There's no ethical obligation of loyalty. Not in the modern economy and workplace.

Assuming you're doing a good job where you are--and that that's why you're happy--were you to leave, your company would think, "Wow, we just lost a superstar." 

You do want to meet with the new firm and be honest. Say you're happy where you are. But say you like their job if you do like it. You're making contacts by meeting this person and it's always good to make a contact. Since you are not eager to leave your current position you have a great luxury: you can be totally honest and authentic. You can say exactly what you think about the new job. And that's a smart move because the recruiter will fine tune their understanding of you and your interests, so later on ... they might come back with something better fits you.

Lots of successful people move jobs quickly. BTW: if they make a bigger offer, you can mention that to your company. 

[Watercolors]

On 2/18/2021 at 11:52 AM, Ruby Slippers said:

I did some research and discovered some of the pros and cons. It's a small company, which means definitely less secure than my very stable position with a large government agency that's in excellent shape financially. It's 100% remote, which I love. My job is now due to the pandemic, but that could change later - hope not, though. But it's very likely they couldn't match my current salary and benefits. 

The job posting says it can be full- or part-time. I'll ask her if she's open to a contract/consulting arrangement. Though my current job is demanding, I could potentially devote some time on the side to this company on a part-time consulting basis and sock away even more for an earlier retirement. Not a whole lot else to do during the pandemic, anyway. 

Do NOT leave your current job for this job/company. Red flags abound. Definitely present yourself to the woman that you are only in a position at this time to offer your services as a consultant. People do that all the time. Then at least you'll earn some extra money on the side. 

Edited February 20, 2021 by Watercolors

[Ruby Slippers]

I spoke with her today and I wasn't particularly impressed. First of all, she was a few minutes late to our video meeting and offered no explanation, which is totally unprofessional and disrespectful for a first-time meeting.

We talked things through and she was open to a consulting agreement - but expected me to turn around a first project in one week, which is absurd. She said she may have upcoming projects with more lead time she can pull me in on - but I'm not holding my breath.

The best part of the call is that it renewed my gratitude to be doing great work that's ultimately public service and humanitarian in nature, with cool, brilliant, down to earth people 😊

[dramafreezone]

On 2/17/2021 at 4:54 PM, Ruby Slippers said:

The founder of what looks like a great company in my field messaged me on LinkedIn and invited me to have a video chat about an opening at their company, exactly the same position I have now with a government agency that I love. Demand for professionals in my field is through the roof - many more positions than qualified people, and salaries are skyrocketing as a result. 

Though it looks like a fantastic company, I don't see them making an offer that would beat what I have now. Even if they did, I've only been in this position for 10 months and I think it's unprofessional to leave before at least 1 year. But this woman is clearly a star in my industry and it's good to keep options open. Maybe they'd make a stellar offer and be flexible on the start date. 

How should I handle this? I don't want to give her the impression I'm more open to a move than I am - but don't want to close any doors for the future. 

Just be honest, tell them that you love where you are but are open for a change if the terms are right.  You won't know until you give them a chance to make their offer.

It's admirable that you're considerate of your current employer, but they'd fire you if you weren't measuring up.  If they're a quality place of employment, they won't take offense to you being wooed by another employer.  They deal with this all the time with their top employees.

EDIT; looks like you took the meeting and now appreciate what you have.  No regrets.  There is appeal to growing with a company even if it's not an upgrade in pay but sounds like this wasn't a good fit for you.

Edited February 28, 2021 by dramafreezone