Torn Between Two Job Offers: How Do I Choose Between Stability and a Hometown Opportunity?

I have received 2 offers from different companies. One of them is the topmost in the Indian construction business, and the second one is from a known person who has started his own construction business (strong in securing construction jobs).

The first company offers me a middle management position at a site location, while the second company offers me a top management position in a metro city (my hometown). The salary in the second company is 2 lakhs more per annum than the first.

I have 14 years of experience, a BE in Civil Engineering, and a postgraduate degree in construction management. Now, I am confused about selecting the offer, considering job security, hometown, and family.

Can someone please guide me regarding the selection of the company?

Hello Mr. Das,

I can understand your confusion. However, my opinion is that you must go with the second company. While the reasons might seem obvious - home town posting, top management post, higher salary and all, those are not the reasons for my opinion. What I see is that the second company is just starting out. So with your experience and qualifications, you will be able to make a significant contribution to its growth and success. Five or ten years down the line, you will be able to confidently say that you had a major role in so and so company taking off from the ground. This might not be the case with the 1st one, which is already at a top level. There you will be a small fish in a big pond. My opinion has always been to be a big fish in a small pond than the other way around. I hope this helps you :).

Warm Regards,
Gaurang

Thank you, sir, for your valuable support. One thing that concerns me more is: the second option is always beneficial to me, but if it fails, will I get any resale value to another company? Or how can I prepare my backup for the near future? I hope you can help me find a strong future step.

Regards,
D P Das

Thanks for your valuable support. I have done the SWOT analysis and it indicates towards the 1st company to join, as you rightly indicate.
But only thing , which I think that whether in 1st comapny, I shall become a small fish in big pond. For future growth or to apply my own experience, whether I have to take the permission of my boss? I have to work in set fit system and procedure, which company already established and a require change requires heavy pressure? I have done my post graduation in Construction Management also.
Pl. let me know your view point on that.
Regards
D P Das

Hi,

If you are hardworking and have solid experience, you can always be successful in a big pond. All that matters is your hard work and the growth of the company. Taking permission from your boss should not matter so much. It's good if you maintain the protocol. It's a learning process for you.

By selecting a second job, you have to be answerable for everything to your friend, and that may ruin your relationship with him. My suggestion is not to mix friendship or monetary terms with career growth as that may affect your personal life. Try working as a consultant for your friend's company.

Dear Mr. Das,

There are certain factors worth considering while deciding on career moves.

1. If you are married (I trust you are, considering you have around 14 years of experience and should be around 35 years of age), your wife should be willing to move out of your hometown. If she has issues with a joint family and prefers to live independently with you, then the choice varies.

2. If you have a child around 5 years of age, schooling is not a matter of concern. It can be in your hometown or elsewhere.

3. An increment of 2 Lakhs is certainly attractive, but remember, he is your friend. Maintaining a certain distance is wise.

4. You have also mentioned that it is a startup company. If it flourishes, great. If not, you might have to wait for another opportunity. Abruptly leaving your friend will be challenging, especially if you are close to him. Additionally, finding a job equivalent to your current pay (which is 2 Lakhs more than the market rate) might be difficult. Your standard of living will be higher by 2 Lakhs, and a future employer may question your willingness to accept a lower salary, even if you are interested in the new role.

5. In a well-established, larger company, systems will be in place and more organized. With confidence and smart work, you can progress in your career.

6. There is no single formula for deciding on the right job.

All the best!

M.V. Kannan