Torn Between Staying in Lucknow or Moving for a 50% Salary Hike: What Would You Do?

Hi, I am working at company ABC in Lucknow, which is also my hometown. I have received an offer from a company in the NCR region, company B, which is offering me a 50% salary hike.

I have not joined company B yet. Actually, until now, I have not declined any offers, and I am very confused. In my current company, there is no work culture. The company is solely focused on making money. There is no infrastructure, and the work schedule is very tight, requiring around 11 hours of work. That's why I have been searching for a new job.

I have found another organization with more than 500 employees in company B in the NCR region, whereas my current company is in the capital of UP, Lucknow, with only around 30 employees. I cannot see any vision or mission of the company, but the only benefit for me in the current company is that I am the second or third person in the hierarchy reporting to the boss.

* Should I leave my hometown for a 50% increment (45K)?
* If yes, what difficulties can I face there?
* Which place is better for software jobs, Lucknow or Delhi?

Please, please, please suggest what to do. I have not been able to sleep for the last two days. I do not have experience with changing jobs.

Thank you.

I would not suggest that you leave the comfort of your hometown only for money. If you can't relate to the new organization, as you mentioned, with only 30 people and no vision, then it would not be a good idea. Search for a stable company in your hometown or NCR and then plan your move. Obviously, NCR would have numerous opportunities for you in the software field.

Career vs. Comfort of Home: A Personal Perspective

Basic rule of thumb: don't cling to your home if you want a good career.

Benefits of Being in NCR with a Higher Salary

- Better amenities
- A better lifestyle
- More opportunities for kids

But the question is fundamental: how much value should you give to the "comfort of home" while evaluating career options? The answer would vary for everyone.

My personal view is that a career decision should only be taken based on the money it gives you and the new doors it opens for you. Unless you are nearing retirement and planning for a relaxed, fishing-in-the-afternoon kind of lifestyle, proximity to home shouldn't really weigh that much.

But that's just my personal view—it may be different for you.

I agree with Bodhisutra. Now that you have decided to join Company B, at that point in time, you must have decided something. Compared to a small company in NCR, I suggest you should consider B as an option.

By using the emotional phrase "Home Town," you are limiting your future career. Surely, you will reap benefits with Company B. The only things you should consider are your current age and family background. If staying away from Lucknow will cause your family to suffer (this is a factor you have not mentioned but I believe should influence your decision), then you should consider staying in Lucknow; otherwise, go to Delhi.

Cheers. Go ahead.

Regards,
Ramakant

What is in store for you in your hometown? If you want to see yourself as a successful professional, you have to take risks and bid farewell to your hometown. Please don't feel homesick. Go for a job in the NCR. Working very near to the National Capital will provide some advantages.

Also, please note that concerning working hours and work culture, working hours are not flexible in the NCR area. As for work culture, we are all responsible for creating a good or bad work culture because we are part of the company. But at the end of the day, money always matters, and we have to adjust ourselves to the working hours and work culture. So, go ahead.

Regards, Kamal Datta
New Delhi

Career Decisions and Family Support

I have seen people ruining their careers by leaving their growth opportunities just for the sake of their families. But remember one thing: your family is your supportive asset, and never let it become your weakness. In fact, make it your great support. Ultimately, the happiness of your family exists in your growth. Also, one opportunity may invite various new options, so tie on the new shoes and lead your career towards new heights.

All the best!

Regards,
Manju Rawat

I have just started my career and faced the same problem as you because I had to choose between my home (Bhopal) and my career (Mumbai). This is my personal opinion: everyone has to leave their comfort zone either now or later. If you have to take a stand and leave your home, do it now. Maybe you could get better opportunities this time, and if you don't go with these opportunities, you will regret it every second of your life. You would think, "If I had taken that chance, I would have been somewhere else." Don't let it happen; take a risk and try it out. You must be thinking, what if anything goes wrong? Don't worry, if you are good at your work, you will work it out in NCR as well.

Once my professor told me, "You can't make your career sitting at home," and that's what I keep in my mind as I choose my career over emotions and comfort zone. But still, the decision is yours.

Keeping in mind the current situation you are in, it is advisable that you change your job to Delhi. Sooner or later, you have to decide upon such issues. You may refuse this opportunity today due to any reasons, but opportunities from NCR will keep knocking at your door all your life. So it's better you decide right now for yourself and take the plunge. The earlier you decide, the more chance you get for your growth.