Post # 1
Member
63 posts
Worker bee
- Wedding: March 2015 - Los Angeles, CA
Hi Bee’s, I need some career advice and I will make this as short as possible. I’m a paralegal.
My boss got a promotion and is moving to a different office that has a commute of about an hour and a half each way (LA Traffic at work!). My boss told me that if I didn’t move, my job would most like disappear. I immediately started submitting my resume because I was unsure of my future with my current company.
I landed this paralegal position at another law firm that is about 3 miles further than the office I work at now (a little bit of a higher pay, flexible start and end time). But I was also told today by my office manager that they can offer me the “case manager” position (basically a demotion) without a reduction in pay. But I’m questioning whether I want to take that position.
Pros of current job:
Job security, and I like my co-workers and company.
Cons:
No longer a paralegal (lose out on litigation experience), position comes with more stress, demotion.
I’m seriously at a wits end. The new company wants me to begin no later than Monday, meaning I would only give two day notice at my current firm.
Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated!!
Post # 2
Member
355 posts
Helper bee
I wouldn’t stay at your current job if it means a demotion. Are there any cons to the new company? It seems closer and with higher pay, so why not take it?
Post # 3
Member
63 posts
Worker bee
- Wedding: March 2015 - Los Angeles, CA
spilledmilk : My office manager claims it’s not a demotion, but they won’t allow a case manager to become a paralegal without a Bachelors and Paralegal certificate, which is why I feel like its a demotion for me.
As for the new job, I guess the only con (so far) is that it’s an hourly position, and I have quite a bit of outings this summer that will require me to take some time off work. So no pay. I had been saving my current vacation time for these day’s off.
Post # 4
Member
2106 posts
Buzzing bee
ohsomrsr15 : is your current position hourly? also what is the difference in salary between your current position and the new job? if I were you, I’d let your current firm know that you’re concerned about job security and the career impact that taking the in-house job may have, and that you’ve been offered another role elsewhere. I’d ask to negotiate salary for the internal role (is it hourly or salaried? also ask them if it’s considered a demotion within the firm—if so, how will this job change impact your potential for annual salary increases?).
why is litigation experience important to you? are you attempting to become a lawyer? if so, you could also request that you still get to do certain projects that align with your current role to continue gaining experience in-house.
Post # 5
Member
229 posts
Helper bee
I’m a career coach, so I’ll chime in a bit.
Totally would take the new job, hands down. None of your pros can’t be replicated at a new job. For instance, coworkers come and go, and who is to say you won’t really like the new coworkers? Plus, if you really like them, you can be friends outside of work. Plus I’d imagine the new job is secure as well.
As for the cons, well, any new job is stressful, right? Give the new one 6 months, and you’ll have it down.
No way at ALL I would lose your career trajectory (which could take you years to get back) over nice coworkers!
Post # 6
Member
63 posts
Worker bee
- Wedding: March 2015 - Los Angeles, CA
cuppercake : Thanks so much for the advice!
happiekrappie : Going to law school is the goal. Just holding our for the right time.
Post # 7
Member
664 posts
Busy bee
Is the position with the new company something you can negotiate? This is something where you could explain the time off required and ask if they’d be willing to give you your time upfront or up your salary for the first year to compensate for the unpaid time.