Submitted by Phantom2014 on
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BLUF. I'm interviewing for a position in another company, and am contemplating if I would accept an offer. I know (as Mark says), "till I've got something, I got nuthin'". Just wanted to get some thoughts on this before I'm in a time crunch to make a decision.
More specifically... I'm currently a Director of Engineering at a Fortune 500 company. I currently have seven direct reports and 80 people total in my organization. I'm interviewing for a position in a smaller company as a VP of Development. I'd have four direct reports and a total org size of about 25.
Compensation will likely be better. But I'm not considering this for the money. I'd have more opportunity to grow an organization and company from small to large.
In general, I'm looking for career advancement. This looks like a good opportunity, but honestly the position is very similar to my current role, just with "higher level" title.
I've been in my current role for over five years. I've told my manager (a VP) that I'd like to get promoted to VP and take on more responsibility. I have a great track record here and a good reputation. And for various reasons, I don't think it's likely I'll be promoted to VP anytime soon.
My concern... Is this VP role really a step up? Or does it seem like job title inflation?
I know this isn't a large amount of information. Just wanted to pick the collective brainpower here.
Thanks all for your input.
Career perspective
From a pure career perspective, based on your confidence that you have very little chance of promotion where you are, then taking the new job would be a good idea.
I am assuming that you have no control or influence over the factors that are preventing any progress in your current role.
Do carefully weigh up the good aspects of your current role - working conditions, built up good will and reputation. Also consider the product you'll be working with. Are they equally interesting and compelling?
Good luck
What about the rest of your life ?
Phantom2014,
You really haven't mentioned the rest of your real life.
Retirement package ? Better 401k match ? Health insurance cost ?
How would the offer affect your family life ?
Your commute ? Parking lot or garage ? Cost of these ?
Your ability to take time off ?
More vacation days ? Sick time ?
Flexibilty to go visit your cousin's wedding ?
Pick-up the kids from school ? -- Go to see your nephew's play ?
There are always other considerations.
What are they ?
TJPuccio
What about the rest of your life ?
Phantom2014,
You really haven't mentioned the rest of your real life.
Retirement package ? Better 401k match ? Health insurance cost ?
How would the offer affect your family life ?
Your commute ? Parking lot or garage ? Cost of these ?
Your ability to take time off ?
More vacation days ? Sick time ?
Flexibilty to go visit your cousin's wedding ?
Pick-up the kids from school ? -- Go to see your nephew's play ?
There are always other considerations.
What are they ?
TJPuccio
Title depends on position of role
VPs are responsible for wide functions. "VP Development" in a small company has the same responsibility as in a large company, and the same distance from the top; there's just fewer people involved.
Figure out exactly what you want and why, and this will help you decide whether to take that offer should it come through. One acquaintance in a certain field wants to oversee as many people as he can handle; another wants to generate as much revenue as possible; yet another wants to create as many jobs as she can; a fourth wants to save as many lives as practical. Each of them would react differently in your situation.
Thanks everyone for your
Thanks everyone for your input. Wanted to close this thread. I had a final interview with the hiring manager. The role was really a step down from my current one in many ways. There is a much smaller span of control. The technology is not as cutting edge as what I'm currently producing. The commute is significantly longer. The team is not as mature as what I've built here. And market is much narrower than what I currently serve.
In short, I'd have lost much, and not really gained anything except an inflated job title.