Opportunity vs. Loyalty

I’m faced with a very difficult decision. I can’t provide too many details, except that I was approached by another company with the possibility of employment.

Jumping ship.

Okay so normally that’s not such a bad thing, but as with most drama, there’s more to it. I’m a web developer, and I started right out of college about 10 years ago. As you can imagine, I’ve witnessed my share of layoffs. So job stability has not been something I’ve counted on, although I’ve managed to survive all but one layoff throughout my career. I’m either doing something right – or extremely lucky.

I started working for the company I now work for, almost 2 years ago. This was one of the first companies I really wanted to work for. The product they provide is something I really believe in, and feel that they’re not just trying to make as much money from the consumer as possible. The product is well worth what they charge, and probably more important – I and my friends, and my family all use it on a regular basis.

In the past 2 years we’ve had a few layoffs though. I hate layoffs for obvious reasons, but with this company it really scares me because I really want to work there. I told a coworker a few weeks ago that I can get a paycheck anywhere -I don’t need to work there – but I want to because I believe in what I’m doing. I also like the people I work with.

So. The dilemma? I’m not confident that my job is stable – and another company has approached me and wants me to interview with them.

I agreed to the interviews, and scheduled a vacation day with my current employer for that day. The new company is doing some really neat things – I would certainly be challenged intellectually, but I’m not yet sure how much I can believe in their product – it’s not that I don’t – I just don’t yet know enough about them. I’m doing my homework though – and paired with the interviews, I ought to know enough this week.

I can’t help but feel guilty. At work today I had a hard time looking people in their eyes – I felt like I was betraying them. My sense of loyalty is probably one-sided. I’m sure they would lay me off in a heartbeat if it was right for the company. They’ve done it to others.

Welcome to 21st Century Corporate America.

The thing is, if I can increase my income – even if only a little bit, it will help me financially. I have no way of knowing whether this job has more stability – probably not – layoffs seem to be a way of life for developers. I don’t yet know whether I can believe in this product more than I do with my current job – which may be a moot point the next time layoffs happen.

I’m a little torn, undecided, and maybe a little afraid.

I suppose I don’t have to make any decisions until I’m actually offered a job. It’s interesting that I can actually relax – I don’t need to get this job, so the interview process is a lot less stressful. Without a job, I’m more inclined to take the 1st offer I get. Now, I am counting my blessings that I can – at least right now – really evaluate how I feel about this company, and whether it’s what I really want to do. It feels good.