A poll on changing jobs

[Texastaxi]

With the oilfield and engineering industry being hot, these days, I see a lot of my coleagues changing jobs. I had a friend (non TBHer) ask me what it'd take to get me to change jobs (money wise) and I didn't really have an answer.

Assuming equal benefits, vacation, holidays and stability, what percentage increase, of your current pay, would you need to make a jump to a new company?

Would that percentage increase if you didn't feel the new job was as "stable" as your current job?

Just so everyone is clear on this, (looking at the responses, everyone's not) I am not looking to change jobs. I have been in oil and gas related engineering for 18 years and am very familiar with the swings in the industry. This is just a poll for a %.

[whitetailfanatic]

I hate what I do but am afraid of change, if I was single maybe!

[Texastaxi]

I hate what I do but am afraid of change, if I was single maybe!

That definately effects my answer, too.
With nothing to hold you down, the sky's the limit.
Once a wife/girlfriend/kid is thrown in the mix, you're less likely to take a chance.

[manwitaplan]

I just switched jobs as of April 1, 2013! I weighed everything and decided the move was right for me. I am in IT healthcare sales and it seems to be the future for now with all the new regulations!

My deciding factors were stability, growth opportunities, quality of life, ethics, and income. I took a hit in base to move but the opportunities and the product itself outweighed the loss.

Because I am compensated on commission I can not give you an exact answer on some of your questions. My main deciding factor was company financial stability.

Hope this helps! I have always been a risk reward type of person.

Manwitaplan

[westtexducks]

With the oilfield and engineering industry being hot, these days, I see a lot of my coleagues changing jobs. I had a friend (non TBHer) ask me what it'd take to get me to change jobs (money wise) and I didn't really have an answer.

Assuming equal benefits, vacation, holidays and stability, what percentage increase, of your current pay, would you need to make a jump to a new company?

Would that percentage increase if you didn't feel the new job was as "stable" as your current job?

For me I wouldn't trade stability for an increase in pay unless it was a big amount, sure you might be making bank for a few years but will that job still be there in 5?

[outdoordaddy]

For me I wouldn't trade stability for an increase in pay unless it was a big amount, sure you might be making bank for a few years but will that job still be there in 5?

This...I made a job change to the oilfield for money, but you gotta be smart about it and realize it won't last forever. I also have a good background and set of skills when it is time to face real world again.

Scariest part is, if/when the oilfield is done...there is going to be A LOT of people looking for jobs.

[AtTheWall]

This would all depend on other variables.

Is the new opportunity near my current home or do I have to drive\commute miles more to get there?

Does the new job require me to move, to realistically match my current commute drive time?

If I have to move, to keep my commute within realistic values, are they going to help me with my moving\relocation expenses?

Which job allows me the least lead time for "time-off" vacation?

Can I simply call in on short notice and get time off?

What company offers the better investment potential, 401 with match, stock options and all other factors....over the long haul?

Does the new position provide "upper advancement," and if it does, are these advancement opportunities shorter than my current opportunity and if they are, can I continue to work in this location or will that also require I "relocate elsewhere," if I am offered this opportunity?

Is the industry centric with this new job, long term or short term?

Who has the most "time-off" after 5 years of work?

Is this new job heavily influenced by Federal and State regulations....and or market trends in a global economy? If it is....can a bad administration put a major hurt on my job to a point, I'm having to start over again elsewhere to continue in the same job field?

The industry now and at the new....which one has the brightest future at a 25 year career mark and what are the potential "retirement" opportunities at each?

Which job has the better life insurance offering?

Which job has the highest risk factor....does a bad day at one mean dead versus the other a paper cut?

What job is going to beat my body to death..either too slack or too physical...over a 10 - 15 year span? Hearing risks? Spine and back risks? Knees and ankles?

Who has the best insurance and medical coverage for single\family?

As you can see......I roll with many other variables when I'm shopping work. Your answers to your questions.....are really tough since I don't know all the variables involved with your current job.

[Bily Lovec]

I dont know of any oil field jobs that can match my rate, certainly not increase it.

Ive turned down lots of Eng/design jobs that were 10%-20% increase,
I would never leave this job for more $$.

I heard an almost unbelievable rate from worley parsons last week...

[bphillips]

Would have to be at least 15-20% more than I make now. I feel thats large enough to offset some stability.

[Darton]

Honestly, I wouldn't change for anything!

[deercrazy]

Oilfield jobs can be here one day, and gone the next. If you are want to make fast money the oilfield is the place, but not stable.

[konahoss]

This...I made a job change to the oilfield for money, but you gotta be smart about it and realize it won't last forever. I also have a good background and set of skills when it is time to face real world again.

Scariest part is, if/when the oilfield is done...there is going to be A LOT of people looking for jobs.

That's why I left Schlumberger and started my new career yesterday. I will work the refineries and other industrial plants. I will test their sub stations.

[LWD]

Atmosphere/culture of the new company can be a big factor. Is it a good place to work? r not? If he can spend a little time around the prospective new company's employees he might get a better feel for the place.

LWD

[westguy76]

This would all depend on other variables.

Is the new opportunity near my current home or do I have to drive\commute miles more to get there?

Does the new job require me to move, to realistically match my current commute drive time?

If I have to move, to keep my commute within realistic values, are they going to help me with my moving\relocation expenses?

Which job allows me the least lead time for "time-off" vacation?

Can I simply call in on short notice and get time off?

What company offers the better investment potential, 401 with match, stock options and all other factors....over the long haul?

Does the new position provide "upper advancement," and if it does, are these advancement opportunities shorter than my current opportunity and if they are, can I continue to work in this location or will that also require I "relocate elsewhere," if I am offered this opportunity?

Is the industry centric with this new job, long term or short term?

Who has the most "time-off" after 5 years of work?

Is this new job heavily influenced by Federal and State regulations....and or market trends in a global economy? If it is....can a bad administration put a major hurt on my job to a point, I'm having to start over again elsewhere to continue in the same job field?

The industry now and at the new....which one has the brightest future at a 25 year career mark and what are the potential "retirement" opportunities at each?

Which job has the better life insurance offering?

Which job has the highest risk factor....does a bad day at one mean dead versus the other a paper cut?

What job is going to beat my body to death..either too slack or too physical...over a 10 - 15 year span? Hearing risks? Spine and back risks? Knees and ankles?

Who has the best insurance and medical coverage for single\family?

As you can see......I roll with many other variables when I'm shopping work. Your answers to your questions.....are really tough since I don't know all the variables involved with your current job.

that's pretty concise right there.

[Tubby]

With the oilfield and engineering industry being hot, these days, I see a lot of my coleagues changing jobs. I had a friend (non TBHer) ask me what it'd take to get me to change jobs (money wise) and I didn't really have an answer.

Assuming equal benefits, vacation, holidays and stability, what percentage increase, of your current pay, would you need to make a jump to a new company?

Would that percentage increase if you didn't feel the new job was as "stable" as your current job?

Remember, the oilfield is either feast or famine. I've experienced the extremes of both ends of it...

Just because something else looks good on paper and you have a "set" job right now, don't jump unless you're 100% certain. Money isn't everything...