Should You Stay or Should You Go? Navigating a Tough Career Decision

First, some context:

I recently launched a new monthly column called Ask Tobi in the Venture for Africa newsletter , where I answer real questions from folks in our community.

In one of the earlier editions , someone asked for advice on a difficult career decision: Should they take on a new role within the same company, or negotiate to stay in their current position? ??

Check out the full Q&A below for insights on how to evaluate career moves, negotiate effectively, and align your role with long-term goals.

This might resonate with anyone in a similar situation or those seeking clarity on career transitions!

The Question:

I received an offer for a new role within a different business unit of my current company. 

My current role involves leadership and team-building, and I have developed a strong rapport with my peers. However, recent changes in senior management, particularly a past negative interaction with one executive, introduce some risks. 

The new role offers the same grade but with reduced responsibilities, a salary increase, and a location closer to home, though it requires more days on-site. It also involves more hands-on tasks and potentially provides a clear path to career advancement.

Although this new role sounds appealing in some ways, I find myself preferring my current position. I am considering negotiating with my line manager to see if he can match the new offer from the new unit, but he has not provided a clear indication of his position on actually retaining me.

How should I approach this situation? - Anonymous, 24        

My Response:

Hi Anon,

Thanks for sharing your question with us and congrats on the new offer.

My first impression is that there are two sides to this situation that you might have to navigate.

The New Offer

First, let’s explore the new offer.?

Understanding the risk-opportunity level beyond the salary increase is usually a good way to look at things. Here are some questions to help you unpack this:

• Origin of the Role: Is this a new role due to company growth, or is it replacing someone who left?
• Challenges and Expectations: What are the key challenges and expectations in this new role? Would it be a good fit for your skills and career goals?
• Company Strategy: How does this role fit into the company's broader strategy? Will you be better placed in the company's core or is this moving you further away from a core function?
• Team and Reporting Structure: Who will you be working with, and who will you report to?

Your Current Role

Next, although it sounds like your preference is to stay in your current role, here are some questions to help you consider the implications a bit more:

• Career Aspirations: What are your long-term career aspirations, and which role better supports them?
• Risks of Staying: What are the risks associated with staying in your current role?
• Career Consequences: Are there potential consequences for your career if you choose to stay in your current role, such as limited opportunities for advancement or being perceived as resistant to change?
• Reason for the Offer: Why did the company make you the offer and not someone else? What does this indicate about your value and potential in the new role?
• Current Line Manager Relationship: What’s your relationship with your current line manager? Would they be more keen to see you stay or happy to have you move?
• Negotiation Potential: Are there reasons the company has chosen to offer you more in the new role? Are those reasons applicable to your current role enough to justify asking for a raise without making the move?

By reflecting on these points, hopefully, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of both roles and how they align with your career goals.?

That said, whether you eventually decide to stay or move, approaching your line manager with a well-thought-out perspective will go a long way to offering clarity to both sides.

Good luck!

If you have any career-related questions, feel free to drop them in the comments or send them my way !

You can also subscribe to the VFA newsletter to catch the latest Ask Tobi editions. ?

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