Career question.

Sidney1st · Post by **Sidney1st** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 7:02 pm

As many of you know I work in the automotive industry, currently selling Land Rover parts, but I've worked at various places as both sales advisor and manager.
I'm very good at what I do, to the point my current employers keep resisting my attempts to change jobs within my company.

I've got my work/family balance right as it stands because where I work is in the same town as where I live.

A few years ago I just missed out (made final 2) on a job at one of the top car companies in the world, the actual dream job and that job is available again, 3-4yrs after I last applied.

The only issue is its approx 1 half- 2 hours drive each way everyday and the pay isn't much more than I'm on now.
It is however a prestigious company with all the pressures that would entail, including longer hours where required.

I'm just wondering what some of you would do if you were in my position?

BleedingClaret · Post by **BleedingClaret** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 7:04 pm

You've answered all your own questions Pal

Sidney1st · Post by **Sidney1st** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 7:05 pm

In what way?

Barry_Chuckle · Post by **Barry_Chuckle** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 7:05 pm

Why is the vacancy available so soon?

May tell you something..... better the devil you know if you ask me.

clarethomer · Post by **clarethomer** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 7:06 pm

Depends - based on the info you have given, stay where you are as you sound happy where you are and respected. Ask for a payrise if its purely monetary.

If this other job will lead onto much better/bigger things then possibly consider as you could justify the step as the first step. You could also consider moving closer potentially if you foresee this as a longer term move.

This story may offer you some perspective

https://bemorewithless.com/the-story-of ... fisherman/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Sidney1st · Post by **Sidney1st** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 7:08 pm

Barry_Chuckle wrote:Why is the vacancy available so soon?

May tell you something..... better the devil you know if you ask me.

Person who got it has moved into a different job at the same place.

CleggHall · Post by **CleggHall** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 7:13 pm

Sidney- in your own words not mine, "I have got my work/family balance right and don't fancy 3-4 hours driving to/from work and the pay isn't much more". I think in writing this down you have answered your own question - next?!

Sidney1st · Post by **Sidney1st** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 7:13 pm

clarethomer wrote:Depends - based on the info you have given, stay where you are as you sound happy where you are and respected. Ask for a payrise if its purely monetary.

If this other job will lead onto much better/bigger things then possibly consider as you could justify the step as the first step. You could also consider moving closer potentially if you foresee this as a longer term move.

This story may offer you some perspective

https://bemorewithless.com/the-story-of ... fisherman/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It isn't a monetary thing, I'm happy with what I earn.
I know I can earn more at other places and the other job wouldn't be about money.

Moving is out of the question, if I moving was an option I'd be living up north again.

Could it lead to bigger jobs?
Undoubtedly so, either there or other manufacturers/competitors more local to me after a number of years.
I couldn't begin to imagine the doors it would open if I'm honest.

Sidney1st · Post by **Sidney1st** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 7:14 pm

CleggHall wrote:Sidney- in your own words not mine, "I have got my work/family balance right and don't fancy 3-4 hours driving to/from work and the pay isn't much more". I think in writing this down you have answered your own question - next?!

The driving is easy, I've done it before.

I was just wondering if anyone's been in a similar position.

Greenmile · Post by **Greenmile** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 7:17 pm

Not worth the commute imo. You're looking at about a fortnight's worth of travelling every year. Unless it's a really pleasant drive to work and home again, I'd stay put.

Sidney1st · Post by **Sidney1st** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 7:19 pm

Didcot to Chertsey, so the drive would possibly include the M25...

Jel · Post by **Jel** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 7:20 pm

Stay where you are and shine! Or move to a shinier team and be part of the squad?
You will never know if could have shone brighter if you don't aspire. You may always look back and regret if you don't.

ablueclaret · Post by **ablueclaret** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 7:21 pm

Don't take it Sidney it will detract from your efforts to become Lotty Mk II.

Thet 3 hour journey will limit you to 12 hours a day on here.

Sidney1st · Post by **Sidney1st** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 7:22 pm

ablueclaret wrote:Don't take it Sidney it will detract from your efforts to become Lotty Mk II.

Thet 3 hour journey will limit you to 12 hours a day on here.

Best point made so far

ablueclaret · Post by **ablueclaret** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 7:23 pm

Should be able to do that in an hour or under at the speeds you travel Sidney unless you"'ve suddenly become a responsible adult.

CleggHall · Post by **CleggHall** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 7:27 pm

Yes 9869 posts on this Board takes some doing, Sidney you must have time to burn in your current job.
Notwithstanding I wouldn't fancy Didcot to Chertsey every day, Todmorden to Manchester was enough for me!

DCWat · Post by **DCWat** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 7:28 pm

3 to 4 hours per day unpaid travelling plus whatever additional hours you would need to work (is this paid?) brings the rate you are earning down considerably.

Can you put a price on that lost time with your family / children - not a trick question, some can, some can't.

I'd personally opt for a work life balance, IF you are happy with what you are doing, enjoy the job and would be happy to stay where you are for the longer term.

It sounds like it could be a decent bargaining chip if you do go for it and get offered the job.

Sidney1st · Post by **Sidney1st** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 7:29 pm

ablueclaret wrote:Should be able to do that in an hour or under at the speeds you travel Sidney unless you"'ve suddenly become a responsible adult.

Dunno, it's around London some of the journey, I'd be able to trim some time off in places nearer to home.

ablueclaret · Post by **ablueclaret** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 7:30 pm

They're opening a Landrover showroom a mile from us Sidney, we could share journeys to fixtures and you'd learn a lot in the process. Look out for the jobs coming soon.

john'sroseyspecs · Post by **john'sroseyspecs** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 7:30 pm

You should stay where you are. The extra commute not worth it and you currently work amongst friends. The only reason you should move company is if you moved to the Colne area and set up your own land-rover spares business. With massive discounts to people on clarets football forums..... Just an idea

ablueclaret · Post by **ablueclaret** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 7:33 pm

Sidney's a tight southerner now, he'd feel the cold winds up there unsettling.

Sidney1st · Post by **Sidney1st** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 7:33 pm

DCWat wrote:3 to 4 hours per day unpaid travelling plus whatever additional hours you would need to work (is this paid?) brings the rate you are earning down considerably.

Can you put a price on that lost time with your family / children - not a trick question, some can, some can't.

I'd personally opt for a work life balance, IF you are happy with what you are doing, enjoy the job and would be happy to stay where you are for the longer term.

It sounds like it could be a decent bargaining chip if you do go for it and get offered the job.

I currently don't work weekends, bank holidays or from Xmas to new year.
Potential place - probably some evenings required to meet deadlines etc, no weekends or bank holidays.

If offered I wouldn't try to bargain with current place, I'd be off like a shot, it wouldn't even be thought about.

In regards to lost time, potential job requires a set amount of hrs to be worked a day, so if I turned up at 7am I could leave an hour earlier etc, they're flexible in that respect so depending on traffic I could make it home at a decent time.

Sidney1st · Post by **Sidney1st** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 7:33 pm

CleggHall wrote:Yes 9869 posts on this Board takes some doing, Sidney you must have time to burn in your current job.
Notwithstanding I wouldn't fancy Didcot to Chertsey every day, Todmorden to Manchester was enough for me!

Yes it would restrict my time on here severely, some of you would possibly worry about me or miss me

Sidney1st · Post by **Sidney1st** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 7:34 pm

ablueclaret wrote:They're opening a Landrover showroom a mile from us Sidney, we could share journeys to fixtures and you'd learn a lot in the process. Look out for the jobs coming soon.

They moving the place from Old Sarum?

Sidney1st · Post by **Sidney1st** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 7:35 pm

john'sroseyspecs wrote:You should stay where you are. The extra commute not worth it and you currently work amongst friends. The only reason you should move company is if you moved to the Colne area and set up your own land-rover spares business. With massive discounts to people on clarets football forums..... Just an idea

There's Ribble Valley Land Rover place just up from a Clitheroe for local people.

We do however send things out with courier or post if you need stuff

DCWat · Post by **DCWat** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 7:35 pm

Greenmile wrote:Not worth the commute imo. You're looking at about a fortnight's worth of travelling every year. Unless it's a really pleasant drive to work and home again, I'd stay put.

More than two weeks - 15 to 20 hours per week would be way more than a fortnight of travelling.

Sidney1st · Post by **Sidney1st** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 7:36 pm

ablueclaret wrote:Sidney's a tight southerner now, he'd feel the cold winds up there unsettling.

Nah, I'd happily move up north, but it wouldn't be fair on the missus, our daughter or her family.

DCWat · Post by **DCWat** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 7:40 pm

Sidney1st wrote:I currently don't work weekends, bank holidays or from Xmas to new year.
Potential place - probably some evenings required to meet deadlines etc, no weekends or bank holidays.

If offered I wouldn't try to bargain with current place, I'd be off like a shot, it wouldn't even be thought about.

In regards to lost time, potential job requires a set amount of hrs to be worked a day, so if I turned up at 7am I could leave an hour earlier etc, they're flexible in that respect so depending on traffic I could make it home at a decent time.

If you think you can make it work, go for it.

Try thinking of all the perceived pros and cons and see if you can mitigate the cons to the point that they may no longer be on the con list.

You'll get lots of different answers but only you / your family can really decide.

Sidney1st · Post by **Sidney1st** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 7:42 pm

DCWat wrote:If you think you can make it work, go for it.

Try thinking of all the perceived pros and cons and see if you can mitigate the cons to the point that they may no longer be on the con list.

You'll get lots of different answers but only you / your family can really decide.

That's why I asked for opinions, to get different points of views to see if there was anything I'd missed.

DCWat · Post by **DCWat** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 7:44 pm

Which way are you leaning - your opening post seemed to suggest you weren't really up for it. Your later ones seem the opposite

CleggHall · Post by **CleggHall** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 7:45 pm

I used to teach "Decision-Making under Uncertainty" but could never make my mind up which pub to drink in!

ablueclaret · Post by **ablueclaret** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 7:47 pm

Just outside MELKSHAM Sidney, lots of wealthy farmers around here.

Sidney1st · Post by **Sidney1st** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 7:49 pm

DCWat wrote:Which way are you leaning - your opening post seemed to suggest you weren't really up for it. Your later ones seem the opposite

In todays modern world I lean both ways

Seriously though, I'm not sure.
The fact I made the final 2 last time makes me think I could get it this time.
The only difference is, since then I've had a baby, who's now 2 and I really enjoy being home in time for my daughter when she gets back from nursery.

My teenage lads live with their mum so my career doesn't really cause an issue with them, although this would give them some bragging rights at school

Sidney1st · Post by **Sidney1st** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 7:50 pm

ablueclaret wrote:Just outside MELKSHAM Sidney, lots of wealthy farmers around here.

If its a new place it would be a combined Jaguar Land Rover dealership with workshop.
That's the requirement now I think for new units.

Quickenthetempo · Post by **Quickenthetempo** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 7:56 pm

Toss a coin.

You will know the answer to the question before it lands on the floor.

ClaretEngineer · Post by **ClaretEngineer** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 8:04 pm

I know your move in question Sidney, and in those sorts of companies the disconnect between top level and those beneath is much more distinct. It's better to be in a place that you at least valued. That said there may be more doors open to you at this other place, I don't know.

I was faced with a similar situation last year where I was offered a position with a company that do very very well (it's not what I knew, but rather who). But the pay wasn't much more and the commute was an extra 30 mins at best / hour at worst each way taking my total commute to 1.5/2 hours.

I want prepared to lose an extra 10 hours a week to the roads when i spend it with my family.

We always dream for that big move, but it really has to satisfy all parties not just your pocket / CV.

Greenmile · Post by **Greenmile** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 8:05 pm

DCWat wrote:More than two weeks - 15 to 20 hours per week would be way more than a fortnight of travelling.

You're right. I forgot he'd have to drive home, too

More like a month, then.

BertiesBeehole · Post by **BertiesBeehole** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 8:09 pm

I think I know the company you are talking about and if you remember I mentioned on a thread my brother worked there for a year. He'd worked at Toyota for 5 years or so and did very well. I think he saw them as the pinnacle and a dream move but hated it there and said they really didn't know what the were doing (he was working on the road cars). He went to JLR and is now very senior.

All I'd say is the grass isn't always greener and even though they may seem appealing and it would be more prestigious there's no guarantee you'll like it as much as what you're doing.

Still if you took it and changed your mind sounds like your current employer would welcome you back.

Good luck

Westyorkclaret · Post by **Westyorkclaret** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 8:10 pm

For me, work life balance trumps a little more pay.

You also need to consider the drive - 1.5 hours easily becomes 2 hours with the slightest increase in traffic or slightly later set off - not to mention the cost of the journey.

My best paying job was in wiltshire, which I stuck at for 12 months or so - the weekly journey was just too much,mentally

Sidney1st · Post by **Sidney1st** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 8:12 pm

BertiesBeehole wrote:I think I know the company you are talking about and if you remember I mentioned on a thread my brother worked there for a year. He'd worked at Toyota for 5 years or so and did very well. I think he saw them as the pinnacle and a dream move but hated it there and said they really didn't know what the were doing (he was working on the road cars). He went to JLR and is now very senior.

All I'd say is the grass isn't always greener and even though they may seem appealing and it would be more prestigious there's no guarantee you'll like it as much as what you're doing.

Still if you took it and changed your mind sounds like your current employer would welcome you back.

Good luck

Yes we are talking about the same place again.
The former top man has left now, last year I think, it may be a different place to work now.
Apparently he was a bit of an arse to work for, but he was THE man and is one of the reasons the company is where it is now.

Darthlaw · Post by **Darthlaw** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 8:17 pm

Sid,

I worked in the motor trade across some volume brands and prestige ones for nearly a decade. I also took the plunge to work in a 'dream job' for one of the prestige brands with a longer commute and let's just say it ended up like the whole 'don't meet your heroes' kind of way.

Eventually I finished up working for one of the UK's largest stolen vehicle recovery companies (you'll know who they are) responsible for the north of England, then Scotland too and eventually Ireland also. A great job which also kept me in and around the trade.

I had a massive change of industry after that as I was recruited by a friend but admittedly I still miss the banter of the motor industry.

Can I ask what capacity you've worked in as I know of a particularly brilliant opportunity which is currently going representing many motor manufacturers!

Paul Waine · Post by **Paul Waine** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 8:25 pm

Sidney1st wrote:Yes we are talking about the same place again.
The former top man has left now, last year I think, it may be a different place to work now.
Apparently he was a bit of an arse to work for, but he was THE man and is one of the reasons the company is where it is now.

Are you asking about a job with one of the "super car" brands, or "just" a prestige car manufacturer?

Ask yourself: 1) where do you want to be in 5 years time? 2) would this new role help you get there? 3) how will you feel if you apply and don't get offered the job?

You can work out logistics afterwards. Is there somewhere you could move to that would reduce the journey time - and also works for your partner and daughter?

And, will they let you take a spare car home at weekends?

Good luck.

JohnMcGreal · Post by **JohnMcGreal** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 8:30 pm

I guess it depends on how much you value your own time.

Personally, I wouldn't be prepared to give up an extra 15+ hours of my personal time in commuting every week for a similar salary.

ablueclaret · Post by **ablueclaret** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 8:30 pm

I guess Landrover think up the Clarets has a formidable revenue stream

Sidney1st · Post by **Sidney1st** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 8:36 pm

Qualified car mechanic, but stopped doing it as a full time job in 2004.

Worked in various retail and factory jobs until 2010 when I became manager of a small car parts shop.
Then joined Motor Parts Direct as sales advisor, became branch manager.
Joined Euros as sales advisor as it was closer to home and, mainly, more money than manager at MPD.
Ended up as Sales manager further from home, but Euros is a brutal company to work for, as most people in the industry are aware and the money doesn't make it worthwhile sometimes.
I found a job for slightly less pay with better bosses.

Now currently senior sales advisor for a company that specialises in Land Rover and Jeep parts, but will be expanding into other marques over the next few years.
I also run/maintain their 2 eBay stores (had to rebuild one after it collapsed due to poor running by previous employee and start up the 2nd one from scratch) and 3 of their 5 websites (2 of which I've had to overhaul as they were crap from a retail point of view), but they're in the process of switching over to Magenta for their online websites so eventually I'll look after just eBay until they swap them onto Magenta too.

I also take one of our two Jeeps to various trade/country shows around the UK for marketing purposes.
Will be at the Royal Welsh Country Show next week for a bit.
Oh and I spend a lot of time on social media (Facebook and Twitter mainly) promoting the brands, spending time on various vehicle related groups etc.
Currently looking at Instagram to see what it can do for us.
(For those who wonder why I'm online so much, this should explain it!!)
I did want the marketing job at current employers, but as I've mentioned I won't get out of sales.
Also I suspect it was one of the reasons I didn't get product manager job last year, but there were some other more valid reasons too.

Turned down jobs at dealerships and the chance of an interview at the company my opening post is about last year because it wasn't the right time for me (mate works there and he could've got me into his department).

Sidney1st · Post by **Sidney1st** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 8:38 pm

Paul Waine wrote:Are you asking about a job with one of the "super car" brands, or "just" a prestige car manufacturer?

Ask yourself: 1) where do you want to be in 5 years time? 2) would this new role help you get there? 3) how will you feel if you apply and don't get offered the job?

You can work out logistics afterwards. Is there somewhere you could move to that would reduce the journey time - and also works for your partner and daughter?

And, will they let you take a spare car home at weekends?

Good luck.

McLaren.

3- I was amazed and chuffed to make final 2 last time and its the only job that's scared the crap out of me.

Sidney1st · Post by **Sidney1st** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 8:39 pm

ablueclaret wrote:I guess Landrover think up the Clarets has a formidable revenue stream

Nope, but I'm quicker at moving around the internet than most of you at a guess.

jdrobbo · Post by **jdrobbo** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 8:42 pm

My brother-in-law had this scenario about 18 months ago. He took the job, discovered factory floor workers were being bullied and left within six months, having tried to force him to relocate!!

BleedingClaret · Post by **BleedingClaret** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 8:44 pm

Sidney1st wrote:In what way?

You state your life work balance is about right
You work where you live
You would have to travel
You would do longer hours maybe on top of travelling
You would be under greater pressure
You wouldn't earn much more
Your life work balance could be tits up.
Flip the jobs and I'd tell you to ditch the offer one for the one you currently have.
Do the maths, I know that's your strong suit

taio · Post by **taio** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 8:51 pm

Seems like you need to work out how ambitious you are. If not particularly then stay put and continue to enjoy your current work/life balance. Probably best approach would be to apply and see where it takes you. If you don't get it it's been taken out of your hands and therefore can't regret it later down the line. If you do get it then you have a tough decision to make but you should have more information to base it on after going through the recruitment process.