gut check 2

[bseejim]

I got a good job offer in Houston, and all the work-related tangibles seem better than my current position. However, my gut feeling is that I might be doing the wrong thing by leaving.

Is that pretty normal when leaving your current employer, for the first time?

 

[wes616]

it is absolutely normal. it's the insecurity of something new...

Wes C.
------------------------------
In this house, we OBEY the laws of thermodynamics! - Homer Simpson

 

[NozzleTwister]

bseejim,

I've lived in Houston since '77. When compared with smaller towns, one big plus for Houston is there are a lot of employers so if your companies business falls off, you won't have to move to stay employed.

If you haven't already lived in a major city, be prepared for a lot of traffic congestion, diverse population and a ton of restaurants.

With the oil prices where they are, the outlook for Houston is very promising for the next few years.

Welcome,


NozzleTwister
Houston, Texas

 

[PhilBW]

I agree with Wes. It is normal to feel insecure about a major change such as a job change. On the other hand, it would be good to think back over the interview process to see if there was something specific that made you uncomfortable. Were all your questions answered completely, or did they avoid some topics? Did the interviewer (hopefully your future boss) seem genuine, or did he act more like a slick salesman? Did the employees seem busy and professional, or did they seem stressed out?

If you can't identify anything specific that makes you uncomfortable, I would go for it. I have made 3 job changes in the last 25 years. Only one of the jobs has been a disappointment, but I learned some skills there that ended up getting me a really great job.

Phil

 

[sms]

If your gut is telling you no, you need to figure out why. If it is the job, that is one thing. If it is your spouse or family, listen to the gut. If it is the uncertainty of moving, gut up and go. Reward requires some risk occasionally. The best move I ever made in my career was moving to Houston.

Contrary to popular opinion, it is a pretty good place to live as well!!

-The future's so bright I gotta wear shades!

 

[bseejim]

Thanks everyone.
Your advice was very helpful for me.

I just formally accepted the offer. I feel pretty confident that my gut reaction is because of all the friends here that I will be leaving behind. I know I made the right choice though. Again, thanks everyone.

 

[IRstuff]

There's also just a basic buyer's remorse reaction.

TTFN

 

[CarolinaPE]

Through my years I have seen several people hesitant to leave a job for a number of reasons. Even positions where the company was "imploding", they seemed like the captain of the ship, all bent on going down with the ship! I tried to bring them a "rowboat" or throw them a life-buoy to come to our ship but they just would not leave the sinking one. If it is leaving friends behind you can always make new ones and keep the ones you've already developed! I would not let that hold me back, sometimes you just have to move to move-up. On the other hand if you get a bad vibe on an interview, listen to your gut. I have had interviewers ask me "what the problem was" at the start of the interview and have discussions with the person who would be my future boss who were obviously incompetent (confusing engineering terms, it was really funny). Trust your gut when it comes to those situations especially.

 

[lewtam]

Don't be too worried about making the right decision...concentrate on your ability to make the decision right.

AGHH! I'm quoting Dr Phil! Shoot me now!

LewTam Inc.
Petrophysicist, Head Stockman, Gun Welder, Gun Shearer, Ski Instructor, Drama Coach.

 

[PhilBW]

I agree with lewtam. Who was it that said "People are about as happy as they make up their mind to be."?

Phil

 

[StressGuy]

Well, welcome to Houston (or, more likely a suburb as with the rest of us when it comes to finding a house).

And, unless you're really disciplined, do be prepared to add a few pounds to the waist as it is true we've got plenty of good places to eat around the metro.

Edward L. Klein
Pipe Stress Engineer
Houston, Texas

"All the world is a Spring"

All opinions expressed here are my own and not my company's.

 

[cadnutcase]

Bseejim,

I would also like to welcome you to Houston.
Your going to find if you can put up with the traffic here, this is a great place to live.
Plenty of things to do, plenty of good places to eat, Even more places to drink.

Cadnutcase

 

[okpiper]

Bseejim,

I moved 700 miles from where I grew up to take a job. I am married with two teenagers. It was the best move that I have ever made. Houston is a wonderful place. I have since taken another job since I moved. Same local. If your family is comfortable with you taking that job there then 90% of your being uncomfortable is taken care of. The other 10% is just being comfortable in a new surrounding. The cuisine is excellent there. You guys in Texas mark this one down that a transplanted Okie is with you guys. LOL. But if you are satisfied that you can be an asset to this company I would tell you to give it a try. If it doesnt work out then try another company there before you give up on that region. It is an expanding horizon there.