Expert: Leigh Ishikawa - 6/4/2008

Question
Before I ask my question, let me give you a little background on my situation. I am a webmaster for a small IT company. I manage and update around 200-300 websites. The company that I work for has instituted a new policy that has driven most of our customers away. I use to get 50 emails a day asking for updates. Now I am lucky to get one a day. My boss has assured me that my job is secure, but I have my doubts. He can’t afford to pay me to sit around waiting for business that never comes. I think at some point he will have to do something about it. It’s been a few months of this and I started to look for work anticipating being laid off.

I applied for a bunch of jobs and one I even got an offer. The offer is for a little more advanced line of work with a lot bigger pay check. I am nervous about taking it because it is more advanced than what I have been working. The owner is really excited about bringing me on as a new employee. Do you think that I should take the job or stick with my current employer? Like I said, my current boss assures me that my job is secure but I have a hard time believing it.


Answer
Hi Adam,

First of all, congratulations on getting an offer.

Anytime a person gets a job, that person is most likely going to get challenged.  At first, this is going to be scary, but it's something you will get used to after few jobs.

Remember that if they did not feel that you could accomplish these tasks, then they probably would not have hired you.

If you are not certain whether you can accomplish everything, then you should ask to talk to your hiring manager.  Sit down with him and set certain expectations.  Don't say "I can't do it".  Come up with a plan like training courses and so forth.  Have a positive tone and people will appreciate it.

Good Luck,

-Leigh