Hi everyone. Recently I have found myself in a very conflicting situation and I am having a little bit of an internal battle with myself. Bear with me here, this is a long one.
Here’s a little background: I have been working for (Company A) for about 1.5 years. I actually love this job and all of the coworkers I work with daily. Dont get me wrong it is a stressful job and it is very busy but I have definitely found my niche (lab work). My coworkers also make it manageable as I have become very close friends with all of them. I enjoy going into work to see them every day. This is the only job I’ve ever had in my life that I’ve not completely dreaded waking up for in the morning. I work 5 days a week. I rotate between Monday-Friday and Wednesday-Sunday every other month. I work over 100 hours every 2 weeks and I get paid $18 an hour. We get 6 core holidays. My boss is extremely laid back and I am allowed to do pretty much whatever I please as long as I get my work done. Company A processes about 300 samples daily and turn around times are very short, making for a very fast paced day.
I decided to take a look at Indeed the other week on a whim. The first position that came up was for a lab position with (Company B). I applied for shits and giggles thinking I didn’t really have the qualifications… well I had at least the bare minimum. Company B asked me to come in for an interview 2 days after submitting my application. I went for the interview last week and apparently nailed it because they offered me the position a few days later. Company B is offering to pay me $25 an hour, 13 holidays, no overtime unless you wanted to work through your lunch which is completely optional, only Monday-Friday schedule, yearly raises, and about 1000 samples per month with a week long turn around time. While on a tour of the lab with Company B after the interview I noticed the lab workers there seemed very laid back and humorous. The manager seemed very chill and the employees all shot the shit with her as we were walking through the lab making me think she is easy to get along with.
Company A is an analytical laboratory (food and environmental specimens) and Company B is a clinical laboratory (medical specimens). My degree is in health sciences so I would be utilizing my degree, knowledge of the human body, and it’s functions a lot more. I’ve always been insecure about not utilizing a degree I paid so much money for. Both companies offer medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401k, paid holidays, and VERY generous PTO. I have spoken with Company A about a salary match to retain my employment and they said it is not possible.
I guess where my internal battle is that do I leave a company and coworkers that I love and a job that I know how to do very well for a job that may not be the same environment and make me lose my love for the profession? Are the dollar sign glasses clouding my judgement or it is really as clear cut as it seems? (I have not formally accepted with Company B yet)
TLDR; Getting paid $18 at current job got an offer for another job that pays $25 with another company but I’m not sure if it will be the same environment. I like current job and coworkers. Not sure if I will like my new job and coworkers.