I’ve been contacted by a company that I used to audit. They are opening a new branch in my locality and they want a training manager. They do not want an associate. This is a salaried role. They want me. I have a reputation in my field and that is why they want me.
Yup, I’ve sort of been here before, but the last time this happened, the offer was vague and I could not get the company to commit to a contract of employment. They were a small family firm that tended to do everything very causally. I was working at Sainsbury’s then, so was looking for a way out. Every time I asked for a proper meeting to discuss terms and conditions and to see a contract, there were prevarications. I was asked to just come in on a daily rate until things got sorted. As there was nothing much to actually do on a day to day basis and I had already advised them that managing their safety systems was only a part-time role anyway, I decided not. They went into liquidation last October, so my instincts proved right on that occasion.
In the past three years, I’ve built up a successful self-employed business spreading my work between railway training and motorcycle training.
Now I am being asked to give all that up and commit to a salaried role. I haven’t had one of those for over a decade – I don’t count Sainsbury’s as I continued doing self-employed work at the same time. Sainsbury’s was desperation, not a job.
I like this company. I like the people – the Operations Director who is recruiting me is one of the finest trainers I have ever had the privilege to watch in action – and I have already told him this when I did the observation. Everything about this organisation oozes quality and professionalism. The salary is at the bottom end of the range for this kind of work, but is more than I am earning now and will be topped up with a car allowance. Commuting will be minimal. I can still keep my motorcycle training bubbling away at weekends.
Mrs L says it’s a win-win and a reward for the hard work I’ve put in since the collapse of my work and subsequent financial meltdown when in France. But, but, but… I do like my independence. Mrs L calls it stubbornness.
I’ve a few weeks to make a final decision as the job will start in January.
Decisions, decisions, eh? I wish I had a problem like this three years ago…
Can’t really advise you LR, but I don’t know anyone that has been happy going back into salaried employment having once worked for themselves.
I’m not seeking advice, merely musing aloud. Ultimately only I can make this decision.
I have gone from self-employment to a salaried role and stayed in it until redundancy over a decade later, so it’s not exactly a new type of move, but it is one I am as yet uncertain about.
XX The salary is at the bottom end of the range for this kind of work,XX
Hmmm.
Why?
They are a relatively small company in the process of expanding. The role will have few direct reports to start with, so the salary is fair enough.
I would say build your own “firm.”
What is with “Freelancing” for a while with this job offer?
When they turn out to be something big, then you have the choice again….. Maybe….?
It does seem an amazing dilemma to be horned on, however I too have never known anyone , once they work for themselves who is happy going back to salaried employment.
I worked for others for many years and then went self employed, but had just one client and that worked really well I had that one client for 10 years it was extremely secure.
When I moved away last year I worried what I would do, but actually it has worked out really well as apparently after 10 years I am irreplaceable, I now just do most of my work remotely, via email, conferencing and phone.
For me it has never really been about the finances but more the job satisfaction I would rather do a job for less money and be happy in my work than paid more and be depressed (that did happen to me on one occasion).
I did consider going back to salaried work, but the job market is so volatile and fairly difficult so for me this was the best option.
At the end of the day we are all different and only you know if this arrangement will suit you, it does sound a wonderful opportunity maybe Mrs LR is right?
Whatever your decision I wish you the best of luck.