Changing jobs

Here,s the dilema i face i am presently employed with a fairly decent job which is secure but i dont really enjoy(too much paper work and office stuff,unionized etc)Now i 've got an offer to go to one of the top rated restaurants in the city with an owner who only cares about the food and it is only 45 seats with an unlimited budget.However where i am right now will never go under, offers a good long term package etc. although the offer pays better it. my position now is as sous chef and the new position is as co chef with the chef wanting to phase him self out of the day to day.So what do you think stability or glory? p.s. i also have kids.

By Ramodeo (Ramodeo) on Monday, June 12, 2000 - 08:19 pm: Edit

Find a way to meet the minimum stability standards for your family - and take a good look at what you consider minimum - and then follow your hearts desire! This opportunity may or may not be it, but it sounds like the job you're in definitely is not.

You say stability or glory...if the new opportunity is mostly for glory, you're bound to be disappointed by it. Glory is very fleeting.

You will know the right opportunity when it presents itself cuz you will HAVE to do it. There won't really be a choice.

By W.DeBord on Tuesday, June 13, 2000 - 07:33 pm: Edit

Sorry I do not have an answer, only questions. I wish we could give you a sure fire great answer...but @#$$%^&!

You know the risks involved and your spouse and you have to decide your own futures. How well do you know them and how well do they know you...a new job is like a new relationship sometimes it's a match made in heaven and sometimes it's made in hell.

Ramodeo is right about glory, don't chase that, chase other goals that have more depth.

Do you run from job to job? Or is this a change for something better vs. someone who keeps looking for a perfect job with-out putting the work in to make that happen? If this new job fails will you be able to pick-up where you left off? Easily or it will be a tough road?

By jonnyboy on Tuesday, June 13, 2000 - 10:09 pm: Edit

ok glory was the wrong word but here is what this restaurant entails. 39 seats restricted to 50 covers per night with the ability to cook absolutly anything i want. The owner wants the best food period, as long as cost is reasonable it is not an issue.Average $ per head is 110-120,and me and any 2 ccoks of my choosing.Presently it is one of only 7 restaurants in toronto to get 4 or more stars.Dinners only 6 days per week thursday lunch and the owner does not want me to work more than 5 days un less un avoidable. So i did my interview today and as long as we can hammer out a deal i think it is time to move on .

By Rodriego on Wednesday, June 14, 2000 - 01:24 am: Edit

I don't know what its like in you're part of the world but, where I live, jobs like the one you say you have now are a dime a dozen. The really good ones, like the one you're considering, rarely come open. I would take it. If you love what you're doing, everything else will take care of itself

By momoreg on Wednesday, June 14, 2000 - 06:37 am: Edit

That sounds like a nice deal, but can you discuss with the new prospect things like security, or do you already know that it won't have what you're looking for?

By Ramodeo (Ramodeo) on Wednesday, June 14, 2000 - 07:47 am: Edit

It does sound like this is something pretty unique, and the way you talk about it, you seem to really want to do it. You know, it doesn't have to be forever....Maybe you can do without the "security" for a year or two. If you have to, you can always go back to a less risky position. If you're qualified to be the chef of a 4-star restaurant, it seems you won't have too much trouble finding a job then! :)

If you can talk to the new prospect about the security issue, do so. Are you referring to benefits? insurance? or job security - as in the business staying afloat? If you absolutely have to have the benefits, then negotiate for as much as you can get. If it's the business staying afloat that you're worried about, sometimes you do face that risk, and sometimes you won't be in a position to prevent it, but the risk is part of the rush, no? Never make a decision out of fear of failure.

By the way, if you do negotiate for benefits, make sure you don't accept what are really just promises cuz you've convinced youself this position is your salvation. That rosy glow around a new job can be blinding (she says from experience....)

By jonnyboy on Wednesday, June 14, 2000 - 08:28 am: Edit

I'm sure the job will be secure however where i am now( the air canada center) it will be here for ever, it is a huge company with endless resources whereas there is always some risk involved with any single restaurant. So one more meeting and i'll find out what is going on. Thanks for the advice everyone

By Blackstock (Blackstock) on Wednesday, June 14, 2000 - 07:47 pm: Edit

Jonnieboy,

If you're going to work for Chris you may want to think that one over real hard.He has a bad rep for being a big #$%^,his deals allways sound better than they are(I know 'cause I was there before).
It might work for you tho,just think it over and just remember that those days that are supposed to start at 2 really start a 10 in the morning and end at 2 at night(with no breaks and only a bowl of rice to eat).
But of course I may have the wrong rest. so best of luck to ya.

By Panini (Panini) on Wednesday, June 14, 2000 - 09:20 pm: Edit

Johnnyboy,
If you are going to be co-chef with the present one moving up than you should be entitled to see the #'s.
See the business plan, financials,benefits package, payroll, management payroll, accounts payable,rents etc.
If these are not open to the position you are filling than I would be careful. A benefits package is great if the company pays the premiums.
If the present chef moves within, what about payroll? It sounds like revenue is capped.
I'm assuming that the 110. cover is bev. too.
4,000. daily is very good but it sound like there will be a large overhead.
Just my 2 cents.
Good luck to you and your family.
PS. check into your own benefits and include them in your negotiations if they are not offered. Go prepared with numbers.

By Donna (Donna) on Thursday, June 15, 2000 - 06:49 am: Edit

Leave on good terms and explain that you have an advancement and I sure hope, a substanial increase in salary.
If you move on to bigger and better things, your boss will be happy for you.
Best of Luck.
Donna