I am facing an interesting decision. Chances are I will be offered a job from a competitor very soon. Same field of work, but different duties. Is this a bad time in the economy to be changing jobs? I really want to make a change, but I can stay where i am for awhile if necessary.

Good points about new job, new geographical location, actually old, I grew up around there. Closer to family, especially family I don't really know. I could possibly get some property that i've always wanted.
Bad points, leaving a life we know and like.

my concern would be the LIFO effect (last in, first out) if the new place makes cutbacks due to a sagging economy. how does overall compensation, benefits, and quality of life (ie work hours, commute, time to spend with family) compare between the two jobs? what about any accrued benefits you'd be giving up (ie vesting status, additional vacation time, pension plan)?

I think Bruce made some excellent points. My concern would be the prospects for both companies. Hanging on by your fingernails to a company that is on life support is no fun at all.

Kelly

If it was me I'd have to determine how secure the new position would be before going any further.

You guys have pretty much nailed most of my concerns.
The last in first out scenario could easily play in. But in the same sense, at my current job, highest paid first out could also be the outcome. If the current company begins to fail, they would want to keep people around that make them money. There are two other guys here that can do that about as well as I. They really wouldn't need my position in a fingernails type scenario. So, I am not sure that would make me stay.
Both companies, well I should say current company and new company division are in the same business. Yep, the new company is much larger and more diverse, good and bad.
My current commute is a handful of minutes, but it would probably increase at the new place. Working hours would remain roughly the same 8-10hrs a day. Other than that, it is a pretty equal move.
Again, thanks.

Unless your job is in immediate danger, I wouldn't make a move for anything less than a 10% increase in total compansation. How that is determined is really up to you.

It sounds like you will remain in the same house and your commute will increase? Longer commute means less time with family and less time boating. How long with the current company?

I'm facing almost exactly the same scenario. Hanging on to a dying company is no fun indeed, and you get to a point where just making a move for equal compensation would be good enough, just to get out from under the cloud.

Mike, you're right in that statement. I wasn't sure whether WM's company was on the skids or not and re-read the posts; it seems to be implied that that is the case.

That is exactly what happened to me on one of my jobs. They asked me to train an assistant. Then let me go and gave my job to my assistant.

roadkill Kelly

I must have given the wrong impression. the current company is doing alright, but so is the other, and they are a much larger global outfit.

I would have to move. The new job would be about 10 hours from here. Like i said, no problem with the new area, I pretty much grew up within an hour of it.

I've always heard that once you get comfortable in your job, it is time to go. I've been comfy for a few years now.

Very, very tough call. Do take care. If/when your current company gets "wind" that you are looking elsewhere, your prospects at the current company will diminish.

Kelly

Since you live in Mass and 10 hours from Mass has got to be much warmer weather, I say go for it. Unless of course 10 hours is headed North to Caribou, Maine.

I talked to the contact again last night. Thier hierarchy is a bit different than ours. This at best would be a lateral move, but definitely different aspect of the business. The economy is a real sticking point for me right now. The new position would be one of those "not really needed" spots, but kind of where I am now. I'm supposed to let them know today if I will be traveling out to seem them next week, where we'll talk details.

OH, it's in PA, other side of the state than you though.

This is a decsion that only you can make because only you know all the circumstances. Regardless of what you do there is risk and opportunity. You have to determine which has more/less.

If you are in a position that can easily be eliminated, regardless of the company or economy you should try to position yourself to a position that is a more critical need. Ideally you want to be in the companies core business area where they make their money and be a critical part of that. What you need to do for security is make yourself indesspnesible by position and skills. You can be the best widget maker but if your company doesn't need that they will cut it, it is only a matter of time. Companies cut costs all the time in good times and bad (though more in bad). You never want to be in a position that is considered overhead.

You also need to take into account your housing situation. I wouldn't want to have to sell a house right now. If you are currently renting I would continue renting to have the most flexibility.