NikB #27 (still tentatively Piecing)

[NikB]

Thanks all!!

So... OMG... he got a job offer. And it is SO GOOD. Probably about a 30% pay raise JUST in hourly, not to mention the shop is actually busy - so it's probably closer to a 50% raise. (if not more).

I can tell he's really struggling with the decision. He called all his old friends AND his whole family tonight before I even got home (he RARELY talks to them, esp. old friends, when he's in "depression mode"). He hasn't asked me for my opinion but keeps telling me what everyone else says. For my H - that's a roundabout way of asking for my opinion.

I am trying not to push him any particular way because I don't want it to be my "fault" if he later regrets it. But... his old friends have all told him that he'd basically be nuts to not take the job. I did gently say "well I'm with [friend's name] but I support whatever you decide."

I am trying sooo hard to be "neutral" and asked "So, what are the upsides?" He had a TON of them. About 30 minutes later... "OK so what are the downsides?" The downsides took seconds. 1. No air conditioning. Legit complaint around here... I said I had NO problem taking $$ out of the "house repair savings" to pay for an A/C unit for his area in the shop (maybe $1500.. heck he'd make it up in 2 months working there). 2. It's a historic building and kinda dark/dingy. (all I could think was "um really.. that's worth HOW much?"). He said he might be able to get used to it - especially if he got his own "spot" in the shop that he could keep clean. Friend/owner/(future I hope) boss seemed to agree.

I imagine that downside #3 is lost contact with OW... but he didn't say or even hint at it. In fact one of the major "upsides" was "The people there are way better, they actually care about their jobs and the people around them." Hmm.

Oh and he used to work for this company years ago - so he's got some "clout" in that he knows the founder really well, and he knows the politics. He struggles some in his current company of 20-30 year olds who are trying to make "corporate" perfect (and making all the same ol' mistakes along the way).

Anyway.. rambling a bit. If anyone has ideas on how to "encourage" him to take the new job without being totally obvious I'm all ears. Think I'm doing OK so far but suggestions are definitely helpful.

I am just thrilled the offer's even out there. It really IS an offer he'd have to be "crazy" to pass up... granted he might be but I am so hoping.