Well things have just taken a turn.

[Guest]

Hey guys I need some advice here.
Ive been working as a service manager/future partner with this guy for about 6 yrs now, had my own buisness and joined with him when the economy went south and his techs(2) quit. I love what i do and the people I work with.
I recently got a call back from a Industrial Ink-jet mfr. I interviewed with, that offered me 15k more plus benefits(which i currently pay) to start.
I get along great with the current guy and its a gravy gig and hes well established, he wants me to take over but Im not sure I want to go down that path again and have a loan, stress etc. in this economy.
This is strictly about money, Im going to be 40 soon, have 2 kids, and I havent added to my 401k and have shitty insurance and savings is pretty much depleted.
I feel this might be my last chance for a run at a decent paying job with a big established German Co. with less travel and working on proprietary machines.
I feel like shit that im going to have this conversation with him. hes going to FREAK out.

[nmfaxman]

Re: Well things have just taken a turn.

Always look out for number one, or you tend to step into number two.

[pjdbm]

Re: Well things have just taken a turn.

Gregg,I am going through the exact same in the US here, only difference is I am 7 years older and am a Indy.

On the upside,things will eventually turn around and when it does and you are in the right place at the right time,the money will be much better.

Aint nothing like owning your own business,when times are good they are the best,when times are bad ...

Good luck

[charm5496]

Re: Well things have just taken a turn.

Hey guys I need some advice here.
Ive been working as a service manager/future partner with this guy for about 6 yrs now, had my own buisness and joined with him when the economy went south and his techs(2) quit. I love what i do and the people I work with.
I recently got a call back from a Industrial Ink-jet mfr. I interviewed with, that offered me 15k more plus benefits(which i currently pay) to start.
I get along great with the current guy and its a gravy gig and hes well established, he wants me to take over but Im not sure I want to go down that path again and have a loan, stress etc. in this economy.
This is strictly about money, Im going to be 40 soon, have 2 kids, and I havent added to my 401k and have shitty insurance and savings is pretty much depleted.
I feel this might be my last chance for a run at a decent paying job with a big established German Co. with less travel and working on proprietary machines.
I feel like shit that im going to have this conversation with him. hes going to FREAK out.

take the job with the security and do what is right for your family. If the owner has half a heart he will understand I'm sure and if not then you just reafirmed that you are making the correct decision. Good luck!!!

[copiman]

Re: Well things have just taken a turn.

I concur with Charm5496. Being stable is important. Family is first. If it were me, I would take the job. What if he sold the company to another company? Where would you fit in to that picture? Good luck.

[coolbeer]

Re: Well things have just taken a turn.

Loyalty is a great thing, but when times are tough it goes out the window both ways. You gotta look after no1 and go with your gut feeling. Similar thing happened to me in the past, luckily I jumped the right way. Good luck to you.

[exit148]

Re: Well things have just taken a turn.

I go along with taking the secure better paying job with benefits. Who's to say the current owner doesnt run into tougher times during the next year or so. Suppose he gets a buyout offer from a larger solid dealer in your area. He could take it then you are on your out on a limb. Run with the safe bet, look out for you & your family.

[Jules Winfield]

Re: Well things have just taken a turn.

Think about your family...

Take the money...

[pepper38_cnd]

Re: Well things have just taken a turn.

Get some professional advice. Partnering with someone successful does not always mean taking out a loan and giving them a bunch of cash.

[BLADE]

Re: Well things have just taken a turn.

buy a paper and see what 'the stars' say. I dont believe in the stars but sometimes they have timely advice in such matters lol

[blackcat4866]

Re: Well things have just taken a turn.

You want to stay don't you?

I've been on both sides, and made great money at Ikon for a while. But the frustration level was too much.
Even when it is truly nuts here at the small dealer, I feel like I can make a small difference.

I think you'll regret it if you leave.
I'm just a single voice here, but I have a feeling you feel the same way. =^..^=

[pjdbm]

Re: Well things have just taken a turn.

I mentioned for him to stay as well,unless the ship is sinking fast,which he does not say.

[Gregg]

Re: Well things have just taken a turn.

Thanks for the input guys.
Its by far not a sinking ship, But the fact is I haven't had a raise in the 6 yrs ive been here, I assume most of the day to day operations etc. I dont mind it at all but im not in my 20's anymore and I dont think its in his budget to pay me that's the problem. I sell 3 times my salary every year and manage service and sales etc. and its starting to wear on me and my family. I should be making a shit ton more but ive never been greedy, as long as im happy im cool. Im just thinking of the future and the way the industry has changed, I dont see money pouring in like 10 yrs ago. All it takes is 1 or 2 major accounts to say "the better deal is with XXX" and its a HUGE game changer. Customers are faithful to the dollar only and that scares me.

[Zackuth]

Re: Well things have just taken a turn.

In the early 90's I changed jobs where I actually took less money. I noticed trends with the company I was with and did not like it (they had six stores, two had closed and talk was closing a third, although the store I was at was pretty solid). I took a job making 25 cents an hour less, going from 8.50 to 8.25, and in a year had gotten a 60 cent an hour raise.I found out a year and a half after I left that company, all stores had closed. While things were tight for a year, it all worked out.

[MR Bill]

Re: Well things have just taken a turn.

You have not had a raise for 6 years? Is he holding this buying the business thing like a carrot on a stick to keep you around. ??

I would take the 15k raise and the other job. I was at a place where this 70 year old guy kept hanging on and didn't sell his business to me like he said he would. He ended up closing shop. Not sure about the guy you are working with but he can find someone else to do your job. You are not burning him. Give a 2 or 3 week notice and move on. ??

Hard choice I know.