Ask Ash: Stay or go?

I have been offered a new role at another company, and although the pay offer is great, I have now been advised by some friends that the atmosphere at the new firm can be tense and challenging, with high work expectations. There is also a relatively high staff turnover.

I do enjoy working at my current firm but I don’t think I can progress in my career without moving roles. I am therefore caught between career ambition and maintaining a comfortable working environment.

I can appreciate that before making your final decision you want to ensure that you have all the facts to make an informed decision.

Having feedback from your friends is important, but make sure you can verify the accuracy of the information you have been provided. It may be that there were previous challenges in the firm, but due to the high staff turnover this may have prompted an effective review, and the issues being subsequently addressed?

Also at the same time you should sufficiently explore why you feel there is limited career progression at your current firm. Have you looked at addressing this issue with your line manager, and have you explored the possibility of leveraging your new job offer to help expedite and improve your current role and conditions?

As we spend a large part of our lives at work, it is important not to underestimate the value of a good working environment. Therefore if you can improve aspects of your current role to your satisfaction,
I would urge you to consider this seriously before jumping to a new role.

Whatever you decide, it is great that you are taking steps to review and improve your career prospects; and I have no doubt that you will make it work no matter what you decide! I’ve always taken inspiration from a saying by TS Eliot:

“If you do not push the boundaries, you will never know where they are.” Good luck!

“Ash” is a solicitor who is willing to answer work-related queries from solicitors and other legal professionals, which can be put to them via the editor. Confidence will be respected and any advice published will be anonymised.

Please note that letters to Ash are not received at the Law Society of Scotland. The Society offers a support service for trainees through its Education, Training & Qualifications team. Email  legaleduc@lawscot.org.uk or phone 0131 226 7411 (select option 3).