So, about 2 weeks ago I was given the business card of a radiology director at an out patient facility. That facility has an opening for an MRI tech. I interviewed early last week and went in for an "observation" the following day. Basically I would work the 12p-8p shift and they are going to train me in CT. It would be quite a bit of variety because I would be doing some x-ray too. Their work flow was kind of crazy because pretty much everyone does everything, but it's definitely something new and different.
After my few hours of observation I was offered the job. They offered me about a 30% pay increase, training in CT, 4% pay increase once I passed my MRI boards, another 4% once I passed my CT boards, no holidays, no call, and I would work 4 hours every 3rd weekend.
On Wednesday I told my current employer that I was offered this job and pretty much everything that they offered me. My supervisor made it very clear that they did not want to lose me and said they wanted to prepare a counter offer which they would present to me on Friday. In the back of my mind I, honestly, didn't anticipate their counter offer coming anywhere close to the other offer. I work at a hospital so they are pretty limited in raises, etc.
Well, Friday rolls around and their counter offer is presented to me. 25% pay increase (plus $1.25 for evening differential...which puts me at a rate higher than the out patient place), move me to the 1130-8 shift (I currently work 1-9:30), they would train me in CT 2-3 hours a week about 2-3 days a week, and they also offer the 4% pay increase with passing each of my boards. I was shocked. There is another tech that is ahead of me in seniority that is expecting to move into that 1130-8 shift. And I never thought they would come close to the pay increase I was offered at the other place.
I told both places that I would make a decision by tomorrow. I am freaking out about this decision. It's huge. I feel like either place would be great, but I just can't figure out which is the best place for me. Since their offers are so very similar - it's making this decision so difficult.
Before I received the hospital's counter offer, my mind was pretty well made up that I was going to the out patient facility (again, because I didn't think the hospital would be able to offer me as much as the out patient facility). Now I have no idea what to do.
There is no real reason to this post other than to share my nerves with everyone. My stomach has been in knots all weekend because I'm anxious about tomorrow.
Re: Huge career decision
What insurance does the private place offer? Is the hospital offering no call or holidays? What about job stability and retirement? What are the advancement opportunities with each company? What kind of pt load does each place have (I am assuming that the hospital is busier and a little more stressful). How will any changes in healthcare and insurance affect the stability of an outpatient/private facility? Are there any buyout opportunities on the horizon for the private facility, and if so how will that affect your future?
I am sure that you have thought about all of these things, just trying to see if there is anything that you have missed
What about other benefits? Insurance (what carriers/how much?) What about 401K/403b? Do they match? What about maternity leave/short term disability? How much vacation at each place?
Just some other things to consider
EDIT: Nevermind, you answered all of this above
Either way - very exciting and congrats!
I get more paid time off at the hospital, but I have to use that paid time off to cover holidays that we are off (holidays at the out patient place are paid and I don't have to dip into my paid time off). So, if anything, they are about the same. The out patient place prefers you don't care more than 80 hours of paid time off at a time...so I don't really know how that would work come maternity leave. At the hospital - short term disability and paid time off are separate.
Cut the Crap - Weight loss journey of a Few Fat Chicks
That's kind of where I'm at with my thought process righter now too. Change is rough.
The other thing is that ultimately I want to end up in an orthopedic clinic. That is my dream job for the field I am in right now. So, it's hard for me to justify leaving where I am now knowing that when an ortho opportunity presents itself - I am taking that. It seems a little silly to leave and then possibly leave this other job in just a (hopefully) less than 5 years. I might as well stay where I am since a. I'm not vested at the hospital yet and b. the longer I am there, the better the benefits and I've already been there for 2 years.
Oh WOW!! I know its a very tough decision, but goodness, I'm so happy for you for your negotiating and just in general being wanted.
I know there is value to staying with what you know versus moving on to something new, but there is also value to trying new things.
I don't know... good luck with your decision, although honestly it does sound like your mind is made up. Let us know how it goes!!