Vendor wants to offer me a job, but................

[Antelope]

I have 2 vendors that I work with a lot of my firm. Both are insterested in offering me a position with their company that I would definitely take. Problem is, they don't want to ruin the relationship they have with my firm. I would probably be working on projects for my current company if I went to either vendor, so I don't want to ruin my relationship with them either.

What is the best way to approach this? Should I have the vendor ask my boss if it would be OK if I was offered a position? Or should I float this one by them?

 

[CajunCenturion]

That's a tricky situation, and it's possible that no matter how you approach it, the relationship between your current employer and the vendor will be damaged. Many companies have explicit policies that prohibit them from hiring from their customers, and many contracts have termination clauses built in should either party hire from the other. Just bringing up the subject can cause harm.

That being said, you have to do what is right and best for you, and let the chips fall where they may. Just be aware of both the short and long-term consequences regardless of whether you decide to do nothing, or decide to make a move.

Good Luck
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[jaymaechtlen]

A few considerations, in addition to those above:
Do you have a mentor within your company to discuss this with?
What is your position in the company- are you growing, or stagnant? (Are there opportunities. or are you dead-ended?)
Can the vendor discuss this with someone at your company, perhaps without naming names (yours)?

At the very least, it is nice to be wanted!
regards
Jay

 

[chiph]

And, what is in the employment contract you signed when you were hired (if any)?

Often there is a six-month or more period where you can't work for a competitor or supplier. Check the contract to be sure.

Chip H.


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[Antelope]

Luckily there was never a contract I had to sign. Unfortunately, a mentor at this company is far and few to come by.

Its a decent job because I am the "go to" guy and get great experience with lots of technology.....but that also means I'm overworked, the pay is poor in comparison to what I do, and it is had to get "advanced" skills in one area because the work is so diverse.

I've tried to bring it up that I am looking for more money and more advancement, but they won't promote me because no one can do the job that I do now.

If I leave, I know they will be in trouble...but hate to have to go to them with another job, before they offer more money or a promotion.

 

[Onyxpurr]

Well this sounds familiar. the only difference was a few months ago I found out my company was being acquired by another that I really didn't like.

So I looked around and got a job paying much more, better hours, less stress, and a great boss within the matter of two weeks.

I have been in this position before as well and remained stagnant for the betterment of the company and then was dropped like ahot coal when we merged with another company.

given past experiences, I will never settle again. If you feel you deserve better and are not happy with what you make and your environment, I would suggest looking around, even if not with the vendors.

Good luck!!

 

[jaymaechtlen]

If you are the only one who can do a bunch of things, then the company has a problem- you might die! (or something...)
They need to work with you to identify others to train, or ways to re-structure things to improve the company's resiliency. They can reward you in a number of ways. Some more money might be nice. Flexible hours, and the above training/structuring to let you work a shorter and/or better schedule would also help, right?

If you help then recognize the problem, and help them solve it, you will help them and yourself.

Good luck!
Jay