Job change?

[skypro]

This is a little off the typical discussion here but it is chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome related...potentially.

I have an apparent opportunity to change jobs that would also increase my base salary by 15-20 k and overall pay by about that amount. I have been with my current company for almost 6 years and only received a 10% increase to my base last year (because people were leaving or had offers...in my opinion). They are known to pay more on the lower end for the industry and don't give raises unless you bring in an offer. The majority of people are unhappy and complain. However, it pressure free - from a management perspective. I am also the senior (terms of years in position) salesman here. I have seen many salesmen leave...and some return...lol. I still have to work hard and I earn my keep. I do deal with incompetent co workers (probably everywhere tho) because they don't like to pay any of their employees. Having said that this company is very successful and an industry leader. I have no chance for advancement - without going into details it's the good ole boy network here and I am not one of the "them". I would be the grunt for the rest of my career....now maybe in different capacities or markets.

Siemens is the other company - so hello corporate life, along with a more hands on approach from management and a stricter quota (most likely). The benefits would be better although mine now aren't bad. Siemens has tuition reimbursement - I would take advantage of that. The biggest difference would be pay and freedom to move into different divisions or into management, most likely. I have an ex co -worker / bud that went to Siemens last year and she loves it. Now her position isn't on the "same" side and she doesn't have a quota. I work in the fire alarm industry - new construction and she works in the service side. So not too far off but she doesn't have any interaction with the new construction department.

I have wanted to leave the current gig but stuck around for school and then the freedom to deal with my chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome rehab. I think that has helped me as I have a stable employement history and job security during the economic downturn.

Overall, I have been feeling pretty good. 0-2 on my pain scale lately. I still have more issues in the early to mid pm but I can control it. My lifestyle has changed and I really work on relaxing and controlling my anxiety / tension. I have been released by my pelvic pt and I now do bikram yoga and progressive meditation. I am convinced that my issue now is more of a conditioned clenching problem that I need to reverse.

So my question to my "family" here is - should I consider the opportunity and take a chance with the increased pay and pressure (most likely but to what degree). Would this take a a chance at complicating my progress? Or would you consider sticking around where I am until I am fully free of my symptoms? Or am I just over analyzing all of this?! Which wouldn't surprise me, either.

Thanks in advance!

[webslave]

If you feel you are getting on top of the anxiety and have the tools to handle more stress (the first few months on a new job is always a bit stressful), then go for it. At a large company like Siemens, if you're competent you'd have more job security and, eventually, less stress.