Current Job and Potential Job are Equal in Every Way Except money- How Much is worth it?

[Anonymous]

My current (fed attorney) job is fine. I like it well enough and my clients/boss like me. I have my issues, but I doubt they are out of the ordinary for any workplace. I have been offered another position at a different agency. It is doing the exact same work and I sort of know many of the people. The commute is the same. The benefits are the same. The only difference is a 15K grade increase (14 to 15). I am debating whether to take the position. I would be gaining 15K, but losing the benefit of the professional relationships I have built and the comfort that comes with knowing the job well.

Seeking advice on whether it is worth it?

[Anonymous]

Are you close to retirement? Would the +15K factor in to the "past five years" calculation?

[Anonymous]

I'd take the new position. Any chance you can get a pay increase at your current job?

Do you need a new challenge? Will you get stale if you stay in your current job? What are the prospects for growth in each of the agencies?

If it were me, I'd take the extra money. Can't hurt. Comfort is not a good reason to stay, IMHO.

[Anonymous]

Beware that working for some agencies is a dream versus other agencies can be worse than private practice.

Do you know a lot of ppl at the new agency who can give you a realistic job preview?

Also, would the new position versus old be on the chopping block should sequestration or budget cuts happen now or down the road? Job security is worth a lot.

[Anonymous]

absolutely worth it...moving to a grade 15 will make you eligible for SES jobs in the future. It will give you a larger pay raise. It will give you larger step increases (and depending on your step, more frequent step increases).

[Anonymous]

$15K aint nothing to sneeze at. That's perhaps an extra $800 a month after taxes. I'd go for the extra $15K. If it really doesnt pan out, you can presumably always find a way back to your old firm.

[Anonymous]

Would you feel comfortable naming the new Agency? Or your current? Would you lose or gain a clearance by moving?

[Anonymous]

Thanks everybody. I think it is an opportunity I cannot pass up. To answer a couple a questions, I am (sadly) not even close to retirement. I already have a clearance and I honestly do not know if I would keep it there, but assume I would.

The only thing that is holding me back is letting go of the relationships I have made and the reputation I have made for myself. At my current agency, people know to call me for certain things and I know who to call in other parts of the agency whenever I need something. I hate the idea of having to build that all up again. On the other hand, it is totally worth it in the long run.

Thanks for the advice so far and any additional insights appreciated!