Need Career Advice for an Important Decision ( Long post but need help ASAP )
I need some guidance in making an important career decision, and I’d truly appreciate your input.
I am married and currently working in a good organization with over 5+ years of experience. My current CTC is ₹10 LPA. While I’m happy with my role, I feel significantly underpaid compared to market standards.
Now, after 4+ years of marriage, my family and I are planning to have a baby. However, I also want to switch jobs to improve my compensation before taking that step.
Here’s where I’m stuck:
Option 1: I resign now (due to a 3-month notice period that most companies don’t accept) and start job hunting seriously in the last month. The goal is to get a better offer, join a new company, and work for 8–9 months before going on maternity leave. But I’m unsure if joining a new company and going on maternity leave within a year is advisable or how it might affect my position or growth there.
Option 2: Stay with my current company for now. Since I’m a key resource on my project, I’m planning to discuss my resignation with my manager. If they offer a retention bonus or counter-offer (ideally a 50–60% hike), I might consider staying through my maternity phase. The annual appraisal is also due in two months, which could slightly improve my current compensation. Post-maternity, I can explore new job opportunities with a better work-life balance.
Given I cannot afford a career break, which option do you think is more practical and sustainable in the long term?
Thanks in advance for your advice.
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I'm a mom and have been in same spot.. couple of questions .. can pregnency be delayed a bit ... Then Option 1 is favorable if it can be delayed atleast till you complete 1 year in new organisation and then go on maternity..
If pregnancy can not be delayed then go for option 2 .
But one thing you need to keep in mind it might be difficult to job hunt as soon as you complete maternity
I would say wait atleast till your baby is 1 year or so if currect project has flexibility.. bcz taking care of baby and focusing on career due to job switch is little difficult
Be prepared you might not be able to switch company till baby turns 2 or so.. if you have someone to help with kid like mother or mil then you can switch soon... It's difficult to manage alone
Really appreciate your reply….Pregnancy can not be postpone due to some reason..in my current company I have a flexibility to work from home..and now mostly all organisations are mandating 2 days work from office… so much confusing
Tough spot you're in. I would say option 1 is favorable, if you're okay with not having a job for a few months(savings wise).
The only concern in 1st option is taking maternity leave after 8-9 months in new organization.
If your work life balance is good in the current company I would suggest staying in the same company. I did the same mistake of switching and I have immense pressure in my new company
Option 2 any day..