Need career advice: stay in a strong internal position or move for higher compensation?
Been speaking with ChatGPT, thought it's better to ask here with real humans and actual experiences.
I’m currently in a senior role with a company where I have built a strong reputation across multiple departments. I have a supportive manager, good flexibility, strong internal trust, and a lot of autonomy in how I do my work.
My current compensation is good, and I also receive strong practical benefits such as a company vehicle/fuel arrangement and 4 weeks of vacation. The commute is manageable but not short.
I now have a potential external opportunity with a much larger international company. The compensation would be about 20% higher, with strong benefits, 5 weeks of vacation, and some hybrid work. However, the commute would be longer, and I would be giving up a lot of internal influence, trust, flexibility, and reputation that I have already built.
My current concern is that while I am valued where I am, I do not yet have clear visibility on my long-term path after my current project/assignment ends in the next 1–2 years.
How would you think through this decision?
Would you stay where you have trust, flexibility, and influence but less clarity on long-term progression, or move to a larger company for higher compensation no influence but stability, knowing you may lose some control and flexibility? And start all over again?