#2, Why would an employer hire someone without meeting them first and without having them meet with those they would be working with? Double scary. I would suggest doing some strong research on this employer before signing on any line.

That aside, I think you need to sit down and think about what motivates you at work outside of money. More money is nice, but money does not guarantee job satisfaction.

And just from my own perspective, I agree with EHRL, counters don’t work. (and would not be required if people were paid properly in the first place!) The reasons why you wanted to leave will still be there, and eventually you’ll move on anyway. (although with more money in your pocket! lol)

As an HR professional, it’s frustrating to deal with the mindset of those folks who only want to appropriately compensate their valuable employees when they’re being recruited by another company (or horrors, the competition!). Then, when we lose said valuable employees HR is blamed for failure to retain them.

I don’t know if I would hire someone from just a phone interview … and I would be surprised if someone accepted the position without meeting us. Minor alarm for me. Check them out thoroughly. 🙂

Also, make sure that you like the city and that there is ample opportunity for you, should it not work out.

I left SoCal for the midwest and am thrilled and overjoyed with the quality of life and affordability.

Whatever you decide with the new company, I wouldn’t stay with the old. 9 years of being undervalued leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth.