Career advice: Leave $5 B REIT to move to consulting?

Offered to join a consultant in systems/modelling/accounting/general finance for a larger real estate /infrastructure group (around 20x larger) at about twice my hourly wage.. paid per hour. Effectively can earn my salary in 4 months assuming 50 hours a week.

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If the CFO of a $5B REIT wants you to stay I would play the politics game, move up in the rankings, and end up with an exec level REIT position. Then you can be headhunted for a consulting job if you really do hate being in a REIT. No reason to leave a place that wants you to move up in the company - especially one that size. Worst case scenario you talk to your boss and say you've been getting offers from other recruiters. Tell him/her you would like a raise and that you work should speak for itself. Maybe you'll get a little more $$. Good luck.

 

I would still stick with the REIT. I can tell you from experience that turning down money for experience is always worth it and will pay dividends in the future. Move up in the firm first - unless you're really that unhappy. Get that experience that will let you stick out and then let a recruiter head hunt you and spin off into consulting. You might not make as much now but you have to value the intangibles. Experience, often times, is worth more than cold hard cash. As long as you're not getting shafted too hard on the money side. Then I'd just ask for a raise assuming your quality of work warrants one.

 

I don't think I can add much value here. It really depends on the REIT, not all the REITs are equal. However, the other option does not sound that interesting. I would second the poster saying play the politic game (most places are cheap and rather give you title than money, but it will open up more future opportunities with senior title). I am thinking about the REIT that is run by M C, if it is the case, my suggestion is play the game to get the promotion and jump in a year or two.

 

How long do you think it'll be before you're promoted from the analyst role? And do you think the offer with the consulting group is kind of a "standing" offer or is it something you'd have to decide on in the immediate term?

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