Dear Dave,
I took a new job less than a month ago. Just the other day, I was recruited by a huge company for the same position that pays twice what I’m making now. I didn’t apply for the job that was offered; they came directly to me. I didn’t sign a contract or promise to work a certain length of time with my current employer, but they’re good people and I want to do the right thing and handle things well. Do you have any advice?
Jeff
Dear Jeff,
In situations like this I always try to put on the other person’s shoes. Let’s pretend you own the company and you just hired a young guy. A few weeks later, someone comes in out of the blue and offered him double what he’s currently making. I can tell you what would happen here. I’d tell him to take it. I mean, I would. And as an employer I’m certainly not going to double his income that quickly.
I think you take the job. Just walk into your leader’s or supervisor’s office and tell the truth. Lay it all out there, and let them know that while you feel awful about the situation, you had no intention or misleading them or causing problems, but you simply can’t pass up the opportunity. Be sure to show an extreme amount of gratitude, and promise to do everything possible to make the transition as easy as possible.
Truthfully, if an organization cares about its team members, and one of those has the ability to double their income and they’re not breaking a promise in the process, this type of scenario is perfectly reasonable. It may be a little uncomfortable for you—and inconvenient for them for a while—but they can’t realistically expect you to pass up the opportunity to double your salary.
You’re a good man, Jeff. Congratulations!
– Dave
Dear Dave,
Will hospitals take a settlement on past due medical bills, or is this a rare occurrence?
Kristin
Dear Kristin,
It’s not all that rare for hospitals to accept a settlement on past due bills. Most businesses will accept a settlement on past due accounts, and many hospitals will accept a deeply discounted settlement because they’ve usually gotten a big chunk of their money up front from the insurance company.
Let’s say you had a $1,000 bill with a hospital you honestly haven’t been able to pay for several months, or even two or three years. If you go to them and offer $300 or $400 as a settlement, there’s a good chance you’ll have a deal. Just make sure you get the agreement in writing before you hand anyone a check.
Remember, you have a moral and legal obligation to pay your debts in full if at all possible. But if you truly can’t afford to pay, an agreed upon settlement between two parties can be an honorable and acceptable compromise.
—Dave
* Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business, and CEO of Ramsey Solutions. He has authored seven best-selling books. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 11 million listeners each week on more than 550 radio stations and digital outlets. Dave’s latest project, EveryDollar, provides a free online budget tool. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.
