Career moves are always tough stuff, I have had to work those out myself. I dont have the answer, but suggest look at some questions..
- Is your present company in a growth industry or pulling back?
- You mentioned layoffs, why is that going on when the economy is booming?
- Where do you think the present company will be in 5 years?
- Are you bored stiff or disgusted with you present job.
For the beer job..
- Craft beers industry is booming and in demand, ask the owner what are your 2 year and 5 year plans?
- Is he planning to build the biz then sell out, or is he wanting to stay for the long haul?
- For a fact, in a smaller company, you have to wear many more hats and be flexible. Is that something you can stomach?
- Ask the owner, what would your plans for me be if I join your company?
- Ask what is you biggest problem that you face today for the company?
- If you dont go to the beer job, will you be kicking yourself in a year?
Dunno what to add, but sit down and add more questions like this, maybe bounce it of your wife or good friend.
I'm in my present job for 2 1/2 years, but prior that, I had 4 jobs that were flat out stinkers. None of those turned out to be like what the interview indicated.......
Best of luck CSC.