Am I crazy to change jobs?

[Electric Amish]

In this "unsteady" economy and high-rate of unemployment?

I have a decent job at a company I've been at for 15 years. I have 5-weeks of vacation and my medical/dental insurance is $2 per month.

I know I'll get less money, lose vacation time and increase my insurance costs. Medical insurance is a must since my wife is disabled and sees many doctors and requires many medications.

On the positive side I (hopefully) won't want to kill myself every day I'm forced to work at this place. I also hope to get deeper into the Software Programming industry.

God I hate trying to make these kind of decisions.

 

[ahenkel]

I don't see a problem with changing jobs if it leads to less stress and better all around happiness. I'd rather have peace of mind than anything else.

That being said in this economy I would never jump ship till I had another gig lined up.

 

[alm99]

How much do you really hate your job? How much does your current insurance cover? Co-pays, etc for your wife?

 

[nickbits]

i'd stay

 

[bas1c]

I'd only say to do it, if you really really want to be in software development.

 

[James Bond]

What is your profession?

 

[JoPh]

happiness comes at a cost.

 

[Craig234]

It's a good reason to change. The things are, look at your safety net (savings) and get something decent lined up first.

 

[GT1999]

More money, almost free medical.. damn, I'd sure as hell try to stay. I hate my job, but I love getting paid. Until something better roles around, I'm staying put.

 

[Nitemare]

Depends on how much you really hate your present job

 

[FoBoT]

suck it up and stay put
you are not alone, just keep telling yourself that
in your little cube

 

[IceBergSLiM]

If things at your company take a turn for worse you seem like a prime candidate for layoff because they can fire you and hire two n00bs and still come out ahead money wise.

 

[BTA]

all jobs suck unless you're one of those lucky people who gets to do exactly what they love doing. and even then, once you HAVE to do something, even a fun hobby turns into just another shit job.

you probably only hate your job cause you've been there 15 years. Hell I get tired of my jobs around 5 year mark, on the dot.

what about a lateral move at your current job? You havnt said what you do so maybe that isnt possible. But if your current employer has a software design group perhaps you could move there?

It sounds like your current employer treats you decently enough, perhaps you could talk to them directly about your desire to do something different? Many employers understand the importance of a good employee, no matter the specific job they are doing.

 

[Electric Amish]

What is your profession?

I work IT support and project management for a pharmaceutical company.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

all jobs suck unless you're one of those lucky people who gets to do exactly what they love doing. and even then, once you HAVE to do something, even a fun hobby turns into just another shit job.

you probably only hate your job cause you've been there 15 years. Hell I get tired of my jobs around 5 year mark, on the dot.

what about a lateral move at your current job? You havnt said what you do so maybe that isnt possible. But if your current employer has a software design group perhaps you could move there?

It sounds like your current employer treats you decently enough, perhaps you could talk to them directly about your desire to do something different? Many employers understand the importance of a good employee, no matter the specific job they are doing.

Either you work at a very good company or, what color is the sky on your planet? This SHOULD be the way things work but, I've rarely seen it myself. The vast majority of companies hire staff for specific jobs intending them to continue doing the job they were hired for til they die, leave or, the company no longer requires that job being done.

 

[yllus]

5 weeks of vacation a year? Damn, nice.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Current job wins out due to your disabled wife. If your wife was healthy I would say move on.

You need the cheap health care and you need your -weeks vacation.


Latest poll results said that more than 80% of Americans are unhappy with there current job. Let me be the first to tell you the grass is NOT greener on the other side.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Does the potential new job have lot of room for advancement where you could end up making more money, and make up for the lack of benifits? If yes, I'd go for it. It may be tight for the next few years or however long it takes to reach that spot, but if it keeps you sane then it may be worth it.

If not I'd stick with the current job but passively continue looking for something better.

 

[Electric Amish]

Does the potential new job have lot of room for advancement where you could end up making more money, and make up for the lack of benifits? If yes, I'd go for it. It may be tight for the next few years or however long it takes to reach that spot, but if it keeps you sane then it may be worth it.

If not I'd stick with the current job but passively continue looking for something better.

I don't have a specific new position identified. It may or may not have room for promotion/more money...I don't know at this point in time.

There is possibly an opening at a friend's place where I guarantee I'll get less all around for many years.

 

[Scouzer]

Current job wins out due to your disabled wife. If your wife was healthy I would say move on.

You need the cheap health care and you need your -weeks vacation.


Latest poll results said that more than 80% of Americans are unhappy with there current job. Let me be the first to tell you the grass is NOT greener on the other side.

I agree entirely.

 

[Electric Amish]

I agree entirely.

My wife tells me that my happiness is more important than her health and that I shouldn't worry about healthcare...

 

[lokiju]

Please don't do this.

Not now.

Wait it out another year or so or until things are improved out there.

Now is about the worst time to get into a new job.

Last one in, first one out.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

It really comes down to what you think is important. I took a 50% cut in pay when I finally told corporate America to fuck off and it was worth it to me.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

My wife tells me that my happiness is more important than her health and that I shouldn't worry about healthcare...

If you end up with crappy insurance who is going to pay the bills?

You will end up being in massive debt for the rest of your life unless you the put the wifey out to pasture by Kevorkian her.


Once again - while you may be happy on the new job for 6-months the thrill of the new job will wear off and you will realize that you hate the new job because of (pick one) - Asshole boss, low pay, long work hours, insane office politics, unwanted sexual advances, long commute, no upward mobility, incompetent coworkers.

In my 18yrs of working for the man - I have learned work is nothing more than a paycheck and if you want to obtain happiness - pick up a hobby after work that you look forward to doing and spend your work money on your hobby so you are happy.

 

[GT1999]

if you end up with crappy insurance who is going to pay the bills?

You will end up being in massive debt for the rest of your life unless you the put the wifey out to pasture by kevorkian her.


Once again - while you may be happy on the new job for 6-months the thrill of the new job will wear off and you will realize that you hate the new job because of (pick one) - asshole boss, low pay, long work hours, insane office politics, unwanted sexual advances, long commute, no upward mobility, incompetent coworkers.

In my 18yrs of working for the man - i have learned work is nothing more than a paycheck and if you want to obtain happiness - pick up a hobby after work that you look forward to doing and spend your work money on your hobby so you are happy.

qft