Major decision

[pontifex]

Today I got a verbal offer for a position that I applied for. They want to pay me $60k a year to do the same job I am doing now at $30k a year.

Problem is, I'm not very fond of the job and I would have to move to Colorado and they want my answer by Friday.

I think the job may be easier once everything gets settled in as I'll be specialized in product group instead of supporting almost every product they make. It's also still a call center and I hate call centers.

I'm also hesitant to move away from my current state as all my family and friends are here and I won't know where anything is out there. Now, there seems to be some people from my current job also taking positions there as well so I won't be around total strangers but most of these people aren't people I really like. I've never lived on my own before, let alone in another state, so I have a lot to learn and more responsibilities

Now, the company is well known and large, so I'll have great opportunity to move around or even get experience to get a job somewhere else.

I'm not getting an opportunity or salary that nice here and life is pretty boring here as well, but there a few things that I really value here that I'm not sure I will have there.

Logically it seems like a good move but I'm scared of this huge change.

I just don't know what to do. Any advice for making this decision?

 

[MJinZ]

You should work where you want to live, not the other way around... IMO.

 

[dfuze]

that would be a pretty big life change.

you say you don't like the type of work (call center) both would be. is there a chance with the new company you could move up into a better position?

 

[Gunslinger08]

Money and career advancement aren't everything. Sure you might be making twice as much, but you might also be twice as miserable because you can't see your friends and family very often. I guess it really depends on how often you see them now and how much you care. $30k extra per year is probably $1800 to $2000 a month after taxes. That's enough to fly home every few weeks if you want to, but you're not going to be able to just call up your friends and grab a quick meal or see a movie. You'll probably miss some family gatherings because you just don't want to fly home for a day or two.

Personally, I wouldn't do it, especially if I'm not going to enjoy the new job much more. At least if the new job was really rewarding, you could get some joy out of that. Instead, you're going to have to derive your happiness from phone calls to friends and family, spending time alone, and meeting new people.

 

[gotsmack]

as long as it isn't the middle of nowhere and you like the weather you should go. You can always come back in 2 years when/if the economy recovers.

The job market is very poor right now.

 

[Ruptga]

Were I in your position I'd either take the offer or forever hate myself for passing it up.

 

[mrjminer]

42

 

[sandorski]

Weighty Decisions

Double the $, excitement of somewhere New, being on your own? Could be just what you need. Unless the Cost of Living, your Social Skills, Parole restrictions, or something else is holding you back.

$30k-60k, assuming it's a secure Job, is really a big lifestyle change for the better. So consider it carefully.

edit: Call Center? This isn't Commission work is it? I mean, the $60k is a for sure and not just a possibility?

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

Do you have other options at the moment to find a job you enjoy? If not, you may as well not be fond of your job at twice the salary, assuming you're up for the relocation.

 

[vi edit]

Moving away from family and "what's safe" for a few years really gives a new life experience that is hard to put value on before you do it. Factor in that you are doubling your money and it seems like a great opportunity.

You have no kids or S/O so the choice is easy for me. I moved halfway across the country from my wife for a good part of year and still found that to be quite the experience. With the internet and local community sites you are sure to find some niche group that you can hang out and socially network with.

It's pretty liberating really. Plus know that doubling your salary sets you up for future jobs and sets the bar that much higher for your next position.

 

[pontifex]

that would be a pretty big life change.

you say you don't like the type of work (call center) both would be. is there a chance with the new company you could move up into a better position?

I think so. It's a large global company, so I assume there would be multiple avenues I could take. Thats one positive...

 

[pontifex]

as long as it isn't the middle of nowhere and you like the weather you should go. You can always come back in 2 years when/if the economy recovers.

The job market is very poor right now.

Between 2 big cities (pretty close to both)

job market does suck and I will be losing my current job within a few months anyway, as I am contracted to the company I would be moving for and they are cancelling the contract and doing it all in-house. so I sort of have a "in" for this "new" job. I also have no prospects here (been looking for the past year and half or so with no luck) and I'll never get this sort of pay any other way.

 

[pontifex]

Were I in your position I'd either take the offer or forever hate myself for passing it up.

exactly the way I feel. I can take it and see what happens but if I don't take it, I'm screwed.

 

[JS80]

Age?

CO vs PA? No brainer brah.

 

[MJinZ]

Between 2 big cities (pretty close to both)

job market does suck and I will be losing my current job within a few months anyway, as I am contracted to the company I would be moving for and they are cancelling the contract and doing it all in-house. so I sort of have a "in" for this "new" job. I also have no prospects here (been looking for the past year and half or so with no luck) and I'll never get this sort of pay any other way.

If you're going to lose your current job anyway, then the decision should be a no brainer.

Next step is ask for the formal Letter of Engagement and see if they will pay for relocation costs.

 

[pontifex]

Weighty Decisions

Double the $, excitement of somewhere New, being on your own? Could be just what you need. Unless the Cost of Living, your Social Skills, Parole restrictions, or something else is holding you back.

$30k-60k, assuming it's a secure Job, is really a big lifestyle change for the better. So consider it carefully.

edit: Call Center? This isn't Commission work is it? I mean, the $60k is a for sure and not just a possibility?

yes, call center. I was also very surprised when I heard the offer. They called me today and made a verbal offer of $60k. I mean, nothing is set in stone yet that I actually do have the job. I have to let them know if I want it so they can start the paperwork/background check/etc, but I don't foresee any issues there.

 

[pontifex]

Do you have other options at the moment to find a job you enjoy? If not, you may as well not be fond of your job at twice the salary, assuming you're up for the relocation.

no. I had actually thought about going to community college when I got laid off because I wasn't sure if I wanted to stay in the IT field.

 

[pontifex]

Age?

CO vs PA? No brainer brah.

Age 30.
Yep, Colorado vs. Pennsylvania.

 

[pontifex]

If you're going to lose your current job anyway, then the decision should be a no brainer.

Next step is ask for the formal Letter of Engagement and see if they will pay for relocation costs.

Relocation assistance is a no-go, but I really don't have anything to move any way.

 

[JS80]

Age 30.
Yep, Colorado vs. Pennsylvania.

Any relo?

Denver is like a little cheap alternative to San Jose/Santa Monica for tech. We considered moving operations to Denver (from SM). It's beautiful there and there's great skiing obviously.

 

[JS80]

Relocation assistance is a no-go, but I really don't have anything to move any way.

No brainer. Do it.

 

[Hacp]

Who in their right mind would want to stay in PA? Get your ass to Colorodo. PA is a dying state.

 

[pontifex]

Who in their right mind would want to stay in PA? Get your ass to Colorodo. PA is a dying state.

It's not like I love PA. It's just that all family and friends are here. I do mostly like the rural area I live in too. Lots of freedom to do stuff and also find it pleasing to the eye.

 

[chusteczka]

It sounds like you have gotten comfortable in your current situation. Are other opportunities available to improve yourself? If not, it would be logical to accept the better offer. A man has to leave home and grow up at some point. Life is a great teacher and this experience would help you grow more than your current situation.

Maybe you can move there, get paid more, and pursue other opportunities like education or women.

 

[Mermaidman]

We were unaware of your ambivalence in working for our company. In light of this development, I regret to inform you that the job offer has been rescinded.


I hate dilemmas like this, but if I were you, I would take the new job and see how it goes. If it does not work out, how hard is it to find another $30K job?