Need advice on starting my life.

[JEDI]

Originally posted by: fuzzybabybunny
Just got done with an internship in Phoenix. I have a job offer in procurement that is largely sitting in front of a computer screen all day using an ERP software from the late 80s. Offer is $42,500, 10 days of vacation. I currently have no other offers and this would be my first job.

I'm not too big on this. I like the coast or the high mountains. I love backpacking, hiking through forests and alpine, snorkeling, and photography. The fact that I have to drive 2+ hours to Flagstaff just to do the kind of backpacking that I like sucks.

Some people, like my parents, have told me to take the job and get experience first. The economy's not good, and they say I'm lucky to have this offer. They say I should "get on the horse first before worrying about getting a better horse." I should endure it for a couple years to get my feet wet so that I can go onto better things. But I see my time and life as the most valuable currency. A couple years "enduring" in a place where I can't do the things I like to do is a couple years I'll never get back. In college I was more or less a home body because the things that I liked to do simply couldn't be done in Ohio. This translated into never really meeting people that I related to. Now I'm looking at getting stuck in Phoenix, but I really want to go to some place like Colorado, California, Oregon, or Washington.

Should I just take the job offer, or should I forfeit it (it expires tomorrow) and hope something else will turn up? I'm straight out of college with $4,000 in the bank. I can pack all my stuff into my car tomorrow and leave.

EDIT:

Well, I've made my decision, and I don't think most of you are going to like it.

I'm declining the offer and getting back on the road this weekend. While traveling I will be applying to a lot of other jobs, both outside and inside the company (they've got branches in California, Oregon, and Washington, and my foot's still in the door and I've got good people inside who can help me). I'm making a break for a new life in a new locale. Sounds scary, chaotic, and dangerous. Sounds like fun.

um.. u have a backup plan incase you dont find a job by the time your $4k runs out?

and stay connected to the internet. dont be that guy in the movie that gets hurt and starves to death because noone could find him.

if u get hurt, and need food/water, just post a msg here w/GPS coordinates.

good luck in your calling in life.

 

[BoomerD]

Best of luck to you.

I certainly understand not wanting to stay in Phoenix, even if I don't agree with your move at this time.

I'm the "drag-up king" for these forums...I've probably held more jobs over the years than most people here have had birthdays...

I more or less grew up in Eastern Washington. It's nice, green most of the year, (except in the Columbia Basin) but it gets too cold in the winter for me. Western Washington isn't as cold, but gets a LOT of rain most years. For me, that limits out-of-doors activities.

Kahleeforneeya's economy is heading into the crapper pretty fast. Our unemployment rate in Stanislaus County is almost 12%, about 50% more than the state's 7.4% average.

You never know what will pop up for opportunities, nor where they'll come from, so keep your ears and eyes open...that great job may be just around the next bend..

 

[lightstar]

job first. get your foot in the door, esp. while the economy is weak. . . .location later

 

[toekramp]

Fuzz I agree with your decision... I did the same thing and chose location over a sure thing. Best thing I've ever done for myself

My Story

 

[zoiks]

Looks like you had already made up your decision before you started this thread. In any case, I wish you the best of luck. I'm sure that you'll achieve what you're looking for.

 

[db]

Apply in all the places you want to live. Use jobs as stepping stones to get where you want. Loyalty means nothing anymore. When asked why you left a job, you say: "For more money". That is respected and not questioned.