YAJobT: What would you do?

[Scarpozzi]

I work for the gubment. I don't mind saying how much money I make for what I do. I'm a sys admin that's been getting entry level pay for 5 years. When I say entry level, I mean, I started making $30k/year 5 years ago and now make $35k/year.

This may sound bad, but I've been getting free tuition and plenty of perks (almost 7 weeks vacation/holiday pay/year), I get to travel, can set my schedule, etc...

I got a call today from a recruiter trying to lure me away offering me a shot at a job making $63,900 in my city. This is a lot of money for around here. My problem is that I'm really tempted, but there is potential for me to stay at my current job and get around a $13k/year raise within 3 months. So I'd be making $48k basically doing the same thing I'm doing now. Plus, job security.

I have a wife and a mortgage. Should I go for double money and little or no job security or should I stay the course for the flexibility?

No poll....

 

[JS80]

sounds like a no brainer

 

[sixone]

If you double the money, pay your mortgage off first. That way, if the new job doesn't pan out, you at least have that taken care of.

 

[Scarpozzi]

Originally posted by: JS80
sounds like a no brainer

Maybe for you. I have trouble determining what is more important.....job security or top end pay. I don't want to sacrifice either....

 

[K1052]

Is the state job a union position?

 

[NuAlphaMan]

There's more to life than money. While your pay may not be as high as you like, if your job pays you enough to meet your needs and obligations, don't look to jump ship so fast. It sounds like you are in a position to make substantially more in your current position as well. Having job security and 7wks vacation is a luxury and perk that many folks don't have!

Edit: I also agree with sixone. If you do take the job I'd definitely work on reducing my mortgage and any debt you may have.

 

[pontifex]

yeah but thats potential, not guarranteed.
new job is guarranteed more money.

 

[Scarpozzi]

Originally posted by: NuAlphaMan
There's more to life than money. While you pay may not be as high as you like, if your job pays you enough to meet your needs and obligations, don't look to jump ship so fast. It sounds like you are in a position to make substantially more in your current position as well. Having job security and 7wks vacation is a luxury and perk that many folks don't have!

Trust me.... I worked industry for 3 years....then came back over the government work. It's the best. Plus, I feel like I'm contributing to society rather than some greedy CEO's masterplan.

I just keep thinking about how I'm going to have a graduate degree shortly. It would be nice to make a salary that lines up with my education/experience level again. Luckily, I'm in Tennessee so cost of living is low enough for me to make a decision between two drastic salaries.

 

[Scarpozzi]

Originally posted by: pontifex
yeah but thats potential, not guarranteed.
new job is guarranteed more money.

True. Another thought would be to go for the new job and then come back to the old place when that position opens up. I just would hate to move around that much.... I want to keep things simple if possible because of my night classes.

 

[KMc]

The only thing that is guaranteed is you won't get the 64K job if you don't try for it. Start the process and learn more about this other company. Maybe you will find the job security there is not the risk you think it is.

 

[DAGTA]

Interview with the other place and see how you feel and your impressions after the interview.

 

[masterxfob]

you're going to have to look into other details besides the money. at first, most people would think of taking the money, but the small details really make a difference. i'm sure you get very good benefits, vacation, sick days, holidays, flexibility, while working for the government. most likely you'll sacrifice some of that and probably have a lot more responsibility/stress at the new job. that said, if you're up for a review in three months, then just wait it out and see what they offer you. if it's not all that you were expecting, i'm sure you'll receive other offers that are more suitable to your needs.

 

[dirtylimey]

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi

Originally posted by: pontifex
yeah but thats potential, not guarranteed.
new job is guarranteed more money.

True. Another thought would be to go for the new job and then come back to the old place when that position opens up. I just would hate to move around that much.... I want to keep things simple if possible because of my night classes.

So as a Sys Admin, if you decide to stay and DO get the raise you think you are getting, you will be making just a little more than what I make doing level 2 desktop support. I have no degree. Im 22.

Go prepare to interview with the higher paying job. Its time to bump the ol salary cap up a little.

 

[jhayx7]

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi
I work for the gubment. I don't mind saying how much money I make for what I do. I'm a sys admin that's been getting entry level pay for 5 years. When I say entry level, I mean, I started making $30k/year 5 years ago and now make $35k/year.

This may sound bad, but I've been getting free tuition and plenty of perks (almost 7 weeks vacation/holiday pay/year), I get to travel, can set my schedule, etc...

I got a call today from a recruiter trying to lure me away offering me a shot at a job making $63,900 in my city. This is a lot of money for around here. My problem is that I'm really tempted, but there is potential for me to stay at my current job and get around a $13k/year raise within 3 months. So I'd be making $48k basically doing the same thing I'm doing now. Plus, job security.

I have a wife and a mortgage. Should I go for double money and little or no job security or should I stay the course for the flexibility?

No poll....

Are you in college?

 

[Scarpozzi]

Originally posted by: dirtylimey

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi

Originally posted by: pontifex
yeah but thats potential, not guarranteed.
new job is guarranteed more money.

True. Another thought would be to go for the new job and then come back to the old place when that position opens up. I just would hate to move around that much.... I want to keep things simple if possible because of my night classes.

So as a Sys Admin, if you decide to stay and DO get the raise you think you are getting, you will be making just a little more than what I make doing level 2 desktop support. I have no degree. Im 22.

Go prepare to interview with the higher paying job. Its time to bump the ol salary cap up a little.

Maybe so....pay is bad here, but cost of living is a lot lower than major cities. It's difficult to have a Sys Admin position in this city that pays more than $55k. My biggest problem is that I do more Novell and Linux administration and the position is mainly MS. It keeps me from going somewhere else until I get more hardcore microsoft experience. I'd feel better if I had more active directory experience rather than just running a small one here and attending an HP RAIL course last year. eDirectory administration is a lot easier.....plus, it's far superior in stability from what I've seen first hand.

 

[Scarpozzi]

Originally posted by: jhayx7
Are you in college?

I'm working on my last two MBA classes. I graduate in May.

 

[jiggahertz]

Yeah, what about the other factors. Do both positions have 401k matching, pensions, etc.?

 

[gamepad]

If you're good at what you do then get the other job.

 

[Scarpozzi]

Originally posted by: jiggahertz
Yeah, what about the other factors. Do both positions have 401k matching, pensions, etc.?

Current position has a pension and 401k matching. Other position only has 401k....not sure if they match or how much.

I've basically decided to keep my current position for now. I've already committed on a business trip I'm taking mid-March. When I get back from that trip, I'm going to be finishing up my MBA and will start focusing on hardcore certifications, etc....

I basically want to get my VCP (VMware certification), some microsoft certs, and I want to learn Spanish. I can get all of three skills paid for by my current job...so I think setting those goals and trying to do it by the end of the year will open things up for me next year.

 

[JS80]

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi

Originally posted by: JS80
sounds like a no brainer

Maybe for you. I have trouble determining what is more important.....job security or top end pay. I don't want to sacrifice either....

man you must be uber risk averse for passing up a job that's 83% higher with upside potential in a 4.5% unemployment capitalist economy.