Job Situation - what would you do?
 

One of my friends asked for my advice in this situation and I'm not sure what to tell them. It seems like it's a win-win situation...but what do you do?

Two offers that you are entertaining:

1. A job that you would **LOVE** - VERY high profile, federal benefits, two weeks paid vacation, will pay upfront for a PhD (including a full year of being a full time student while getting your regular paycheck), will get you a sweet security clearance, will match what you put into your retirement fund, in a decent location.

2. A job that you would **really like** - flexible schedules, 3 weeks paid vacation, will pay for as many masters degrees as you want (assume you already have one masters degree) - but not a PhD, will get you a decent security clearance (but no federal benifits), will match what you put into your retirement fund (and double it - so it's a 1:2 ratio - what you put in, they'll match and double), in a decent location, not as high profile, pays 10k more starting than job #1.

What would you do?

I'd have to say #1. Without knowing the field, I don't know the importance of the degrees, but why pay for someone to get like 10 masters but not a PhD? That sounds weird. It sounds like job #1 would enable you to move up and be making what you would be making at job #2 eventually - job #2 sounds like that would be IT as far as advancement.

# 1. Federal benefits are amazing, health care is usually next to nothing and the retirement is usually at 20 years, early enough to start a new career if you want. Plus they will pay for a PHd? Can't really beat that.

I guess it all depends on the field. But having a PhD paid for you won't hurt. Again it depends on what kind of PhD.

Absolutely go for option #1 - it's really hard to beat a federal pension! In fact, when I think of my own career, I feel that's the one mistake I made - not sticking with the federal work.

slight hijack--
 

With my company - and every other company I interviewed with - they aren't specific about what education they will pay for... it's just a general number (like $20000/year for example) that you can use whether you decide to get a masters, PhD, or use that money to pay for a certification in your field... just as long as it has something to do with your job at the company and/or where you want to go in the company.

It is normal for companies to say "we will pay for your PhD" or "as many masters as you can get"? Maybe it has to do with the field... I don't know.

=== back to the original question===

It really depends on where your friend is in life. If she needs a job with a flexible schedule, I would go with option 2, b/c it is flexible, you get an extra week of vacation, it pays a little more and your retirement is matched & doubled.

If they *NEEDED* a PhD for whatever reason (not sure what the field is), I guess I would go with option 1, because it's a position they would "LOVE" and they get the PhD covered.

I think the reasons on why your friend "loves" or "really likes" the offers would also come into play. (at least for me) Because if there was a job I was offered, but I only really "LOVED" it because of the high-profile, then that really isn't good enough reason for me. I would want to "love" a position b/c of what the duties/responsibilities are mainly because, well, that's what I would be doing every day. Even though I would like the perks I wouldn't want to be put in a job that I hated doing. :) But that could just be me ...

I'd take the job I'd love, period.

I agree--if givent he opportunity to do something you love, take it absolutely. Life is too short to be in a job you're mediocre about, even if there is a flexible schedule.

option #1

because if its in a field that you love, why question? I agree, life is just too short, not to enjoy your career and work.

Thanks for the imput everyone!! :-)

so curiousity is getting the best of me -- which one did she take?

:) My friend doesn't have to answer for a couple of weeks.

They are leaning towards #1 though. My friend is still in the process of "thinking" though - they have calls in with both of the companies/organizations to get some more questions answered. I'll let y'all know! :)

I think I would have to agree, take the job you love, simply because your going to be doing it for the rest of your life.

BUT before you accept anything, assuming you would have to move for the job, maybe you should consider checking out the location first. I know my friend got a job in D.C. and she's from northern California so she flew there one weekend to check it out and took into consideration the most important thing: finances (i.e. will the salary you make allow you to live comfortably in that area), also here's something I think everyone overlooks after they see their salary offers, would you like where you have to live, because if you love the job, and hate the state, I don't think it would work.

GOOD LUCK THOUGH!!!

Nichole

My friend selected #1. :D