She’s worth the world to me. I’d like to give her a brother or sister – I think. I don’t know really. There’s a lot I don’t know right now.
At the end of November, my contract ends. I’ve been told by my customer that they are working to keep me on, but it doesn’t look promising. As one who never waits for someone else to take care of me, I’ve been proactive. In the past six weeks, I’ve been to nine interviews. Nine. For five different jobs. Yes, I know I’m blessed to even get any calls. But now I’m sitting on three offers.
Offer 1: Great company, full relocation, plus great benefits and a 25% increase. It’s a great job that I know I would love. But the kickers are that it would require moving to Colorado and there’s a significant amount of travel. Hubby could easily get a job there and the new company has offered to help him.
Offer 2: A marketing position at a school district. The amount of time off and work-life balance is better than any job I’ve ever had. Plus, I get to own a program and have full creative freedom with a project that helps kids. And the team is lovely. But the kicker is the 45% decrease in salary.
Offer 3: Up and coming Communications firm that would allow me to work on mainly aerospace accounts, letting me stay in the industry I’ve committed 17 years to so far. There would be no commute either. Still negotiating the salary, but it would be in my ballpark.
Therein lies my dilemma. I’ve worked hard to get to this point in my career. But I also have a beautiful little girl who is growing up so fast. All of the positions are with wonderful teams that appreciate family. They know I have a little one and have all said they are more than accommodating with family issues.
If anyone can give me any advice, I would greatly appreciate it. I value all of your opinions. And Matt, if you are reading this, surprise! I’m looking for a new job because I want something permanent.
Sean
As Dave Ramsey would say “if I woke up in your shoes tomorrow this is how I would look at it.” Option one, sounds like too much time away from family. Especially being away from a four year old who will be ten in the blink of an eye. Money isn’t everything. Option two, money isn’t everything but it is something. When you say school district, I think public school. Being married to a teacher I wouldn’t suggest anything with a public school that may be subject to ‘budget cuts’. Option three, sounds like a job in the field that you love, the money sounds reasonable and you didn’t say anything about being away from family a lot. Good luck.
Thanks Tommy. It’s consuming my whole vacation and I’m very stressed about the whole thing. I really appreciate your take on this.
You have a very tough decision to make. I am currently trying to decide what my next path is….I was in a very good position with an organization when my husband took a job in which we have had to relocate. Now, not being able to find a job……I am trying to make some big decisions.
Okay, back on task. There is no crystal ball that tells us what tomorrow holds. You can try to guess, but there are no guarantees. I encourage you to write down what your goals are and prioritize them. Share them with your husband, and go from there. Good luck!
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Thanks, I really appreciate your input. I’m going to be sitting on a plane today so goal writing is on the agenda.
Tough choice Sean. As most parents would, I completely understand a desire to spend all the time you can with your kids as they do grow up so quickly. Having said that, also remember this…they DO grow up very quickly. My wife made a decision to leave an amazing marketing position several years ago for the exact same reason…to spend more time with her child (my stepdaughter). It’s a decision I think she now regrets. The reason why is what I said…they grow up so quickly. She made a decision to forego her own personal happiness for the sake of her daughter. It was a very noble sentiment and indeed, paid dividends for several years for the both of them. However, as Brit got a little older and no longer wanted to spend as much time with Mom, my wife, for various reasons (life has a way of never going as “planned”) found herself not able to get back into the marketing field she so enjoyed. There are a lot of spouses who give all their love and attention to their kids only to find that when their kids grow up and move away, they’ve lost their relationship with their spouse as a result. Your daughter will grow up and move out someday. Will you be left wondering/regretting why you made the career decisions you made after they’re gone? I think it’s important to remember to do what will make YOU happy LONG TERM as well and try not to make decisions based solely on what may be the best case scenario for your children in the moment. I know this can sound somewhat selfish, but I’m a firm believer that you can never be happy or make someone else happy unless you’re happy with yourself. Kids truly are resilient and will more than likely roll with whatever you decide provided you don’t overdo the frequency of changes in their life. Just my two cents…good luck!
That is so hard. I’m not sure where you’re living now, but it’s always hard to relocate, especially if the job requires more travel on top of that. While option 2 would be emotionally fulfilling, I wouldn’t take it unless you have a very stable financial situation without working at all. I think option 3 is great, you would help start up a company! But ultimately, it’s yours (and your family’s) decision
Cassie
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I don’t envy your challenge in deciding, but you are blessed to have such decisions before you. I know you know that too. Just sayin’.
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This is a great (yet huge) dilemma to have. I would suggest staying within the industry you’ve built your foundation upon. If you want something permanent, that is. If you’re willing to be flexible, perhaps you could offer to work on a freelance/project basis and doing the same for the school system? It could be a hodge-podge that gives you the best of both worlds, including more control over your future. Just a thought.
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#3. That’s my vote. Agree with your friends. #1 = too much travel, change, etc., when Ava is young. #2 = tempting, but not when you look at #3. Good luck, friend.
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Well, I went with #3. I’m at peace with it.