I need some guidance!!! (kind of a long read)

tmpadmin · Mar 14, 2006

I've been out of work for about eight months, depleted the bank account, cashed in a 401K, sold an apt building, late on payment the works. About a month ago I finally accepted a position that didn't pay me enough to cover bills and had lousy health coverage, but it was 2x was unemployment paid and had health coverage. Since then I had three interviews. One made me an offer. Here is the breakdown by pay/benefits. All are for IT based work

*denied* 1. Bank (staff specialist)- ~$20K more than what I am making now. Almost fully paid health coverage. Did not have the second interview yet, not a sure thing but very promising. Very large company. Would be my choice if the job were offered.
2. Healthcare (IT Manager) - ~$10K more than what I am making now. Not sure about health coverage. I have the second interview tomorrow and will probably get an offer. Location is bad, and I do not understand what the job description really is... Manager/Director or database work. Medium sized company (~400 employees in multiple locations)
3. IT Outsourcing (Network services Manager) - ~$5K more than what I am making now (still doesn't quite cover the bills), health coverage is just as bad as where I am now. There is potential for advancement as the place is growing. Small company about 20 employees in one location but should be expanding soon.
4. Publication (IT Manager) - Where I am now. My opinions are respected. Health coverage is lousy, place is stinky. There is only me to support about 100 people. Should be expanding soon to 4X's the size.

The IT outsourcing made me the offer already and I am afraid with the top two choices not being definite I could loose it if I do not give them an answer soon (tomorrow the latest). However, if I accept I just about wipe out any chance of the Bank opportunity. I could let the Healthcare opportunity go, as I really do not feel any attraction to the place.

Anyone else ever been in this type of a situation? Can you offer any advise?

Thanks

terri · Mar 14, 2006

Can't you stall them for longer than that? Just make yourself unavailable until you've at least gotten through the second interview with the bank.

Healthcare, in general, sucks but it can keep you busy and is in an ever-growing market. It can lead to lucrative things. If you get through the second interview but STILL don't really know what they're asking you to do, steer clear. Sounds like bad management from the get-go. Poison! 'nuff said.

Try to do a little tap dance to buy yourself more time to explore these other opportunities before you settle for something you're not too excited about. You have to balance being prudent with giving yourself the chance to get what you're really after!

Good luck! Let us know what happens.

bace · Mar 14, 2006

Why can't you just take the higher paying job and quit if you get the bank job?

tmpadmin · Mar 14, 2006

I am already going to do that where I am now. It is a matter of ethics and loyalty. I've been burned in the past but I feel it is necessary for me to "do the right thing".

bace · Mar 14, 2006

tmpadmin said:
I am already going to do that where I am now. It is a matter of ethics and loyalty. I've been burned in the past but I feel it is necessary for me to "do the right thing".

Understandable to a certain degree, but getting a job that pays the most has nothing to do with anyone else but yourself. I would never worry about the company I work for, just as long as I was making the most I could at all times. Anyone with half a brain (your employers I'm hoping) should understand that you have to do what you have to do to survive.

tmpadmin · Mar 14, 2006

Things have already changed. The bank is out of the picture.

KevinR · Mar 14, 2006

I say healthcare. I am figuring if it is a healthcare place it has health care. Sorry for sounding like a smart ass. Gamble a little.

mentos_007 · Mar 14, 2006

w8 w8 w8... you said 20K more somewhere? $20 000 ?! jeeez... that's twice what my parents earn yearly... move here

with $20 000 you will live a great life!

tmpadmin · Mar 14, 2006

mentos_007 said:
w8 w8 w8... you said 20K more somewhere? $20 000 ?! jeeez... that's twice what my parents earn yearly... move here with $20 000 you will live a great life!

It is a bit discusting isn't it? Unfortunately, I got word that they hired someone else. But there are others on the table. We Americans live a selfish life. Always thinking of how many things we can get, what will the neighbors think of us if we don't drive that nice car. I cannot say I am exempt from that thinking completely, but I do not buy much for myself. Yes, I bought a d70s but that was the first thing I bought myself in 10 years, still not justified in some cases. I think this is a topic for another thread..

DestinDave · Mar 14, 2006

I voted (as did many evidently) for the healthcare option. When you have your 2nd interview ask lots of questions. Put them on the spot and make sure you understand what is expected of you. Only then could you really decide. Money isn't everything - I left an IT career after 23 years to wash/wax boats on the beach. You gotta be happy too...

Rob · Mar 15, 2006

DestinDave said:
I voted (as did many evidently) for the healthcare option. When you have your 2nd interview ask lots of questions. Put them on the spot and make sure you understand what is expected of you. Only then could you really decide. Money isn't everything - I left an IT career after 23 years to wash/wax boats on the beach. You gotta be happy too...

Yep. Be happy first and foremost. Bills and lifestyle can be adjusted, and all your options are upwards, so it isn't all bad.

Good luck!

Rob