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        New Message Board Archives >> 2006 General Board Posts >> Good news // Bad news
        
(Message started by: Dragnlance on May 23^rd, 2006, 12:43am)

Title: Good news // Bad news
Post by Dragnlance on May 23^rd, 2006, 12:43am

Ok, I need your insights and input.

The good news is that I was offered the job in Miles City.

Here is the quandry.
Currently I make 11.88 an hour. I currently have 18 days PTO time. I have a 401K and fair insurance, at a good price, roughly 30 bucks a paycheck.
All for a job I dislike.

In Miles City, it will be a job doing what I like, but, the pay offered is 13.50 an hour, 7 PTO days, expensive insurance, roughly 100.00 a paycheck. They do have a 401K but it sounds limited.

From an economic stand point, this is a bad move. From an emotional stand point, it might be a good move.

Other points I have to look at. The company I work for now, is "supposed to" be giving us a cost of living increase. The rest of the company already has this, but since we are the highest paid hourly personel, the are dragging their feet. If it actually goes thru, it means I "could" be near 14.00 an hour. (they have a very poor track record with their promises to our team)
I am ready to take my Microsoft test, and I was told the company would pay for it. Again, it seems to be an empty promise, as they still have not given us an answer if they are, or are not going to follow thru.

Then there is the move. My wife would have to stay here for approx 6 months, waiting until her work place finishes up the equipment upgrades so that people can telecomute via high speed internet, rather than a dial up connection. Then we have to sell this house.

The company in Miles City will give me a 300.00 moving bonus, which isn't much, but better than nothing.

Quite honestly, I have never been in this position before. I have been with this company for 8 years, and prior to that, we owned a pizza parlor for 8 years as well.

I could really use some good input, as I am stressed, confused and worried.
I am worried that maybe I would be passing one of those golden opportunities if I refuse, but then it could be one of those disasterous mistakes if I take it.
I worry, because I have had no other responses to my applications that maybe I won't find a position I am looking for, like this one.

I could keep going, but this is long enough.
Thank you for reading this, and if so inclined, your answers.

Your brother in pain,

Lance aka, Dragnlance

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i185/Dragnlance/dragon14.jpg

Title: Re: Good news // Bad news
Post by vietvet2tours on May 23^rd, 2006, 12:45am

Miles City sucks

Title: Re: Good news // Bad news
Post by FramCire on May 23^rd, 2006, 12:49am

Break it down (with your wife of course). Pro and cons and see where you are.

Do you have major ties to the area you live in?

Are you sure the new job will make you happier?

What is the difference in your take-home pay (NET) and do a simple comparison of the insurance plans?

My initial reaction is to stick with the job you have because you need to gain a lot to make such a move. HOWEVER, how much happier will you be? Can you negociate your pay at the new company to make up for some more of the insurance difference?

Sorry not to give you many answers, but this is way too big for an outsider to counsel without ALL the facts.

PM me if you want to run through more with me. We can chat tomorrow/Wednesday night maybe? My wife and I made a similar decision 6 years ago so I understand all the variables.

Title: Re: Good news // Bad news
Post by MJ on May 23^rd, 2006, 12:56am

Dragn

What kind of work do you do?

Title: Re: Good news // Bad news
Post by Dragnlance on May 23^rd, 2006, 12:59am

I am a computer repair technician. Currently A+ Certified, and working to get Microsoft Certified.
I work full time in a call center as a computer help desk tech, taking calls all day.
I also have a part time computer repair business that I run out of my home.

Title: Re: Good news // Bad news
Post by ShadowLord on May 23^rd, 2006, 1:30am

Take the new job and move... A job you like that pays more is better than bein' on phone... But then again, I hated my time as a customer service rep... Oh well... It's your choice...

PFDAN......................................... ShadowLord

Title: Re: Good news // Bad news
Post by MJ on May 23^rd, 2006, 1:52am

My advice isnt worth much but I would rather than move,
Grow the repair business, add small business needs, such as linking systems, backup systems and phone and internet connections. There is a real need for these services. Especially in smaller towns and cities. Not just a help desk but a help to the site service. Make it local.
Connect with the bigger boys at first to rep their products

Charge 45.00 minimum an hour to start. 15 billable hours will match 40 hours + benefits currently. I suspect thats equal to 3 repeating small biz accounts. where the cost to them is currently in the 100s for lost time and aggravation.

Think Geek Squad, Kinkos, Lance Computer Services

You will most likely with a little sales luck, asking what the local business wants and perseverance far exceed the wages you mention. I would suspect in 3 months work would be very steady and profitable then add a few hardware sales, Upgrades etc. Set up simple websites too. All doors will open as you go.
If your wife has medical insurance all the better.

I'm a serial entreprenuer so thats my advice.

Title: Re: Good news // Bad news
Post by Cathi04 on May 23^rd, 2006, 1:57am

Lance,
Just my input, but from experience with my husband, 8 hrs a day in a job you hate can influence every facet of your life.
I know nothing about Miles City, the bennies will balance out with the higher salary, so it seems, so the only considerations you have would be your comfort.......as long as cost of living there is similar to what you are accustomed to.
You already have the beast to negatively impact your life......go for the bliss man! You spend entirely too much time in the workplace for it to be a place of misery!
Check the pros as well as the cons-then follow your instinct!
Congrats either way! You must be good at what you do!!!
Keep us posted!

Title: Re: Good news // Bad news
Post by E-Double on May 23^rd, 2006, 6:21am

move to the east coast and make triple that per hour

Title: Re: Good news // Bad news
Post by BarbaraD on May 23^rd, 2006, 6:53am

since you've been passed over for promotion several times - what are your chances of being promoted in the present company? How about the new company?

Move is always hard, but if you're happy in your job (and work is not a four letter word each morning) then it's worth it.

Is your 401 vested? If so it can be rolled over into another account and you won't lose it.

It's a tough decision - change always is, but if you'd be happier that counts for a lot.

The raise in pay will about cover the insurance with a little left over to pay Uncle Sam, so basically you'll be bringing home about the same. Check out the cost of living....

Then see what equity you have in your home and see if you can make a profit there (usually you can).

Good luck in whatever you decide.

Hugs BD

Title: Re: Good news // Bad news
Post by Tom K on May 23^rd, 2006, 8:51am

Go for the happiness. I used to work in restaurants, made a killing. The hours busted my ass, get into work at 10AM go home, if you were lucky, around 1AM. Got a job in a private school as their chef/manager. Took a $10K per year pay cut. Three years later, I'm back up to what I was orginally making and every day it still makes me happy I did. Money was tight for the first year, but in the end, it all works out. Paid summers off kinda fills in for any pay cut, you know. I struggled with my decision for quite some time before I/we decided to go for it. Good Luck to you, in which ever you decide.

Title: Re: Good news // Bad news
Post by ShadowLord on May 23^rd, 2006, 8:56am

6 months away from the wife... What else do ya need?

PFDAN................................................... ShadowLord

Title: Re: Good news // Bad news
Post by Sean_C on May 23^rd, 2006, 9:19am

on 05/23/06 at 06:21:31, E-Double wrote:

move to the east coast and make triple that per hour

My thoughts exactly, I'm with MJ, go for broke and start up your own business. The GEEK squad gets 120 dollars jest to come out to the house to "try" to fix my computer. If they take it back to the store to fix it everythings flat rate and its not a cheap rate either.

I'd say fuck it and go for it. Reseach a marketing plan, or if your ambitious, put some adds for computer repair service in your local paper and maybe a penny saver paper and keep you job you have now and see how the first couple of months go working nights and weekends, that way you still maintain yourincome now and have health insurance.

Go for it Lance, you only live once.

Best of Luck,

Sean......................................

Title: Re: Good news // Bad news
Post by Tom K on May 23^rd, 2006, 9:26am

Can I get a PS and BTW...just heard a commercial on XM Radio. There is a company called PlumChoice. They don't even come to your house, they fix it by connecting to you and looking at your system. Even better than moving is working from home! Just something to think about.

Title: Re: Good news // Bad news
Post by zwibbs/Scott on May 23^rd, 2006, 12:03pm

Lance---Try to call the Geek Squad--around here they have helped alot of people. Also charge a healthy fee.No matter what keep your head high cause something good is going to happen.

Title: Re: Good news // Bad news
Post by Lizzie2 on May 23^rd, 2006, 12:40pm

Two things:

1. I like MJ's idea if you're up to it. But part of the problem there is that if you work solely for yourself, you've gotta be able to afford your own bennies and set away for retirement, etc. Working for yourself ain't cheap by no means, but if you have the will and desire to do that - go for it! I know that was always my dad's dream, and some shit happened along the way so that he couldn't fulfill it, but he's still happy. If you're able and you'd really like to do that, go for it!

2. Do what makes you HAPPY - I know it's easy for someone "young and dumb" like me to say F$#% the money, but seriously....F it.. Money isn't everything. Rich people who spend their lives doing things just for money aren't usually all that happy and probably die younger from burnout and misery...haha Not that all rich people are miserable, but I know some dirt poor people who are happy as pigs in mud because they love what they do.

I change my own mind more often than the weatherman changes forcast predictions about my own future, and I've always been a firm believer in the thought that if you're not happy where you are, then CHANGE it.

And I know...I should listen to myself, eh? LOL

No matter what you do, you've got us behind you 150%!

Hugz,
Carrie :)

Title: Re: Good news // Bad news
Post by Opus on May 23^rd, 2006, 12:52pm

It is quite a move for little extra pay. I don't know what PTO means ( not power take off I assume) but health insurance is the most important when you have a chronic illness. If it was me I would keep trying for a local job. You said that you was looking for a government job. They usually have good pay after a few years and great health insurance. You do have to be careful because you have your own business ( which in NYS) means you can't draw unemployment.

Expanding your own business while working Maybe an option, especially if you are able to work less hours at work. Of course what you charge is relevant to where you live. I charge $25 an hour for everything I do, which is the rate I work for, and most people are happy to pay it. Most shops here charge $60 an hour to wipe your data and install a pirated copy of Windows xp on most machines that come in. If you can beat the competition by $20 an hour/bench fee you might do really well.

Opus/Paul

Title: Re: Good news // Bad news
Post by Lizzie2 on May 23^rd, 2006, 12:53pm

PTO = Paid Time Off = VACATION!! :)

Title: Re: Good news // Bad news
Post by Opus on May 23^rd, 2006, 1:02pm

on 05/23/06 at 12:53:39, Lizzie2 wrote:

PTO = Paid Time Off = VACATION!! :)

Ah, never had that LOL

Opus/Paul

Title: Re: Good news // Bad news
Post by Lizzie2 on May 23^rd, 2006, 1:04pm

on 05/23/06 at 13:02:04, Opus wrote:

Ah, never had that LOL

Opus/Paul

It's another thing I should consider in contemplating biting the bullet and going to med school... Right now, I have 4 weeks vacation a year! I'm going to Florida in a couple weeks only because the plane ride is my only cost since I stay with my grandparents. Then I'm going to the shore with my family for a week (Stone Harbor), and this September I'm going to England!! I just wish PTO meant they also financed my vacations...LMAO!!

Title: Re: Good news // Bad news
Post by Tom K on May 23^rd, 2006, 2:18pm

on 05/23/06 at 13:04:57, Lizzie2 wrote:

I just wish PTO meant they also financed my vacations...LMAO!!

When you find that gig, let us all know! ;)

Title: Re: Good news // Bad news
Post by Charlotte on May 24^th, 2006, 3:36pm

Lance, if your wife is good with the move, I'd go for the job you'd love. There is nothing better than a job that's a good fit (or a mate that's a good fit).

Charlotte

Title: Re: Good news // Bad news
Post by alienspacebabe on May 24^th, 2006, 4:26pm

Pros and cons.... you've already done the financial part of that.

Now comes the rest:

family - how will they handle the move?

work stress - do you expect to have more or less job-related stress?

cost of living - is it similar to where you live?

emotional aspects - is being happier worth the money you would no longer get?

job security - is this new company stable? can you expect to have long-term employment?

just some things to think about....

Lizzie

Title: Re: Good news // Bad news
Post by Sandy_C on May 24^th, 2006, 5:15pm

I've always heard that a good rule of thumb is to NOT relocate unless the total package, salary plus benefits, is at least 20% higher than what you have now. Based on a standard 40 hour week, 52 weeks per year, just on your hourly wage alone, the increase in pay is less than 20%, so you are correct. Financially, it's not a good idea.

How much research have you and your family done on Miles City? What is the cost of living compared to where you are now. How about housing - have both of you looked? Will you be able to afford to pay for two households for the 6 months your wife has to stay where she is - and possibly longer if you have to wait for a buyer for your house? Don't know if you have children, or plan to, but how are the schools (need to check if for nothing more than resale value of any property you buy there). New doctors - you'll have to find one.

I know how bad life can be when you don't like where you work, believe me. I went through years of this with my husband, who was raised to believe in the old fashioned work ethic - if a corporation hired you, you had a job for life. When his job disappeared after 16 years, he searched for another "company" job, and hopped from one to the next for years, because he was not happy. I was on the verge of walking out on him with the kids and going on my own. Finally, he got smart and put his knowledge to work in is own business out of our home. He is as happy as a clam. Yes, our income went down, no benefits at all except what we paid for ourselves, no paid vacations, etc. I worked long and hard to bring in as much as I could (still doing that). It was hard but we are a team, and it was worth it. It's now been almost 15 years. His business is going well, we're still not rich, but we are happy.

Just remember, the grass is not necessarily greener on the other side. I think you and your family need to do more research and have lots more discussion before a major move like this is taken for such a small increase if any in pay.

Just my 2 cents.

Sandy

Title: Re: Good news // Bad news
Post by vietvet2tours on May 24^th, 2006, 8:11pm

The big gig in Miles city is the buckin horse sale. Miles city sux,Tell em lance

Title: Re: Good news // Bad news
Post by Richr8 on May 24^th, 2006, 8:21pm

on 05/23/06 at 00:43:20, Dragnlance wrote:

it will be a job doing what I like

That's far more important than pay considerations, but you'll have to weigh the other factors, that is, family, friends, quality of life, is it where you want to live? If you can't answer these questions to your satisfaction, then I would keep looking for that dream job in your current or desired location.

Follow your passion.

Good luck!

Title: Re: Good news // Bad news
Post by Dragnlance on May 25^th, 2006, 12:21am

Ok I am going to copy in some of my responses to a friend here. THis may get long

for starters,

Money - new job 17% increase

Job growth potential - current job - none, new job - none

Job security - current job a call center - as secure as can be expected for a call center. New job - 35 year old company - as secure as can be expected as a new hire

Community to live in - currently, in (for Montana) a large city approx 60,000. New job, in a town of approx 8,000 smaller mid-sized town.

Family and friends accessability - current job - 45 minutes away. New job - 6+ hours

Benefits - current job - good. New job - ok

People you work with and internal enjoyment of job - Current job - Good people, no enjoyment of the job (feeling of rotting) New job - unknown people job more in line with what I want to be doing

Wife's career? - Current Job - allows her to work from home. New job - once her work (current) gets onto broadband, approx 6 months) will be able to work from home. Will require 6 month separation until that time.

Cost of living - currently - fairly high, new job - lower

Money - gross wages. insurance cost is more, fewer vacation days.

community - i work 2 jobs, so do not belong to any groups and such. I prefer smaller quiet towns. This one is far too noisey, and we have far too much crime.

Friends and family, are all in this area, although my wife's family is scattered, from Alaska to Austraila. Closest is a brother in Denver. I see my younges brother every day, as we work for the same company and department. My dad also works in town, although he lives 45 miles away.

Enjoyment would be the smaller town. hunting and fishing available, although no elk in the area. No mountains for backpacking.

No kids. We checked with her work, and they are willing to have her work from Miles City.

Cost. Simular houses to ours are approx 150,000 here, while closer to 90,000 there

age, 43, again no kids, just my dogs.

jobs locally are few and far between. this is an economically stagnant community, so I have to look outside the community. Helena is 80 miles from here, and would be ideal, but nothing has panned out there so far

There are hunting and fishing ops close, but it is rather difficult, because of the large town we are in, most land owners close by are not what one might call, welcoming. less of a problem in a smaller town.

As far as friends go, since I work 2 jobs currently, I don't see them much anyway. Hardly at all if truth be told.

Quality of life would be better in a small town, for the way of life, crime and hobbies. No family close.

The problem I run into is that the pros and cons of each job are about equal, so therein lies the quandry. Neither has something that is a great deal better than another, nor is one a great deal worse than the other.
Rough decision.

Title: Re: Good news // Bad news
Post by Melissa on May 25^th, 2006, 7:48am

Stop for a moment, close your eyes and just listen. What direction is your mind telling you? Don't think about risks or comparisons. Just listen to what feels right. And then do it, or don't do it.

That's another way to figure it out, as my intuition has never steered me wrong. I'm venturing on a new business that has me work out of my home, but I still have to go to different job sites to make something, and then leave.

I am scared shitless! But my being scared doesn't matter, because when I really listen to my mind, it's telling me everything is going to be OK and what I'm doing is the right thing.

I'm sorry, I wish I could explain it better, but if it all feels right to you, then swallow the bullet and do it! If something feels wrong, then let it pass.

Much luck in whichever you choose Lance!
:)mel

p.s. this is all my opinion, take it for what it's worth

Title: Re: Good news // Bad news
Post by superhawk2300 on May 25^th, 2006, 8:52am

I think melissa ia right. That being said I've been where you are and think my story may help you, well anyways I ended up making morein oneday than I used to in a week.

I am also a geek for a living. (and resent the term as I don't fit the mold but the world loves labels).

I used to have my own small business which I started out of my home. I am not A+ cert but I taught the A+ class at the tech here along with other hardware classes - I figured that was good enough for my resume. I am MCSE +I and have 15 years experience.

My opinon, based solely on my experiece is this: Moving up for a small % isn't worth upsetting the applecart.

I used to make the entry level wage around here of 10-ish an hour / bad beni's. Padded my resume with the some shop managment experience and then left for a job that paid 12ish bucks an hour / better beni's.

This job allowed me to apply at the tech to teach part time so I did to pad my resume. That got me a "regular" job - one that had a salary - roughly 32 a year.

I then took the chance to grow my own business. Found a partner, did the store front thing on Blue Mound Road (expensive busness district) and ended up making the same money as my last job but with 50 times the work, no benefits, 100% risk and no security.

Took completely off a few months to finish my MS certs (wife worked - we tightened our belts - etc.) When I returned I worked at a few clients I had saved and one knew of a company looking for someone. Certs and previous experience started me at what I used to make a year (32ish), but for part time position - 20 hours a week - 3 day weekends. I kept servicing my old clients.

This is my current job of 7 years, long for the IT industry. It is a good company and I've went from part time to full time, dropped all of my clients and just "work" now. I make 3 times my first salaried position and the beni's are pretty ok, but not great. The best benifit is I like my boss and can work as I see fit.

IT world is pretty crappy - too few good jobs and too many people thinking there are still good jobs by the bucket full. Changing jobs in this area for a few bucks an hour isn't worth it. Change jobs to gain the experience to make it entirly into the next highest salary bracket. Sometimes that takes a step back but not always. If the new job is the same as your old job as far as work I wouldn't change. Find a job that grows your experience and when you leave that one for another one you will have jumped a good % worth instead of a few dollars and most important you can start the process over again, from this new highest level, until you are were you want to be.

Title: Re: Good news // Bad news
Post by vietvet2tours on May 25^th, 2006, 12:35pm

Is there a Borries in Miles City?

Title: Re: Good news // Bad news
Post by tanner on May 25^th, 2006, 1:05pm

Lance, I gotta go with VietVet, Having been to both Great Falls is aptly named.

Miles City? yuck!!!

Sell your artwork man! You are a great graphic designer :)

or move out here ;;D ......tim

Title: Re: Good news // Bad news
Post by vietvet2tours on May 25^th, 2006, 1:15pm

Plus you can bout spit to Glacier Park from Great Falls. A weed grows if ya spit in Miles City. And there ain't no Borries in Miles City.

Title: Re: Good news // Bad news
Post by vietvet2tours on May 26^th, 2006, 11:05am

Miles City Montana cultural hub of Southeastern Montana.Thats how they describe it. http://www.milescity.com/gallery/huffman/014.jpg