In all seriousness...What would you do in our situation..Advice needed (long)

Original post by btrflygrl

Sep 01, 2004 09:30 AM

HI All....I need to lean on the shoulders of my friends right now and need you to let me know what you would do if you were in my and DH shoes....

Background info: Moved to GA, DH left his retail Mgr position to sell cars b/c they would not transfer him. He's been doing ok, actually making less than what he was pulling in back in NY but we're still making our bills and such.

His dilemma: he has the chance to go back to being a Mgr. down here as a re-hire. he doesn't know what to do: stick with selling cars (not a lifetime thing) or go back to retail to gain the opportunity to go back to school and get his degree. He feels that selling cars is not challenging him to be a better person (hence to going back to school and maybe seminary)

With the store, the $$ is steady and guaranteed, good benefits, a discount, selling something he loves (video games), vacation and sick time, the hours are a tad worse, he's got the holiday season. With selling cars: the potential for a lot of $$ is there, but no guarantee. If he takes time off, he loses money by not being there to sell cars.

What would you do?

Maribelle7777 Posted: Sep 01, 2004 10:19 AM

Re: In all seriousness...What would you do in our situation..Advice needed (long)

I would go back to the store if I were him. Seems that he would be happier in the long run and has more chances for advancement.

IMO car salesmen make $$$ when people want to buy cars. If the economy is bad, car buying dips...and less money is made.

goingtobemrs Posted: Sep 01, 2004 10:21 AM

Re: In all seriousness...What would you do in our situation..Advice needed (long)

Sounds like the manager position is a better job for the future with stability. Think family and house. And most importantly, he was happier there mentally. It is important to feel challenged at your job.

FeliciaDA Posted: Sep 01, 2004 10:26 AM

Re: In all seriousness...What would you do in our situation..Advice needed (long)

Shana, I agree with what everyone's consensus is. It certainly seems that there are far more pros for your DH to go back to retail than remain selling cars, something he is not finding challenging or stimulating..

Especially if retail will afford him the opportunity to pursue his degree.. and give you both more stability for the future (kids, home, etc...)

Good luck in whatever you decide we're always here for ya!

marymoon Posted: Sep 01, 2004 10:28 AM

Re: In all seriousness...What would you do in our situation..Advice needed (long)

It REALLY seems like the store mgr position is much better. I used to work in a cardealiership. The $$ potential is fabulous, but there are no guarantees, and if DH can go back to school then that really increases the potential for making $$ in the long run. In car sales, there's always some new hot shot who can come in and totally outsell you. The brand could flop, etc, etc. I think the store manager thing is MUCH better for the long term. But only the two of you can make that decision.

soxfan Posted: Sep 01, 2004 10:37 AM

Re: In all seriousness...What would you do in our situation..Advice needed (long)

Shana,

Retail is and always will be a grind, full of peaks and valleys. I just left retail mgr after 1 LONG year w/ 'our nations largest home improvement store' YUCK. I admire those that can do it. But, if DH can stomach it, it sounds like the better thing for steady income right now. Be absolutely certain that they will bridge ALL time, not just benefited time off and health care, but 401K and stock options and any other vesting plans. In the long run, you will be grateful you did.
Once back, he should milk them for all the tuition remb. and training he can get his hands on. This will take him FAR. GL with the choice!
Claire

Pookiesangel Posted: Sep 01, 2004 11:25 AM

Re: In all seriousness...What would you do in our situation..Advice needed (long)

Basically your dilemma is a short term goal vs a long term goal. It sounds to me that the retail position would do more to further your long term goals, more importantly his, ie going back to school, which would most likely lead to more $$ in the future.

If it were us, I would go back to the steady position that would allow me to go to school, and continue my education.

As an aside I can relate to what your going through since FH is planning on going back to school after the wedding. Basically it has come down to doing what's best for our family's future, especially since we plan to move out of NY in the next three to four years.

Best of Luck!

Danielle&Scott Posted: Sep 01, 2004 11:33 AM

Re: In all seriousness...What would you do in our situation..Advice needed (long)

Personally, I used to work in the car dealer business and I know its not a very reliable position. I would go back to the store if I was him and also go back to school..If he is not challenged the possibility of him getting bored selling cars is going to be high......This way he will have a steady job doing something he likes. In the end the choice is up to him.
Scott

usuk2004 Posted: Sep 01, 2004 11:37 AM

Re: In all seriousness...What would you do in our situation..Advice needed (long)

I agree with everyone else here that the retail mgr position seems the obvious choice...but then what's the hesitation? Is there a reason why your DH is considering the car dealership - other than the potential for more money?

Basically, he's the one who has to go to work every day, so he's got to be happy...

good luck!!