NWR: Need help w/ career decision

Hi Ladies,

Hoping maybe you can contribute some thoughts/advice:

I started my current job in March. Although i have no problems with it, it has slowed down a lot and i am left feeling bored/unchallenged, and it is a shaky industry (i work in HR for a financial company). However, i like the fact that i commute by train to NYC.

Yesterday, i received a job offer working at a university on long island, advising students w/ their academic program. I used to work in the office as a student when i went there and i know the staff well so they trusted me enough to offer me a full time position that opened up. The pay is just a little bit less, and i really would rather commute by train than car (im a terrible driver i must say! lol!) but the opportunity for a complete change is intriguing.

FH thinks i should take the job because its a more stable industry (higher education) and i don't know how my company will be in a few months (worse, or better off).. my mom/sister said 'whatever you want to do' which doesn't help! lol

Now i don't know what to do, i have to give an answer today. But the pros/cons basically even out so i'm stuck. I just am afraid of regrets, whatever decision i make.

Any advice on how you ladies approach 'fork in the road decisions' such as this one?

TIA

I say go for it. Its true, we don't know what the economy holds. But it does sound more stable. It might pay a little less, but you'll be saving that money but not buying a monthly train ticket.

My uncle always gives me this advice: You never get ahead but standing still, you need to change jobs to get ahead.

I would change jobs. With the economy the way it is, we dont know if it will pick up again soon, or go down the garbage even more. You need something very stable in this economy. Also, it sounds like you are very frustrated with your current job. Maybe a change in pace will help and make you less bored.

But, with that said, do whatever you feel is right for your future.

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Posted by stinenandy2010

I say go for it. Its true, we don't know what the economy holds. But it does sound more stable. It might pay a little less, but you'll be saving that money but not buying a monthly train ticket.

My uncle always gives me this advice: You never get ahead but standing still, you need to change jobs to get ahead.

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Completely agree!! The job at the seems much more stable. If you were to go with the new job your stress level would be so much better not having to worry 'will i have a job tomorrow'.
I say go for the new job, its a great position that doesnt come along very often, alot of people would kill to have a job like that!!
Good luck and let us know what your final decision is!!!

I would go for it too. As a full-time employee of a university, you may get education benefits as well (free tuition, etc.) Health benefits may be less out-of-pocket, so although your base salary may be less you may be saving money making it even... or even more than what you're currently making.

It's ultimately up to you, do what will make you happy.

To me that sounds like a great offer..but it matters what YOU think and what your preference is. I will tell you why I'd take it:

Most universites will pay for your degree (masters or phd) if you work for them

if you are adivising I would suggest getting a degree in school counseling and then perhaps go for a guidance job (you can FM as Im a GC) the pay is really great in schools, summers off, pension etc...it certaintly is a stable career path.

Again everyone has a different opionin but I think it sounds awesome

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Posted by stinenandy2010

I say go for it. Its true, we don't know what the economy holds. But it does sound more stable. It might pay a little less, but you'll be saving that money but not buying a monthly train ticket.

My uncle always gives me this advice: You never get ahead but standing still, you need to change jobs to get ahead.

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ITA with Christine!

Thanks ladies for your advice, you don't know HOW MUCH i appreciate this right now as i just needed a little reassurement as i was so scared!! But I have decided to accept the job. So thanks once again for easing my worries...

i love my 2010 girls

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Posted by JenBill61210

Thanks ladies for your advice, you don't know HOW MUCH i appreciate this right now as i just needed a little reassurement as i was so scared!! But I have decided to accept the job. So thanks once again for easing my worries...

i love my 2010 girls

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i just saw this post now but i was going also agree that you take the university job! CONGRATS on your decision!!

yay for new careers!
i left wall street too to do something else and it was the best decision i ever made, you won't regret this

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Posted by JenBill61210

Thanks ladies for your advice, you don't know HOW MUCH i appreciate this right now as i just needed a little reassurement as i was so scared!! But I have decided to accept the job. So thanks once again for easing my worries...

i love my 2010 girls

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Congrats, Jenn! Good Luck with the new job!

Go for it, the benefits are probably going to better and also the added bonus for taking classes for free. Less time and expenses for commuting. (After a couple of weeks driving you'll wonder what kept you from enjoying it for so long )

I did the same at SJU for the four years that I was there. It was fantastice. The pros just seems more than the cons.

Go for it, I wish you all the best.

I think you have to do what makes you most confortable. If driving to work is going to make you miserable...than maybe it's not the best opportunity for you. But some of the advantages...no train ticket; probably less of a commute; and you can run on your own schedule...not the train schedule

I hope you make the decision that is right for you. Companies will always need HR...so is your job in that much jeopardy? How big is your department?

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Posted by stinenandy2010

I say go for it. Its true, we don't know what the economy holds. But it does sound more stable. It might pay a little less, but you'll be saving that money but not buying a monthly train ticket.

My uncle always gives me this advice: You never get ahead but standing still, you need to change jobs to get ahead.

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ITA, especially after hearing you worry in other posts about the stability at your current job. that is stress that you don't need especially with planning not only your wedding, but your future as well. I wish you the best of luck with any decision you make.

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Posted by JenBill61210

Thanks ladies for your advice, you don't know HOW MUCH i appreciate this right now as i just needed a little reassurement as i was so scared!! But I have decided to accept the job. So thanks once again for easing my worries...

i love my 2010 girls

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I think its a great decision Jenny, especially with your previous post concerns about your current job. Good Luck!!!!!

I would ask myself these questions:

How do the benefits compare for you and when the time comes, a family?
How do the retirement plans compare?
Can you or FH take courses at the University so you can get another degree for free?
Does either employer offer some kind of child care?
If your child is here on LI but you need to get to the daycare or whatever quickly, is that possible from NYC?
What is the career growth like (if that's something that you're interested in)? Can you get raises and/or promotions in your current job or in the advising office?

I've only ever worked at colleges so I don't have any reference point for a regular company but I do find that they usually treat you very well, are more flexible, and have great benefits just from things I've heard. It's overall just a nice and friendly atmosphere to work in. And if you're bored at your current job, this advising position will probably be a nice change. I would LOVE to do something like that.

The only other thing to consider is that with the economic downturn, especially if it's a private institution, enrollment can decline. They may need to make cuts in the budget and new employees may be the first to go. But since you're relatively new at your current company, that would be a concern there as well.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

She already took the job, let's not make her second-guess it!

CONGRATS Jen, go check your FM!

I would go for it. With the way the economy is..you never know how things will turn out and you're going to watn a more stable job.

As for driving. I HATE driving. I'm a nervous wreck when I drive. I started having to drive 30 mins to work each day and have gotten so much better. You really get more comfortable the more you do it.

Good luck!!