Crazy Job Situation: What Would You Do?

[skinsguy]

Originally Posted by RedskinRat

That is a huge reason, quality of life, more time with the family.



A word of warning regarding 'Advertising People' or creative types: They can be a little hysterical when it comes to technology and the failure of something around a deadline (which is the only time it seems to happen). Just as long as you can deal with 'Pelo en fuego' types.

Either way, good luck.

Thanks Rat, and I DO agree with you on the second point. Being that I'm married to one of those types, I know what you're talking about. I think one aspect of being a good I.T. professional is always being one step ahead of the possible failure.

[Dirtbag59]

Originally Posted by skinsguy

Thanks Rat, and I DO agree with you on the second point. Being that I'm married to one of those types, I know what you're talking about. I think one aspect of being a good I.T. professional is always being one step ahead of the possible failure.

Obviously you need to decide between the two offers you have now but I think you should seriously consider IT sales positions in the somewhat near future especially considering that your current decision is between advertising and IT administration.

Companies are always looking for "geeks" that can communicate with decision makers in IT departments and talk tech with them. A lot of IT guys kind of dismiss the sales route in part because they think to succeed in sales you got to be a "work a room" type of guy but study after study shows that the top performers in sales are usually introverts which coincidentally describes a lot of IT grads. This is mainly because success in sales is usually about developing relationships and trust as well as listening, all of which are key assets of introverts.

Plus in IT sales the sales cycles are typically pretty long so you usually don't have to worry as much about hitting quotas every month. Base salaries are pretty high and if you get commissions off a big sale life gets even better. Best of all though legitimate IT sales positions offer a lot of flexibility in regards to work hours.

Anyway something to think about, not now obviously but in the near future it's a very realistic possibility.

Technical sales engineer: Job description | Prospects.ac.uk

Software Developer's Dilemma: Is Being A Sales Engineer a Cop-Out? - Datamation

[skinsguy]

So just to update you guys. The college called me today and offered me the job. They are offering a lower salary somewhat, but the benefits appear to be comparable to what I currently have. I really don't know about the comparison between payroll tax in NC to VA, I'm assuming it's not a HUGE difference, but I really would have to see I guess. It's closer, which is great, but you have to pay to park everyday. So, that's going to be a bit of a cost each month. I would figure staff and facility wouldn't have to pay to park, but we do. They do offer two free classes a year, so I could continue my education free as long as I'm employed with the college. I might take advantage of that.

Anyway, it's kind of a hard decision, because they won't tell me any more details in terms of the employee benefits until I agree to take the job. I'm leaning toward taking it, but I guess I would have felt better if my salary didn't change any. It's kind of a wing and a prayer as to if there will be any type of career advancement there. I really would like to stick with I.T., but I'm also open to advancement in other avenues if this opportunity offers me such.

I have to let them know tomorrow.

[Daseal]

Originally Posted by skinsguy

So just to update you guys. The college called me today and offered me the job. They are offering a lower salary somewhat, but the benefits appear to be comparable to what I currently have. I really don't know about the comparison between payroll tax in NC to VA, I'm assuming it's not a HUGE difference, but I really would have to see I guess. It's closer, which is great, but you have to pay to park everyday. So, that's going to be a bit of a cost each month. I would figure staff and facility wouldn't have to pay to park, but we do. They do offer two free classes a year, so I could continue my education free as long as I'm employed with the college. I might take advantage of that.

Anyway, it's kind of a hard decision, because they won't tell me any more details in terms of the employee benefits until I agree to take the job. I'm leaning toward taking it, but I guess I would have felt better if my salary didn't change any. It's kind of a wing and a prayer as to if there will be any type of career advancement there. I really would like to stick with I.T., but I'm also open to advancement in other avenues if this opportunity offers me such.

I have to let them know tomorrow.

The bolded part seems very sketchy. Benefits should be something that are up front. Will the parking costs and lower salary net you less money, per month, than your previous job? I also look at the basic commute and put an hourly figure (same as my job) on that time to figure out which position is best. Good luck either way, but not disclosing the entire benefits package seems very suspect.

[skinsguy]

Originally Posted by Daseal

The bolded part seems very sketchy. Benefits should be something that are up front. Will the parking costs and lower salary net you less money, per month, than your previous job? I also look at the basic commute and put an hourly figure (same as my job) on that time to figure out which position is best. Good luck either way, but not disclosing the entire benefits package seems very suspect.

I was thinking the same thing Daseal. I mean, I was able to go on their website and look at some of the insurance benefits and so forth, but usually I would think that a future employer would call you in for another interview to talk specifics about all of your benefits. Then again, maybe that doesn't happen everywhere.

Here's what I'm thinking in terms of the cost to commute. I suppose I would spend less on gas, but gasoline in NC cost a good 20 to 30 cents more per gallon than VA, and I always fill up my tank in VA. Parking at my present job is free, where as I'm paying out an extra $60 a month just to park. So, that is on top of getting paid a lesser salary than what I have now. However, the two things going for this job is getting the opportunity to take free classes twice a year, and only being a 15 minute drive. I wished I could have given myself a few extra days to think about this, but I told her I would let her know one way or the other tomorrow. Part of me thinks it could be a great opportunity, and I think I would love working for a college, the part of me is thinking that me and my wife are already strapped for cash, and taking a cut in an already low pay would put a strain on us. Then again, I might have an opportunity to move up within the college, so I don't know what to do.

[firstdown]

Originally Posted by skinsguy

So just to update you guys. The college called me today and offered me the job. They are offering a lower salary somewhat, but the benefits appear to be comparable to what I currently have. I really don't know about the comparison between payroll tax in NC to VA, I'm assuming it's not a HUGE difference, but I really would have to see I guess. It's closer, which is great, but you have to pay to park everyday. So, that's going to be a bit of a cost each month. I would figure staff and facility wouldn't have to pay to park, but we do. They do offer two free classes a year, so I could continue my education free as long as I'm employed with the college. I might take advantage of that.

Anyway, it's kind of a hard decision, because they won't tell me any more details in terms of the employee benefits until I agree to take the job. I'm leaning toward taking it, but I guess I would have felt better if my salary didn't change any. It's kind of a wing and a prayer as to if there will be any type of career advancement there. I really would like to stick with I.T., but I'm also open to advancement in other avenues if this opportunity offers me such.

I have to let them know tomorrow.

I'm not sure but if you live in NC the employee may have to pay NC state taxes for you and not VA taxes.