Job Question, Need advice PLEASE!

[UT-Engineer]

I'm currently working for a state agency, which is 80 miles from where I live, and the pay is pretty good. Only problem is, my current position is a "temporary" full time position, thus it will end soon (about 3 months).

I was offered an interview with another agency at a lower pay rate, roughly 65% of what I’m currently making, only this position would be a permanent full time job and in the same city where I live.

Here's where my dilemma comes in. My supervisor called me over the weekend and plans to retire in a month. His position was offered to me, with a $1000 per month raise and the guarantee that i would have at least another 11 months at this "temporary full time" job. With the condition that I obviously decline any offers that come my way and that I stop interviewing up until this position is ending (next September).

What would you do in this situation. Take the higher paying (temp) job in with an 80 mile drive, one way, or 50% of that pay 5 miles away, and permanent. I’m really torn here and advice from my fellow Camaro comrades would really help me out.

[BowtieBelle]

I would take the supervisor's job. You'd have to work twice as long at the other place to make the same money and there is not a guarantee that job would even work out for you. Just my .02. The drive does suck, I agree there-- but in my mind the money is worth it.

[insidethreat07]

Tough call. If the $$ was a lil bit better in your city Id say take the city job. Although the extra 11K looks pretty good. Id say take your boss's job then after 11 months see if you cant find a more permanent job closer to home. Just my .02

[UT-Engineer]

Yes 11K is promising, with the advantage of now having 5 employees under me. Im 25 by the way so the management experience, on top of my normal duties, could really help.

[67 Convertible]

I would take the 12k a year raise and continue with the temp position. The commute is brutal, but already making a decent salary then an added 12k raise would make it worth while for me. Plus good for the resume.

Even if you take the guaranteed pernmanent position at almost half the money, are there really any guarantees that you won't be laid off in a year or two? Hard to beleive they can make that guarantee.......

[UT-Engineer]

Originally Posted by 67 Convertible

I would take the 12k a year raise and continue with the temp position. The commute is brutal, but already making a decent salary then an added 12k raise would make it worth while for me.

Even if you take the guaranteed pernmanent position at almost half the money, are there really any guarantees that you won't be laid off in a year or two? Hard to bemeive they can make that guarantee.......

Ive thought of this and I will say that its pretty difficult to be laid off of a state agaency here in Texas. Although the economy is still pretty bad with 9%+ unemployment. Ive been doing this temp job for 2 years now and im use to the commute, but do have a our first child on the way in March 2012 so i know it will be killing me then to want to be closer.

More than likely I will take the 12K increase offer. however, I have the interview with the other agency today.

[TOMS1SS]

Take the higher paying 11 month job.

[full of days]

Money should not be the number one factor in your decision making. My advice would be to talk to your wife/family first. Determine what is best for you not in the interim but longterm as well. A bump in compensation near term could mean a number of things longterm. If you have the opportunity to invest time with your family, you cant put a price tag on that!

I went through a similar situation recently and it was interesting how one of the companies talked about compensation increase and dangled that carrot in front of me while I was trying to make a decision.

Less money - more time with your family
more money - less time with your family

[TOMS1SS]

Originally Posted by full of days

Money should not be the number one factor in your decision making. My advice would be to talk to your wife/family first. Determine what is best for you not in the interim but longterm as well. A bump in compensation near term could mean a number of things longterm. If you have the opportunity to invest time with your family, you cant put a price tag on that!

I went through a similar situation recently and it was interesting how one of the companies talked about compensation increase and dangled that carrot in front of me while I was trying to make a decision.

Less money - more time with your family
more money - less time with your family

Yes but you're assuming the OP has a family, I think he said he was 25? Personally I'm glad that isn't a factor for me, seems marriage and kids are something for someone who has an established career and doesn't want to move up.

[ewynn9]

Make sure to factor in the fuel differences.

I took a $5/hr paycut but now only drive 30 miles round trip instead of 100 mile round trip. No layoffs here either. It pretty much balanced out.

[Orange5thGen]

Originally Posted by TOMS1SS

Yes but you're assuming the OP has a family, I think he said he was 25? Personally I'm glad that isn't a factor for me, seems marriage and kids are something for someone who has an established career and doesn't want to move up.

He does have a child coming in March per his post.

Go for the Mgt roll get the experience and that will be good looking on your resume. Learn and grow in the roll and who knows may become a permanent roll in 11 months.

[steveo9043]

on your interview explain to them your situation. They will either A do what they can to get you to come there or B tell you good luck on your decision.

Knowing the work is temp is hard to know. extra 1000 a month. Figure out what it will cost you in that year to go further for work. Gas, oil change, maintenance to your car etc. figure out what your time is worth to you. Don't know how traffic is but that 80 mile cruise both ways would make it seem you will be driving 3 hours each day. Also extra 1000 a month before taxes could raise you into a higher tax bracket.

[greenisgood]

if you take the temp/more money, live closer to the lower paycheck til you see how it works out. Would look good on a resume though

[PoorMansCamaro]

Yup, I would take the supervisor job. Try to live as though you are making the same amount as the other job, and stash the extra money in savings. This way you have a cushion in case you can't find a job right away, after the 11 months.