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Location: Chapel Hill, NC, formerly NoVA and Phila
9,779 posts, read 15,793,171 times
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I think it depends on how badly you need the money and the benefits. If your financial situation/health insurance/retirement planning can use some beefing up, go for the gov't. job. If you are in good shape on those fronts then take the lower-paying job. Good luck!
Hey guys, recently took a Govt job (RN). Instead of writing a big narrative, I'm laying out the pros and cons with each position.
New Job: 70% (not making that up) pay increase, Federal benefits, retirement, vacation time that adds up very quick (8 hours each pay period, 4 hrs of sick time per pp). The work is generally easier
The cons: Night shift. I used to work nights several years ago, but as I get into my early 40's, my body just isn't liking the transition. The job is an hour away from our home. So combine a 8AM ride home after working nights-yuck. Red tape with job, I believe the Feds could slaughter an entire forest just processing paperwork for a single new hire.
Old Job: Literally five minutes from the house, day shifts. So I would be home every evening. very laid back management. Get along great with my old coworkers, a family type environment almost. Benefits are solid, but does not offer the retirement that the Federal govt does.
Cons: Pay is quite a bit lower. Potential for moving up is pretty much nil, unless I go back and get a master's degree or DNP.
I put a feeler out with a friend and former coworker about coming back. I pretty much would have a green light to come back, as I'm already trained, and they are short staff at this time. I really want the new job to work out, but nights just don't work out for me. They did at one time, but along the course of my hiring process, I lost my father, and really find comfort being at home with my family and in my old co workers, who were very supportive during the time. The potential for me to go day shifts at the govt job is there, but would take a year or two most likely.
So sorry about your dad. It's one of life's big stressors, and so is a new job, so no wonder you're feeling a little overwhelmed!
Since the old job is so close to home, and the old coworkers can offer some of the support and friendship you haven't yet established at the new job, can you stop by and have lunch with some of the old buddies every once in a while? Seems like that might work into your new schedule if you don't go to bed as soon as you get home now.
Moving closer sounds like it would help a lot, but that's another major stress-causer, so you're probably right to wait a while before another big decision.
Hope you can find peace and contentment with whatever you decide.
It's probably just transitioning to a new job. Once I get a few days off, I can relax and get rested up. The benefits and pay are too good. Probably would be more practical to move closer in the next year or two.
Stick it out with the gov. for the pay and retirement, and try for day shift when you can. With your old job not offering a decent retirement, you should stay with the fed, as private employers may try to dump you and hire someone cheap to replace you before you are able to retire.
Good points.....Also.....I would think quitting at this point would keep you from ever getting another Gov't job......and believe it or not, your old HR folks would consider this too, who quits a job w/ a 70% raise???
So sorry for your loss.....I think it has a lot to do with your indecisiveness right now. I think joining a grief group, or doing some online searches related to grief and loss would be helpful. There are some great and helpful websites, many with discussion forums for support. Here is just one that I found....http://www.helpguide.org/mental/grief_loss.htm
Hard as it is for the short term, I would hang in..you know how hard it is to get hired right?? Those benefits and that hard earned money will be worth it in 20 yrs.....Just my thoughts.
Also, I agree w/ the paper work, I've worked under Fed grants......nightmare paperwork.
So, are you working a 4 day week??? If so, that would give you some good free time.....
I seriously would encourage you to give some thought to other options, rather than quitting. I do personally think that you would regret it real quick.
I think wanting your old job back is more about wanting the connections of the staff, the familiar friends.....go coffee with them......get support and keep those connections, you are grieving and support is critical. Good luck to you
Hey guys, recently took a Govt job (RN). Instead of writing a big narrative, I'm laying out the pros and cons with each position.
New Job: 70% (not making that up) pay increase, Federal benefits, retirement, vacation time that adds up very quick (8 hours each pay period, 4 hrs of sick time per pp). The work is generally easier
The cons: Night shift. I used to work nights several years ago, but as I get into my early 40's, my body just isn't liking the transition. The job is an hour away from our home. So combine a 8AM ride home after working nights-yuck. Red tape with job, I believe the Feds could slaughter an entire forest just processing paperwork for a single new hire.
Old Job: Literally five minutes from the house, day shifts. So I would be home every evening. very laid back management. Get along great with my old coworkers, a family type environment almost. Benefits are solid, but does not offer the retirement that the Federal govt does.
Cons: Pay is quite a bit lower. Potential for moving up is pretty much nil, unless I go back and get a master's degree or DNP.
I put a feeler out with a friend and former coworker about coming back. I pretty much would have a green light to come back, as I'm already trained, and they are short staff at this time. I really want the new job to work out, but nights just don't work out for me. They did at one time, but along the course of my hiring process, I lost my father, and really find comfort being at home with my family and in my old co workers, who were very supportive during the time. The potential for me to go day shifts at the govt job is there, but would take a year or two most likely.
Wow. At this point in my life, it's not even a contest. I'd take the higher paying job no question. I'd put up with a LOT more crap than that for a 70% pay increase.
If things changed and I had a kid or my music gigs took off or something, then I might reconsider, but that's a long time from now.
I'd tough it out with the new job. With the benefits and gigantic pay raise you'll be able to retire years earlier.
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