Private vs. public sector dilemma (apply, collect, find a job, salary)

[Rusty Avocado]

[SIZE=3]I just want some opionions on what to do...[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]Scenario-[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]I have a job I absolutely loathe but it promises a pension. Plus it has a lot of flexibility, bankers hours and lots of those types of perks. It does not have much room for increases in salary besides the yearly COLA. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]I have 12 years in. 13 to go and I get medical for life. 18 more and I can collect 80% of my salary. Plus, I’ll only be 53 year old. Hang in there until 63 and I’ll get 100% of my salary. Now, of course this is all assuming that the pension doesn’t collapse and disappear by then…[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]My father always drilled in my head that its worth slaving away for the promise of a pension. I like the security that a pension promises. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]Other option- [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]Take a plunge and move out of state to a nicer climate. My husband has been begging and pleading for years to leave this state. I would need to find a job first (and believe me I realize that looks pretty hard right now). But, I would potentially make more money in the private sector. I could probably earn 25% more as a conservative estimate. Over time I could potentially make 50% more but that would consist of crappy hours, weekends and holidays and stuff like that. Plus it would be a physical job. Currently, I work behind a desk. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]Considering both of the scenarios…what would you do?[/SIZE]

[bande1102]

I'd apply for other jobs, out of state. This life is too short to live in a place you hate, doing a job you loathe, all for the possibility that you will 1) keep the job for several more years, 2) live that long, and 3) the pension will actually exist for that long.

If you were living somewhere you and your husband loved, then I *might* consider hanging on to the job. But if you hate where you live AND your job? AND your husband is unhappy? Where is the joy in your life?

At the very least, apply and see what else is out there. Who knows, you might even find a better job.

[Rusty Avocado]

Thanks for the tip. I think you're right. It's just so hard to let go of that potential security I guess. I will start looking to see what is even out there.