Job Offer

Tasty · 11-05-06, 06:01

Well, I have been considering a career change, and on Friday afternoon I got an offer with a new company. I have been a teacher now for about 6 years (in education for about 10), and I am getting tired of it. I deal with emotionally disturbed, bipolar, ADHD, and similar types of students. I have loved this job for as long as I have been doing it, but I feel myself getting to the point where it is beginning to wear on me. Salary, while not everything, is never going to be where I want it to be. I could stay in education, move into administration, deal with more bad kids, and have a nominal pay increase. Not something that sounds too appealing to me right now. Anyway, the offer is with an oil field service company here in H-town, and is about a 20% salary increase. Better benefits, and a chance to enter the business world. Something I've been wanting to do for about a year and a half now. I think I'm gonna make the jump, but it's scary going from something you know and are good at, to something that is unknown.

Anyway, the point is this: Anyone jumped careers lately? If you were me what would you do?

BlackElantraGT · 11-05-06, 06:20

For me, I've always found that taking on a new job is always better if you're unhappy with your current situation. In my situation, everything has always been a step up, like climbing a ladder. None of the jobs I've worked at I can see myself doing for the rest of my life, but by taking that step and actually doing it, I know what I DON'T want to do. I still can't figure out what my calling in life is, but all those previous jobs, no matter how bad they were, helped me in a way.

I don't think you should be afraid of change. If you're not completely happy with your situation, you'll never know if it gets better (or worse) unless you give it a shot. Worst comes to worst, you'll still have experience in education and have that to fall back on.

Whatever you decide to do, congratulations on the job offer.

Totoland Mach · 11-05-06, 06:59

I had a "forced" career change some years ago. I got laid off while working for a major corporation and had to start over.

So, I decided to get into law enforcement product sales. Bought a computer (good old DOS box), studied everything I could about the industry, and I'm still doing it after 16 years and 2 companies later. I initially looked at this industry because as long as there are criminals, the law is going to need products (built in job security).

If the path you've chosen is what you want, go for it. Should things not go as planned, you could always fall back to your original (or close to original) position.

One of the best lines a sales trainer named Tom Hopkins said was: "Security is your ability to deal with insecurity". Pretty much sums it up.

Totoland Mach

cwcad · 11-05-06, 07:12

I am so envious of you I could just spit. Do what you think is right for you. Do not stay in a situation that will get you caught up. Have spent thirty years in road construction while I was looking for a real job. Never had another job offer now I am to old to change because I have become a slave to my lifestyle. Good luck with what ever you do. You always have your education to fall back on. Just reach out and grab the oppurtunity.

Joshua312 · 11-05-06, 07:12

I guess you could also say I just had a "career change" at 19 I've always had jobs that paid the bills, put job references on my resume but no real career building skills that would count as experience. I recently joined a company to work in the IT Department and I feel like a complete noobie at work, but on the other hand it is very exciting and rewarding learning something new everyday and getting to know the other employees.

I wish you the best of luck with your decision...don't be afraid of change...It might be hard or scary at first but you will also find enjoyment in doing something you love and have a passion for.

KevinA · 11-06-06, 01:28

Go for it. They wouldn't have offered you the job if they didn't think you could do it.

Ceezer · 11-07-06, 04:19

I'm one of the rare odd-balls that is looking for a career change in the opposite direction. I'm a DoD contractor and I enjoy working with the military (I also spent 8 years in it) but grow weary of the ever increasing formalities and the lack of self-gratification. It's the same old monotony, day in and day out and I don't particularly enjoy being stuck indoors all day (let alone in a vault with no windows). For 15 years I've regretted not taking the path of auto body in school. It's something I've always wanted to do but I wonder if it's too late now, especially taking into consideration I'd be losing benefits for my family, retirement savings, and some salary. I tell myself going to work with a smile is worth more than a dollar, and it really is, but I worry.

cwcad · 11-07-06, 04:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ceezer

I'm one of the rare odd-balls that is looking for a career change in the opposite direction. I'm a DoD contractor and I enjoy working with the military (I also spent 8 years in it) but grow weary of the ever increasing formalities and the lack of self-gratification. It's the same old monotony, day in and day out and I don't particularly enjoy being stuck indoors all day (let alone in a vault with no windows). For 15 years I've regretted not taking the path of auto body in school. It's something I've always wanted to do but I wonder if it's too late now, especially taking into consideration I'd be losing benefits for my family, retirement savings, and some salary. I tell myself going to work with a smile is worth more than a dollar, and it really is, but I worry.

I understand where you are coming from with this. The house still needs to be paid for. Kids still need shoes. The car insurance does not get any cheaper now that I have kids wanting to get into the their own vehicles. Starting over means that everyone will have to take a hit. I know that the spoiled children in my house would not understand. In truth I could not blame them. I spoiled them.

Corey Bit Spank · 11-07-06, 09:30

I wouldn't do it for the money per say. If the pay were the same for both positions, which one would you choose? Generally when people are motivated by money they make poor decisions that sometimes pan out for them (sometimes not so much).

I don't know anybody that got a raise and became a happier person. They just wanted more money thereafter...