# Advice needed: employment **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [October 18, 2002, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-needed-employment/132839 "2002-10-18T15:46:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Jonathan\_Chance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jonathan_chance/32/701_2.png) [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2002, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-needed-employment/132839/1 "2002-10-18T15:46:38Z")
So, I have a chance to take a job that I’d die for. Here’s the gig: Run **all** aspects of a magazine except advertising sales. I’d run editorial, circulation, fulfillment, administration, partnerships, copyright, mailing, you name it. I’ve worked for 10 years to get such an opportunity. It’s been a stated goal of mine for a long time. Problem: It’s with a small non-profit. They can’t pay beans. They pay would be between 55-65% of what I was making previously. Admittedly, given that I’m on the beach now and making boffo it’s better than the present. But I’ve had eight interviews this month and have an offer of a 5 month well-paying contract gig on the table. So, do I take the job or go for the cash? I’m not posting this in jest. I’m honestly confused about the direction in which I should jump. I can’t remember being this confused about a job decision since I got out of school. Any advice is muchly appreciated. ---
**Author:** ![alice\_in\_wonderland](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alice_in_wonderland/32/176_2.png) [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2002, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-needed-employment/132839/2 "2002-10-18T15:50:40Z")
Humm - well, I’m not sure why you posted it in the pit, but ok… If I understand you correctly, you’re currently not working/unemployed. If that is the case, then whatever they pay you is 100% more than what you are making now. I suppose I would want to know what sort of standard of living you would have with the dream job, when you take into account that it’s the dream job. Perhaps when you factor the non-tangable benefits into the equation, it winds up being more lucrative than the 5 month big $$ gig. ---
**Author:** ![Jonathan\_Chance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jonathan_chance/32/701_2.png) [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2002, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-needed-employment/132839/3 "2002-10-18T15:58:43Z")
Well, I posted this in the pit because I screwed up. Any helpful mod wants to zing this to MPSIMS I’ll buy you a beer. We wouldn’t lose the house or anything. Lady Chance makes enough to keep the entire show running. But it would scale us back from where we were. And I guess I’m having a little emotional trouble with leaning on her so heavily. When I’m out of work at least I can say that it’s temporary. I know I shouldn’t feel that way (she’s always made more than me) but it’s raising it feeling-like-I’m-not-equally-contributing head. ---
**Author:** ![gobear](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/8dc957/32.png) [@gobear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gobear)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2002, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-needed-employment/132839/4 "2002-10-18T15:59:10Z")
You already said it–" a job that I’d die for". Granted, you have kids to support, but your wife, I understand, brings home a hefty paycheck, so your family is not solely dependent on you financially. This gives you freedom to take a lower-paying job. The higher-paying gig is only a 5-month contract, so after the 5 months are up, you might get hired full-time, or more likely, you’ll be back where you started. Go for the job you want. It will give you the satisfaction you desire, a benefit that can’t be matched by any financial compensation. ---
**Author:** ![Abe\_Babe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3ab097/32.png) [@Abe\_Babe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Abe_Babe)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2002, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-needed-employment/132839/5 "2002-10-18T16:05:57Z")
Where do you see yourself after the 5 months is up? If there is a chance of similarly fulfilling job being offered after 5 months, or perhaps even this same non-profit job, there isn’t really a downside. On the other hand, you might be kicking yourself for passing on such a [new age hippy] personal growth opportunity [/new age hippy] Salary wise, how are you getting along now compared to how you were getting on while you were working? If you can trim some corners on your lifestyle before being let go and live happily, go with the non-profit. On the other hand, that lifestyle change might not be desirable for you and the missus. Once you have run the show at a smaller mag, it might lead to a similar position at a larger mag, for much more dough. A dream job _and_ moolah. Can’t beat it. ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2002, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-needed-employment/132839/6 "2002-10-18T16:10:17Z")
Gotta agree with going for the dream job. And I am familiar with your feelings about depending upon your wife’s paycheck so heavily - for much of our time together, I’ve made more than my husband. It really bothers him, but I honestly don’t notice. Paychecks go into the bank and back out to pay the bills. The only time I really know who makes what is when I do our taxes, but I digress. Even if the dream job doesn’t pay the big bucks, in the long run, the experience could make a difference the next time you’re looking for a job. But even if it doesn’t, how great is it to be paid to do something you love?? ---
**Author:** ![Una\_Persson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/una_persson/32/346_2.png) [@Una\_Persson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Una_Persson)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2002, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-needed-employment/132839/7 "2002-10-18T16:12:49Z")
I think one key thing that really hasn’t been mentioned much is security. A job that you love, even if it pays less, is a really bad deal if the whole thing folds in 3 months. And a job that pays a lot, that you like less, but is more secure, might be better. Look hard at your offers, and the level of security and stability they offer. No one knows how much longer this “fake” (primarily consumer-confidence driven) recession will continue. Or when Muslim terrorists will decide that the Great Satan in Clouds of Sulfur has not been punished enough, and drive the economy further into the toilet with another atrocity committed against innocent human beings. ---
**Author:** ![mack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b19c9b/32.png) [@mack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mack)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2002, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-needed-employment/132839/8 "2002-10-18T16:22:58Z")
If this is what you really want to do, then what better way than to start at a non-profit? If you don’t end up quitting with an ulcer and your hair falling out you’ll have invaluable hands-on experience you can use to get a higher-paying dream job. Don’t get seduced by the money for the non-dream gig if you can afford not to. I’m in the “scaled back from where we were” camp for a happy reason (actually, two happy reasons). Given the choice between our not-so-scaled back life without our dream and our scaled back life _with_ our dream, the scaled back life wins hands down. I’m certainly not saying it’s not without it’s struggles, though. ---
**Author:** ![Waverly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/57b2e6/32.png) [@Waverly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Waverly)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2002, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-needed-employment/132839/9 "2002-10-18T16:26:25Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by alice\_in\_wonderland \* > If I understand you correctly, you’re currently not working/unemployed. If that is the case, then whatever they pay you is 100% more than what you are making now. That’s one mathtastical calculation. You are needed in the [Statistical Howlers](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=139838) Thread. JC: Does the 5 month job have any hope of becoming permanent? If not, and you want stability, go for the sure thing now and keep on looking for something that pays better. ---
**Author:** ![Zappo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/b3f665/32.png) [@Zappo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zappo)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2002, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-needed-employment/132839/10 "2002-10-18T16:31:00Z")
JC, go for the nonprofit. If it’s something that will make you happy and you guys can get along OK financially, I say do it! ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2002, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-needed-employment/132839/11 "2002-10-18T16:42:21Z")
My philosophy is… money alone doesn’t make you happy. If your finances are adequate and secure, go for the job you’ll like. In the future, with even more of this type of experience under your belt, perhaps a similar dream job with higher pay will become available… Though, in fairness, if Lady Chance is busting her ass at a crappy job to pull in that hefty paycheck, it could seem like you are taking advantage of her hard work. ---
**Author:** ![Steve\_Wright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@Steve\_Wright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve_Wright)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2002, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-needed-employment/132839/12 "2002-10-18T16:50:13Z")
I’d say take the dream job. If there _are_ issues with long-term stability, or with the lower pay… well, we all know it’s easier to find a job if you’ve already got one, and it sounds as if your dream job will look good on your CV… ummm, résumé, whatever you call it in American. Of course, taking career advice from me would be like getting marriage guidance from Dr. Crippen, but what the heck. ---
**Author:** ![Shade](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2bfe46/32.png) [@Shade](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shade)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2002, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-needed-employment/132839/13 "2002-10-18T16:58:36Z")
Would doing the less-well-paid-but-more-responsibility job give you a better chance at employment elsewhere (either more chance of the sort of job you might currently get, or more chance of a better-paid in-charge job) if you leave than the alternatives? I would hope so, and if so, I think that’s th eway to go, as you can get out if you have to, and you’ve said how much you want to. Also talk it over with Mrs. Chance - she may make up your mind one way or the other about the paycheck thing. ---
**Author:** ![In\_Conceivable](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/4bbf92/32.png) [@In\_Conceivable](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/In_Conceivable)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2002, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-needed-employment/132839/14 "2002-10-18T17:04:22Z")
What does **Lady Chance** think you should do? I bet that she would rather you take your dream job at less money. If she says she doesn’t mind cutting back and keeping the show running then I think you should listen to her and not feel guilty. I know that I wouldn’t mind giving up a thing or two to help my husband follow his dreams. And I know he would do the same for me. That is what having a partner is all about. ---
**Author:** ![UncleBeer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/977dab/32.png) [@UncleBeer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleBeer)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2002, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-needed-employment/132839/15 "2002-10-18T17:06:57Z")
> [@](#): > > Well, I posted this in the pit because I screwed up. Any helpful mod wants to zing this to MPSIMS I’ll buy you a beer. I’m feelin’ kinda thirsty. ---
**Author:** ![GKW](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/d9b06d/32.png) [@GKW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GKW)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2002, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-needed-employment/132839/16 "2002-10-18T17:21:25Z")
Take neither. Your lady makes enough to take care of the ‘entire show’ including day care and maid service? Have you thought of staying at home with Kate? What a great opportunity! ---
**Author:** ![Jonathan\_Chance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jonathan_chance/32/701_2.png) [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2002, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-needed-employment/132839/17 "2002-10-18T18:46:44Z")
No, I really **like** publishing. It’s (believe it or not) a passion for me. From copyright to inkjetting of addresses it’s what I do. Lady Chance = Saint… > [@](#): > > The money shouldn’t bother you too much. We are making it fairly comfortably on my salary and your unemployment right now (at least we haven’t had to cancel the maid and lawn services) and anything on top of that is pretty much gravy. You seem to feel that this would be a good job for you and that is a pretty important consideration. Also, once you get your foot in the door, there is always the chance that they will bump your salary up or give you a slice of the commission once you have a chance to impress them. Make your own decision based on what you feel would be best for you and don’t let the money be an overriding factor. From an email she sent me. Some other issues: The contract job was offered to me by a short term (but great) pal who runs another publishing house. I interviewed with her about 3 months ago and we got along splendidly. The job wasn’t right (we both agreed) but we liked each other loads. So I told her I needed to wait to give her an answer and she said she’d have to start shaking the trees but if I came to her before she found someone the position would be mine. Note: There is **no** chance of the position becoming permanent. I’d be taking over for a maternity leave case. ---
**Author:** ![In\_Conceivable](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/4bbf92/32.png) [@In\_Conceivable](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/In_Conceivable)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2002, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-needed-employment/132839/18 "2002-10-18T18:55:40Z")
The Lady said not to worry about the money so don’t worry about the money. Who are you to argue with her? 🙂 Good Luck with your new job what ever you decide. ---
**Author:** ![Jonathan\_Chance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jonathan_chance/32/701_2.png) [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2002, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-needed-employment/132839/19 "2002-10-18T19:11:40Z")
We’ll, the dream job and I are still arguing money. But if there’s anything years in business have taught me it’s that all other factors being put to bed money issues are **always** solvable. So we’ll see what we shall see. Right? ---
**Author:** ![Polycarp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/82dd89/32.png) [@Polycarp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polycarp)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2002, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-needed-employment/132839/20 "2002-10-18T19:37:24Z")
Well, take the job you really want. Then build up the contents and circulation to the point where they pay the salary you ought to command. (And hire me as your assistant, to make this happen! 😉 ) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-needed-employment/132839.md?page=2)