On The Fence About Taking A New Job

Discussion in 'Senior Employment' started by Jenn Windey, Oct 24, 2015.

  1. Jenn Windey

    Jenn Windey Supreme Member
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    I have been at my current job for about seven years now, I like what I do for the most part. recently i was told about an availability in the local post office. The new position pays better and has benefits that my current job does not. In my current job i have not had a raise since 2014 and receive no benefits. i have started the process of trying out for the position in the post office, you have to take several exams and things like that. i am scheduled to do the final portion this Thursday.

    The thing is I find myself on the fence about this choice, so far i have not said a word to anyone at the current job about making a change. I have hinted quite blatantly that i could use a raise but it seems to have fallen on deaf ears. i have struggles quite a bit financially at this position despite putting in all kinds of hours. Earlier this year one of the clients stated they wanted to have me completely take over their account, they have had a series of meeting to make this happen and yet nothing seems to be happening. While i appreciate the sentiment and recognition of the work done, it does not help me as the winter approaches

    I feel quite a bit of anxiety because I am older now and have less opportunity to bounce back should I make a bad decision. I know there is no guarantees when it comes to a job, but the difference is staggering, like 18K more a year just to start. My question is would you do it? Would you jump out of a stable yet stagnant position that has no more growth for a career in the postal service?
     
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  2. Sheldon Scott

    Sheldon Scott Supreme Member
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    Low pay and no benefits? I'd jump at the chance for a better job. It's everyone's responsibility to take care of their own needs.
     
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  3. Joe Riley

    Joe Riley Supreme Member
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    Sounds like your your anchor has already been hoisted.....and it's time to set sail, for a better harbor. Good luck, on Thursday! Don't be anxious.
     
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  4. Jenn Windey

    Jenn Windey Supreme Member
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    I am not anxious about changing jobs, it has been the story of my life, I have been quite the gypsy. I think where the problem is- is that I actually like the job I have, and despite the fact that I know it might not be able to carry me to my retirement, there are some regrets. I will actually not feel good about giving the notice but I do know on another level that it is probably the best choice.

    I actually had this happen to me back in 2005, I worked for a man and made a decent wage, I liked what I did but it was evident that things would never go any further then it was at right at that time. there was no potential for any sort of growth. To help matters along another worker was trying to get me to do something that I knew was wrong both in the business sense and ethically. I gave notice at the last day of my contract which was the date of the annual Christmas party. I did go on ultimately to a much better position with almost double that income, but it did not last. The fact that the better job was short lived has made me somewhat gun shy, all that glitters is not always gold, but in all sincerity this is a federal job so I don't imagine there will be little or no need for mail people. Sometimes I let some of those warm fuzzy feelings prevent me from doing what I know is better for me.

    Someone will be very angry with me in the near future. Oh well
     
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  5. Yvonne Smith

    Yvonne Smith Senior Staff
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    It does sound like it would be a stable position, and since you are closer to retirement now, it is not like you will be stuck with this job for years and years.
    Having benefits is important, too, especially as we get older, and may have more medical issues. To me, that extra $18,000 is a huge amount of money, and I think that I would jump at the chance of the new job if it is something that you can do at all.

    Even if you enjoy what you are doing right now, it seems like this would be better overall. I remember last winter, you had people needing help due to the snow and cold, and this year is supposed to be even worse for the eastern part of the United States from what I have heard.
    At the Post Office, the bad weather should not add to your duties like it does with your present job.

    I agree with everyone else, this seems like a good chance to make life better for yourself.
     
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  6. Jenn Windey

    Jenn Windey Supreme Member
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    that is true and I have taken that into consideration, I actually have a very good idea what to expect since my son already went on to this job. This may sound strange but I may work more days but less hours. Right now my position is around the clock in the fact that even after office hours we are on call. On average in a week during the busy times I work 10 hours a day at the office and then some with Board meetings and what not. I don't get overtime. In comparison I can expect to work 6 days a week with an earlier start on some days, but always be home before 5pm. that sounds okay to me.

    I thought a lot about the weather because I will be out walking in it, and actually it is not the snow that concerns me, I am out in that now with the job I have. It is actually the heat in the summer. And for what that is worth we only really get a week or two of extreme heat up here, so that I can manage. The walking is not an issue, when I consider that I think it is probably better for me then sitting at a desk. It will keep me healthier, and yes things like Health care and 401K is huge to me. they are saying because of El Nino we will have a mild winter in this section of the North, I am okay with that, in the past El Nino brought us very nice winters. hardly the seven feet of snow we got last November. I have lived in the North my entire life, you become cold resistant after awhile.[/QUOTE]
     
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  7. Pat Baker

    Pat Baker Supreme Member
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    I understand what you are saying, it is hard when you are older to take the chances that were so easy to do a few years ago. You do want to remind yourself that nothing is for ever first, then you want to look at how much of the increased income you are really going to see after taxes compared to what you take home now. Now that you have looked at the money correctly look at how satisfying the job you have now compared to the new job. Nothing is worse than having a job you thought you would like to find out you hate it. I did that and could not get out of there fast enough. Complete the steps and think about what you really want to do, good luck.
     
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  8. Sheldon Scott

    Sheldon Scott Supreme Member
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    Thinking about how the new job will be is important but much more important to consider is your future...your retirement years. The lower the pay the less money you'll have to put in savings. Without a company pension or 401k you'll be stuck trying to live on social security and that's not enough. Social security is also based on your income so the lower the pay the less social security you'll receive.
    You are living on your current income now so you could put most of that extra $18,000 into a retirement account and look forward to enjoying life in your retirement rather than the struggle to survive I've seen in so many people.
     
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  9. Diane Lane

    Diane Lane Veteran Member
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    @Jenn Windey Hop off that fence. Be sure to maintain contact with people you care about where you are, but it sounds as if you already have a good idea of what the new job entails, and feel pretty comfortable accepting those conditions. I do have a suggestion, which is to try to maintain your current spending habits, at least for a while, and bank the extra amount you will be earning, at least as much as possible. That will give you a little cushion, even if the job doesn't last through retirement, and you find yourself looking again. Good luck, and let us know how it goes!
     
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  10. Avigail David

    Avigail David Veteran Member
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    You wrote about changing jobs last Sunday. It's nearly the end of the week. Have you made your final decision yet? I really think that you should have a go with the job opening. Go for this better opportunity. Looks good and it's going to be where you can earn more merits there for your hard work. I wish you success and peace at where your heart desires to do, and success to the work of your hands. :)
     
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  11. Corie Henson

    Corie Henson Veteran Member
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    I have been with my job for 27 years and there were times I had considered moving. In fact, I had sent out job applications years ago although I did not pursue when the computation of salary and benefits did not suit me. Our company gives merit increases every start of the year as per the performance of the previous year. For promotions, it is not rare since I've had countless of promotions already. But maybe if I would stagnate in my job with no increase for years, I would find another company that can provide me with a raise.
     
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