Am I being too picky, especially now?

i agree that you should do what is best for you but i disagree that it should be all about the money. imo, it's better to be happy at your job and make a little less money than to be misserable at your job making more money.
Sound advice!!
I, all to frequently have followed the $$$ and never Really been happy with what I do. Not miserable mind you.........just not like the following:
If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life ...

not sure who said that, but.........actually I think I said that

The smaller company offers 8000 a year in tuition reimbursement, which isn't much when it comes down to it -- but it's like an 8K hike in salary. The kicker is -- the work seems both more interesting and they'll get my security clearance.

Matty -- the thing about the company I interviewed for was I gave a verbal commitment to my future boss that I'd stay for at least a year/year and a half. It's important to me not to break my word.

The smaller company offers 8000 a year in tuition reimbursement, which isn't much when it comes down to it -- but it's like an 8K hike in salary. The kicker is -- the work seems both more interesting and they'll get my security clearance.

Matty -- the thing about the company I interviewed for was I gave a verbal commitment to my future boss that I'd stay for at least a year/year and a half. It's important to me not to break my word.

Does the commitment go both ways? what if three months from now your boss has to make some changes, would you be immune to that?

If you decide to take the summer job what happens if you cannot find another job?

The smaller company offers 8000 a year in tuition reimbursement, which isn't much when it comes down to it -- but it's like an 8K hike in salary. The kicker is -- the work seems both more interesting and they'll get my security clearance.

Matty -- the thing about the company I interviewed for was I gave a verbal commitment to my future boss that I'd stay for at least a year/year and a half. It's important to me not to break my word.

The security clearance is priceless. Wife and I both work in IT after serving in the navy. If you're looking for a gov contractor job, the clearance will be key. I agree with Saden though, if it's not at least a regionally recognized name, that has to count against it.

The smaller company offers 8000 a year in tuition reimbursement, which isn't much when it comes down to it -- but it's like an 8K hike in salary. The kicker is -- the work seems both more interesting and they'll get my security clearance.

Matty -- the thing about the company I interviewed for was I gave a verbal commitment to my future boss that I'd stay for at least a year/year and a half. It's important to me not to break my word.
$8k in tuition is a lot, and it's much better than no reimbursement at all. And if you can get the security clearance, then it's definitely worth it. That's like having a Wonka Golden Ticket in the DC Area...and they aren't cheap. I want to say it's in the neighborhood of $30k to get one.

However, it wouldn't hurt to use this smaller company as a leverage tool with your current company as well. See if they would be willing to match, or at least keep you happy.

The smaller company offers 8000 a year in tuition reimbursement, which isn't much when it comes down to it -- but it's like an 8K hike in salary. The kicker is -- the work seems both more interesting and they'll get my security clearance.

Matty -- the thing about the company I interviewed for was I gave a verbal commitment to my future boss that I'd stay for at least a year/year and a half. It's important to me not to break my word.
I admire the fact if you give your word you want to see it through but I'd bet the Co would not give you the same treatment if they have a need to cut back or something like that. When it comes down to your job I think you always have to do whats best for you because thats what the co's will do everytime. Will they give you an in writing commitment of a year to a year and a half?

Sometimes there are more important things than money. What are the perks to working at both jobs?

Well, I know the perks of one company more than another. Cool people, nice work environment, tons of work. During the recession they've decided to expand and gain a larger market share. This employer will not be cutting back. They're opening a new facility in the area soon and it's at least 1-1.5 years of constant work before they even thought about down sizing.

However, if I'm offered the other job (interviewing later this week) then I'll take it purely for the security clearance. It's just too much to pass up. It's only a secret, but they always do the leg work for the TS so I think I could transition pretty quick from secret to TS. Perhaps one of you gov't contractor types could tell me for sure. The job is also far more challenging and interesting at the other company. I don't want to be a computer bitch my whole career, I'd like to eventually transfer more into the business sector so I can talk to people!

Here's another question for you guys. The company I interned at gave me a call today. I didn't pick up the phone. What should I say when I call them back if they offer it to me and I want to interview/wait to see if the other company makes an offer? Is that considered poor conduct? Sorry for the questions, I don't have much experience in this type of stuff!

Well, I know the perks of one company more than another. Cool people, nice work environment, tons of work. During the recession they've decided to expand and gain a larger market share. This employer will not be cutting back. They're opening a new facility in the area soon and it's at least 1-1.5 years of constant work before they even thought about down sizing.

However, if I'm offered the other job (interviewing later this week) then I'll take it purely for the security clearance. It's just too much to pass up. It's only a secret, but they always do the leg work for the TS so I think I could transition pretty quick from secret to TS. Perhaps one of you gov't contractor types could tell me for sure. The job is also far more challenging and interesting at the other company. I don't want to be a computer bitch my whole career, I'd like to eventually transfer more into the business sector so I can talk to people!

Here's another question for you guys. The company I interned at gave me a call today. I didn't pick up the phone. What should I say when I call them back if they offer it to me and I want to interview/wait to see if the other company makes an offer? Is that considered poor conduct? Sorry for the questions, I don't have much experience in this type of stuff!


You tell them that you appreciate the opportunity and that you have several offers on the table. Tell them you would like a week(or two if you think it will take this long to hear back from job #2) to make your decision. They should understand that. It also opens the door for negotiation as they know they're not your only option.