Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

Hey Guys,

I have an interview today with a company I interned at for a full-time position. First let me say, it’s a good place to work. It’s a pretty cool work environment, and they’re on Fortunes list of the top 100 companies to work for, so it’s not as if this is a rat hole.

Here’s my issue. First of all, I have no intentions of staying in the position too long because I’m not really interested in this type of work for the long term but I must verbally commit to at least 1 or 1.5 years. Not to mention, I’m not the ‘quitting’ type. I’m starting to learn to do what’s best for me, not the company since companies look out for themselves, but still not good at it. Secondly, the pay isn’t great, it’s not terrible, but a bit lower than most entry level positions. A lot of the salary depends on quarterly bonuses based on the performance of everyone in the branch, so basically one person doing a poor job can affect your salary. There’s also no real hope of getting a security clearance, which in the NOVA area is pretty important. The two big kickers for me though come down to finances. I’m the oldest college graduate ever (just graduated yesterday, yay!) so I need to make up for lost time on the 401K/etc. They do not match any amount you invest. Secondly, I’m starting my M.S. in the Fall – they offer no tuition reimbursement. I’m going to be taking 3 classes a semester so per year we’re looking at 9000 bucks a year (not including books, parking, fees, etc).

I have work lined up that is very, very good money. Roughly 750 a week take home that I can probably find all summer long.

My question is, should I suck it up and accept the position if offered or should I hold out for a better opportunity? Thanks!

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

Hmmm...if you see no upward growth there and you don't have the heart for it, I would say pass and do the $750 a week job. I made the mistake of taking a job like that right out of college (one my heart really was not into) and I basically hate my life until I found something new. Save yourself the drama.

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

with this economy id take what i could get. for now anyways, tomorrow isnt a given.

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

like you said, do whats best for you. and its always all about the money. take the money

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

It's all about experience and brand name. If this place gives you the opportunity to fill your resume with quality company name you should do it just for that. Besides, in this economy it's good to have a full time job and if you don't take it someone else will.

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

Maybe it's me, but after doing some traveling this spring through this mid-west I saw the down economy. In NOVA I'm not sure if it's even close to that bad. In fact, last numbers I saw jobs were still growing in Northern Virginia, at least in the IT field.

I have another interview with a smaller company but a more interesting position / better benefits. So I'm definitely going to go to the interview before I accept anything.

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

[quote=mredskins;557830]Hmmm...if you see no upward growth there and you don't have the heart for it, I would say pass and do the $750 a week job. I made the mistake of taking a job like that right out of college (one my heart really was not into) and I basically hate my life until I found something new. Save yourself the drama.[/quote]

dont waste your time if there are no skills that you can learn take the money get the most for every hour you work! i hate my job but it pays pretty good so i have to stay put especially now with things the way they are.

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

[quote=dmek25;557840]like you said, do whats best for you. and its always all about the money. take the money[/quote]


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.

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

Gotta do what feels right for you.

Some advice, don't be afraid to take a job even if you know you might only be there for a short time. I did something along the same lines when I was fresh out of school and it helped get my resume looking respectable and it led to a better job after a year in.

So basically, sometimes it pays to get your foot in the door somewhere and it can help lead you to something bigger and better in no time. Especially in this economy, I really feel for you guys just hitting the market right now. It's gotta be tough.

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

To me it sounds like the kicker is starting grad school in the fall. Taking 3 graduate classes and working full time is tough, especially when you're looking at all those expenses. Having full-time job obligations, graduate coursework, and possible money problems could be a really stressful recipe. I wouldn't let the 401K matching be a deciding factor. It's something to consider, but if the position you're looking at is only going to be short term, it should bepretty far down the list.

If you weren't about to undertake a master's degree, I would agree with Matty and say take the position, get the experience, build the resume. Especially with this strong company you describe. Considering the MS starting soon, I'm hesitant to offer that advice. Any chance you work for a year, save money, then go back to school? If that's not an option, I would do all the math as far as pay/hours/monetary value of benefits vs. tuition/all other expenses, and pick the job that will put the least amount of stress on your shoulders (I'm assuming the jobs you're exploring are all related to your degree(s)).

What kind of details do you have about this other smaller company you're interviewing with as far as tuition reimbursement?

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

[quote=wolfeskins;558055]i agree that you should do what is best for you [COLOR=red]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.[/quote][/COLOR]
[B]Sound advice!![/B]
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:
[B]If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life ...[/B]

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

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

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.

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

[quote=Daseal;558097]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.[/quote]

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?

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

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

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

[quote=Daseal;558097]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.[/quote]

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.

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

[quote=Daseal;558097]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.[/quote]
$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.

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

[quote=Daseal;558097]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.[/quote]
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?

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

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

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

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!

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

[quote=Daseal;558331]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![/quote]


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.

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

That sounds reasonable, Bleed! I have one last question, and thanks a ton for your advice. I found two Mason grads on Linkedin who work for this company and hold the same position I'm interviewing for tomorrow. You think it's okay to contact them, ask them how they like the company, the job, any advice for the interview, etc? If someone from your school contacted you, how would you receive it?

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

[quote=BleedBurgundy;558334]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.[/quote]

Exactly. Without revealing too much (since you haven't been offered the other job yet), I'd graciously explain that you need to take X amount of time to consider your options. This is very common when job hunting.

Obviously you don't EVER want to burn bridges in the job market, and it sounds like you have a solid professional relationship with your boss from your internship. Should you get offered the other position and decide to accept it, definitely explain to your boss your reasoning. I bet he'll understand. It's admirable that you don't want to break your word (you probably shouldn't have given it in this case), but you have to put yourself first. More interesting work, $8K in tuition and a security clearance make it a no-brainer.

Good luck man. Keep us posted.

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

[quote=Daseal;558339]That sounds reasonable, Bleed! I have one last question, and thanks a ton for your advice. I found two Mason grads on Linkedin who work for this company and hold the same position I'm interviewing for tomorrow. You think it's okay to contact them, ask them how they like the company, the job, any advice for the interview, etc? If someone from your school contacted you, how would you receive it?[/quote]

I would tread lightly there. Networking is a valuable thing, especially with fellow alumni, but it's a super-competitive job market right now. They hold the same position that you are going for. You never know if they will perceive you as a threat to their personal ambitions within the company. Just my opinion.

I'd certainly like to hear what others around here think about this question.

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

[quote=Daseal;558339]That sounds reasonable, Bleed! I have one last question, and thanks a ton for your advice. I found two Mason grads on Linkedin who work for this company and hold the same position I'm interviewing for tomorrow. You think it's okay to contact them, ask them how they like the company, the job, any advice for the interview, etc? If someone from your school contacted you, how would you receive it?[/quote]

Unless they are complete wankers (i love that word) then they should have no problem with it. You can always send them a note asking them if they'd mind giving you a little background on the position on the dl...

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

[quote=firstdown;558317]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?[/quote]

Dang firstdown..........we actually agree on something! :confused: :)

Just one thing to add...........Companies, especially the big ones, don't give a crap about you! Having you "verbally commit" is just a joke! One thing in the work place that always holds true..........................If its not in writing then it never happened. So technically, you haven't committed to nothing. You've only taken care of yourself so far. You know, going to College and making a buck on the side with a very sound company.

My advice, you should continue to take care of yourself. If this little company sounds like something thats better for you; so what! Go back on your "word" and tell the bigger company, "thanks, but no thanks" and move on. They'll have another intern doing the same thing within two weeks. Besides, Whats to say that this big company won't merge with another in the coming months? Or your company does its budget only to find that they can't afford to have your department no more? I've seen both of the above happen in the short time that I've been working.

I know those things can happen to the little one too, but my point is that you just can't be loyal to a company out there no more. They aren't loyal to you. Don't be loyal to them. Only take care of yourself. Thats my advice. Congrats on graduating college and Good Luck!

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

Miller, the word issue was only if I accept the position. Unfortunately, I can't bring myself to tell someone I know and I'm friendly with that I'll be around that long then go back on it. Just not who I am. That company made me an offer and it's a bit lower than I was expecting. So hopefully this other company will offer me the position.

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

Daseal,
One thing in business, especially small businesses, is your word. Every employer, boss, supervisor mentally tracks who he can and can't trust with what they say. So I applaud you for not wanting to go back on it. I think you will find open discussion after the fact will let you feel comfortable if you sign with them and later decide to leave.
The company I am at now, my boss and I had a 3 year verbal agreement, we both lived up to that, and have been open both ways whenever life situations have changed.
Mostly just want to encourage you, and wish you luck no matter which choice you make.

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

[quote=Trample the Elderly;558327][B]Sometimes there are more important[/B] [B]things than money[/B]. What are the perks to working at both jobs?[/quote]
are you a college student? because as the main bread winner of my family, i cant think of one single thing that's more important

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

[quote=dmek25;558554]are you a college student? because as the main bread winner of my family, i cant think of one single thing that's more important[/quote]

CLEARLY, access to the Warpath at work must be considered when considering any new position. ;)

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

ok, my bad

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

If tuition is 9k then 8k is DEFINITELY much when it comes down to it for your M.S.

If you can get your clearance, better benefits, and enjoy what you're doing more go with that. If you're only going to be there awhile your 401k isn't going to be great anyways so you could always consider a different type of investment after figuring out what you put in/what you'll get back.

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

Hey Daseal, what did you decide on ultimately?

On a related note, how's this for a dilemma? Senior level management opportunity. Great salary and benefits, tremendous responsibility and exposure...with the Philadelphia Eagles

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

Well, it's still a bit muddy. I started the position I was familiar with today since the other one was still in the air. I figured they may be stringing me along. Then this afternoon I get an email saying they need one more approval and they hope they haven't lost me yet. I'll give you an update when I know what's going on myself.

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

[quote=SmootSmack;562990]Hey Daseal, what did you decide on ultimately?

On a related note, how's this for a dilemma? Senior level management opportunity. Great salary and benefits, tremendous responsibility and exposure...with the Philadelphia Eagles[/quote]I probably identify with 31 teams moreso than the Eagles, but if that dilemma was offered to me, I'm taking it.

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

[quote=SmootSmack;562990]Hey Daseal, what did you decide on ultimately?
[B]
On a related note, how's this for a dilemma? Senior level management opportunity. Great salary and benefits, tremendous responsibility and exposure...with the Philadelphia Eagles[/B][/quote]

SS, this has been offered to you? Feel free to PM.

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

[quote=GMScud;563046]SS, this has been offered to you? Feel free to PM.[/quote]

PM'd you

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

[quote=Daseal;563000]Well, it's still a bit muddy. I started the position I was familiar with today since the other one was still in the air. I figured they may be stringing me along. Then this afternoon I get an email saying they need one more approval and they hope they haven't lost me yet. I'll give you an update when I know what's going on myself.[/quote]


You took a new position within your company and you're planning on leaving once this other offer is finally on the table?

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

[quote=SmootSmack;562990]Hey Daseal, what did you decide on ultimately?

On a related note, how's this for a dilemma? Senior level management opportunity. Great salary and benefits, tremendous responsibility and exposure...with the Philadelphia Eagles[/quote]

Ouch... I'd have to take it though. Hopefully it would be in a capacity that didn't directly translate to their on-the-field performance.

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

[quote=tryfuhl;563472]Ouch... I'd have to take it though. Hopefully it would be in a capacity that didn't directly translate to their on-the-field performance.[/quote]

It wouldn't. All off-field related.

Re: Am I being too picky, especially now?
 

[quote]
You took a new position within your company and you're planning on leaving once this other offer is finally on the table?[/quote]

Kinda sadden. I had given up on the second position, and once I took the other position they started to show a lot more interest. Hard to say. I'll see what they have to offer, but I have a feeling the total compensation package will be too much for me to turn down, especially when instead of adding to my education debt it starts relieving it and a security clearance. I'll see what happened, but I've decided in this situation I must do what's best for me.