Need advice
 

I've been offered a Job in Florida making anywhere from 60-150K a year. (ie: the income will be based on how much I want to work the more I work the more I make)

The problem is it's only for 2-4years.... I only make $33k a year now. And haven't recieved a pay raise in coming up on 4 years. And even if I do recieve a pay raise this March I know it won't be anything more then .25 cents.

Nash is starting to send me to class's which shows they have plans for me in the future but what? I don't know. I have a feeling it would be to replace my current supervisor. As he's getting close to retirement. But I have no idea how much he makes or when that would be.

What would you do?

do you really need the money and want the lifestyle change. That is your biggest decision.

I need more money with the way the inflation on everything is going every year I'm just getting farther and farther behind.

to give you an idea when I got my last pay raise.. Gas was only .98 Cents a gallon for 92oct.

Lifestyle Change - I like my life and if that job was here I'd stay but change jobs.

I'd be working for one of my old Friends His Father is the head honcho, and he'd be my supervisor. I'm god father to his 2 children so I know I wouldn't have to worry about loosing the job or running into problems.

What kind of job is this? Could working for someone so close to you become a problem?

Otherwise, if it's legit and you feel comfortable in doing the job, then I would take it and go do something else for a few years. You might even like Florida, I personally hate the place.

I don't see it being a problem. The only concern I have is the high Crime Rate. And the difference in Culture style.

My parents are urging me to move, My father being an Ex-Upper Management at my current job says the chances of Nash giving me anything sizeable for Raise in the future is very slim.

Anyone lived in Florida? What can I expect or what should I be prepared for?

Higher cost of living to go with that higher pay. Insurance is through the roof due to the numerous hurricanes Florida has seen over the past few years.

You really need to do what's best for YOU. Regardless of what we think.

I agree with Mike. This is a decision you need to make on your own since you are the one who will be living with it. I personally like Florida but thats because I like the ocean and I hate snow. Bakinis are a nice benefit as well. I would go for the job where I knew the money was there as opposed to one that "could be" but wasn't for sure.

My food for thought....

Have you talked to your supervisor, or his manager??? Don't be the one to always wait for the opportunities to come to you.

Like Mike said, FL has a high cost of living. Have you looked into how much an apt would be or house or insurance, etc, etc? Those are things to consider. Here's a good calculator so you can use it to compare. It's a pretty good tool I think.


http://www.homefair.com/homefair/calc/salcalc.html

(sorry, can't figure out how to link...)

After talking with you on Saturday Brian, I really think you should explore all your options in the Twin Cities. $33k a year is not bad, there are people my age coming out of college with a 4 year degree making $20-25 grand a year. I'm sure that you do some deep digging around the Cities you can find another job. Have you searched on monster.com at all? Monster is a great resource. I put my resume on there looking for an internship a few weeks back and within days I received a call from a recruiting firm wanting more information about me. I think you would end up regretting moving to Florida in the long run simply because of the culture change. The Midwest is a great place to live regardless of what anyone says.

Honestly the company pays for living expenses. Typically though they room you with 3 or 4 other guys but in this case I'd be living with my friend Mike and his family.

Cost of living can't be that much considering it's a place where people go to retire. my only expenses would be my car insurance/payment, food, Gas, and what ever living expenses I end up with (cable, Cell phone, internet, etc).

Sounds like your already leaning that direction. Consider this, are you going to look back at it and wonder "what if" later if you don't go? Opportunities come and go, grabbing the right ones makes all the difference. If you are already really leaning that way, do some more research and if nothing glaring stands out opposing the decision, I would go for it. If it didn't work out, you know you can always come back and maybe still end up finding a better job than you have now. Like Jakey said, 33K is more than a lot of grads make. 33K is a very average income though, with the plans and goal you have, it won't take you there and if you don't have much faith in Nash for a much better income in the not to distant future, your life will always be a struggle to make the goals you have happen. I don't mind settling for a lower income when I begin something, but it must have a huge potential or I wouldn't do it.

Is it really worth changing your life just to make an insane amount of cash for a couple of years? After that, then what? You'll be where you're at now or further behind. Personally, I value personal education and commitment to an employer... It's up to you to prove your worth, but it's not always about who you know.

Unforntunately, mot of the time it is. ;)

Yea that is true, most of the time it is who you know...

I think if the deal is legite and you can atleast double your income I would take it. Especially Florida, its not that nice of a state, but its warm and ocean is near!

Find out all the facts, income, location, housing, etc. Then make a choice off that.

I am leaning towards moving I have been since last march when i was denied a pay increase for the 3rd year. Hense the whole S.C. thing which I'm still persuing.

Anyone who owns a house knows that is a huge expense. And even though most of you might things that's a decent pay amount. I'm not just out of college anymore I'm going to be 28years old. And in order to maintain my current living style... which most of you know has just been me sitting on my ass at my house. By this time next year I'll need to get a 2nd job just to maintain what I have.

I could do several things to make things easier/Cheaper... mainly smaller house and different area to live in.. But that's just the thing I don't want to go smaller I don't want to take a step back. If I took this job it would be with my future soley in mind. I'd try to make as much as I possibly could for as long as I could. And save as much as I can. Preferably I'd love to move back here once the jobs overwith. And hopefully by that time I'd be able to have saved enough to pay off my house so I no longer would have that payment.

Again this isn't going to be long term - and like Jakey said.... I love the midwest I've just been given a chance to earn a lot of money in a short period of time. And hopefully it'll work out that way.

I really have nothing stopping me other then the expense of my house. Which I've already discussed with my parents and they don't have a problem with me taking this new job and then selling it.
I know there is no future here at Nash or at least not the future I'd hoped for. I can expect Retiring from Nash earning less then 45K a year if I'm lucky. And to some that might be alot but by the time I retire that won't be much at all.

I'm asking you guys for your advice to see if I've overlooked something. right now the Pro's of taking that job out weigh the Cons.

and to give you guys an Idea of just how good this possibly could be. My friend Mike in the last month as already earned 60K in commission. (in the first week alone he made $20K) - The job is selling Roof/Siding/windows - He works for a company that does work for Insurance company's.. And with all the houses that need to be rebuilt in Florida because of the Hurricanes. There's a lot to be made. I wouldn't actually have to build anything, just go and write up estimates, and schedual times for it to get built by our company. And just make sure everything goes smoothly. That's it.

$33k is pretty crappy for someone with a degree. Either way, I would take the job in FL and get myself out of this state. If you do well at it, there is always a possibility they would keep you around for another project. Worse case senario: You move back to MN and work another dead-end job. If you think you end up making no more than $45k/year anytime in your life with Nash why are you there? Unless they have some sort of great benefits, profit sharing, etc. there is no reason to be with that company. Keep in mind that all my opinions and figures are based on having a 4-year business degree so if you don't have one just throw away all this info.

Only regret things you haven't tried, and had an oportunity to do so.

You are young, healthy, not bound to something. go for it!!!

If i didn't have a family here to take care of, and wasn't engaged soon to be married.. and was in your situation..
I would of packed up, rented out the house, and moved down there for the two years or so.
And lets just say you do fall on your face and realise you don't want to do that job any more. You earned at least 33k down there i'm sure .. you could still have your car even if you don't its replacable. come back here kick out the renters, move back into your own place, and start looking for a new job. hell they might even hire you back, because of your experience in the company, they might even hire you with higher pay and different position.
Leaving a company is not always a bad thing for you, because they will always have new open positions down the road, and with you knowing their business you can always apply, as long as you leave on good terms and don't burn bridges behind you.

Stay positive, stay allert, keep your eyes open, watch your back and the hand in the pocket where the wallet is....

good luck!!! we'll miss you..... but you won't be a stranger here, internet is world wide :)
-E

That was a cool link Jana!

Here's another one I've kept on file that has a few more details about each city. Just another resource to help aid your decision.

http://move.realtor.com/move/tools/c...altor&tran=vud

Don't throw away all that info if there is no degree. Seriously, Short of starting this business, I havn't had one year since I was 20 that was under 30K and I don't have a degree. I was offered a better position in the company I used to work for that required me to move to the cities when I was in Cambridge, my wife at the time wasn't up for it and I passed on that 6 figure income. I don't care now since I am doing the work I love and that is more important to money, but I did kick myself for not taking the Job then and just dealing with the wife. Don't pass up oportunities you will regret later, especially when the current job is nothing to be here for. Figure out what you want out of life and do whatever it takes to get there. No settling, no compromises.

You guys make some great point. And for reference I only have a high school Degree.

I

"60-150K a year" with no diploma, TAKE THE JOB!!!

Yea thats a definate. Without any college degree, unless your into something special jobwise or experience-wise 30-40k is pretty high up there.

that's another reason why I've been hesitant about just up and leaving right now. Once that 2-4 years is up. I'm not sure what'll happen. 2-4 years of being away from what I'm doing is a long time. I won't be as Marketable as I am now...

Sure you will, you will have more experience under your belt in a variety of jobs. Just make sure the figures from FL are legit.

If your good at something, you are always marketable. Trust me on that.

Have you been applying to any jobs locally? If you like living here, then at least start applying, going to interviews and see what you get for offers. At that point you can compare your short term future here and there...

I haven't been doing anything here locally. I've basically been looking for stuff down south where it's warm year round.

the figures my friend is giving me are correct... I met him back in 1998 when we had the big ass hail storm. In 4 months of working 10hrs a week he cleared 40K... How do I know? Cause I helped him Spend it. Brand new Z71 Pick-up 6" Lift 36" Tires, Chrome Foot Rails. We then put in 4x15" JL Subs 2x1000watt PPI Amps, Pioneer Deck, and 12disc CD Changer. He was 17 at the time. His Father cleared just over 600,000 in 6 months. His father went straight to the apartment complex's to get them signed up for new roofs. He did the ones down here where Eric and Terina Live, total cost was $1.2 Million. He made $120,000 just on that job alone.

And that Hail storm is nothing compared to what happened in Florida this Summer.

what type of job is this, roofing?

The company its Aztec Roofing. When he was here they did all the jobs for Allstate insurance. Along with anyone that called, or that they went house to house.

Again I wouldn't have to do any of the Labor putting up Roofs, I'd just have to go down and write up estimates, and take some photo's of damage, etc, etc. Submit it to the insurance company.

Also for you people on the whole College kick thing. The Owner of this company is a High School Drop out. I've met him several times while they were based here in MN. His total Net worth is just over 36 Million. Can I say I wanna be that guy! - best part is he doesn't have to do anything. He get's half of all commissions. (commision is what's left over after expenses of each job, on average for every $15,000 roof you'd get $1500 and he'd get $1500) ex: the roof of my house cost $15,000 to put up.

I'm not preaching about school... Hell, I'm a college dropout. Didn't even last one full year at St. Cloud. I'm participating in classes online at my own pace though, because I want to learn I guess. Knowing people will only get you so far...

Again, are you willing to give up what you have here just for 2-4 years of freedom down there? What are you going to have to fall back on once it's all said and done? It seems that this is mainly financially motivated... Money isn't happiness, my friend.

key is going to be saving money during the few years he is doing this down there...

Hell you never know, maybe he will find other work down there which will pay more and he will start his new better life down there which he would not have an oportunity to do so if he hasn't given this a shot!

The biggest thing i regret right now is having a lot of debt that can't cover itself. hopefully that will soon change.. reason why? well because if i am dependent on having a job, you are tied down just like a dog, and do not get to learn much more or meet new people or expand your experience, resume!

-E

Money = Happiness

I'd go. For that kind of money, I'd shovel shit with a smile on my face. :p

Money does not equal happiness, but improving your living conditions can. From what I can tell, you really don't have anything in MN keeping you here. You are in a dead-end job, you have a house than is costing almost more than you can afford, and from what I see you have no real expendable income that amounts to anything. Like I said, worst case senario is that you live good for a few years then just end up back in MN working the same or similar job. One question though, why is this job only available for 2-4 years? That is the one part that seems kind of wierd to me.

I disagree with the money = happiness. I feel that if an opportunity comes up, and the only person you have to consult with is yourself then you just have to have the mindset to take a chance or stay where your at. It's all about being happy and doing what you enjoy. Maybe this job will make you enough to go back to school full time after completed and get a degree. I am also pursuing schook again after dropping out. I have went from the 35k a year job down to making under 2k this last year. And you know what I am 1000 times happier now than I was when I was comfortable and enjoying steady paychecks. I took some chances, and almost lost the one person in my life that makes a differance to me, but now everything I risked has actually made me a better person and I wouldn't change that for anything.

I ask myself what if all the time. What if I had stayed with the company I was making 35k a year at ( they lost every project they had 3 months later and fired over 400 people)... I don't even want to know what might of happened, but I wonder if things would be as good as they are now for me.. I really doubt it.

Just do what you truly think you need to do and enjoy life, cause honestly you only get one shot at it.

I see a lot of good points from both sides of the fence. I always try to look at everything for the long run. Do whatever is going to make you happiest in the long run. Try to look 5 years down the road, after this job is gone. Are you going to be happier if you had stayed here, or if you went down there and took that job?

Now, I know some people that sell stuff like this deal. There is a ton of potential there, but you really need to be an outgoing person that can talk somebody into anything. If you were to make 150k a year, it would probably be worth it. If you make 60k a year, probably not. I would get a lot more details about the job because it is a huge commitment.

Talked to my friend Mike last night:
-Well the job is in West Palm Beach.
-The job is 2-4 years. (I posted it above it's a Roofing/Siding/Window company that opened up an office down there because of the hurricanes that happened this past summer and it'll take 2-4 years to finish all the work that needs to get done)
-First month is Training. ($300 a week)
-1-3,000 a week after that since I'd be new.
-Cost of living is $800-$1000 for 2 bedroom apartment, or $1200 for 2 bedroom townhouse with attached garage, same as here.
-Work 6 days a week (sundays off)

The way I figure it I've been working here at Nash for 6 years. I've been given the opportunity to earn the same amount of money in a 1 year time frame.

Look at how much I've done in that 6 years. (I haven't even been into DSM's for that long 5 years) - so much could change in the next 6 years. Unless something drastically changes here at Nash Finch I had no intention of staying anyways.

I know I'd regret not taking this job if I passed on it, given how much I've done in the last 6 years and given the future I'm looking at if I stay. Like some of you said I'm still young and I don't have a family to think about yet. So now is the time to take advantage of that freedom. And if things don't work out I can always move back.

Yep, especially if you do like someone else said and just rent your house out. Then you can still make payments on it, so if something happens you can move back (just jack the rent way up on the current renters and they will move out :D ).

Now you say it is $1,000 - $3,000/wk. What determines that? It sounds like you are going to be out selling stuff to me.

It is a sales job.... But because of all the HURRICANES all those house's that got destroyed or Damaged have to get Rebuilt...

Property in West Palm Beach is the same prices as here? ....

yeah, go where the money is man, cost of living is higher, but just think, you get to drive your beast year round.. Hell, sign me up for the job!! hehe