Need advice

SlowWhite · 11-09-2004

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?

slowbubblecar · 11-09-2004

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

SlowWhite · 11-09-2004

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.

**Shane@DBPerformance** · 11-09-2004

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.

SlowWhite · 11-09-2004

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?

**1ViciousGSX** · 11-09-2004

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.

Raptor · 11-09-2004

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.

Jana · 11-09-2004

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...)

Jakey · 11-09-2004

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.

SlowWhite · 11-09-2004

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).

Raptor · 11-09-2004

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.

Matt D. · 11-09-2004

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.

**1ViciousGSX** · 11-09-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt D.

but it's not always about who you know.

Unforntunately, mot of the time it is.

A//// Guy · 11-09-2004

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.

SlowWhite · 11-09-2004

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.

**Kracka** · 11-09-2004

$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.

Enes · 11-09-2004

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

SuperSleeper · 11-09-2004

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

Raptor · 11-09-2004

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.

SlowWhite · 11-09-2004

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

I