Job search '06 - a tale of two offers...

[widebody911]

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...

Ok, so I'm going through my yearly (seems like, anyway) unemployment spell. I've done a couple interviews, and I have two pending offers, both 1099 contract. Don't have a firm handle on the length of either gig.

Offer A: basically another contract for a new project with the same company I've been working with for the past few years. The project would be some web-based development stuff and associated documentation.

Pro: I like the people, they think I'm a Unix/perl god; a good deal of autonomy; flexible hours; I get to play basketball at work a couple times a week; California-casual dress code; known quanity & comfortable.

Con: Possible risk of resume' stagnation; they've done what could have been considered 'jerking around' with very long contract approval cycles (which is why I'm on the bench right now); managed from Colorado.

Offer B: Web farm and related security implentation for a state agency.

Pro: $10/hr more; will broaden my experience; high profile project; target rich environment (downtown Sacramento)

Con: $200+ monthly parking; downtown commute; lots of unknowns; right across the street from an X whom I affectionately call 'Ghenghis Kunt'; will have to buy pants to wear to work.

I'll need to decide in the next few days, probably by the middle of next week.

Thoughts?

[gaijindabe]

Originally posted by widebody911


Pro: $10/hr more; will broaden my experience; high profile project; target rich environment (downtown Sacramento)

Three good reasons (in reverse order).

[lendaddy]

Originally posted by widebody911
[i]right across the street from an X whom I affectionately call 'Ghenghis Kunt';

Sweet **** man, can't stop laughing

[Joeaksa]

Thom,

You need to add a few things to the mix. How old are you? If you are looking at making a bit of a change and are in your early to mid 30's then do it. Making a shift in your late 30's to 40's, its getting late. Possible to do but more difficult.

Which one feels most comfortable with you? Your gut feeling? I tend to go with my gut a lot as I get older. Something that feels right and I am comfortable with means a lot. Am not talking about the choice A as you know it but which one feels "right?" I know that buying new pants and paying for parking is a new thing but do you want, and are you ready for a challenge?

I made a complete (and radical) career change at age 28, went back to college for 2 years then jumped in full tilt. By 32 things were going very well and I never looked back.

Its good to have offers. Sit down and look at them and give the best one all your time and effort. When you are my age you will look back and comment that "its was the best time of my life"...

Joe A

[71T Targa]

Just what is "California-casual"? Shorts and a t-shirt? Flip-Flops?

[widebody911]

Originally posted by phred68
Just what is "California-casual"? Shorts and a t-shirt? Flip-Flops?

Yes.

As long as you cover the reproductive and feeding organs, you're good to go.

For the record, I'm 38.5. I've been doing IT contracting for almost 10 years now.

[MichiganMat]

Originally posted by phred68
Just what is "California-casual"? Shorts and a t-shirt? Flip-Flops?

Naw, flip-flops are for dress-up days (meetings, lunches, etc)

[red-beard]

Socks and Birks?

[masraum]

I remember when Cisco decided that employees had to start wearing shoes, sandals, something on the feet.

[masraum]

Thom, without a doubt, number 2. Move up and out. Sounds like option one would be a comfortable/complacent choice.

[EdT82SC]

Tell Offer A you have thought a lot about it, and have decided to accept an offer from Offer B because it's $10 an hour more. You hate to decline the offer from Offer A because you enjoy working with the great team of people at Offer A, but you just can't turn down that much more money.

If they try to match it, or come close enough then it sounds like you might be inclined to go for Offer A++. If Offer A says, "I'm sorry to hear that. Good luck.", then take offer B.

[carnutzzz]

Still slinging PERL? And I thought Cali was cutting edge! ;-)

[jyl]

Clearly B.

[vash]

"B" and buy a commuter motorcycle. park that baby anywhere.

[svandamme]

go reliable

***** you know

economy's are not booming , it looks better on the resume to have the same company coming back for more than to change

i'm a betting man , and i would go for the best odd's
only a fool bet's on the unknown horse when he needs the reliable money

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Originally posted by widebody911
right across the street from an X whom I affectionately call 'Ghenghis Kunt'; will have to buy pants to wear to work.

LOL, wear a suit and she'll never recognize you.

[singpilot]

This thread is worthless without pics.

[svandamme]

Originally posted by singpilot
This thread is worthless without pics.

you asked for it...

[widebody911]

Originally posted by singpilot
This thread is worthless without pics.

Don't let the pretty smile and ample rack lull you into a false sense of security...

[BlueSkyJaunte]

I see no "ample rack". Maybe you need to link to images hosted on your site...? (wink wink)