Advice Needed

HorizonThief

Hello All,

I could use a bit of advice from the members of this forum. An old co-worker reached out to me and said an opportunity would be coming up to work with him again doing Network and Desktop Support. The only reason I left was because it was temp work and I needed something permanent, but this opportunity would be permanent. I already work as a Desktop Support Specialist but this job would pay $20k more than my current job and I'm for sure going to apply. However, they may promote an internal applicant and my dilemma is whether or not to apply for the Help Desk position that would open up if that happens..

I'm not happy at my current job and I feel I feel I should go back to an environment I enjoyed. I would be taking a step back from Desktop Support to Help Desk, but there would be an opportunity for advancement shortly within 1-2 years as people retire.

The Help Desk position pays $3 more than my current job, but the commute would be 45 minutes instead of 15. I'm going to be starting my BS at WGU in April and the pace of the Help Desk would be much slower. I could probably work on homework during my down time.

Should I apply for the Help Desk position? Has anyone done this before? Does this look awful on a resume?


Any advice or input is appreciated.

Thanks,

mikey88

Edit your post so we can give you a better answer. First you say you'd get a bump in pay of 20k... then you mention $3/hr raise. Next, you say the job is network/desktop support, but mention helpdesk later on. Honestly, going from desktop to helpdesk is not a big deal as they are in the same realm.

If it's a 20k raise, that's a no brainer.

---

After re-reading several times, here's what I understood:

1st Position - Network/desktop Support 20k raise (may not be available? due to internal promotion)
2nd Position Helpdesk Support $3/hr raise (available now with opportunity for promotion)

$3/hr raise for an increased commute of 1hr a day is probably not worth it for me.

the_Grinch

What other fringe benefits may be available? I took a thousand dollar pay cut for my current position and I am definitely happy for having done so. Being happy with your position is definitely a big factor. Is that commute with traffic? I commute 90 minutes (typically) one way for work. Sucks big time, but again if you enjoy what you do then it's not as big of an issue.

HorizonThief

mikey88 wrote: »

After re-reading several times, here's what I understood:

1st Position - Network/desktop Support 20k raise (may not be available? due to internal promotion)
2nd Position Helpdesk Support $3/hr raise (available now with opportunity for promotion)

$3/hr raise for an increased commute of 1hr a day is probably not worth it for me.

Thanks for taking the time to re-read it. I'm sorry for the confusion.

1st position I will for sure apply. If they go with an internal candidate then that means the 2nd position will open up. This was the position I wasn't sure how to approach. Thank you for your input, the commute would be a pain...

the_Grinch wrote:

What other fringe benefits may be available? I took a thousand dollar pay cut for my current position and I am definitely happy for having done so. Being happy with your position is definitely a big factor. Is that commute with traffic? I commute 90 minutes (typically) one way for work. Sucks big time, but again if you enjoy what you do then it's not as big of an issue.

Good healthcare, free access to an on-site gym, and generally a happier place to work.



I really appreciate both of your inputs.

Kyrak

I would say if you can get 1st Position, take it. The 20K makes up for the longer commute. I wouldn't do the help desk, longer commute for only $3 bump. Keep in mind, these are not the only two options. Why don't you put your resume out there and see what else is available? Especially if you are actively getting the certs you have listed. You can redo your resume once you get Sec+ (and notify all of the recruiters that you have a new cert as well) and then do it again once you finish the MSCE. With certs + some experience you might be surprised who is interested if you start really looking.

HorizonThief

Hey Kyrak,

I know this is dumb, but I guess I'm just nervous I'll find a place that has a worse environment. That's the only reason I want to move from my current place of employment.

Yeah, I've been looking at state jobs but mostly just window shopping. I may as well put myself out there and see what I can find.


Thanks!

EANx

What are the most important things for you? For instance, if someone offered me a $3/hr bump but at the cost of adding 90 minutes to my commute, I'd have non-family-friendly words in response but someone with a new family and stay-at-home spouse might find the sacrifice worth it. That said, the following is based strictly on what you provided.

The first position is a no-brainer but it feels funny, he suspects someone might be promoted internally? Why? Could it be a lure? Is there any benefit for him with you applying for the helpdesk role?

Regarding the 2nd position, I never advocate moving from a position unless you immediately receive a benefit. 6k for + 90min commute doesn't sound like a good trade-off but if it's the difference between not paying your bills and slowly climbing out of a hole of credit card debt then I could see the attraction.

josephandre

it sounds like the 3$ raise is just a detail. He clearly wants to work there again, and does not like his current job. So the real question is, which is worse, current role or additional commute?