Clearance or Money?

willanderson1111

If you have a choice of making $15k+ more or stay with a company to get a Top Secret clearance, which one would you choose? Keep in mind that the TS can take up to 3 month to even 3 yrs to complete.

steve13ad

While the TS clearance would be great to have, could you see yourself using it?

I mean other than this job are there other jobs in your area that require TS, or could you see yourself relocating?

Ryan82

Having that clearance opens up a lot of job opportunities, which in the state of this economy could only be beneficial.

powerfool

I have debated the idea of a TS for quite a while... The TS does offer some earning potential, but at what cost? When you have a TS, your ability for flexible working arrangements diminishes. At this point in my career, where my ability to earn more income doing what I do is dwindling, flexible working arrangements have considerable value.

What are the other dynamics between your opportunities?

NOC-Ninja

I'm guessing 15k extra is in a private sector, right? IMO I would stay till you get the TS. TS is golden. You can get a better job after you get the TS, TS is expensive, TS jobs are usually secure than private sector.

xenodamus

I'd have to know more about the 2 jobs and what your long term goals are to give you an informed opinion.

Without that info, it would depend alot on where you live, and if you were willing to move.

A clearance does you no good if none of the jobs in your area require it.

LoMo

Where I live, I would go for the clearance.

iDShaDoW

powerfool wrote: »

When you have a TS, your ability for flexible working arrangements diminishes.

Could you explain what you mean by less flexible working arrangements? You're a bit more experienced than most I assume so some clarification would be nice.

Did you mean that having jobs that require a TS tend to be more concrete in job hours and requirements or something?

As for the OP, you didn't mention much of your personal situation. Do you have great need for that extra $15k a year right now? I'm just outside of DC, so for me the TS would be much better than the $15k since in the long run it would open up more doors and the increased pay that would come along with it.

ohhsheet

The clearance isn't worth the paper it's printed on. If I were you, I would stick with the "Money" option. I have an active clearance and currently serving. I have held clearances from S to TS/SCI. A clearance is only useful for obtaining a job as a federal employee (it is simply one more trick under your sleeve if you have had zero luck in the private sector).