I've been keeping this quiet for almost a month now... I can finally share this!
Microsoft offered me a job as a Premier Field Engineer working with Exchange! This is pretty much my dream job. I start March 26th. They made the offer back on February 3rd, but I didn't get my official start date until today, had to wait for a background check to finish.
The base salary is a 34% increase for me. I'll get up to a 20% bonus annually based on performance, plus a 20% bonus every quarter that they make use my security clearance. I also get $15k in stock as soon as I start, then another $15k in stock every year locked in at whatever the price is on my start date. 100% paid medical (i.e. no deductions from my paycheck), free Microsoft software for myself, and discounts from a ton of other companies. 4 weeks of in-house training every year, plus $5k for job related non-Microsoft training.
I'll have opportunities to not only attend things like TechEd and MMS every year, but also to speak at them. I'll get to earn my MCM on Exchange too.
I'm so excited! The base salary alone destroys my goal of breaking the 6 figure income barrier before I turn 30, and with only months to spare. Base salary + bonuses absolutely obliterates that barrier! I also reached my goal of some day working for Microsoft. I told my wife I have to come up with at least 1 new goal now, so I've decided my new goal should be Millionaire before age 40.
Best part is, I don't have to move for this new job, I get to continue working out of my home. I'll have to travel a bit more, but it will be Monday through Thursday travel whenever I do.
Big thanks to everyone here for all the advice over the last several months.
Follow your dreams, you can reach your goals, I'm living proof, BEEFCAKE!
