To Stay or Go.

I currently work at a University where I am an "IT Specialist". I get to play with a lot of technology and learn a lot at my current position. It's basically a jack of all trade job (Admin for Storage, servers, workstations, etc.) minus networking. I got a call about a potential job at another school for a Cloud Computing Architect job, which I do have experience with. The job is 15 minutes away from my house compared to the hour and a half it takes me now. Also, the pay would be an increase of about 80%.

The only issue I have is that this new job is a funded grant for four years, and after those 4 years it is not guaranteed to get renewed. My job now is pretty stable and I would like to stay in the school system either way, and am worried that after the 4 years I will not be able to stay in if the grant is not renewed.

I just wanted to get an opinion on if i should possibly take the chance with the new job or stay with the current job, keep learning, and maybe in a year or two I will get up to that level and pay that this job is offering.

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Comments

FloOz

I would go with the new job. Even if you aren't brought on after 4 years you still have that experience under your belt.

Danielm7

You're gaining 2.5 hours a day and 80% salary to start for a job role with higher potential. Anything happen in 4 years, I'd jump on that in a heartbeat.

Khaos1911

Take the new job. 80% in crease in Salary and you gain 3 hours of your life back while saving on gas with only a 15 minute drive. You basically have a 4 year guarantee, while most us can up and be fired tomorrow. Take the new job, bro.

lsud00d

4 years is pretty solid for a job and PLENTY of time to find a new one.

I think this is a no brainer...go for it

TomkoTech

Not only that. If it's an 80% raise, in addition to saving on gas and time, if you put 25% of that raise into a savings account each year and live off of the additional 55%. At the end of the 4 years you will have a full year of your current base salary in reserve to live off of until you can find a new job.

NotHackingYou

At an 80% increase you could go unemployed for a few years after the 4 years and still be ahead. I would take the new job.

jvrlopez

I'd go for the increased pay and way shorter commute.

Four years is plenty of time to get some new experience, make a name for yourself, and line up another job (should that need arise).

Tom Servo

After four years you should be looking to move up or out at the new place anyways. I'd take the job in a heartbeat. As others have said - with the extra free time saved commuting you can build additional skills and grab more certs.

100k

Ditto all of the above. Don't pass on this. I would kill for that opportunity

ScrawnyRonnie

Take the job! (if offered of course)

brentw722

Thank you all for the responses. Im waiting to hear back still, but if offered I will most likely go with it.

Fidelity

You'd have to be crazy to turn that job down!

yzT

New job +1

jabney

I work for a school system too and if you don't want the job I'll take it! Seriously it's a no brainer TAKE the JOB!

bull313

Ace that interview and take the higher paying job. Of course, be professional and give two weeks notice to your current employer. Good Luck!

Chris O'Sullivan

I recently took a new job, whilst it did not have the 4 year funding and the 80% pay rise, it did save me 3 hours of traveling a day. Trust me you cannot buy that

Take the new job and good luck.

instant000

What University system do you work in, whereby you can increase your pay by 80% in a year or two?

Note: These numbers are hypothetical. I don't know your situation.

Option 1: 50K for two years, Possibly get 90K on third year. Commute 3 hours a day. Maintain current responsibilities. (Note: the 90K is not guaranteed.)
Option 2: 90K for four years, Commute 30 minutes a day. Get new, more challenging responsibilities.

I haven't had a good experience with getting raises by staying at the current job. It may have worked for some people, but it really hasn't worked for me. The only way I can see being able to get good raises by staying at your current job is if you are in an organization that values the function that you provide. This valuation usually occurs when the function that you provide is seen as a profit center, and not a cost center. IT is usually a cost center for schools. If your concern is getting to the high levels in your organization, and you see some people ahead of you leaving or retiring, and your organization promotes from within, then you may be able to stick around and reap that in the future. If the only higher position is your boss, and he/she just got there, you might be better off somewhere else.

Of course, we don't know if you'd get the job yet, but this seems like a great opportunity to apply for. Also, if you find that you're missing something during the interview process, this gives you an opportunity to know what you need to work on, since it seems you are ready to stay put at your current place. (Though I would consider getting closer, for a better commute. 1.5 hours? Come on, man ... I hope you're not driving that.)

About your 4 years concern: I've only had one job for longer than 3.5 years. To take that job, I swore to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies!

Hope this helps.

Cyberhooligan

To my understanding, a school system has its advantages. you will need to consider the welfare and pensions stuff along with it,.