dilemma?

OK. Currently I have a job on a helpdesk. I make decent money (GS-9), but to hold my position I have to get out of the Guard. I need to do that anyway because I was diagnosed with diabetes and I don't want to be that guy that fights to stay in when someone younger can take better advantage of the military career. I have a tentative offer with another Government Agency that is still a GS-9 but does have promotion potential. It is a Systems administrator position, in another state. My son is 14 and I have spent so much time away from him, that I feel I need to use the next 4 years to build a relationship with him that will last through the adult years. Another position just opened up in the private sector that would keep me home every night and we wouldn't have to move, but it is a help desk position with half the pay. One last note - I work 100 miles away and have an apt that I rent and only go home to the family on weekends and on the nights that we have scout meetings (I am the Scoutmaster), moving away from the troop would kill me as I think of all of them as my "kids" ( their parents know because I tell them). I have 3 months left before my enlistment is up and I lose my current position and I have put in over 150 applications in the last year with only 4 nibbles. Any one have any thoughts or advice? I think I just need to hear what someone else thinks to clear my own head. I know a systems admin position will definately help me more in 4 years when my son goes to college, but I don't want to move hime away from family either.

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Comments

hackman2007

Personally, I wouldn't move to another state.

Depending on how much the pay cut will be (which depends on how much you make), I would take the helpdesk job and look for other opportunities.

daviddws

Thats a tough decision. I've had jobs where I was 2 1/2 hours away from home so I feel your pain. I guess it depends where your priorities lie. If you truly want a relationship with your kid you will find a job where you can make that happen, even if it pays less. You won't get those 4 years back, and you might regret it as you get older.

Rappeller

hackman2007 wrote: »

Personally, I wouldn't move to another state.

Depending on how much the pay cut will be (which depends on how much you make), I would take the helpdesk job and look for other opportunities.

about 20000 a year

hackman2007

Rappeller wrote: »

about 20000 a year

Well, assuming you do not find any other opportunities, is the $20,000 paycut worth the relationship with your son? If you do move to a different state and take him away from his friends, he is going to be upset.

Unfortunately not an easy question for us to answer.