A job offer, and a tough decision. December 12, 2007
Posted by gmbmfb in : job , trackbackI have a big decision to make, as I was just offered the position in Northern Alberta. This would be a huge opportunity for me, but I would be sacrificing everything for it. So, do I choose my career, or do I choose my general well-being? Taking this job would mean putting me in a position career-wise that I don’t think I could achieve for at least another 5 years if I stayed here.
Pros
- Great experience in a management role, and in a position I wouldn’t have even been considered for if it were for somewhere in the city or in Vancouver.
- A chance to experience something new and meet new people.
- I would definitely save money, although the cost of living is pretty high up there, given the isolation and proximity to anything that doesn’t suck.
- $51-63k starting salary range (which will go up when the position gets re-classified).
Cons
- It’s too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer.
- Would not be able to pursue professional sports as a secondary career while I’m there.
- No field hockey.
- No friends/family (also nobody would come visit me, because this city is literally, in the middle of nowhere, and about 4 hrs. away from the nearest airport).
- No outdoor recreational activities involving hiking or the ocean.
- Would have to buy a car.
- Would not pursue owning property.
- Couldn’t think about settling down with a husband/family.
I think what it comes down to is – what do I want in the next 5 years? Yes, I want to have a successful career, but I also want to own property, and I want to think about settling down in a city, starting a family (maybe), and enjoying my life. This experience has really made me realize what I value in life, and I never thought I’d be saying this, but it’s not always about the money.
If I took this position, I would feel obligated to stay for at least 2 years … and I know the entire time, I’ll be wishing I were still back home. And yes, it may only be 2 years, but it’s also two whole years! And sure, I could suck it up and take it for 2 years, but then I’ll be 27 … and I don’t want to spend my mid-20′s living in isolation from everything I love and everything I value. Last year, I would have gladly packed up my suitcases … but a lot has happened in 2007. My priorities have shifted, and I feel like I’ve finally matured and grown into myself.
I feel awful, because here I’ve been whining and complaining about not getting any job offers – and now this amazing offer comes along, but I’m going to decline it. I think it’s the right thing to do, because I know if I just wait, I’ll eventually find a great job here on the West Coast. It’s just my friend said to me the other day, good things come to those who wait. And I’m not desperate for a job – I have my EF, and EI is on the way … plus I have my freelancing … I’ve just been so restless lately, and a bit depressed about the whole situation. But that doesn’t mean I should just up and leave.
So: no. I’m not taking the job. 98% sure. I will think about it for the rest of today and tonight, talk about it with my friends and family, and then call them back tomorrow to decline. It’s the right thing to do in my heart, because I know I wouldn’t be happy living there. I really wouldn’t.
Related posts:
- A decision about the job offer
- Potentially another tough job decision to make
- I definitely made the right job decision
- I received a job offer today
- Job offer
Comments»
[...] 1.5 years ago. I seriously cannot imagine what my life would be like had I taken that opportunity. It was a great offer (Communications Manager for an entire city), and something I wouldn’t be able to achieve here on [...]