The 3-month review: results

Well, today my boss came to me with a figure just over $45k. That’s about a 12.5% raise from what I’m currently making (around $40k). He also said that I would be looking at another raise come September/October at the end of our fiscal year, provided I hit all of my measurable targets.

The initial offering from the job in my hometown was for $48k.

Not taking money, benefits, or anything else into consideration, I would like the job in my hometown better. That being said, I would learn more if I stay at my current job. This organization is very dependent on a few key organizations in terms of sponsorships and marketing (an aspect of this line of work that I want to gain more experience in), which isn’t the case with the new job. Sure, my boss is kind of a jerk, but I really like the professional-quality design pieces I’m getting to create, and that is going to look a lot more impressive in my portfolio than a bunch of brochures and posters printed off on an office photocopying machine (which is what would happen if I took this new job). The new job is much like the previous position I had within government. So, my current job wins in terms of the experience I’ll gain.

In terms of whether I’d be happiest in my hometown, or in Vancouver, that’s such a tough call. I personally think that I would be happier in Vancouver over the long term. Going back home is the easy thing to do. And sure, my friends and family are over there … but it’s not like they’re that far away. I’ll make new friends here. My career is really important to me right now, and if I want to get ahead, Vancouver is the place to be. I know there’s no shame in going home, but it’s important to me that I live in Vancouver. I want to show myself that I can do it in a big city, and I want to see how far I can grow my career and my contacts in the time that I’m here.

So, this afternoon I will officially be offered this new salary by the Executive Director, and this evening I have a lot to think about.