1 job ; 1 great job offer: Which career path should I chose?

Okay here are the details:
I love my current job b/c it is stress free and this is the first time I have been able to work with people. My boss and I are very close and I can get away with pretty much anything. The hours are okay but I work less than 80 hours per week because of low census issues. Recently, I got a job offer out of know where and my question is....should I take it?

Job #1 - My current position
Managment Position in Healthcare at a nursing home. low pay, great boss, less than 10 min from my house, I work with a close family member (she got me the job), great intangible benefits of being able t help people, easy, stress-free, requires being very creative
Job # 2
Position being offered to me:
Advanced Administrative role in a major automotive company, 16K more in pay, pressure job because I report to the TOP Exec's, 45 min drive to work, open ended contract position w/growth potential, one of few minority employees in company

Contract positions with automotive companies are risky things.

Auto execs are under incredible stress from unions, employees, shareholders, SEC and everyone else.

This job will have virtually no chance of ever going permanent AND you need to know that the auto companies are notorious for firing their agencies and bringing in a new agency with new temps.

Also, the "45 minute" commute should be run at least once at the time you will normally be going to work, and coming home. I know people who said, "it's only a 30 minute drive". Well, yeah, at 10 am, the first time they tried it at 7:30 during rush they were late to work. And getting home is even worse.

Plus keep in mind the wear and tear on your car. 90 minutes is more than likely 90 miles, that's 450 miles a week and 23,400 miles a year. That means you will need new brakes and tires every 18 months or less. Add to that the cost of gas (and it isn't coming down anytime soon).

So, lets see 16k more a year equates to $307 a week more. Which will throw you into a higher tax bracket which means you lose more to the government.

Your commute increases 70 minutes a day, which is nearly 6 extra unpaid hours a week (over your current commute).

If in your shoes I would ask, where do I want to be in 5 years? If you want to work in big, high pressure corporations with the hope that you will eventually get great benefits and better jobs, then you have to take the new job.

Sit down and figure out how much the extra time is worth to you, how much the extra upkeep on your car (tires, oil changes, brakes, not to mention after a couple years you will need even more repairs) plus the added stress, the extra 16k doesn't look so great anymore does it.

Finally, keep in mind that in an exec's office you will more than likely need to dress professionally, and that isn't cheap either.

Make your decision based on what you want for your future, and really look at the dollars and cents. Good luck

Tried to IM you in answer to your questions, pop me an email and I can give you more info. Also, in my answer I forgot to add that your car insurance will increase as more miles to work equals higher insurance rates. Good luck! Report It

Hi - To me this is a no brainer in terms of career - Take job no 2 it will seem tricky at first but if you are smart you will soon get into it. On the other hand if you can see a future working in a lowly paid job in a nursing home - Stick with it.

Good luck and best regards

Simon

Three things would make my decision easier if I were you
1. Do you have children? Children always come first.
2. Hours. You say that you are currently working less than 80 hours, but that is a LOT. If the new job has a more reasonable schedule, even with the drive, it would be the best decision.
3. How much do you need the money for your basic needs? Do you have a home, decent food and clothing? If you do not, for example if you are renting, then you may want to consider the job that will help you to save a down payment.