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2011-03-29 8:00 AM

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Subject: I need help with job/relocation decision!!!

Ok so I live and work in Dallas, TX.

I do not love my job, but I have been here a little over a year after finishing my M.S. 

I have been offered a position in Arizona in either Flagstaff or Phoenix (my choice).  Job satisfaction in AZ would be much much higher then here, but it would be about a 11% pay cut.

There have also been talks about me being transferred to Austin, TX with my current employer.  In Austin I would be doing similar work but I would be working with people I get along with well (compared to the f-off's in Dallas). 

Austin is nice, but then again so is Flagstaff. 

For the record I am in the 25-29 AG, not married, no kids, and very little debt.  What do you think?  This is a very tough decision for me.



2011-03-29 8:03 AM
in reply to: #3419317

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Elite
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Ontario, Canada
Subject: RE: I need help with job/relocation decision!!!

Will you be able to support yourself comfortably on the pay cut? If yes, I'd say do it!!

2011-03-29 8:11 AM
in reply to: #3419317

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Subject: RE: I need help with job/relocation decision!!!

Can you negotiate with your AZ employer for a smaller pay cut?

Are they going to give you a good relocation package?

Should you change your job again afterward, which location gives you better/more opportunities for future career sercurty? In other words, which city would you choose to live your life?

 

 

2011-03-29 8:17 AM
in reply to: #3419317

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Member
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Spanish Fort, Alabama
Subject: RE: I need help with job/relocation decision!!!
i agree w D.K. , at your age, think longer term, where do you want to be and what do you want to do?... the pay cut will be trivial in a year or two. also don't assume the people in Az. are not a-holes. good luck!
2011-03-29 8:30 AM
in reply to: #3419317

Iron Donkey
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Subject: RE: I need help with job/relocation decision!!!

In Arizona, there's TeeJay and possibly a chupacrappa/chupalupa/chupachurro/chupasomethingorwhatever - that's a win/win situation, and with the job you hit the trifecta!

2011-03-29 8:34 AM
in reply to: #3419317

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Expert
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Subject: RE: I need help with job/relocation decision!!!

You didn't mention if you would have to take a pay cut to move to Austin.  If not, that's the choice I would make.  (Disclaimer: I'm admittedly a little biased as I have lived in the area most of my life.)  The economy in Austin is still strong, the job market is still good and the triathlon scene is big and growing strong.

Nothing against AZ but the economy there seems to be struggling more than here, which could impact your job in the future.  Whatever decision you make, I would agree with you that the a-holes in Dallas should be in your review mirror.  (To paraphrase Mac Davis, happiness is Dallas, TX, in the rearview mirror.)



2011-03-29 9:02 AM
in reply to: #3419330

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Champion
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Subject: RE: I need help with job/relocation decision!!!
I've staked two career choices on "talks" about potential advancement. Neither have come to fruition. Not because I didn't do the work to prove myself but because the people making the promises never made the changes they had promised. I won't make that mistake again. Unless your current employer is in the process of moving you to Austin, I'd move on.

Flagstaff over Phoenix any day.
2011-03-29 9:13 AM
in reply to: #3419317

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Subject: RE: I need help with job/relocation decision!!!

An update and more information since i still haven't decided. 

A transfer to Austin would not be a pay cut.

There is no relocation money to go to Arizona.

I will be talking with the Austin lead today hopefully finding a timeline.

I've already negotiated with AZ and this was an increase over the initial offer.

I could live on the pay cut, but I still live like I'm in college anyway.

 



Edited by tbcotten 2011-03-29 9:15 AM
2011-03-29 9:24 AM
in reply to: #3419479

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2011-03-29 9:48 AM
in reply to: #3419317

Member
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Subject: RE: I need help with job/relocation decision!!!

Not sure if will help you, but check out this web site

bestplaces . net

it compares cities all over US, I used it a lot when relocating in the last few years.

You can find the cost of living and compare them, for example Phoenix is 6% cheaper than Dallas so a 11% pay cut won't affect you too much, but Flagstaff is 16% more expensive so a 11% pay cut will be a big hit.

Good luck with your decision 

2011-03-29 10:15 AM
in reply to: #3419317

Master
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Des Moines, Iowa
Subject: RE: I need help with job/relocation decision!!!
I'm going through a similar process at the moment.

One thing I'm doing is imagining each situation (including my current one) six months out and asking the question, "Am I glad I made this decision?" and "Do I regret not taking the other option?"

Surprisingly enough, I know enough information about each of the prospects that this little mind game is helping me determine which one to take.

Good luck as you analyze your options. Also, I must say that while the pay cut would be a bummer, quality of work life and environment are more important in the long run.


2011-03-29 12:32 PM
in reply to: #3419636

Champion
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Subject: RE: I need help with job/relocation decision!!!
Austin beats all other choices, hands down, just for a nice place to live.  Although I suspect it's a bit more expensive to live there than Dallas, so it might be a sort of pay cut...

I wouldn't go to AZ on the promise of a job you'll like better.  As someone else already pointed out, they might be a-holes there too.

Another question:  is it difficult to find jobs on your field?  Would you be seriously concerned about the prospect of finding another job in, say, a year if Austin didn't work out?  If yes, then I might try the AZ job (unless Austin was for sure).  If no, I would wait it out and see if Austin would work out.
2011-03-29 12:38 PM
in reply to: #3419317

Champion
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Evergreen, Colorado
Subject: RE: I need help with job/relocation decision!!!

Well, do you like or dislike humidity?  That is the biggest difference IMHO.

Both Phoenix/Austin offer ample opportunities for the 20-something.

Austin is humid and hot.  Phoenix is dry and hot.

Austin is a little more isolated in terms of travel to other major cities (IMHO).  Phoenix is nice and close to most of the cool California races and of course, LAS VEGAS!

Austin is close to...nothing, except Dallas.

Personally I would always take job satisfaction even with a pay cut.  Job satisfaction would make me overall so much happier than more money.  Besides, can you figure out if cost of living would be less in AZ?  In other words, would the pay cut actually be a pay cut or would your quality of life remain the same?

2011-03-29 12:43 PM
in reply to: #3419317

Payson, AZ
Subject: RE: I need help with job/relocation decision!!!
It's a dry heat in AZ.   Tough choice.  Unless the Austin job was a sure thing I'd be moving to AZ.  However, if you lost your job in AZ you might have trouble finding another one here.  But if your willing to move that shouldn't be an issue.  It is more costly to move then a lot of people realize, so factor that in.  With that 11% salary cut what is happening to your benefits?  If they are also being cut that would make it an extra tough choice for me.  I'd probably stay where the benefits are better.  If you go to Flagstaff make sure you like the cold and don't mind not having a big city around you. 
2011-03-29 1:27 PM
in reply to: #3419317

Regular
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Subject: RE: I need help with job/relocation decision!!!
thanks for the input everyone!
2011-03-29 7:29 PM
in reply to: #3419317

Master
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Albuquerque
Subject: RE: I need help with job/relocation decision!!!

Ditch the Flagstaff option now. Like has been said, it's more expensive to live in Flag than Dallas (and a lot of other places), so that 11% cut will feel more like a 25+% cut if you ask me. 

And honestly, there's no where I would move for an 11% cut, especially with no relo $$ involved too. 



2011-03-29 7:34 PM
in reply to: #3419317

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Subject: RE: I need help with job/relocation decision!!!
2011-03-29 8:50 PM
in reply to: #3419317

Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: I need help with job/relocation decision!!!

Biggest question I would be asking would be why do you think the job satisfaction would be higher in AZ?

It's a big move when you move cities, especially when it is for a job, not to be closer to a relationship etc.

Just think hard about it, I didn't move cities, but changed jobs around 18 months ago to work with a company I had dealt with for around 6 years and they made me an offer that sounded great, although it was a drop in monetary reward (offset by being closer to home and getting more time with my kids each day).  First 6 months were heaven, the last 9 months in particular have been very bad though after a change in management direction (which can and does happen anywhere) which has really made me hate coming to work each day.  If I had changed cities to take this job on, I would be even more angry with my decision now than I actually am.

2011-03-30 9:39 AM
in reply to: #3419403

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Subject: RE: I need help with job/relocation decision!!!
cornchexs - 2011-03-29 8:34 AM

You didn't mention if you would have to take a pay cut to move to Austin.  If not, that's the choice I would make.  (Disclaimer: I'm admittedly a little biased as I have lived in the area most of my life.)  The economy in Austin is still strong, the job market is still good and the triathlon scene is big and growing strong.

Nothing against AZ but the economy there seems to be struggling more than here, which could impact your job in the future.  Whatever decision you make, I would agree with you that the a-holes in Dallas should be in your review mirror.  (To paraphrase Mac Davis, happiness is Dallas, TX, in the rearview mirror.)

I agree with this entirely.

2011-03-30 3:43 PM
in reply to: #3419317

Veteran
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SE TX
Subject: RE: I need help with job/relocation decision!!!
tbcotten - 2011-03-29 8:00 AM

For the record I am in the 25-29 AG, not married, no kids, and very little debt.  What do you think?  This is a very tough decision for me.

I would look at the times for my AG in each city's local races, and try to move my way into FOP!

Nah, Austin all the way. Unless you are really uptight or a hermit. But even then, you can still be relatively happy in Austin.

2011-03-31 5:23 PM
in reply to: #3419317

Master
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Subject: RE: I need help with job/relocation decision!!!

I would cut off a leg to get to move to Flagstaff for only an 11% pay cut.  I would also cut off both my legs if I end up having to stay in Phoenix.

Damn, I wish I had your problem. Good luck!!!

 



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