I watch TV and listen to the news just like everybody else, and like everybody else I know about how bad things are supposed to be right now in the economy. Derivatives are now a dirty word so I've even heard, anecdotally, about how some law firms (huge international ones) are hurting and they are laying off associates.
And yet, this week I got calls from TWO headhunters about positions for someone as awesome as me. When I told my girlfriend about this, she said "but won't you need your head" and went back to reading Cosmo or whatever she was doing. Are things not as bad as they seem, or am I just lucky? or Awesome!!!
I like where I am now. The hours are great, lots of days off, and job security. I won't lie, the idea of going back to a law firm is intriguing for the money. I make decent money here, but I would, literally, make twice as much at a law firm. I'd have secretaries, paralegals, and even young associate attorneys that I could have do all the sucky work while I work on big-picture stuff. It would solve a lot of my problems. But I don't know if I'm ready to give up all my hobbies and free time for some extra cash. And also...if things didn't work out, all that extra money wouldn't do me much good if I was looking for a job in this economy, in an industry that's hurting right now. It's nice to be wanted, but I wonder if its better to be happy with what you have. Just thinking out loud here.
6 comments:
I sold my soul to a big company for a number of years when I was younger. Then I took a job with a small company that paid less, but would rarely require me to work more than 8 hours a day and had a lot of flexibility.
I would never go back at this point unless I had to. Everyone makes their own choice on what their time is worth. For me - it's a lot. My leisure time, my hobbies, social activities, if I gave them up for a pile of money what would I have? A pile of money and no life.
I think it's a matter of what your values are. I've never cared about money or success, just a feeling of security and not having debt collectors beating down my door.
So, I wouldn't take the job. But I would try to wrangle a free lunch or two. I'm a ho for free lunches.
I second Shannon. I have been out of work for 10 months now and its awful. But I have had 3 offers...
...Only each job would put me right back in the shitty $$ situation I was in before. Having to move back to DC, barely able to pay rent...I am at the point where I would take something that paid well just to get my life on track and I HATE that.
If you don't have to get a sick paying job that you hate--don't bother even worrying about it.
Life rule in general I have--its less about having lots of dough and more about not having debt, not hating your job, and enjoying your life.
You sound like you have all three right now--a rare thing--and that is great.
Hold onto it. You are a lucky man.
I believe in life there are little tests, and this is one of them. You are wise to not be lured by the money, and to hold on to what a lot of people don't have: Job Security. Don't let it go.
I'm with these awesome peoples. I was working two jobs (about 70 hrs a week), and the money was amazing... but I wanted to die. I never had time to do ANYTHING, and when I did, I was too tired to even think about doing it. If it's a choice between time (life) and money... I pick life.
"I would have secretaries,even (young ? female) associate attorneys...)
it would solve all my problems..,I could work on big picture stuff"...
No Ninja,that kind of a job is definitely not for you...who needs to earn twice as much money if there is no job security.....
Stay safe, in your cubicle at the department of bonds or whatever...
You need that extra time for your "Do Jo" work etc...Your house renovations...
Is it possible your current employer is none other than Uncle Sam himself...?
Time to delete your site Ninja...It was an interesting accidental discovery...
Good luck!
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