In my last blog I mentioned I was looking to move away to somewhere new and exciting. That was more of a "hope" than a definite. I have a more realistic and serious choice to make now.
In January, the store I work part time at is closing down. I have two options as a result of this:
Option 1:
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I could take up the offer from one of my managers of moving to a full time position with the home delivery service at a nearby (ish) store.
Pros:
Full time employment.
A lot more money. Including enough to increase my budget for my impending car purchase, and move back out into my own place (just about).
A more enjoyable job than I'm currently in (being out in the vans is a lot more satisfying than being stuck in the store).
Cons:
12 Mile each way commute through murderous M5/M6 traffic. Easily 45-60 minutes each way.
Working 10-7 5 days a week, meaning being out of the house 9-8. Not the best shift times.
Being stuck at a 15k per year position at a company I've been trying to get away from for years and with no real drive for promotion (I've been offered a place on the management training course before and I have no interest in it).
Being stuck working full time, having no time to work freelance on my illustration and design, effectively writing off my design career.
Option 2:
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I could stay with a part-time contract and just work those hours at a nearby store, then go back to university for a single semester short course.
Pros:
It would look pro-active on my part, adding to my CV. Making me look like I'm doing something to get my career back on track rather than waiting for something to happen.
I would have the opportunity to abuse university contacts to apply for a post-degree work placement, something I missed out when I did actually finish my degree.
I'd still have time to work freelance.
Cons:
I'd have to spend another year with pretty much 0.
There's no guarantee it would actually get me anywhere.
I'd have to live with my parents for another year due to the lack of money, which would increase the pressure on me from them to give up and get a full time job.
I would have to lower my car budget.
So, do I go for short time financial security but long-term job dissatisfaction, or risk it and go for short term financial difficulty with the possibility of a career in a field I'll enjoy?
My heart and my head are saying different things here.
In January, the store I work part time at is closing down. I have two options as a result of this:
Option 1:
-------------
I could take up the offer from one of my managers of moving to a full time position with the home delivery service at a nearby (ish) store.
Pros:
Full time employment.
A lot more money. Including enough to increase my budget for my impending car purchase, and move back out into my own place (just about).
A more enjoyable job than I'm currently in (being out in the vans is a lot more satisfying than being stuck in the store).
Cons:
12 Mile each way commute through murderous M5/M6 traffic. Easily 45-60 minutes each way.
Working 10-7 5 days a week, meaning being out of the house 9-8. Not the best shift times.
Being stuck at a 15k per year position at a company I've been trying to get away from for years and with no real drive for promotion (I've been offered a place on the management training course before and I have no interest in it).
Being stuck working full time, having no time to work freelance on my illustration and design, effectively writing off my design career.
Option 2:
-------------
I could stay with a part-time contract and just work those hours at a nearby store, then go back to university for a single semester short course.
Pros:
It would look pro-active on my part, adding to my CV. Making me look like I'm doing something to get my career back on track rather than waiting for something to happen.
I would have the opportunity to abuse university contacts to apply for a post-degree work placement, something I missed out when I did actually finish my degree.
I'd still have time to work freelance.
Cons:
I'd have to spend another year with pretty much 0.
There's no guarantee it would actually get me anywhere.
I'd have to live with my parents for another year due to the lack of money, which would increase the pressure on me from them to give up and get a full time job.
I would have to lower my car budget.
So, do I go for short time financial security but long-term job dissatisfaction, or risk it and go for short term financial difficulty with the possibility of a career in a field I'll enjoy?
My heart and my head are saying different things here.
VIEW 23 of 23 COMMENTS
aznbot:
hahahaha! thank you 

sealion:
Both of those options have positive and negative points, but option 2 sounds like it would work out the best in the end. Having money is great but if it means working at a job you hate, it doesn't really seem worth it. Your happiness is the most important thing here, so go for the option that gives you that the most.
