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Offered a job, but should I accept it?
4

Offered a job, but should I accept it?

Offered a job, but should I accept it?

(OP)
So I was laid off in April due to the economy and have been doing a seemingly frivolous job search ever since.  I lucked out and actually got an interview with a company and now they are going to make me an offer.

Here's my dilemma: the job is in a small town in central Wisconsin.  There's little entertainment and there is snow on the ground 6 months of the year.  Ever since I moved to the southern states I have enjoyed the warmer climates and this area is like living in an empty freezer.  I have no wife or kids to worry about so I'm pretty mobile.

One one hand, I think I would be foolish to turn down an offer in times like these.  The offer is quite good and the job sounds excellent.  Working in a non union plant as the lead electrical engineer is quite and honor.  They've promised me a long leash and I will be in charge of many projects.

On the other hand however, I can't say how long I will be able to last out there.  I feel it would be dishoroable as a professional to take a job being uncertain that I can make it work out for more than a year or two.  I am back to working construction and can keep my head above water without too much trouble, but it certainly doesn't do my engineering career any good.

I am just looking for advice/perspectives on this one.  What should I do?

Thanks in advance

------------------------------------------------------------------------
If it is broken, fix it.  If it isn't broken, I'll soon fix that.

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

So, the only reason for not going there is you may not like the town/local climate?  I'm sure there are a few here who would say boo-hoo and something about cavemen not liking having to migrate with the herds each winter or something but doing it 'cause they had to.

A lot could happen in a year or two anyway, including them letting you go for some reason, so I wouldn't worry too much about possibly leaving in that time frame if you absolutely hate it.

 

KENAT,

Have you reminded yourself of FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies recently, or taken a look at posting policies: http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?


I'm assuming you are living on unemployment.  If you are holding your own with a minimal income, you have roughly a year to go before things get tense.  If you are that unsure about the relocation, keep looking.  My sources say the economy will be turning around by next Spring, time enough to find something in a warmer climate.

If it were me, though, I'd go for it.  I live in the San Francisco Bay but I once considered moving to Milwaukee.  And how many times do you really plan to go to the opera, ballet or see a play?  As long as you are able to find friends and enjoy their company, the physical location is immaterial.

If you cannot tolerate cold, Central Wisconsin may not be for you.

 

"If you are going to walk on thin ice, you might as well dance!"

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

Go for it...see it as a life/professional experience.

Chris
SolidWorks 09, CATIA V5
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

From the outside, I can never tell what a job is going to be like, once I'm 'inside'.  I've found that most of them had something to like, and something to not like so much.

Give it a year and see how it goes.

 

Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

My brother-in-law says "Life is what happens as you are planning something else".

This is life, you're young.  They know you may not stay but you might be surprised.

A long time ago I joined the Army thinking I'd get it over with and move on, I signed up for two years during the Vietnam War.  At the time I had a draft deferment but did not like the job.  Did not think I'd like the Army but it opened opportunities for me which I could not have imagined.  Also made friends with people I'm still friends with . . 40 years ago.

Go for it. . .if it's wrong, you can recover easily.

 

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

I suppose you could try to arrange some kind of trial period for 6 months or a year to see how you suit each other, many firms do similar from their point of view with temp to perm positions.

However, if they really want a long term person, and are silly enough to still believe in such a thing, they may pass you over in lieu of someon else that claims they'll work for them "man & boy".

That's part of the problem, competition is probably pretty fierce (though maybe not in powergeneration if you believe Scotty and that's where the position is) which means you may have a bit less room to manouver.

KENAT,

Have you reminded yourself of FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies recently, or taken a look at posting policies: http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

i dunno.  i was offered a position in michigan about two months ago.  i turned it down because i really didn't want to relocate.  so i was out of real work and just doing small designs on the side to make myself some money.  turns out it was a good idea, about a month and a half after i turned down the interview, i got two offers.  if you really like where you're at, i say stick it out.  there's a 168 hours in a week.  you're only at work for 40-50.  you have to enjoy yourself and like where you're at for the rest.  work for a competitor who's in your area.  that's what i did.   

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

Whats worse on your resume, time spent doing useless work or a short stint during a recession? I would say the former.

Take the leap and go for it, you may meet the love of your life out there!

I am going to an interview today and I hope to have the same type of decision to make.

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

I did just what you're saying about 2 years ago. Moved from a place that I really like the weather at to a place I don't. Winter isn't as bad a s you describe, but I'm a big softy. But i don't regret it one bit, Found myself a warm body for the colder months, however strangely enough the job I came for has from a very promising start turned to ***t.

Csd72,
Good luck, with the interview.
 

When in doubt, just take the next small step.
 

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

I would go for it, with the idea (keep it to yourself) that you'll move on in two years.  By then, the economy should be improved, and with a 2 year timeframe, you'll be able to keep yourself sane, since you know it's not forever.

 

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

Two words:

1) Beer

2) Cheese

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

Pack up and go!

You'll appreciate the warm southern weather even more at vacation time.

Goober Dave

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

I have a friend that might take that job (and all the rest of them) if you don't wink

Fe

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

Hope you like brandy.  And beer  And cheese.  And women who eat lots of cheese and drink lots of beer and brandy.

I've been in Wisconsin most of my life.  Snow is a part of that.  If you're the kind of person who lets that stop your living, then don't come.  More snow for the rest of us.

Otherwise, pony up for good warm boots and longjohns and a good coat, get out there and enjoy it.

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

(OP)
I appreciate the responses.  It sounds like I have an overwhelming group telling me I should go and take it.  There's no doubt if I do take I'm going to do my absolute best.  I just can't help but feel like I'm being dishonorable taking a job for someone they expect to stay a long time without intending to stay long term.

My resume shows a fair amount of job jumping already.  I haven't stayed anywhere for more than 20 months.  I had one for 15 months, one for 20, and this last one only went 9.  If I take this job and then leave shortly, I'm afraid it will really show a pattern of jumping around.  Maybe this is normal?

So I guess I have three possibilities:

1. Take the job and try and stick it out the best I can.  In 2 years if I decide I hate it, then move on.

2. Tell the company how much I'd love the job but have my reservations about the area and put the ball in their court.  I'm sure I'm not the only person that has had these concerns.  (This is starting to sound like a bad idea)

3.  Turn it down with an explanation of my reasons and let them know if a position opens up in one of their southern facilities, I would be very interested in taking it.

The more I think about it, the more I lean to option #1.  No matter what happens, I'm going to move from my current area.  Any other ideas/thoughts?

------------------------------------------------------------------------
If it is broken, fix it.  If it isn't broken, I'll soon fix that.

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

Learn to ski

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

So they have facilities elsewhere in the country?  Well once you're in maybe you can look at getting transferred.  If you really are concerned about the perception of job hopping on your resume, this wont look as bad as it's for the same employer.

KENAT,

Have you reminded yourself of FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies recently, or taken a look at posting policies: http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

Going back to the KISS principle, you presented two opitons:

a - remain unemployed / marginally employed in an area/climate you like.

b - take a job that sounds good in a location you might not care for.



 

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

Well, in general I'd say go for it, with one caveat... For me, it would depend on where "central WI" is exactly... If you are within about 45 minutes from a major city (Madison, Oshkosh, Appleton, Green Bay, etc), I'd go for it. Some areas that are described as "central WI" are pretty rural and if you are used to city life it might be a surprise to have to drive 30 minutes to a 2000 sq.ft. grocery store (or maybe doing your shopping at the gas station/convience store).

However, I imagine that if this is a larger firm, you will be pretty near a decent city. The snow isn't so bad. I much prefer it to rain and everything being wet, but that's a personal opinion. Once you get the proper clothing, there are only a few days a year that it's really cold and you might want to avoid going outside. However, the snow adds a lot of fun and activities you can do as well. And on the days you should stay in... well, that's what the beer, whiskey and cheese are for.

I'd say give it a shot. After a year or so you can decide if this will be the setting for the story of your life, or just a chapter with with interesting new experiences (good or bad) and a stepping stone to the next.

-- MechEng2005

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

If you can't get lucky in Wisconsin, you're drinking too fast and passing out too soon.

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

Forget the beer (fizzy, flavourless).  Forget the cheese (yellow, plastic).  Many mercans don't believe there is a place in England called Cheddar, where they make cheese.  Anyway...

I would go for it.  You cannot judge a place until you've lived through all four seasons there.  After that, you'll probably like it more than you could have imagined.  Also, you'll like "home" more too.

I moved from temperate (wet, & rainy) UK to the mid-west.  I found the summers stupidly hot; the winters stupidly cold.  When I say "stupidly", I mean I found the weather truly funny.  I still miss it.

Snow can be fun too.  Must watch Fargo again.

- Steve

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?


The Tick has a very good point.   I have no idea where in WI you mean and I won't probe if you do not want to reveal, so I took a stab and guessed Eau Claire for a starting place.

What do you mean nothing to do?  There's the car on stilts, or the giant statue of Paul Bunyon and Babe, or the ship-shaped car wash.  The possibilities are endless......

Try the roadside america webpage and type in the City and State for a listing of attractions

http://www.roadsideamerica.com/

"If you are going to walk on thin ice, you might as well dance!"

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

Go where-ever you want.  Bring the fun with you...

I envy your opportunity, but I'm a bit old to be moving.  Snow is probably much easier to live with than major hurricanes.

old field guy

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

2
When an employer says that they are looking for a long term employee, what they are really saying is:

"We want the opportunity to get rid of you by our choice, rather than you choosing when to get rid of us."

Take the job.

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

Do you have any idea how many workin' folks have taken a job somewhere, with the idea of "only being there awhile, a couple of years, at most" and end up living perfectly happy, productive lives, raising their kids, and not "living lives of quite desperation......"?

A bunch.

I'm one of 'em.

 

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

Casseopeia, I got a good chuckle out of the Paul Bunyon comment.  When I was a kid we went to see family in Minnesota every summer and stopping for all the road side attractions through the midwest.  I remember thinking that Paul and Babe were one of the better ones.  

I would echo many of the other comments and say go for it.  You may enjoy it more than you think.   

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

I prefer Larry the Logroller to Paul Bunyun.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wabeno,_Wisconsin

It is disappointing that I believe Larry was a lumberjack until people got upset about all the foresting going on in the area. Larry's a good guy, and I hope that it wasn't much of a demotion for him. Maybe I should start a petition, or see if there's a lumberjacking union I could discuss it with.

-- MechEng2005

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

Watch out for hodags and dogmen.

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

I just moved from my home in Missouri where I grew up and went to school.  I moved away from all my friends who got jobs in St. Louis.  But I have to say I don't regret it.  I moved to New Mexico and while it took about 3 months I learned to really like it here.  If you go in with a positive attitude and try to enjoy yourself you would be suprised how much a place can grow on you.

My theory was I was young and mobile so I should get the best experience I could and make the most money I could.  Eventually I want to get back home but until then I am making more than all my friends and getting a lot more experience!

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

In these hard times you have a unique opportunity to gain experience, demonstrate commitment and advance your career.

On the other hand you have the opportunity to spend god knows ow long in marginal unstable employment in your going nowhere comfort zone.

You sound young (I will skip the lecture on the folly in child rearing philosophy that started to come into vogue about 40 years ago) so any experienced gained right now will have a disproportionally large impact on your future career.

To reject this because you are not prepared to move, then ask for a job in a "nicer" area when one is available is career suicide. It shows you as excessively self serving and uncommitted to their cause.

Take the job and learn and build experience and EARN respect. That way will open a path to a better post in future either within that corperation or with another

Regards
Pat
See FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on use of eng-tips by professional engineers &
http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm
for site rules
 

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

There are some people who cant hack the winters up there.  They are long and painful for the 2.5 months of good summer weather that may occur.  I have a cabin near on a lake near Tomahawk and several neighbors tried retiring up there but couldn't take watching the ice break up on the lake in April.  Most will live half the year in florida and the other half up north.

At the same time, I personally would think it'd be an awesome experience if I had a job up there to keep me busy most of the time.  Would buy PLENTY of toys.  Boats, snowmobiles, skis, big truck to take on the massive snow drifts, etc.

If you're used to city life, strip malls, driving a little foreign car, and think 45 degrees is cold you'll probably be miserable.

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

Sometimes losing your job is the best thing that can happen to you. Now you can find a better job, better locale, lower cost of living, nicer people, relaxed long life style, etc.

I visited Phoenix on business in July and it felt like walking into an oven - not for me. In the hotel magazine, there was an article by a local author who said that she embraced the locale, the climate, everything. In high summer she would walk in the desert to explore flora and fauna.

Embrace your new job and locale.

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

Maybe I just don't know any better.  Isn't April when the ice is supposed to break up?  When does it break up by you?

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

When it plops into my drink.

- Steve

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

cheers

Fe

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

(OP)
Looks like I'm taking the job.  I'll be looking for a snowmobile and perhaps a 4-wheeler.  I'm going to make the best of it.  maybe I'll like it.  If not, well, there will be something else eventually.  I guess I better take up drinking too.... I'll start tonight.

Thanks guys.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
If it is broken, fix it.  If it isn't broken, I'll soon fix that.

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

cheers

Fe

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

It has to be done.  Good luck!

I did watch Fargo again.  Mmmm, snow.

- Steve

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

What city is your job in at?

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

(OP)
It's in Wisconsin Rapids.  Basically the geometric center of the state if there was one.   The more I think about it, the more I look forward to it.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
If it is broken, fix it.  If it isn't broken, I'll soon fix that.

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

Best to ya, TurbineGen!!

Wow, if you have the choice from time to time, fly into the Central Wisconsin Airport at Mosinee / Wausau instead of the big one at Madison. It looks like you'll be equidistant from the two.

The landings at CWA are MUCH more thrilling, especially in winter when the wheel brakes on the plane are meaningless.

Good on ya!

Goober Dave

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

Quote (TurbineGen ):

I feel it would be dishoroable as a professional to take a job being uncertain that I can make it work out for more than a year or two.

I know it's a little late for a comment, but why did you consider the job in the first place if that is the case?  

View Clyde's profile on LinkedIn

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?


Madison is a fun town and it's close to Wisconsin Rapids.  It's even more fun if you are young with a strong liver.  Are people in WI still drinking Bloody Mary's with a beer chaser the morning after a hard night of Jagermeister shots? (not that I did any such thing, mind you) winky smile

"If you are going to walk on thin ice, you might as well dance!"

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

Cass: Yes, as long as there are mornings after, there will be Bloody Marys.

Congrats on the new job and good luck TG!

Besides the beer, cheese, snowmobile, and 4-wheeler, be sure to add some new green & gold apparel, or you'll look out of place. Blaze orange is also a good substitute and acceptable show of support. ;)

-- MechEng2005

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?


MechEng, It's not the Bloody Mary's I found odd.  It was the little, baby-sized beer chaser typical in those parts.  Sort of an extra, miniature pincher version to follow up the full-sized, rottweiler hair-of-the-dog.

Speaking of pinchers and rottweilers, you will also find that German food and culture is prevalent throughout WI.  If you ever find yourself in Milwaukee, check out Usingers Sausage shop.  My German ExHusband insisted on special trips to Usingers from Chicago just for a particular sausage considered unsuitable for human consumption delicious by German people.  I'd tell you what that was but I'm afraid my mind has completely blocked out the memory to maintain my fragile sanity.

A good expression to learn if you do not care for such things (sulze, or head cheese comes to mind) is EEEE GIT.  It means 'yuk'.
 

"If you are going to walk on thin ice, you might as well dance!"

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

Be careful putting to much information on this site:

Cisco Fatty:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29796962/

______________________________________________________________________________
This is normally the space where people post something insightful.

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

Yes be careful. I could be your boss. smile
 

Fe

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?


Oh come on!  As a former boss, there is nothing in this thread that I would find particularly damning.  I'd expect someone from a warmer climate to be unsure of how they will adapt to life in central Wisconsin.

I'd be very happy about the number of enthusiastic 'go for its' in this thread and suggestions for a rich social life of downing saurbraten, bratwurst and beer!  I held back on the suggestion of wearing green and gold or dredging up GB Packers jokes, tempting as it was.

"If you are going to walk on thin ice, you might as well dance!"

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

FeX32,
Can he get a pay raise?

When in doubt, just take the next small step.
 

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

(OP)
Clyde38 - I take everything in a positive light and make the best of it.  More times than I can count, my first impressions have been inaccurate.  I give everything the benefit of the doubt.  After talking to some people from the area, I think I might really enjoy myself out there.  When was the last time you did something you thought you'd dislike and turned out to really enjoy it?  It happens to me all of the time.

MechEng - I'm a Pittsburgh Steelers fan.  I was born and raised in the city of the Primanti sandwich and Iron City (pronounced "Arn city") beer.  I'll be wearing black and gold.  I hope I can get an Iron City in Wisconsin.

Cass - Mmmm German food.  I can't pass up a good yagershnitzel or bratwurst.  Throw in a few hot wings... ok now I'm hungry.

Looks like my skis and snowboard will be get some use this season outside of the Rockies.  I might have to buy a propane heater for the garage too.  I can't live without my shop... at least not for long.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
If it is broken, fix it.  If it isn't broken, I'll soon fix that.

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

I own a business in Colorado and I receive piles of resumes from people willing to fill positions that they are over-qualified for. Their primary goal is not to reach fulfillment in their career, but rather to live in a beautiful part of the country. After my extensive travel throughout the US and abroad (including business trips and as a baseball coach for a youth travel team), I can tell you that your sorroundings are what you make of them. I have seen beauty (albeit a different kind) in every corner of the country. I spent a couple of weeks in the Omaha area and I actually missed the humidity, thick forests, and sunsets when I returned to the arid climate of Colorado. If you have the luxury, spend a couple weeks there and look around. You may be surprised.

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

A perfect made for tv movie. Or in X or R rating direct to vidio.

Peter Stockhausen
Senior Design Analyst (Checker)
Infotech Aerospace Services
www.infotechpr.net

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

I am in the Southern States and I am actually getting more calls from employers than I have ever gotten in my whole life, albeit I finished school in 2005, I would take the job and look for another job.  How are you able to coordinate the interview for that job?

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

He cannot get a raise until he starts bringing me coffee. I like mine black.
peace

Fe

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

I can speak from experience.  We moved to Wisc. Rapids from Detroit 20 years ago and stayed for 17 years.  We left 3+ years ago, after being downsized out of the job I went there for in 2000 and kicking around through a couple of short term opportunities thereafter.  We are now 80 miles east and still visit often as one of our children is still there.

It is not a bad place to live and with a couple of bigger manufacturing facilities in the vicinity, should have some long-term employment potential. Although in this day and age nothing is certain.

Smaller towns have some advantages in terms of housing costs, but you will travel some distance for entertainment, shopping, etc.

The snow is not all that bad - but having grown up in Michigan's U.P., it's all relative.  You could have some accumulation on the ground for up to 6 months as was indicated.

It can get cold there, but no one has car engine block heaters like they did in Hibbing, MN., so it's not that bad.

Your young.  I would consider living in Stevens Point which has the University there and presents a 15+ mile commute.  

Black and Gold should not be too much of a problem as it's not in the same division.  Bear and Viking fans are hated; but Lion fans were just pitied - but that seems to happen everywhere.  Go figure.

Good luck.



 

GJC
 

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

mtu1972: 80 miles east?  I grew up in Neenah.

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

Steeler Nation is well represented everywhere!!! I'm sure you'll find some Black & Gold fans to hang out with.

HERE WE GO STEELERS, HERE WE GO!!!!!!!

RE: Offered a job, but should I accept it?

Speaking as a former Detroit native.  I pity myself as a Lions fan.  At least we have the Red Wings right?

On a lighter note, I also had a similar situation.  Except I had two offers, one in Milwauke, and another in northern VA.  Note the VA offer was a little nicer, but I don't think I could survive another Michigan winter.

I've only got a few winter days of driving in me nowadays.

James Spisich
Design Engineer, CSWP

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