make a life altering decision

[SweetAsSuga]

Okay folks, you all have been very helpful in the past, so I'm coming to you once again for some advice.

For any of you who have looked at my profile, you know that I work freelance as a journalist. I was recently offered a full-time position writing for a news magazine, however working for them would require that I move to a whole new state. The job would actually pay a bit less then what I make now, but gives me the opportunity to write and has potential for growth to an editorial position. It's a magazine that I have been wanting to work at since I started writing and would give me the opportunity to work with a lot of journalists that I admire.

I've also been offered a promotion at work. This promotion would move me from the "secretarial pool" to an office. I would be working in the marketing department as a copy writer. It's not the type of writing that I love, but it is a writing gig. It would mean a pay increase and the chance to move up in the department.


My dilemma is this: which job do I take? Should I go with the news magazine, which is something that I have been aspiring to? Or do I go with the work promotion?

I think what's really holding me back from taking the magazine job is that change really scares me. And moving to a city where I don't know anybody, starting in a completely different office, it's a lot of change at once.

Any advice?



4/20/12
I've posted an update further on in the thread.

 

[Sir Victor]

I was recently offered a full-time position writing for a news magazine, however working for them would require that I move to a whole new state. The job would actually pay a bit less then what I make now, but gives me the opportunity to write and has potential for growth to an editorial position. It's a magazine that I have been wanting to work at since I started writing and would give me the opportunity to work with a lot of journalists that I admire.

I think what's really holding me back from taking the magazine job is that change really scares me. And moving to a city where I don't know anybody, starting in a completely different office, it's a lot of change at once.

Any advice?

"It's a magazine that I have been wanting to work at since I started writing and would give me the opportunity to work with a lot of journalists that I admire."

As long as the pay is reasonable and fair you should take this job - follow your dreams! You can always go back to freelancing. Perhaps visit the town and look around at apartments that are within your budget. See if you find something comfortable, who knows, you might find one that is perfect for you. Will you have to live with a roommate, finding a good one is also a consideration.

 

[Pleasesuckle]

I vote for the magazine job. You have your whole life to chase a paycheck and work in a job that doesn't speak to you. As the previous poster mentioned....scope out the place, see if living arrangements appeal to you, get a feel for the area. Something like this could open up all sorts opportunities for you. Good luck whichever choice you make.

 

[Rob1514]

I don't mean to be harsh, but you shouldn't call yourself a journalist if you are not willing to take some chances.

You are young, unattached (I think), educated (I'm guessing), and have some work experience .... now is the time to go for it.

hmmm ... or you can take that office job and always wonder "how fun and adventurous would my life have been if I had not been afraid to take risks."

Good luck, cutie

 

[TheOlderGuy]

The fact that is scares you is all the more reason to take the advice already offered here. But I think you already knew that. Good luck

 

[SweetAsSuga]

Thank you everyone for responding to this. I do want to accept the magazine job, I'm just really nervous about it.

The job is in NYC and I'm heading up there next weekend to look at apartments. I won't be able to afford my own apartment, that much I know, so if anybody knows the best way to find roommates let me know.

 

[Rob1514]

Thank you everyone for responding to this. I do want to accept the magazine job, I'm just really nervous about it.

The job is in NYC and I'm heading up there next weekend to look at apartments. I won't be able to afford my own apartment, that much I know, so if anybody knows the best way to find roommates let me know.

lol You didn't say it was in NYC. Do not pass up this opportunity! I used to live there, and I miss it.

Never had to use a roommate service, but I knew of them. I was curious so, I quickly looked it up, and here is one example : http://www.roommates.com/?adv_id=368

 

[restless_bob]

Thank you everyone for responding to this. I do want to accept the magazine job, I'm just really nervous about it.

The job is in NYC and I'm heading up there next weekend to look at apartments. I won't be able to afford my own apartment, that much I know, so if anybody knows the best way to find roommates let me know.

The fact that you're nervous about taking the job means that it's important to you. As others on the thread have said, follow your dreams! I wish you the very best. Good luck with it! Sorry I can't help with the apartment issue, but I'm sure you'll land something quickly.

 

[jrwams]

Morning sweet! For me it would be a matter of would I truly be happy if I were to take the promotion. Also the other is the job you have dreamed of would you regret not taking the opportunity. The dream job pays less, is that a cost that you can afford financially? As for it being in a new place, well it may take awhile to learn your way around, but it will get easier.

 

[Vixandra]

Think about which chance you would regret taking on your deathbed.

Personally, I'd go with magazine job- its what you've always wanted. You'll never know if you get another chance to follow your dreams, especially in such a fashion. Take it and run with it while you can.

 

[DonovanCrane]

Looks like you already have the overwhelming consensus of this board on the advice to offer. You should be able to check classified ads for someone looking for a roommate, or post one yourself. There are plenty of online background check systems so you can make sure you're not moving in with the kind of freak you don't want to live with. (Or, see if they are a fun kind of freak, as the case may be...)

 

[SweetAsSuga]

Wow, you guys are all amazing. You have given me a lot of great advice both in this thread and through PMs. I appreciate it all. I've decided that I will take the magazine job. Like I said before, I'll be heading up to NYC next weekend. Wish me luck on the apartment/roommate hunt.

 

[restless_bob]

Wow, you guys are all amazing. You have given me a lot of great advice both in this thread and through PMs. I appreciate it all. I've decided that I will take the magazine job. Like I said before, I'll be heading up to NYC next weekend. Wish me luck on the apartment/roommate hunt.

Great! Good luck!

 

[jrwams]

Sweet, congrats and I wish you the best of luck in this new and exciting adventure. Kepp us updated on the job and your transition to the NY way of life.

 

[Vixandra]

Best of good luck to you in the pursuit of your dreams.

 

[SweetErika]

What's that saying? Something like, "Do something you really love, and you'll never work a day in your life."

It's good advice, so I'm glad you've decided to grab this opportunity! Now you have the skills and experience, so you can always go back to an admin or copywriting job in the future if this new job doesn't work out for you.

On the money front, NYC is more expensive than PA (isn't it?), so is it possible you can tactfully negotiate a pay increase with the magazine to offset your higher cost of living and moving expenses? Even if they say it's not possible right now, how about asking for a review with a potential increase after a 3 month probationary period or something? Maybe if you let them know how excited you are about the opportunity to be a great, extremely loyal member of their team, yet you're concerned about taking a pay cut while increasing your cost of living, they'll at least try to match your current salary (or even the salary that goes with the copywriting promotion)!

 

[Noor]

ask the magazine if they can help you find housing?

 

[Que]

Not even a close call. Do what you were meant to do, not what you're comfortable doing.

 

[silverwhisper]

sweetassuga: congratulations, that's fantastic! finding a roommate can be harrowing. depending on where you'll be working you might find yourself in brooklyn or another borough. a large number of people who work in manhattan live in NJ, too, which may also be more affordable and keeps you closer to your established roots in PA, although i don't know where in PA you are: i mean, it's a big state...

ed

 

[MrsCCfromRC]

Congratulations!

And yes, as others have said, if you stay for the money, it's short lived reward - doing wht you've always wanted to do is priceless. Challenge yourself to expand your world and remember...

Home is a place you hang your hat... it could be anywhere

Good luck sweetie! xo

 

[serpentwrap]

Good call. It was a no-brainer. I was a mainstream media journalist for almost 20 years, mostly news and feature magazines. You have little clue how well things will pan out in future, now that you've taken up the magazine assignment. Best to you

 

[kjmac69]

Not sure where you are at in PA, but I made a similar decision almost 20 yrs ago to take a job in Manhattan. At the time I was living in the Allentown area. I ended up living in Hoboken, NJ to make things a bit cheaper (not sure if that is so anymore).
When you get to the magazine job you will have plenty of opportunities to ask for roomates. Many places have bulletin boards in breakrooms or H/R can always give you a point in the right direction. Inquire with co-workers too, as many will be in a similar situation looking for a roomie.
I also made my way further west on RT 78 into Western NJ (Clinton) where there were plenty of appartments and the train/bus to get into the city. I must admit that its more fun to live near/in the city, however I eventually sought a bit more space and tranquility and go into the city whenever I can. GOOD LUCK!!!

 

[NightL]

happy/nervous excitement vs unfulfilling/bored

...I chose the adventure... and had a life of chaos, laughter and smiles... wouldn't swap it for anything.

 

[infinity706]

What's that saying? Something like, "Do something you really love, and you'll never work a day in your life."

It's good advice, so I'm glad you've decided to grab this opportunity! Now you have the skills and experience, so you can always go back to an admin or copywriting job in the future if this new job doesn't work out for you.

On the money front, NYC is more expensive than PA (isn't it?), so is it possible you can tactfully negotiate a pay increase with the magazine to offset your higher cost of living and moving expenses? Even if they say it's not possible right now, how about asking for a review with a potential increase after a 3 month probationary period or something? Maybe if you let them know how excited you are about the opportunity to be a great, extremely loyal member of their team, yet you're concerned about taking a pay cut while increasing your cost of living, they'll at least try to match your current salary (or even the salary that goes with the copywriting promotion)!

Normally, I'd say totally ask about the raise, but I'm not exactly sure now is a good time to do something like that, especially right after you were offered the job. The job market's really just started unfreezing here in the last couple months and that's a lower unemployment rate than NYC. On top of that, a lot of print media places are pretty budget crunched, anyway. I've worked for a print media organization in the past year and subscriptions have been beaten down pretty badly. I'd at least advise looking into the organization as much as possible and see if you can find out if they can likely afford it first.

Now, if this were next year, I'd probably say go for it. The economy could very well be approaching a normal situation by then and the balance of power will be shifting back toward the employees.

 

[albertaboy]

I've made three big moves for work and all three worked out great for me and my family.

Make the move, take the risk.