Would you take this job?

SV reX said:

Any chance you could take the educational position, and continue to do some work with the theatre on a contract basis?

Yes, but the contracts would be tiny sums.  I can always come back and volunteer, but I want to keep my foot in the door as an employee, if for no other reason that my huge, well-equipped shop.

After having spent a reasonable amount of time chatting in a lumpy florida parking lot, I'd be glad to take any class you were teaching. 
 

Chasing money isn't always the best route, but I can't imagine a community college role to be too strenuous. 

Steve_Jones said:

QuasiMofo (John Brown) said:

Run away. 

That hassle is not worth $10k.

That depends if it's a $30k to $40k bump or a $100k bump to $110k,  From what he has posted in the past, its closer to the first number. I'd still take the $6k though instead.

Here are the real numbers for random people on the internet, and some of this I just found out because I called someone I knew at the college.

Currently at $37,700.  The theater bumped me up to about $39k to try and retain me
College would be (still negotiating) $50k, plus $6k to teach a class, plus matching retirement, plus a $1500 HSA, plus $3250 for each scenic design (two opportunities.

So if I stay here, I stay at $39k
Taking the teaching puts me at $45k combined
Taking the whole kit and caboodle at the college means $56k plus opportunities for more, plus extra benefits.

It's kinda hard to look at the difference between $39k with no retirement and $56k with retirement and a free HSA, and not at least be tempted.

mad_machine said:

The only way I would jump would be by comparing job security. If the new job is more secure than the old, it seems worth the hassle. Being a college, you also might get some holidays off and possibly between semesters. When I worked at the local college, we never had shows during winter and spring break.

They want it to be a 12-month position since the theater department is year round, but I negotiated it to be an 11-month.

And yes... all holidays.

NY Nick said:

Will the college let you bring your powder coating oven with you?

When I was at Duke I did have full access to a machine shop, sheet metal tools, and lab facilities.

 

Yes, mostly because after speaking with the lady I'm replacing, it's possible my "oversight" concerns were unfounded.  Of course there will be some, but she said that the Dean is NEVER there, and has never questioned her choices.

College all the way. Between the 15hr work weeks, excessive amount of time off (2 weeks at xmas, spring break, + PTO), consistent raises, and stability, I don't see how you can loose.

Community colleges seem to be a sweet spot in education. Of the educators I've known, the ones working at the college/community college level liked their jobs the best.

Curtis73 (Forum Supporter) said:

Steve_Jones said:

QuasiMofo (John Brown) said:

Run away. 

That hassle is not worth $10k.

That depends if it's a $30k to $40k bump or a $100k bump to $110k,  From what he has posted in the past, its closer to the first number. I'd still take the $6k though instead.

Currently at $37,700.  The theater bumped me up to about $39k to try and retain me
College would be (still negotiating) $50k, plus $6k to teach a class, plus matching retirement, plus a $1500 HSA, plus $3250 for each scenic design (two opportunities.

So if I stay here, I stay at $39k
Taking the teaching puts me at $45k combined
Taking the whole kit and caboodle at the college means $56k plus opportunities for more, plus extra benefits.

It's kinda hard to look at the difference between $39k with no retirement and $56k with retirement and a free HSA, and not at least be tempted.

Well that's a lot better than "$10k and no freedom".  Bennies are valuable, man, bennies are valuable.  And I can't imagine the shop will be much worse.  If it is, you'll most likely have an operating budget that can be used to improve it.

The community theater has been your home for a while, but places like that are always 1 or 2 bad years away from defunct.  Even under the worst of circumstances, an entity the size of a college isn't closing up that quickly.

Unless the commute is halfway across Pennsylvania, I think I'd really really consider the new gig.

In reply to Curtis73 (Forum Supporter) :

Is it possible that you are just a wee bit scared of growing up?

This looks like a no brainer to me. 

As the father of a 24-year old, have you dealt with college-age kids recently? You may absolutely love them, and you may go blind and mute from rolling your eyes and biting your tongue. 

I agree with Duke and SVreX.  The latest info makes this seem like a great change to make.  

Sonic said:

I agree with Duke and SVreX.  The latest info makes this seem like a great change to make.  

Thirded. The new info, including negoitiating an 11-month work cycle, is A+.

I'm with everyone else.  Go for it, the benefits are really where you need to focus and you'll see a not insignificant raise on top of those.  You'll really appreciate the decision down the road when retirement is closer than it is today.  Add to that I bet you'll love working with and teaching the kids.  Good luck with the decision.

Going back to your earlier concerns about tax bracket...

Your tax bracket doesn't change AT ALL for most of your income. You would still pay 12% for ALL the income you earn up to $44,725.  After that, you will pay 22% ONLY on the income ABOVE $44,725.  
 

That's about $5000. The actual tax difference is about $500.  That doesn't sound like an amount worth turning down the increase for. 

SV reX said:

In reply to Curtis73 (Forum Supporter) :

Is it possible that you are just a wee bit scared of growing up?

This looks like a no brainer to me. 

Not necessarily growing up, but big decisions are tough for me.  I'm surprised that I don't starve to death trying to make a decision on where to eat sometimes.

So, I can relax until Tuesday.  I called to get one last thing cleared up, but the Dean had already left for the day, and Monday is a holiday.

I need to get that last question answered, then I need to get it all in writing.  If that happens to my satisfaction, I'll take it.

SV reX said:

Going back to your earlier concerns about tax bracket...

Your tax bracket doesn't change AT ALL for most of your income. You would still pay 12% for ALL the income you earn up to $44,725.  After that, you will pay 22% ONLY on the income ABOVE $44,725.  
 

That's about $5000. The actual tax difference is about $500.  That doesn't sound like an amount worth turning down the increase for. 

I completely forgot that part.  Been too long since High School civics class.

With the new info. I'm changing my advice (worth what ya paid) to go for it! 
While  I can't agree with the glowing praises of academia (my experiences have been RADICALLY different ) Comunity Collage is at least not as, well, academia. 
Combine the bennies, retirement and not as big of a dead end, and might be just the ticket. 
My dad , from '79 till retirement in '94, was on a 11 month salary; working 10 months. Seemed to work good for him 

And I agree with thinking you'd be awsome at it!

Javelin said:

Sonic said:

I agree with Duke and SVreX.  The latest info makes this seem like a great change to make.  

Thirded. The new info, including negoitiating an 11-month work cycle, is A+.

Another for take the leap. It went from a $10k bump with much more BS to $17k +++. 

Add me to those that think you will excel in an educational environment!

Does the community college have a large enough parking lot to potentially host autocrosses?

Y'all are slipping. 

Excuse me college where do I sign? Between the numbers and the convo with the person you are replacing that is a def take it from me. 

In reply to 03Panther :

I don't disagree with your criticism of academia, but I've also worked in non-profit community theatre. 
 

The comparison is night and day. 

In reply to Curtis73 (Forum Supporter) :

Fear of growing up was a little unfair (just trying to be humorous).  Maybe it would have been better for me to say fear of change, and of moving on from a group that has pretty much been family for you for a long time. 
 

Enjoy the quiet weekend!

SV reX said:

In reply to Curtis73 (Forum Supporter) :

Fear of growing up was a little unfair (just trying to be humorous).  Maybe it would have been better for me to say fear of change, and of moving on from a group that has pretty much been family for you for a long time. 
 

Enjoy the quiet weekend!

Ten years ago, I would have definitely agreed that I was afraid of growing up.  I had grown so comfy in a marriage that exploded, had no bills, lived in a camper. I just worked when I needed a little cash.

I was commenting to a co-worker that (at age 50) this is the first time I have ever negotiated an actual "real" job.  I just always had casual opportunities show up on my doorstep.

I had to google "how to write a counter offer for employment."  Dead serious.

Edit to add... you're not kidding.  All four of my collegues at the theater have been helping me with this decision.  I know it's not protocol, but I really knew what kind of ripples this would leave in the pond if I left.  Our executive director actually gave me advice on how to negotiate, gave me a hug, put her hands on my face and said, "I genuinely want what's best for you, and this seems like a great opportunity."

Granted, she was crying as well, but we're already talking about sticking around on a contract basis.

In reply to Curtis73 (Forum Supporter) :

For what it's worth from one of your random internet friends I will tell you that every single time I've agonized over a tough decision and then made it everything has worked out. 

I went through 5 months of hell just over 20 years ago to make a major employment change when I was in my early 40's. There was a lot at stake, not the least of which was the welfare of my young family.  I am so so thankful looking back that I had the testicular fortitude to do so as life is truly good at this point and a lot of being able to say that has to do with making that decision.

t seems like you've done you're due diligence and will have the agreement in writing.  The benefits alone are worth making the change and I don't think having some additional income will ruin you where the rest of us are concerned.  Try and enjoy the long weekend, this will be worth it in the long view.