After more than four months of fruitless searching, I had two back to back interviews this week!

Anonymous

June 16,2023 at 6:52PM UTC

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After more than four months of fruitless searching, I had two back to back interviews this week! One is for a technical writer position, which is definitely out of my comfort zone. The other is a marketing position at the local university, which is more up my alley and sounds more interesting, but would pay a good bit less. I am a former community newspaper editor. I haven't received offers yet, but let's indulge my fantasy that I get offers from both. Would you recommend taking the higher paying position or the lower paying but probably more comfortable position? FYI, I just turned 63 so hoping to work four to seven more years before retiring. Also I know someone who works as a tech writer at the company where I interviewed and she's happy, though I'd be in a different division.

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AnonymousJune 16,2023 at 7:10PM UTC
Go towards joy in your decision. Good luck!
Debra SesholtzJune 16,2023 at 7:31PM UTC
If you get offers from both, then it is really a decision on how much you want to stretch yourself. Do you want to challenge yourself outside your comfort zone? Do you feel you can perform successfully in that role? If you opt for the more comfortable position, is there room to negotiate compensation? Good luck! Hope you get offers from both!
AnonymousJune 16,2023 at 8:02PM UTC
That's a good question! I see BOTH answers as a good one.
I'd wait and see what answers. Once you hear from company A, reach out to B and say 'hey, was wondering on a status blah blah blah ".
If B says no, there's the answer.
If B says yes, find out more on Glassdoor about reviews, etc and benefits of both then maybe negotiate with the one you want
I'm 49 and get the retirement. But 7 yrs is a long time to be miserable so while $$ is great, sanity is important!!!
The comfort zone - om doing what's not in my comfort zone but learning - it happened but accident (my role changed a lot!)
Something will show up!
AnonymousJune 16,2023 at 8:58PM UTC
While waiting for offers, I figure out what would make you happy. Is it money and saving for your future or the atmosphere? Unless it's a substantial difference in pay, happiness goes a long way and if you can determine what's best of you, that's the right decision.
Jessica FerlandJune 17,2023 at 12:38PM UTC
I'm always partial to positions in higher education. Usually, benefits include free courses, so you could take some for fun/interest. I imagine there are other perks as well like access to a fitness center and/or pool on campus. So that's my vote.
Peggie Arvidson * Career Consultant | Adoptee Advocate | RecruiterJune 17,2023 at 1:28PM UTC
At this point in your career are you more concerned with stretching yourself and learning new things (perhaps in a new field) or having a secure, collegial workplace?
i.e., do you have enough money to comfortably retire if all stays the same at whatever job you pick?
Do you want to push to learn new things (and perhaps technology) or do you want to do the same thing essentially?
There are no wrong answers - its about what season you are in and want to be in...go with your heart.
AnonymousJune 17,2023 at 2:43PM UTC
Work on the budget, and then decide. For what it's worth, the tech writer position may be out of your comfort zone, but considering your previous job as a newspaper editor, you probably have the skills that can be adapted. The plus side is that you will probably be learning something new while doing your job.
AnonymousJune 17,2023 at 3:49PM UTC
Her friend is at the company that pays more, not the lower paid one.
AnonymousJune 18,2023 at 1:00AM UTC
Did you check benefits as well as salary? I work at a University and, although my salary is below market, I have very affordable health benefits, substantial PTO, and a terrific 401(k) match--more than twice what I contribute. I also sent my kids to college for free. All of those things more than made up for the salary.
Cindy GloverJune 18,2023 at 2:27PM UTC
I say go out of your comfort zone ?
AnonymousJune 19,2023 at 6:17PM UTC
No, unless your object for work is make more faster retire sooner and don't care about the work itself, take the job that will provide more job satisfaction for you in the near term. If you get 2 offers think through those options and look at job content, culture and turnover, and then salary last.
Karen GongawareJune 25,2023 at 7:40PM UTC
Something to think about, At one point everything you started was out of your comfort zone. You then learned and became comfortable with new skills and responsibilities. Don't be the walking dead, only doing what you feel comfortable doing while waiting to retire and then what? Have fun, challenge yourself, be alive and keep your brain energized. Be happy. So choose the job that in the long run will keep you interested and engaged. Honestly, the choice is up to you.
AnonymousJune 26,2023 at 6:18PM UTC
I appreciate this, Karen. I got turned down for the university job but still have hope for the other. Thanks to all who replied.