"Poll question: I have a career question." Tue Jan-13-15 06:48 PM by MizClayton
JOB 1: So basically, I just got this new job as a Product Manager for a small software development company. I love it so far. It's work from home. So far it's really intense as far as work load, but I'm loving the challenge and learning a lot of new things. It's not paying me what I was making with my last freelance job. It's paying HALF. But I see long term potential, and it's leading me in the right direction career wise. I see myself making at least 100K+ next year once I get my certification, leverage my network, and get some consistency going with what I'm learning as a Product Manager. I love what I'm doing.
JOB 2: I got a call from an job placement agency who wants to submit my resume for Tech Project Manager role with NBA.com. I'll be working on their mobile app. It's paying me double what I'm making now. BUT, 1. Ultimately I'm trying to get into Product Management, and get away from project management 2. It's contract. I've been in so many contract job situation over the past 6 years. They usually never go perm, and I end up stressing about finding another job. 3. Apart of me is tired of going from job to job. I've been doing freelance work at home like all summer and had a part-time digital marketing job at this art gallery...I'm just tired of the inconsistency I've been experiencing lately.
WOULD YOU STAY AT JOB ONE, OR PERSUE JOB TWO THAT PAYS DOUBLE BUT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE ON SOME BULLSHIT?
It seems like Job one makes you genuinely happy. Your words don't sound like someone who views it as a job but more of a great environment that allows you to flex your skills. My vote is for happiness and long-term security.
9. "If I move forward with the pursuit, that's what I'd be doing " In response to Reply # 3 Tue Jan-13-15 09:49 PM by MizClayton
it's just be super hard to turn down double the money right now since I need it, so I need to be mentally prepared to do that if I'm out in that situation
I know I'm getting ahead of myself a bit, but I'm indecisive as fuck so I try to have my mind made up early
26. "ah, so they are operating the same way at all levels" In response to Reply # 9 Thu Jan-15-15 07:18 PM by ConcreteCharlie
yeah i have noticed working for the league websites as a journalist is no prize. like i know turner is getting cheap and they probably got the idea from nhl.com, who has a very small staff and then a bunch of stringers, essentially. they will cover every game for a team/market, but they just get a daily fee. mlb.com seems a little better from what little i know.
i dunno, like i said you sound pretty decided on this and the more i read, the more i think you are making the right call. the money is tough to walk away from, you have to ask yourself how firm is this startup and how fast can you advance within it? if you were being honest about that in the OP, suck it up for a while knowing that long-term you will be in better shape.
And you will know MY JACKET IS GOLD when I lay my vengeance upon thee.
27. "This is me too lol ... But" In response to Reply # 9
You never know what will come out through the interview process
There may be something else that turns you on or off once you have more information. Also some people who interview well but decline, or aren't right for a position may be kept on file for a position more in line with what you are looking for down the road. You never know. I wouldn't automatically say no to applying necessarily but you know what's best re: the tempting financials so that could just be the deciding factor right there
"i fear no fate" e.e. cummings "No girl. No fried chicken. I'm going back to get some sleep." - Haruki Murakami
10. "I mean you sound like you're more or less decided" In response to Reply # 0
The way you present the two options, there is not much of a choice.
The only thing about the NBA job that makes it attractive is the pay, which you seem confident will work itself out in the first gig. The other potential thing would be that NBA.Com is going to be in business indefinitely, whereas this other thing is a startup. That seems negated by your view of contract work and the relative growth potential of each gig.
And you will know MY JACKET IS GOLD when I lay my vengeance upon thee.
14. "You made a strong case for job 1. " In response to Reply # 0
If that's the direction you want your career to head in, I'd stay. If you're not joining the organization in the role you want your career to head in, you're risking marginalizing yourself on a path you don't want to be on. So, even though it's more money and a well known organization, you're sending a bit of a mixed message. That said, I'd probably use the interview process as an opportunity to make a connection and put my intentions out there.
15. "product manager jobs are extremely competitive " In response to Reply # 0
they make senior dev money with way less openings if you are already one and perm i'd stick with it and just hope to build out the resume/portfolio so you can leverage that in the future you should have buco opportunity to establish a track record at a small software company trying to flesh out feature sets
22. "Been in product management a long time and a Director now." In response to Reply # 0
Stay in the 1st job. Software product Management is usually a well-paying field with great long term prospects. Since everything involves software now, all companies need PMs, be it creating new and innovative software products, or just product managing support sites, etc.
You need a few years experience on your resume to start getting the good gigs though...and it's always tough to get that first one.
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