Settle a debate for me.

[hopenotlost]

My husband and I were discussing job options today.  He currently works at a youth shelter as a youth worker, but it sounds like the shelter is going to close soon (not definite, but the residential treatment center on the campus just up and closed last week with absolutely no warning to any of the employees there), so we are trying to decide what he is going to do.  

Background:  He will graduate in December this year with his bachelor degree in criminal justice.  He would like to become a juvenile correctional officer.  He has talked to several JCOs that have told him in order for him to qualify for the position, he would need 2 years of working with youth, plus his college degree.  Obviously a JCO position would have to be open for him to apply and potentially get the job.

Here are the current options we are discussing.  He hasn't applied for either, but we are hypothetically trying to decide which job he would take if he was offered both.

Job 1--Working as a youth worker or possible a youth supervisor at a place that is similar to where he works now.  Work there for a couple of years so he gets the background and can then apply to become a JCO at some point in the future (not guaranteed right away).

Job 2--Working at a job that is entirely unrelated to his degree, but starts out paying $10/hr more than Job 1.  It's a job that he could do well with, and could advance in as well.

[starryfish]

Depends what job 2 is, what field

[mbcdefg]

I would take #2, unless it makes him miserable.

[msmerymac]

It would depend what job 2 was and if it was something he had any interest in. It would also depend on how this affects your budget. Since he's in school and I assume his job now doesn't pay really well, if job 1 wasn't a major cut in salary, there's no reason not to do it, I guess.

I would also love to use my degree, but the more you advance in an unrelated field, the harder it is. :/

[hopenotlost]

The second job is with the Union Pacific. He would be working outside, doing physical labor, but he's used to that (he works for a farmer in the spring and fall when he can). His current job now and my job leave us a little room for savings, but some months (like this month with our daughter have surgery and me taking off days--I don't get paid days off--meant we had to dip into our e-fund) we aren't able to save anything more than a couple hundred dollars.

One of my biggest reasons for him applying for the second job is because it would easily make enough so I could go back to nursing school and be done in 2 years. I was supposed to start this fall, but there is no way we could swing it with me not working, and if I did work, it would be part-time and I wouldn't be home much with the kids while they were awake.

[hopenotlost]

Oh and Job 1 and 2 both pay more than he gets now. Job 1, not by much, but Job 2 a lot more.

[ECB]

My advice is for him to pursue what truly interests him. Is the 2nd job something he really WANTS to do? It sounds like #1 is more what he wants to do.

$$ is important too - but having lived my DHs crash and burn from a GOOD paying job but not his passion, money ain't everything.

Could he do #2 while you go to nursing school, then when you're done, he could pursue becoming a JCO? I think holding that off 2 years isn't crazy.

[ijack]

How long has he been at his current job? For me it would depend on how much more experience he needs working with youth.

[niq]

Jan 28, 2015 17:01:26 GMT -5 @songforyou said:

In this case, I don't know. It would depend on what kind of advancement we're talking about.

This, plus I would ask about job 2 affects other things that can shape quality of life/job satisfaction. Would he like the people he's working with? Would his commute be longer or shorter? If kids are in the future (or present?) would he have a level of job flexibility where he and the rest of the family were happy about how much he was contributing to home stuff?

I mean, for a full work year, $10/hour is $20k. That's real money.

[v]

I don't know how "use of degree" really factors into things. Job satisfaction vs. money is a debate I understand, but in a vacuum, degree use vs. money is a debate I kind of don't get.

Which job would be more satisfying to him, and by how much? That's what I'd be considering.

[Deleted]

Would be be able to take job 2 (hypothetically) and volunteer with youth to gain experience?

[h]

Jan 28, 2015 18:40:17 GMT -5 v said:

I don't know how "use of degree" really factors into things. Job satisfaction vs. money is a debate I understand, but in a vacuum, degree use vs. money is a debate I kind of don't get.

Which job would be more satisfying to him, and by how much? That's what I'd be considering.

Exactly. How satisfying he would find each job and how much of a difference the extra money would make with respect to your lifestyle are the two things I would consider. Use of degree would not matter to me. With the exception of people with professional degrees, I know basically no one who is working in their degree field.

[v]

Jan 28, 2015 18:48:15 GMT -5 h said:

Jan 28, 2015 18:40:17 GMT -5 v said:

I don't know how "use of degree" really factors into things. Job satisfaction vs. money is a debate I understand, but in a vacuum, degree use vs. money is a debate I kind of don't get.

Which job would be more satisfying to him, and by how much? That's what I'd be considering.

Exactly. How satisfying he would find each job and how much of a difference the extra money would make with respect to your lifestyle are the two things I would consider. Use of degree would not matter to me. With the exception of people with professional degrees, I know basically no one who is working in their degree field.

I should say that at least part of my head scratching may come from my perspective as a Philosophy/Spanish major so "barista" would be my degree field

(Also, there are very, very, very few schools that offer degrees in my current field, and anyone who decides to major in that should REALLY get their head checked!)

[jennistarr1]

Would job two possibly turn into a career he would like as much as jcp ... I think he needs to be career focused, of jco is the end game the option 1 it is.

[M]

Unless you really need the money now, he should do what makes him most happy which sounds like option 1. More money is great and all but it's nothing if you're not happy.

[hopenotlost]

Jan 28, 2015 17:33:48 GMT -5 ijack said:

How long has he been at his current job? For me it would depend on how much more experience he needs working with youth.

He started mid October, so just over 3 months.  

[hopenotlost]

Thanks for all the input. I know he would enjoy job 1, because that's basically what he does now, just at a different (more stable) location, and it pays a couple of dollars more than his current job. Job 2 would be working outside, all times of the year, which in Iowa, sucks in the winter and sucks in the summer.

You're right though, the money isn't everything...but dammit $20k is a lot! LOL.

[cheezer]

I think a lot has to do with your family finances.

[h]

Jan 28, 2015 19:52:39 GMT -5 hopenotlost said:

Thanks for all the input. I know he would enjoy job 1, because that's basically what he does now, just at a different (more stable) location, and it pays a couple of dollars more than his current job. Job 2 would be working outside, all times of the year, which in Iowa, sucks in the winter and sucks in the summer.

You're right though, the money isn't everything...but dammit $20k is a lot! LOL.

Working outside all the time sounds unpleasant, and I would worry about long term career potential. If you need the extra money, is there any chance he could take Job 1 and get a second job a few hours a week to help make up the difference just until he gets a little further down the road with his career?

[Deleted]

I would take job #1. It seems like that is what he is passionate about and wants to pursue a career in. Job 2 will provide him no experience toward his career and physical labor takes it's tole over time.

[hopenotlost]

Jan 28, 2015 20:35:43 GMT -5 h said:

Jan 28, 2015 19:52:39 GMT -5 hopenotlost said:

Thanks for all the input. I know he would enjoy job 1, because that's basically what he does now, just at a different (more stable) location, and it pays a couple of dollars more than his current job. Job 2 would be working outside, all times of the year, which in Iowa, sucks in the winter and sucks in the summer.

You're right though, the money isn't everything...but dammit $20k is a lot! LOL.

Working outside all the time sounds unpleasant, and I would worry about long term career potential. If you need the extra money, is there any chance he could take Job 1 and get a second job a few hours a week to help make up the difference just until he gets a little further down the road with his career?

Possibly, but that takes away from our family time too.    But maybe he could a couple of nights a week.

[docco11]

Lurker...MH works for UP and it's been the best job ever. The benefits and retirement package are actually worth more than 20k. What would your H be doing? Would he be an union employee? Has he had is interview and went through the offer process?

If you have questions, feel free to PM me. But, because it's UP, I would absolutely jump on that opportunity.

[Deleted]

Jan 28, 2015 16:55:09 GMT -5 hopenotlost said:

The second job is with the Union Pacific. He would be working outside, doing physical labor, but he's used to that (he works for a farmer in the spring and fall when he can). His current job now and my job leave us a little room for savings, but some months (like this month with our daughter have surgery and me taking off days--I don't get paid days off--meant we had to dip into our e-fund) we aren't able to save anything more than a couple hundred dollars.

One of my biggest reasons for him applying for the second job is because it would easily make enough so I could go back to nursing school and be done in 2 years. I was supposed to start this fall, but there is no way we could swing it with me not working, and if I did work, it would be part-time and I wouldn't be home much with the kids while they were awake.

This is what stand out to me.  Asking him to give up his career choice so you can pursue your's seems crappy, unless I'm misunderstanding.  He needs two years to get where he wants to be, why should he put that on hold for you, when you have two years as well?  Obviously there needs to be give and take and mutual decision about what is best for your family as a whole. If I'm misunderstanding, I apologize.  

[jennistarr1]

Jan 29, 2015 9:48:14 GMT -5 @ruralrabbit1 said:

Jan 28, 2015 16:55:09 GMT -5 hopenotlost said:

The second job is with the Union Pacific. He would be working outside, doing physical labor, but he's used to that (he works for a farmer in the spring and fall when he can). His current job now and my job leave us a little room for savings, but some months (like this month with our daughter have surgery and me taking off days--I don't get paid days off--meant we had to dip into our e-fund) we aren't able to save anything more than a couple hundred dollars.

One of my biggest reasons for him applying for the second job is because it would easily make enough so I could go back to nursing school and be done in 2 years. I was supposed to start this fall, but there is no way we could swing it with me not working, and if I did work, it would be part-time and I wouldn't be home much with the kids while they were awake.

This is what stand out to me.  Asking him to give up his career choice so you can pursue your's seems crappy, unless I'm misunderstanding.  He needs two years to get where he wants to be, why should he put that on hold for you, when you have two years as well?  Obviously there needs to be give and take and mutual decision about what is best for your family as a whole. If I'm misunderstanding, I apologize.  

well not crappy, I can see where OP sees this as an opportunity to start something she's held off on

I compare this to my field where you are in grad school forever and then do crappy unpaid internships. At any point, you realize "I could just forget all this and take a job at my friends company with this salary"... you have to stay the course if that's what you really want to do.

[heyrebekah]

Jan 28, 2015 19:05:48 GMT -5 v said:

Jan 28, 2015 18:48:15 GMT -5 h said:

Exactly. How satisfying he would find each job and how much of a difference the extra money would make with respect to your lifestyle are the two things I would consider. Use of degree would not matter to me. With the exception of people with professional degrees, I know basically no one who is working in their degree field.

I should say that at least part of my head scratching may come from my perspective as a Philosophy/Spanish major so "barista" would be my degree field

(Also, there are very, very, very few schools that offer degrees in my current field, and anyone who decides to major in that should REALLY get their head checked!)

LOL! While that is pretty true for me too, this degree seems like more of a career and goal-oriented degree than my English major. I don't think someone opts for criminal justice just to get a bachelors. Going into another field might mean that this career path will be closed or at least increasingly unavailable as time goes on.

[littlemermaid]

Could he take job 2 and also get a part-time or volunteer position that works with youths. If you are part of a church they have youth groups or maybe look into the Boys and Girls Club of America. That way he'd be making good money and also getting experience working with youths.

[hopenotlost]

Jan 29, 2015 9:48:14 GMT -5 @ruralrabbit1 said:

Jan 28, 2015 16:55:09 GMT -5 hopenotlost said:

The second job is with the Union Pacific. He would be working outside, doing physical labor, but he's used to that (he works for a farmer in the spring and fall when he can). His current job now and my job leave us a little room for savings, but some months (like this month with our daughter have surgery and me taking off days--I don't get paid days off--meant we had to dip into our e-fund) we aren't able to save anything more than a couple hundred dollars.

One of my biggest reasons for him applying for the second job is because it would easily make enough so I could go back to nursing school and be done in 2 years. I was supposed to start this fall, but there is no way we could swing it with me not working, and if I did work, it would be part-time and I wouldn't be home much with the kids while they were awake.

This is what stand out to me.  Asking him to give up his career choice so you can pursue your's seems crappy, unless I'm misunderstanding.  He needs two years to get where he wants to be, why should he put that on hold for you, when you have two years as well?  Obviously there needs to be give and take and mutual decision about what is best for your family as a whole. If I'm misunderstanding, I apologize.  

I've held off on mine for almost 5 years now for his school, his change in jobs, that sort of thing. He JUST decided about the JCO position in the last month.  His original dream was to become a police officer, but the state of Iowa requires 20/20 vision, and the best he can get is 20/30 with corrective lenses, and surgery isn't an option.  I've wanted to go back to nursing school forever and we keep pushing it back awhile.  

[Deleted]

Jan 29, 2015 11:45:40 GMT -5 hopenotlost said:

Jan 29, 2015 9:48:14 GMT -5 @ruralrabbit1 said:

This is what stand out to me.  Asking him to give up his career choice so you can pursue your's seems crappy, unless I'm misunderstanding.  He needs two years to get where he wants to be, why should he put that on hold for you, when you have two years as well?  Obviously there needs to be give and take and mutual decision about what is best for your family as a whole. If I'm misunderstanding, I apologize.  

I've held off on mine for almost 5 years now for his school, his change in jobs, that sort of thing. He JUST decided about the JCO position in the last month.  His original dream was to become a police officer, but the state of Iowa requires 20/20 vision, and the best he can get is 20/30 with corrective lenses, and surgery isn't an option.  I've wanted to go back to nursing school forever and we keep pushing it back awhile.  

With this update - IDK. I think you both need to sit down and figure out the short and long term plans for 2 careers. Are there other jobs he can get with the criminal justice degree? Did he really just spend 4 years earning a degree so he could get a job that he never could have gotten to begin with? Why didn't he research the requirements sooner in that case? 

To me, it almost sounds like the answer is NEITHER. If he's not 100% set on this career path, maybe he can find something in his field that doesn't require another 2 years of lower pay. I agree that taking the #2 job will probably put him on a path away from criminal justice and it might be difficult, if not impossible, to get back to it. If he doesn't care much about that, it's one thing, but if that's really what he wants to do, I wouldn't be swayed by the $10 an hour pay increase. As I'm finding out more and more as time goes on, money doesn't buy job satisfaction. If there is something you know you want to do, you should try to make it work.

But. He needs to figure out a plan and stick to it. You can't keep waiting forever. If he does #1, there needs to be some promise than you can go back in 2 years, no more changes. If he doesn't get to where he wants to go in 2 years, you still go to nursing school. It can't keep getting pushed back forever. In the meantime, can you take some prerequisites or do something to get started?

[hopenotlost]

Jan 29, 2015 11:50:32 GMT -5 @buckybells said:

Jan 29, 2015 11:45:40 GMT -5 hopenotlost said:

I've held off on mine for almost 5 years now for his school, his change in jobs, that sort of thing. He JUST decided about the JCO position in the last month.  His original dream was to become a police officer, but the state of Iowa requires 20/20 vision, and the best he can get is 20/30 with corrective lenses, and surgery isn't an option.  I've wanted to go back to nursing school forever and we keep pushing it back awhile.  

With this update - IDK. I think you both need to sit down and figure out the short and long term plans for 2 careers. Are there other jobs he can get with the criminal justice degree? Did he really just spend 4 years earning a degree so he could get a job that he never could have gotten to begin with? Why didn't he research the requirements sooner in that case? 

To me, it almost sounds like the answer is NEITHER. If he's not 100% set on this career path, maybe he can find something in his field that doesn't require another 2 years of lower pay. I agree that taking the #2 job will probably put him on a path away from criminal justice and it might be difficult, if not impossible, to get back to it. If he doesn't care much about that, it's one thing, but if that's really what he wants to do, I wouldn't be swayed by the $10 an hour pay increase. As I'm finding out more and more as time goes on, money doesn't buy job satisfaction. If there is something you know you want to do, you should try to make it work.

But. He needs to figure out a plan and stick to it. You can't keep waiting forever. If he does #1, there needs to be some promise than you can go back in 2 years, no more changes. If he doesn't get to where he wants to go in 2 years, you still go to nursing school. It can't keep getting pushed back forever. In the meantime, can you take some prerequisites or do something to get started?

He didn't find out about the 20/20 vision until he was 2 years into the degree.  That was the sucky part.  He had applied for several positions before (one in Columbus Junction--that's not too far from you right?) before he even started his school work, and never once did vision requirements come up.  He was always just passed over by someone who had a degree and was already certified.  So he decided to get his degree, apply, get certified, then he would be a cop.  He was doing all the right things.  Vision just never came up because it's not like he's blind.  He has 20/30 vision.  I get the idea of not using your degree for your job.  I have a psych degree that I don't use now.  But my thoughts are, I want to become an RN (possibly a BSN, depending on my feelings later on about going to school even longer) and work in the psychiatric unit at the hospital. That's my end goal.  

As for prerequisites, I have the CNA class done.  I was supposed to take the advanced CNA class starting two weeks ago, but then my daughter had to have surgery, and the day of it, my class was on, and we can only miss so many hours of it otherwise we fail.  So I didn't sign up.  I will have to see if it will be available this summer again.  There are other classes too, some of which I took for my degree, but will have to redo because DMACC now has this "rule" that any classes transferring have to be taken in the last 5 years.  It's been well over that.  

But yes, we definitely need to figure out what needs to happen and set a time line for it.  

[Deleted]

I'm sorry this decision is hard but job #2 sounds like it would take him on another detour towards his desired career path. I think you two need to sit down and discuss your long term goals and priorities. After two more years of nursing school who would make more money? Would you work full time? What about childcare?