Tough Decisions
Here's one I need feedback on:
Do I stay with my current job of seven years with a boss I've known since the USMC, transfer to Portland and run my own lab, comfortable income, possibility to buy a house, and maybe even retire there?
-or-
Take a position here in LA with a company that is truly bleeding-edge with enormous future potential and pre-IPO stock options, decent salary, no move required, and was founded by Elon Musk, the 34-year-old who sold PayPal to make himself a billionaire?
I am seriously having anxiety attacks over this and I really, really like run on sentences and commas. 
Your opinions would be greatly appreciated. Please.
Comments (16)
hard choice.. \r
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I left a high paying coding job with a great future for a low paying gig, possible enormous future and well it didnt work, but I dont regret it and I think I would have regretted not changing even if I knew the outcome..\r
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if your not married and no kids.. Id say do it..
Married, but it's not an issue. The risks for Portland are less, but the LA job has projects lined up and paid for through 2010. And it's building rockets. Yes, I said ROCKETS. Check out www.spacex.com to see where I'm tlaking about.
Transfer to the job in Portland where it is safe, with a nice retirement and spend the rest of your life regretting never living up to your potential, develop a nasty drinking habit and resent your family for holding you back.
it is a tough decission, I moved from South Florida to small town in Georgia, it will be culture shock. Good luck in your decission.\r
HAHAHAHAHA!!! Nomod, you are a funny SOB!\r
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Southern- I'm from a little bitty town in Oklahoma, so Portland is just about right. That's the rub- Portland is the best of both worlds, rural and urban in close proximity.\r
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Thanks for the help so far, peeps.
Seriously I wouldnt consider SpaceX until after they have their first successful launch, then jump all over that.
You already know the answer.
Your probably a bit worried about leaving and hurting your boss/friends feelings. Thats a possiblitity, I always looked at it as: I will never fault anyone for trying to better themselves. I hope your boss ia ok if you decide to move on. The next thing is are you happy living where your at and wont mind staying in the area. How will this affect your Family life and your own stress/happiness levels. Mainly I know theres been a bit of a rollercoaster with the spouse. Thats probably 75% of your descision there, how will it change that?
Go see your recruiter and re-enlist. ;-)\r
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Bonus if you bring your current boss with you too. (Buddy Program!)\r
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Seriously, ...go with your gut. If it feels right, do it. If it feels wrong, do not.
OMR- I don't know how it's going to affect my marriage. One way or the other. It's a rollercoaster for damn sure.\r
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Dread- If it weren't for my son, I would have re-enlisted five years ago. I just would not want to be a lance coolie again..... :)
Well Mass- Life is short and you don't want to look back and say \"Man I should have taken a chance\". No one can achieve greatness without a little risk. (I heard that somewhere...) Is there one job that interest you more? One that you would love day after day? One that you would get to see your family more? Just do what feels right for you and your wife.
What is best for your family? As I see it, that is your first priority. What good is wealth if you are not happy?