Career mid-life crisis time!

I am considering applying to one of the many alphabet-soup organizations based in Washington, DC. The particular one is not important, but let's just say I would actually be helping to make a difference.

The thing is, it's a government job. The minimum pay cut I'd be seeing (and that's assuming I peg the range scale when I come in) is 30%. The area is anywhere from 20% to 60% more expensive than where I live now, so you can see the pay cut would be a bitch, especially with child support to pay.

So, the question becomes, step back down the career ladder and start over (at 37), or stay put and keep climbing from where I'm at, but not really make a difference?

Needless to say, this is all based upon the assumption that I actually get in, which is a WILD assumption.

So, any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks.

Funny. Sometimes it sucks having too many options available to you....

Stick it in her pooper and oooops wrong thread.

If a paycut will hurt you, don't do it. If it's your dream job ie your passion with a paycut, then go for it.

A man who loves his job never works a day in his life.

Zaphod the Fed? Let us know when dog days are at the range.....

HS1

Stay put and retire early.

I'd say go with the one that makes you happy, because it's a major drag when you hate what you do.

Quoted: Stay put and retire early.

+1

Quoted: Stay put and retire early.

Are you kidding? I'm just barely putting my life back together after my divorce, and I'm still $40K+ in the hole!

Retire?

They'll bury me in a cubicle.

Do it so i'll have "connections" when i'm looking for a .fed job next year

Quoted: I'd say go with the one that makes you happy, because it's a major drag when you hate what you do.

Fortunately, I don't hate what I do.

But man, would I LOVE to do this other thing....

Quoted: Quoted: Stay put and retire early. Are you kidding? I'm just barely putting my life back together after my divorce, and I'm still $40K+ in the hole! Retire? They'll bury me in a cubicle.

My reply was a trick

If you won't be able to retire early in your current situation, what happens if you change? Hmm? Going to be worse.

Quoted: If you won't be able to retire early in your current situation, what happens if you change? Hmm? Going to be worse.

Maybe. I guess part of me simply doesn't want to be laying on his deathbed thinking I could have done more...

A 20% to 60% paycut is pretty huge.

Look at it this way.  Is working this job worth you paying 20% of your current salary?  If you went it bought this happiness off the rack at wally world is it worth it?

Many people feel the need to "do more to help" or "make a difference" when they are at a comfortable position in their lives.  If you take a 20% to 60% pay cut your not going to be in such a comfortable position.  You will be more stressed about bills, retirement money and lack of senority.  You'll be working for the government and all the bureacratic BS that comes with it.  And in the end you'll probably have more stress.  All that stress and lack of money is going to make you feel tired, and a whole lot less likely tto "do more to help" or "make a difference"

Stay where you are and save your money.  You can never have to much retirement money.  And if your bored/stir crazy use said money to help asuage that feeling.  Save the money.  Your kids might need bailing out one dayl; or not have the money to go to the school they want.  Or you nieces and nepthews if you dont have kids.  20% to 60% adds up aweful fast.  Plus once in the "system" its a lot of stress for not a lot of gain.

Stay and save.  

LP,

That's precisely my problem with the idea. Start all over agin now, and run thais risk?

That's serious, man. WAY serious....