Hey all,
Looking for some opinions. I’ve been working for the federal gov’t for ~4 years (right out of college) and make 88K right now as an aerospace engineer, with a planned raise to 103K next August (2020). I work in a pretty dynamic environment and there’s a good blend of fast and slow paced work compared to most of the government. I got the job right out of college but in an undesirable location. With my 5% 401K matching, pension, significant amount of leave, health benefits, 9/80 work schedule, and great balance, I have a pretty great deal. I also have the option to move to a desirable location with a lateral internal transfer (already approved and just waiting for my decision).
Thing is I was considering making a leap of faith to a major defense contractor. The company offered me 99K, 6% 401K matching, 15 days PTO (accrued hours biweekly), 9/80, tuition reimbursement (something that the government doesn’t have in its current state) for my masters that I’m starting in the next few months, a higher clearance level (potential for earning more in the future), and the same desirable location. Additionally, the work would be in a completely different sector of the aerospace industry than I’m currently in and much more coveted than what I can do right now.
My initial decision points were: 1) new and potentially more challenging work, 2) tuition reimbursement, 3) higher future earning potential, 4) higher clearance.
Now I’m second guessing myself because I feel foolish for leaving the government for not much more. Any opinions from anyone to help swing me one way or the other?
Submitted May 30, 2019 at 07:05AM by rkballer http://bit.ly/2Id3POj
