New job worth it?

[evestan]

I'm currently in basic training for the RAF to go into computing (administration) however I've been looking around at other jobs and something has come up that I'm very interested in. There are pros and cons of each - with the RAF I will be able to get great qualifications and experience in and be paid for it, whereas I'm unsure I could do that at the other company. The wages are much better at the other company (see this site: salary-calculator.org.uk ) with good opportunity for promotion at both. I'd enjoy the RAF lifestyle (military parents) but don't want to be away from home as often as I will be with the RAF. What would you do given this/a similar situation?

Also only just joined after definitely not lurking see you around!

 

[Beamslider]

Hi and welcome to the board.

Only you can make that decision. You have to balance it based on your happiness and expectations. Review all the options and benefits of both carefully and take the time to make a decision that you feel fits you best

 

[Psihoza]

I worked in IT all my life. I'd say it depends on your age If young, go for offer that will make you improve your skills more, get more experience (on paper but more so in your head ).

Later in your professional life, go for money and benefits.

 

[bombastinator]

One would assume the question is academic, at least in the near term, as the military is famous for not being particularly happy with people who leave before their term is up.

 

[Skeintastic]

Whichever can afford you hemo mods?

Seems such a personal decision to bring to such forums.

I disagree with Psihoza. Make all the money and gain all the experiences you can while young (and make sure to save and invest) so that you can pick from opportunities and do what you want later. But I'm one of those types that justifies pain now for pleasure later.

 

[evestan]

I disagree with Psihoza.

Exactly why I brought it to forums! Interesting to see others POV on something like this.

Even outside of forums I've had people suggest both, either go for the most qualifications or most money & invest it into a house or something. Both ways if I was smart about it I could probably buy to let a flat/apartment.

It'd be interesting to see what the wider forum thinks? Might add a poll for it

 

[Psihoza]

I disagree with Psihoza. Make all the money and gain all the experiences you can while young (and make sure to save and invest) so that you can pick from opportunities and do what you want later.

I dont see how this is disagreeing with me Of course, everybody would choose both money and experience if possible. Trouble is, they very rarely come together for young people. Its like classic story we often said to oir clients, we can do it faster, cheaper and with higher quality. Pick two out of those 3 amd expect 3rd parameter to go oposite way. Nobody can do all 3,but of course, every client would like to do all 3.

More related example in IT was Ericsson as our competition on labor market. They offered larger salaries to young people coming from colledge. And we were tiny compared to them but much more flexible and working on several cutting edge new technologies.
A lot of Ericsson positions were about programming their proprietary phone/mobile switch systems in an obscure language. While they offered larger salary and security, it is a dead end for young programmers. After 5 years working there, unles they invest a lot of personal time into other technologies, they're useless for the mkst of companies other than Ericsson. And IT moves sooo fast that 5 years on hold means you almost lost a colledge education altogether.

Ok, it's an extreme example but I belive it makes a point for other cases too.

Im in IT all my life. Started when I was 14 and still today with 44. I hired probably 100 people during that time. Worked with much much more. I like what Jack Ma from Alibaba (partially) says aboit it: Self-made billionaire Jack Ma: How to be successful in your 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond