Would you leave a full time permanent job...

[agotta]

For a contract job?

Dh and I are trying to move back home (NY) from Virginia. Dh just got a call about a fantastic job. It's not definite but a good possibility. It is a job he sounds like he will love and he would be making about $10,000 more than he is making here, which says a lot because their cost of living is so much lower than here in D.C.

The thing is, the job is only until June. I wouldn't hesitate if I had a job lined up, but I am still looking too.

I tend to be very impatient in situations like this. I just want to get out of here and move back so I tend not to think things through Dh is the rational, level-headed one!!

So what would you do?

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Can't afford the east coast, so no. We would have to make 100,000 extra.

 

[agotta]

We are moving back to upstate NY. The city we are from has a realtively low cost of living.

VA average cost of home- $300,000
Rochester average cost of home- $89,000

 

[caitycaity]

first of all as a dc-er from upstate ny, i feel your pain. i would move back to syracuse in a heartbeat if we could find employment there.

the other thing to think about (dh recently considered some contract work) is make sure you are comparing apples to apples.

in addition to health benefits, what are some other things you might lose by taking a contract job - like paid sick time and paid vacation. just make sure you factor in all these things when you are comparing $$$. dh has really good sick and vacation time at his current job and he has never found a contract job that is willing to compensate him equal to the level he is being compensated now when you include all those extras.

 

[Crankyshank]

usually areas in the northeast with a low cost of living have that cost of living for a reason. Either it's a small town in the middle of nowhere, there's a high unemployment rate, high poverty level, or dozens of other reasons.

If there's any chance he's going to have difficulty finding another job in his field come June, I wouldn't chance it. Likewise if you are going to be without benefits or health insurance for a period of time because he is taking a contract job, I wouldn't do it.

 

[agotta]

usually areas in the northeast with a low cost of living have that cost of living for a reason. Either it's a small town in the middle of nowhere, there's a high unemployment rate, high poverty level, or dozens of other reasons.

If there's any chance he's going to have difficulty finding another job in his field come June, I wouldn't chance it. Likewise if you are going to be without benefits or health insurance for a period of time because he is taking a contract job, I wouldn't do it.

Thanks. Rochester is a good size city, I grew up there. Their job market isn't the best, but otherwise we love it there!

We are wondering about the vacation time/benefits stuff. That is why I would feel better if I had a job lined up.

 

[chrissyk]

usually areas in the northeast with a low cost of living have that cost of living for a reason. Either it's a small town in the middle of nowhere, there's a high unemployment rate, high poverty level, or dozens of other reasons.

If there's any chance he's going to have difficulty finding another job in his field come June, I wouldn't chance it. Likewise if you are going to be without benefits or health insurance for a period of time because he is taking a contract job, I wouldn't do it.

I agree with this, but 89K for a house is a mega-low cost of living IMHO. Maybe the situation can work if the OP just gets any job for now.

The wildcard would be health insurance. I think that NY is one of the "guaranteed-issue" states for buying health insurance on your own, and that makes it VERY expensive. One of you would need to have employer-sponsored benefits.

 

[golfgal]

Are you saying that DH's job would be from when ever he starts until June? I wouldn't move if that were the case. I wouldn't feel comfortable not knowing if he could get a job after that.

 

[Tiggeroo]

I would only do it if you had a definite job. If you could live on the income of your definite job I would have him take the contract job. But study the job market in the area. He will need to know there is some sort of market for him to find a permenant job. Six months is not that long. Can the contract be renewed after June? I have friends who do contract work but the other spouse carries the med bennies.

 

[jenny2]

I also would only do it if I had a permanent job lined up.

On top of that, I've done contract work... and didn't like the feeling of being expendable (well, everyone is expendable but as a contractor the employees tend to make sure you KNOW beyond a reasonable doubt that your time is numbered).

 

[agotta]

You guys are thinking along the same lines as I am. I really wish I just had something lined up so he could take this. It could turn into a permanent job, but we all know that "could" is a big maybe.

 

[golfgal]

You guys are thinking along the same lines as I am. I really wish I just had something lined up so he could take this. It could turn into a permanent job, but we all know that "could" is a big maybe.

If you got a full time job doing what ever it is that you do, would your salary be enough to live on if DH doesn't get a permanent position?

 

[agotta]

That would depend. Our plan right now is to move in with my parents for 6 months so we can buy a house. If we were still with them, then yes. Otherwise probably not. But I figure he has 6 months to find something new if this one doesn't turn permanent.

 

[Crankyshank]

If you're going to live with your parents and you're reasonably certain you'll be comfortably employed by June, then I would probably take the job provided there's a way you can afford benefits.

I would hold off on buying a house until both of you have some sort of full time non contract employment for 6mos. If for no other reason than it looks better when applying for a mortgage.

 

[agotta]

If you're going to live with your parents and you're reasonably certain you'll be comfortably employed by June, then I would probably take the job provided there's a way you can afford benefits.

I would hold off on buying a house until both of you have some sort of full time non contract employment for 6mos. If for no other reason than it looks better when applying for a mortgage.

Oh absolutely! I would never buy a home (or try to!) withouth both having permanent jobs.

 

[golfgal]

The "moving in with my parents" would be enough to stop me right there. I am sure you get along just fine with your parents, but moving back after you are married and have your own place just doesn't sound great to me.

 

[agotta]

The "moving in with my parents" would be enough to stop me right there. I am sure you get along just fine with your parents, but moving back after you are married and have your own place just doesn't sound great to me.

Regardless of the job situation, we plan on moving in with my parents. They have graciously agreed to let us live there for 6 months to save up for a downpayment. After 6 months if we are somehow not ready to buy, we will move into our own apartment. I love my parents and Dh gets along great with them. My grandparents did the same for my parents so they could afford to buy their first home. I know it's not for everyone but we are excited.

 

[grlpwrd]

Would you leave a full time permanent job for a contract job?

My dh has been a contract design engineer since 1997 so on his behalf I would say yes, but it really depends.

Will there be a per diem for living expenses? My dh will only take a contract if the company offers a per diem payable for 7 days per week, holidays included, and is the full GSA rate allowed: GSA rates

Does the "jobshop" offer: Insurance? Sign on bonus and/or vacation bonus? 401K?

I will PM you two sites momentarily that we use often. I assist him and I know the industry like the back of my hand (lol) and am even considering opening up a "jobshop" myself. The sites have links, forums, and resources that you could delve into more.

Being able to live with your parents for a while, you have a backup plan, and that you have only 2 of you to worry about I would say it would be doable, but like I stated it depends on a lot of variables. It does make a difference if you have a full-time job and whether the job market for both of you is healthy.

GL!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

You know, here is what I would do if I were you.

Have you and your dh get permanent jobs NOW. I would not take the temp. job.
WHY? This will affect your ability to get a loan for a house. Then you will be back to square one.
The extra 10,000 grand will not be enough "extra" as far as long range goals.
Better for your dh to know he is in a permanent situation. Believe me an out of work dh is no fun to live with or a dh which has a temp job, in a temp place to live. It can be stressful.

I would use the 6 months graciously and wisely. Get your permanent jobs first, then move.

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

No.

Not unless you have made the decision that he will start on the path of being a contractor for the next two or three years. Six months right to hire is one thing. Six months and maybe the contract gets extended is another.

The other thing that is confusing...is he getting the equivalent of a full years pay plus $10,000 in a six month period? Or is it six months pay plus $5,000 or $10,000. If it is the first scenario it might be worth a gamble. Send him to your parents for six months to see what happens with the job and then you leave your job once you know what the long term lay of the land is. With the excess cash on hand you would be able to afford to fly up and see him some extended weekends during the six month period and you would be available to work on your house to get it ready for sale in the spring. Either of the other two scenarios...I wouldn't do it.