I'm currently applying for my 1st job out of school and have 2 offers on the table - help me make a Mustachian decision - which would be which ever job gets me closer to FIRE fastest. I list some intangibles, but honestly both seem like good places to work where I wouldn't be miserable.
Job Offer #1 - Federal Job
Salary = ~$80K (highest earning potential = ~$100k)
Health Insurance = better health insurance in terms of options, coverage, and out-of-paycheck expenses
Paid Time Off = 13 federal holidays, 208 hours combined vacation and sick leave 1st 3 years, 310 hours 3-15 years, 416 hours 15+ years, 32 hours of professional development leave (e.g., for professional conferences, training, etc.).
Retirement = TSP - gov't matches first 3% dollar for dollar, then next 2% (up to 5% max) at $.50 to the dollar, a pension (FERS Basic Plan)
Intangibles = work would be more varied, would have more interaction w/ colleagues, more opportunity for being involved with students/trainees (something I enjoy)
Drawbacks = more bureaucracy (which is somewhat crazy-making for me), limited resources (e.g., office space, supplies, etc.)
Job Offer #2 - Private Sector Job
Salary = ~$95k (highest earning potential = $115k)
Health Insurance = pretty basic - 2 options including a high deductible option, more taken out of paycheck for less coverage
Paid Time Off - 6 holidays, 200 hours / year combined vacation and sick leave first 5 years, 240 after 5 years, and 280 after 10 years.
Retirement - 403(b) w/ 50% matching for up to 4% contribution, no pension
Intangibles = more autonomy, would enjoy the clients I'm working with more, potentially more flexible work hours
Drawbacks = commute would require a car either for me or my husband - the jobs are too far apart for both of us to bike
So what do y'all think? It honestly seems like a wash to me - The one job will pay less, but I'll also pay less for health insurance, get better matching for retirement, and more PTO; while the other job pays more, but I'll pay more for health insurance, get less employee matching, and less PTO.