Author Topic: Thoughts on Job Offer (Engineering move to FL)  (Read 1654 times)

NathanDrake

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Thoughts on Job Offer (Engineering move to FL)
« on: September 23, 2018, 03:39:08 PM »
Have a pretty exciting technical job opportunity on the Space coast.

Male, single, early 30s -- base offer is approximately 30% more than current base salary, or 20% more if you include current stock options typically awarded at current firm. I would lose approximately $10K in options by leaving (net loss after taking into account signing bonus). Slightly better 401K match and insurance costs at the new job as well. Both companies are fairly stable, new company is a bigger megacorp. New job would allow for a higher percentage allocated to 401k plan, meaning a higher amount I could contribute for the "mega backdoor Roth IRA".

More info about me - NW close to 7 figures by working in a technical career and having a high savings rate, MMM-style. So a 3% SWR is close to $30K. Expenses at both places would likely be less than this amount, in case I did want to RE. I don't necessarily wish to retire anytime soon, but I want to optimize my life and hopefully find someone to settle down with.

Current Situation:
  • Rent = $800 including Utilities
  • 50 minute commute each way (brutal, I know, but not willing to live closer to work).
  • Fairly boring area (landlocked)
  • Flex Schedule (but not a company mandated 9/80)
  • Need to take a mandatory 30 minute lunch break
  • 4 weeks PTO
  • 4 hour drive to most of my Family


Florida Situation:

  • Rent = $1600-1800 including utilities (need to find a place quickly, can optimize later after I learn the area).
  • 10-25 minute commute each way depending on where I live (much better)
  • Area has a beach, which is a nice plus (outside of Hurricanes), but may not be so great for single life (similar to current job)
  • 9/80 Schedule (most of company is off every other Friday unless you want to come in and work OT)
  • Can work through lunch (saves 30 mins each day)
  • 3 weeks PTO (this is one of the bigger downsides)
  • Family is now pretty far away, requiring a flight. I know a few people that made a similar move, but other than that it would mostly be uprooting completely
  • 2-3 hour drive from most of the major cities in Florida, about a 50 minute drive to Orlando

This is a no-brainer, right? I can't see very many negatives. Although, on paper the increase isn't nearly as much due to the increase in COL from my current situation (although the COL in general is comparable in both areas, my current situation is just unique since I'm renting out the 2nd floor of someone living in a house I know). I suppose long-term I would like to buy a multi-family and rent out the other units and perform a "house hack".
« Last Edit: September 23, 2018, 03:48:47 PM by NathanDrake »

COEE

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Re: Thoughts on Job Offer (Engineering move to FL)
« Reply #1 on: September 23, 2018, 05:09:35 PM »
If my guess is correct, then I used to work for them.  Generally it's a pretty good company.  I found their compensation good, but a bit lacking in the salary department.  They recently offered me a job to go back - at about 10% below market rate.  Keep that in mind.  You're likely worth more somewhere else.  Their jobs are cool - that's what attracts talent to their company - not the pay.  It did kick-start my career and I have experience that literally ~20 other living people in the world have because of it and companies seem to recognize that distinct experience.

I personally love the beach life - surfing, fishing, boating, kayaking, sitting on the beach, watching the sunrise, sunsets, etc.  If you like that lifestyle you will like the space coast.  The locals are really nice and awesome too.  I can't comment on the dating scene there, but I suspect that there's plenty of girls visiting there in the summertime with friends from the city and from all over the US (tourism is big there as well).  I got the distinct impression that it's a great place to raise a family (thinking about your future).

Lots of biking around those parts too.  But if you're on base then a bike isn't too practical. 

Another plus is that there's other aerospace companies in the area if that company doesn't work out for some reason.  However, there's not a lot of other industries around to hedge your bets with.

I say go for it.  It's a cool area and the job will look good on the resume in the future.  The 9/80's were awesome - when I got them.

P.S. I REALLY wish I had bought a $50k(!!!) condo on the beach back when I was working/visiting there somewhat regularly in 2008/2009.  They were in the process of shutting down the shuttle program.  No jobs were around and the economy was tough in general.  Alas, I couldn't afford one at the time, so it wasn't even an option.

NathanDrake

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Re: Thoughts on Job Offer (Engineering move to FL)
« Reply #2 on: September 23, 2018, 06:14:59 PM »
Thanks!

Are you still in the area? Would you recommend certain places to live? As mentioned, I would ultimately like to acquire a multi-unit - live in one, and then rent out the others. Still not sure if I want to live on the beach or on the mainland a bit.

Looking at a few areas on the mainland and Viera Suntree seems to have a lot of new development.

COEE

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Re: Thoughts on Job Offer (Engineering move to FL)
« Reply #3 on: September 23, 2018, 07:15:19 PM »
Thanks!

Are you still in the area? Would you recommend certain places to live? As mentioned, I would ultimately like to acquire a multi-unit - live in one, and then rent out the others. Still not sure if I want to live on the beach or on the mainland a bit.

Looking at a few areas on the mainland and Viera Suntree seems to have a lot of new development.

I don't have any recommendations.  I was on business travel when I went there - I was just casually looking at condo prices at the time.  I usually stayed at the Cape Winds in Cocoa Beach if they had availability (rare around launch times).  http://capewindscondo.com/

In your position, I really like the idea of buying a duplex and renting the other side out.

Padonak

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Re: Thoughts on Job Offer (Engineering move to FL)
« Reply #4 on: September 23, 2018, 07:27:11 PM »
You have already reached Lean FIRE and can do whatever you want, within reason. It's not all about money. You have the luxury of taking more risks and trying new things. I say go for it.