Hi!
More of a lurker on this board, but I'm curious to get a Mustachian's point of view on my current work predicament.
Background: I am a freelancer in events and in general, really like my job. I work with different clients, usually on a contract basis. For the past 2 years, I have been working for the same company/client on a permanent program. I have been offered a few freelance jobs during this time, but none that were tempting enough to make me consider leaving my job, as I'm really happy there. I was just offered a job where I will earn more money at the end of the year. Here is the breakdown:
Current job:
+:
-Amazing client/represent an authentic brand
-Amazing team at my company
-Amazing events (that people pay thousands of dollars to go to), types of events I have wanted to be involved with
-great salary
-great flexibility (I am able to take off 2 months a year during our slow season)
-about 50% travel, but I don't get much free time in my travel
-:
-Work is non-stop during our busy season
-I work at least 2 weekends/month with long hours
-Busy season can be very stressful
-Now have to book our travel through a travel agent so I may not get all perks (ebates cash back was about 1k/yr, also many free nights from hotels.com, unclear on if hotels will be affected, airline miles should be unaffected)
-Once I leave, I probably won't have the option to come back
-go into work about 1x/wk, which costs $30-40/time I go in (this is not negotiable..train tickets during peak hours and subway is required)
Prospective job:
+:
-Will save a minimum of 10k/high side of 20k more than I do at current job (lower weekly salary, but a cash per diem for food and housing is provided and I've done many programs that I know what savings is. This savings is after tax)
-About 8 weeks less of work
-very light work schedule
-very easy events, stress free
-time to pursue other activities
-100% travel on west coast
-agency is excellent
-Woman I will be working with and traveling 100% with seems awesome
-:
-very redundant/boring program
-Client is one that I don't believe in as much personally
-Job will be seen as a huge downgrade by title/responsibilities and a job that the general public will look down on/comment on.
Also important notes are that in 5-10 years, I see myself moving into a different area, being FI, or doing exactly what I'm doing now on a more selective basis. 'Moving up' in a company is not high on my priority list, and I make about the same (or more) in a freelance position than I would if I were full time receiving promotions. I really enjoy the position I'm in now
I have to buy my own health insurance without assistance from both jobs although my current job may allow me to buy into their 401k plan with 25% match. Prospective job definitely would not. I am responsible with money and will put away the full 17.5k into a solo 401k if I take prospective job. Also, I believe I have about the same job security at both jobs. I know on paper it looks clear to take the perspective job, but I'm feeling very attached to my current job. Can anyone shake some sense into me?