A little work anxiety

[worldoflucky]

Work has caused a little bit of anxiety. Not in the normal way, I still like it, everything is smooth and even though I am wrapping up my biggest audit this year, I will have this done with no problems. The anxiety comes in a different venue. The County is desperately trying to hire one of the auditors on site as a Financial Analyst. They are so interested in us that they pulled the opening until we can apply (which would be this week).

I don't think I really want to work there. Its not auditing, instead it would be in charge of specific County funds, and the responsibility would be to approve/review the transactions and prepare the financial statements that the County puts out (basically the other side of the audit I conduct).

You might ask why I would even worry about not applying for the job. It comes down to money. State workers get paid a good chunk less than local governments. After I have topped out here at the Auditor's Office in a couple years (maybe up to 3 more) I will make around 63k a year. This is plenty of money honestly. However, the County job starts at $64k immediately (possibly 68k if they decide the person has experience, I am only doing around 50k now here at the office) and within four years will be making 78k a year. In addition after being at the County for four years you become a Senior Financial Analyst and that puts you on a different payscale that starts out at 78k and goes up to 89k a year. In addition the County benefits are better and cheaper than state (state benefits have been slashed, and costs have gone up).

Now, I am not going to apply, that is because working for the SAO is the first job I have ever had that I hadn't considered bailing on after three months (yesterday was my two year anniversary there, wow does time fly). I like the staff, I like investigating other people's books and the only organizations I might be more interested in are IRS, DCAA, OIG, or OIC.

However, I wonder if I am making a mistake. I would immediately make about $15-18k a year more and top out at almost 25k more a year than I make at my current office in about 6 years.

I know its not about money, but I worry about taking care of my parents and ethicalcannibal. It doesn't help that people at work keep pushing and not understanding why I don't apply. I think that is the current "American" outlook is we should jump jobs for more money. It creates a weird pressure and that is probably what makes me uncomfortable. I still wont do it though, I will just sit here feeling uncomfortable.

Comments

[ed-dirt.livejournal.com]

All that extra money us going to feel like ash in your pocket if you're miserable after three months. If you were making a shit salary now, there would be compelling reason to move over, but if what you're making is ok, then it might be better to stay where you're happy.

[bakersgames.livejournal.com]

I agree, it doesn't help that people at work keep pushing and not understanding why I don't apply. I think that is the current "American" outlook is we should jump jobs for more money. It creates a weird pressure and that is probably what makes me uncomfortable.

But I am definitely not going to do it, I would hate it within months and be bored.

[hellion.livejournal.com]

I am one for sticking where one is happy as well. Don't let em push you around bro xxx

[jajy1979.livejournal.com]

This. Definitely.

And as any of us in the accounting profession know, those raises are also bumping your tax liability significantly and with the current AMT problems you may find yourself with a significantly smaller raise than you thought.

I'm also not interested in making huge numbers, once I'm financially solvent I don't feel a drive to 'advance'. I think the way Americans deal with money is a sign of societal illness, on a psychological level. Don't allow yourself to get caught in that rat race.

[inland-tide.livejournal.com]

Stick to what you ENJOY, and the money will come. Working in positions that do not feel comfortable is a sure-fire way to reduce your happiness AND health.

In your shoes, I would tell people at work, "I am happy right now with auditing. But thank you for the encouragement." And then I would just walk away or change the subject. Frankly, if you choose to apply or not is none of their business.

[sartan0.livejournal.com]

I can tell you from personal experience that doing something your heart is not in is not worth the extra money.

[bardon.livejournal.com]

Stick to your principles, mate. Don't let anyone else determine what you do - you'll hate yourself for taking that job.

Hell, I took a 20K hit to the salary to move here to Queensland and I'm very glad I did.