Rukh O'Rorke
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Post by Rukh O'Rorke on Feb 27, 2019 18:21:07 GMT -5
I finished up with my interview with company #2 shortly after 2. Very mixed feelings. I think I really hit it off with the hiring manager, I’ve done everything she is looking to have the candidate do, and the company culture is one I would love to be a part of. She even allows 1 WFH day per week! But.... she can’t go higher than $48k. That’s just too low for me. I’m already taking a significant pay cut for the new job from what I had at my last 2 jobs, I can’t really afford to go lower. But because it’s 12 miles from my place, it’s a reputable company with values I believe in, 1 WFH day, the medical plans seem good (company kicks in a lot of $$ if you have the high deductible HSA plan), generous PTO policy, I said I would be happy if they could make $50k work. That is still lower than my current offer but I wouldn’t have the stressful commute with later hours. Plus a WFH day?!? Yes please! She said she’d see what she could do about $50k. I really hope she comes back with good news but I’m doubtful. Yep commuting is the worst. What is offered at the one you've accepted?
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TheHaitian
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Post by TheHaitian on Feb 27, 2019 18:52:12 GMT -5
Ok my phone interview went meh ok, not holding out hope for anything to come out of it... I kinda gave up moving up with my company and just doing this for practice.
As some of you may know or may not, I was interested in going into actuary as a new career. I have an acquaintance that is currently going through that path at Geico and could help me get hired (he is on the hiring committee).
But the issue is the paycut.... I took a big pay cut when I took this job but luckily my wife got a new job that made up for some of it (~15k) but combined we were still making less in a expensive area vs less expensive one, mortgage was ~250k more which translated to ~$1,200/month higher and a new baby! (Good thing we were not used to living on 100% of our salaries).
After 3 years I still have not made up the total salary gap but made some strides. The issue is they would most likely hire me only at entry level (~65k) and the employees that get paid my current salary (he looked it up) have ~5years experience and on test 4-5.
Even if I would try to study for the tests on my own I would be lacking the work experience so they would have an issue matching it.
I don’t know if career potential + Monday to Friday with Holidays off work schedule will make up for a +30k pay cut in the interim. My wife said she would support me, we could cut back on savings and cutting corners....
Saying it is one thing, living it is another. Plus not sure I want to start back at entry level... I stepped down for this company and not liking it at all.
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MJ2.0
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Post by MJ2.0 on Feb 27, 2019 19:12:31 GMT -5
I finished up with my interview with company #2 shortly after 2. Very mixed feelings. I think I really hit it off with the hiring manager, I’ve done everything she is looking to have the candidate do, and the company culture is one I would love to be a part of. She even allows 1 WFH day per week! But.... she can’t go higher than $48k. That’s just too low for me. I’m already taking a significant pay cut for the new job from what I had at my last 2 jobs, I can’t really afford to go lower. But because it’s 12 miles from my place, it’s a reputable company with values I believe in, 1 WFH day, the medical plans seem good (company kicks in a lot of $$ if you have the high deductible HSA plan), generous PTO policy, I said I would be happy if they could make $50k work. That is still lower than my current offer but I wouldn’t have the stressful commute with later hours. Plus a WFH day?!? Yes please! She said she’d see what she could do about $50k. I really hope she comes back with good news but I’m doubtful. Yep commuting is the worst. What is offered at the one you've accepted? $52k - and that’s already a $8-10k drop from where I ended my previous 2 workplaces.
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raeoflyte
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Post by raeoflyte on Feb 27, 2019 19:52:28 GMT -5
Ok my phone interview went meh ok, not holding out hope for anything to come out of it... I kinda gave up moving up with my company and just doing this for practice. As some of you may know or may not, I was interested in going into actuary as a new career. I have an acquaintance that is currently going through that path at Geico and could help me get hired (he is on the hiring committee). But the issue is the paycut.... I took a big pay cut when I took this job but luckily my wife got a new job that made up for some of it (~15k) but combined we were still making less in a expensive area vs less expensive one, mortgage was ~250k more which translated to ~$1,200/month higher and a new baby! (Good thing we were not used to living on 100% of our salaries). After 3 years I still have not made up the total salary gap but made some strides. The issue is they would most likely hire me only at entry level (~65k) and the employees that get paid my current salary (he looked it up) have ~5years experience and on test 4-5. Even if I would try to study for the tests on my own I would be lacking the work experience so they would have an issue matching it. I don’t know if career potential + Monday to Friday with Holidays off work schedule will make up for a +30k pay cut in the interim. My wife said she would support me, we could cut back on savings and cutting corners.... Saying it is one thing, living it is another. Plus not sure I want to start back at entry level... I stepped down for this company and not liking it at all. The chances of making an industry change without a big pay cut seems...unlikely. It's hard to even get that first job in a new industry so if this is something you've been wanting to do and have an in to help get you started it seems like a good opportunity if you can make the #'s work. At least as an actuary you have a solid path laid out before you on how to work your way up in income. It's a ton of work and hours outside of your day job to study for the tests though so I wouldn't do it if you're not sure the numbers work with just that income. You're also used to getting some pretty sweet bonus' on top of your base I believe so run your #'s without that income as well.
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alabamagal
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Post by alabamagal on Feb 27, 2019 21:40:43 GMT -5
TheHaitian - I know people who know your people 😜. My DS is an actuary he worked at Geico in DC for 3 yrs, now works for different insurance company. If you took a step back, but started passing tests, you would get some pretty big increases and could catch back up and surpass where you are now. He passed 9 tests and is over $100k after 4 years. He passed his first 2 tests while in college. We bought some study material (maybe $100 for each test) and paid for the tests. I think that trying that is a good start to see if that career is for you. Once hired, the company assists with study materials and study time.
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azucena
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Post by azucena on Feb 28, 2019 8:07:47 GMT -5
Yep commuting is the worst. What is offered at the one you've accepted? $52k - and that’s already a $8-10k drop from where I ended my previous 2 workplaces. all of the pros you listed for job #2 seem worth a $2k difference to me. Saving time and money on the commute would clinch it for me.
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TheHaitian
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Post by TheHaitian on Feb 28, 2019 8:40:24 GMT -5
$52k - and that’s already a $8-10k drop from where I ended my previous 2 workplaces. all of the pros you listed for job #2 seem worth a $2k difference to me. Saving time and money on the commute would clinch it for me. I concur.... my only concern is the part where you have already accepted a job with a start date and waiting to hear from this one.
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steph08
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Post by steph08 on Feb 28, 2019 9:00:07 GMT -5
Talked to my Executive VP on Tuesday and HR this morning.
HR person is talking with VP of HR about me later. They must really really want me to stay?
I told her I needed a 20% salary bump and a promotion / more autonomy in my role.
I also gave the option of working for them part-time. I actually like this option as I can still accept new position with more growth opportunity (plus not having to renege on my acceptance), make more money annually with both jobs, and not have to deal with meetings/BS, just write stuff.
Bad side would still be new job with less flexibility as to working from home the majority of the time / easy for daycare scheduling issues. I'm not worried about time commitment to both jobs, as I do writing/editing on the side already.
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buystoys
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Post by buystoys on Feb 28, 2019 9:04:47 GMT -5
Good luck, MJ!
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CCL
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Post by CCL on Feb 28, 2019 9:05:45 GMT -5
Ok my phone interview went meh ok, not holding out hope for anything to come out of it... I kinda gave up moving up with my company and just doing this for practice. As some of you may know or may not, I was interested in going into actuary as a new career. I have an acquaintance that is currently going through that path at Geico and could help me get hired (he is on the hiring committee). But the issue is the paycut.... I took a big pay cut when I took this job but luckily my wife got a new job that made up for some of it (~15k) but combined we were still making less in a expensive area vs less expensive one, mortgage was ~250k more which translated to ~$1,200/month higher and a new baby! (Good thing we were not used to living on 100% of our salaries). After 3 years I still have not made up the total salary gap but made some strides. The issue is they would most likely hire me only at entry level (~65k) and the employees that get paid my current salary (he looked it up) have ~5years experience and on test 4-5. Even if I would try to study for the tests on my own I would be lacking the work experience so they would have an issue matching it. I don’t know if career potential + Monday to Friday with Holidays off work schedule will make up for a +30k pay cut in the interim. My wife said she would support me, we could cut back on savings and cutting corners.... Saying it is one thing, living it is another. Plus not sure I want to start back at entry level... I stepped down for this company and not liking it at all. I like Alabamagal's idea of taking a few of the tests and seeing how that works out. Have you ever done anything similar? What makes you think actuary is a better career for you? If you decide this is what you really want to do, then I think you can make it work. That's great that your wife is supportive and willing to cut back!
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MJ2.0
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Post by MJ2.0 on Feb 28, 2019 10:10:29 GMT -5
$52k - and that’s already a $8-10k drop from where I ended my previous 2 workplaces. all of the pros you listed for job #2 seem worth a $2k difference to me. Saving time and money on the commute would clinch it for me. not to mention being able to eat dinner with my son. Hard to put a price on that, and I won't be able to do that with this job unless we push dinner to after 7pm.
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MJ2.0
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Post by MJ2.0 on Feb 28, 2019 13:38:19 GMT -5
well it's after 1:30 and not a peep. I guess $50k wasn't going to work for them... or they found a great candidate who didn't mind the given salary. See this is why companies just need to post their salary range on the job description so people don't waste each other's time.
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flutterby
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Post by flutterby on Feb 28, 2019 14:47:40 GMT -5
Interview in 15 minutes. Trying not to be nervous. Should have eaten. My stomach will growl at the worst time I'm sure!
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shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Feb 28, 2019 16:02:10 GMT -5
MJ2.0 - I agree. At the same time, though, so official pay ranges are huge enough to be ridiculous. For example, I am in pay grade 9. My official pay range is anywhere from $65k/yr to $150k/yr. That's a pretty useless pay range, if you're somewhere in the middle of it, for figuring out if it will pay what you need. And sadly, while departments at the University do generally know what they can afford to pay, the state would never allow us to list anything other than the official pay range for the grade of the job. In Union jobs, we post the pay range (which is super helpful), but for professional staff jobs, it always just says "pay is commensurate with experience". Drives me crazy.
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steph08
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Post by steph08 on Feb 28, 2019 16:16:10 GMT -5
So I think I'm leaning toward staying at my current job. This is so stressful! They need an answer by 10 am tomorrow.
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MJ2.0
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Post by MJ2.0 on Feb 28, 2019 16:36:52 GMT -5
OMG she emailed back and thinks she can swing $50k! She wants to see me tomorrow at 10am! I knew I should have taken my suit to the dry cleaners - I can't wear the same ensemble as yesterday!!!!
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MJ2.0
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Post by MJ2.0 on Feb 28, 2019 17:17:37 GMT -5
and now what do I do if they actually offer me this job? How would I go about telling the company I'm starting for Monday that I've changed my mind this last minute?
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steph08
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Post by steph08 on Feb 28, 2019 17:47:40 GMT -5
and now what do I do if they actually offer me this job? How would I go about telling the company I'm starting for Monday that I've changed my mind this last minute? The same way I'm calling the company I'm starting for in two weeks and telling them I'm not coming - I got an offer from a company that better fits my life, is closer to home, and is a better fit for my skills.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Feb 28, 2019 18:52:53 GMT -5
OMG she emailed back and thinks she can swing $50k! She wants to see me tomorrow at 10am! I knew I should have taken my suit to the dry cleaners - I can't wear the same ensemble as yesterday!!!! Good luck!
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zibazinski
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Post by zibazinski on Feb 28, 2019 19:11:38 GMT -5
OMG she emailed back and thinks she can swing $50k! She wants to see me tomorrow at 10am! I knew I should have taken my suit to the dry cleaners - I can't wear the same ensemble as yesterday!!!! Dark slacks, white shirt, sweater
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andi9899
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Post by andi9899 on Feb 28, 2019 20:42:46 GMT -5
I thought you bought some office wear recently. Just put on some slacks, a decent shirt and a blazer. You've already impressed them. Don't go looking like a ratchet, but don't worry about wearing a suit.
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steph08
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Post by steph08 on Feb 28, 2019 21:29:20 GMT -5
and now what do I do if they actually offer me this job? How would I go about telling the company I'm starting for Monday that I've changed my mind this last minute? The same way I'm calling the company I'm starting for in two weeks and telling them I'm not coming - I got an offer from a company that better fits my life, is closer to home, and is a better fit for my skills. To add: it is going to be uncomfortable AF, and I am completely dreading it.
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MJ2.0
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Post by MJ2.0 on Feb 28, 2019 21:50:11 GMT -5
I thought you bought some office wear recently. Just put on some slacks, a decent shirt and a blazer. You've already impressed them. Don't go looking like a ratchet, but don't worry about wearing a suit. I did that outfit already, so now I have to wear the suit. It's fine, it's just not looking "pristine".
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Rukh O'Rorke
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Post by Rukh O'Rorke on Feb 28, 2019 23:52:31 GMT -5
Good luck mj!
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ners
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Post by ners on Mar 1, 2019 7:07:53 GMT -5
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taz157
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Post by taz157 on Mar 1, 2019 7:47:09 GMT -5
Good luck MJ!
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buystoys
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Post by buystoys on Mar 1, 2019 8:30:55 GMT -5
Can't wait to hear how it goes, MJ! Good luck!
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Wisconsin Beth
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Post by Wisconsin Beth on Mar 1, 2019 8:38:41 GMT -5
The same way I'm calling the company I'm starting for in two weeks and telling them I'm not coming - I got an offer from a company that better fits my life, is closer to home, and is a better fit for my skills. To add: it is going to be uncomfortable AF, and I am completely dreading it. Yep, DH did this a couple of years ago. He apologized repeatedly. He answered their questions. In his case, it was a title change, a $15K raise and a $25K signing bonus with some other internal perks. The person he was speaking with basically said "we can't compete with that" and wished him well. We assume it's a burned bridge. We actually think his current company is most likely a "no go" for anyone applying there. DH was about 2 yeas ago. Last year he heard that another coworker started there, then left after a week. So I'm assuming they think anyone from this company is flaky as hell.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Mar 1, 2019 10:07:59 GMT -5
MJ2.0 All the best today. Keep reminding yourself of the extra time you will get to spend with your son.
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raeoflyte
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Post by raeoflyte on Mar 1, 2019 10:29:12 GMT -5
The same way I'm calling the company I'm starting for in two weeks and telling them I'm not coming - I got an offer from a company that better fits my life, is closer to home, and is a better fit for my skills. To add: it is going to be uncomfortable AF, and I am completely dreading it. I've done this and yes that conversation sucks, but it will be okay. A friend of mine referred me to mine as well so I also had to call her and tell her how sorry I was. That's the place I referenced up thread and while it sucks that I really couldn't try there again because the hiring manager for that job is now the big boss for a multi-state area, staying at my current employer was a good move. Now--I will say that I it drives me nuts that I had to quit in order to be given a raise/promotion, etc. That makes me question my decision sometimes because those aren't values I support, but done is done, and it has worked out for me.
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