I'm stuck between two options, and I wanted to know what you seasoned vets would do in this situation.

Right now, I'm a recent college grad working on certifications and experience in the IT industry. I'm working with a BS in security, 4 years experience in networking small businesses and pc repair, and a paltry A+ Certification.

I've worked at this small consulting firm for that 4 years. It's a pretty small outfit, with 3 employees. Myself and another technician, and the owner. It's close to home, but there aren't any benefits other than paid vacation. I love the job, and it's a very lax work environment.

Lately I've been really worried about job security. The boss laid off the secretary in order to cut costs, and he's been in the red for several months. I'm not worried about being directly fired as much as I am about him going out of business. He basically sat me down and told me he was firing the secretary because she wasn't generating income, and myself and the other tech were safe.

I am being approached by a bank for a job oppurtunity. My only concern is whether to get into the world of banking. The job will require a commute (about 30 minutes), but will pay better (approx 30% or more), and come with bank benefits.

Should I take the job, even though the economy is in the tubes and I could probably just as easily get laid off at the bank? Has the economic shenanigans hit IT depts in banks at all?


Now that I've written it all down, im leaning more towards the bank spot. What do you guys think?

11/10/2008 6:31:50 PM

i'd go for the bank

where did you graduate from that gives out a BS in security?

11/10/2008 6:50:18 PM

the bank might go under before your small outfit

11/10/2008 6:51:36 PM

^ depends on the bank.

11/10/2008 7:23:51 PM

30% + benefits is a pretty huge jump though. i would try to work out a transition plan so as to not fuck over your boss though. losing half (1/3 i guess if he works) of your income-generating workforce would be tough.

11/10/2008 8:49:39 PM

i'd go for the bank

where did you graduate from that gives out a BS in security?

11/11/2008 7:39:35 AM

ECU

11/11/2008 7:40:21 AM

30% increased pay ftw?

11/11/2008 12:51:37 PM

Go for the bank, dont want to be the 80 year old walmart greeter due to not being able to retire....

[Edited on November 11, 2008 at 2:37 PM. Reason : w]

11/11/2008 2:35:57 PM

i agree, go with the bank.
it seems that since where you are working at now and the problems hes facing..since its so small will you ever be able to advance at that job?
thats how i look at it. at least at a bank you have room to move...even though the economy is in the shitter, i think its safe to say that there will always be need for people to work in a bank

11/11/2008 11:34:27 PM

I'd cautiously say to go with the bank. Having benefits, health insurance, and starting a retirement plan is pretty important, even at a young age. It could depend on the bank though...yes, as long as banks exist they will need IT folks, but at the same time, it's an easy target for cost reductions if the bank needs to trim its workforce IMO.

[Edited on November 12, 2008 at 10:55 AM. Reason : d]

11/12/2008 10:54:55 AM

the question is how much do you like your current job? and are you willing to be unemployed for a period of time?

you have a BS in security and 4 years of experience. im pretty sure there are more jobs out there besides the bank.

if you like job stay with it until you know for sure what is going to happen. but i would be perparing a resume just in case.

11/13/2008 3:12:14 PM

it all depends on what bank. the bank can be:

1. healthy & legitamately growing - in which case you're getting in at an economic bottom in the banking industry (that's just my amateur opinion).

2. undergoing some kind of consolidation/M&A that requires increased layers of IT despite cutting banking staff - in which case you'll probably be fine for a while.

3. padding their staff numbers so when cuts come, they cut the noobs instead of their core staff - i don't know how rare this is, but in this economy, anything goes.


but if i had to guess without knowing any of those things, i'd go for the bank job unless you see strong growth in your current position.

11/13/2008 3:59:10 PM

go for the bank, for a number of reason

but also help with transition as much as possible


so what is the full title of your degree? its got to be more than just security

11/13/2008 5:07:16 PM

I am trying to make a decision whether to go back to my old job or stay at my current one. I found out today I could go back to the old one at the same pay, just a phone call away.

[Edited on November 13, 2008 at 9:26 PM. Reason : w]

11/13/2008 9:22:24 PM

Bank.

11/14/2008 1:40:35 PM

a 30 minute commute is nothing; don't let that hold you back

+ benefits
+ pay raise

this is a no brainer

11/14/2008 2:19:50 PM

Between those choices, I'd also take the bank.

However, I think I'd throw a resume on monster / career builder / dice / etc and see what comes up in the next few weeks.

11/15/2008 9:26:25 PM