Hey all, I know we've got at least a few folks around here that make their living at breweries. I'd be largely grateful if those folks could/would chime in here. And, I know there are a ton of other folks that are very knowlegeable about the biz that don't work at a brewery. Please chime in too. Alright, so I'm just looking for some advice…Err'body please chime in!
I've got a tough decision to make. This morning, I was offered basically an entry-level job at the nearest 'regional' brewery. The job…or at least the potential career path…is my dream career. Everything I've learned about the brewery…the folks…the location…their product…is great. As far as all that goes, this is a slam dunk decision. The issue, of course, isn't a surprise: $$$. Now, I know that I'll never get rich working at a brewery…but in order for me to accept this job, I'm going to have to bite a major bullet.
Alright, here are some points to consider:
- I returned to school a couple years ago, and will graduate with a B.S. in Food Science next month. (student loans)
- My current job is directly in a food science career path.
- Unfortunately, the future of my current job is somewhat uncertain. Lots of 'voluntary' lay-off weeks…and last year there were quite a few forced lay-off days…so many that I ran out of paid time off.
- The company I work for now has a few locations across the country. It's entirely possible that I could transfer to another location for a promotion. In fact, I'm supposed to have a meeting with HR next month to discuss my options. It's unlikely that they'll have an advancement opp. for me here.
- We (wife, kids, and I) love where we are at. We worked hard to move back to this area just a year ago. We'd prefer to stay in the area.
- To change jobs would mean a drop in pay of ~ 45%. Granted, new job would pay all insurance costs where current job doesn't…I have to pay some. Haven't figured that in yet…but suffice it to say, this would be a significant drop in pay.
Alright, so tell me how crazy/stupid/selfish it would be for me to take this new job. Or, give me some kind of hope/reason for 'going for it'. At this point…prior to really digging into everything and asking the potential new employer more questions…I'm leaning towards having to swallow my dream and turn it down. I've got a week to decide one way or another.