I feel a small point of clarification is needed from me before we dive into the meat of the post today after appearing in a MarketWatch article yesterday. Most people walked away with the impression I tried to retire on $200,000 at the age of 27 and I just wanted to assure people that no, that’s not what I tried to do.
I clearly know better than that.
What I tried to do was pivot into Coast FI/ a freelancing lifestyle. There are a variety of reasons why it didn’t work out for me but it honestly hurts to see people cheering on my failures in this chapter of my life.
Well, rest assured to all the haters out there, I actually do know what I’m doing. My plan didn’t work out so now I’m Getting A Job again.
And you know what? It’s kinda weird but I’m looking forward to going back to work. Maybe that’s the last month of living in my parent’s basement talking, but I feel like I’m going to appreciate life in the corporate world a lot more this time around.
Speaking of the job hunt, I feel an update is due!
Last time we left off, I had just done an interview with Entity A, an exploratory email from Entity B and an initial call with Entity C. Entity C is in the Bay Area and pretty much a non-option for me, so that fell off the list of options pretty much right away. It could’ve been fun, though.
Entity A called me shortly after the last post was published and gave me a verbal offer for the position. I’m being deliberately vague here as I don’t wish to reveal exactly where I’ll be working or what I’ll be doing. Just know it’s a large government agency where I’ll be working on an IT Support contract. I’m not sure the point of being vague when my last name is out there and y’all can find my LinkedIn if you really want to know. (Or ask me out on a date like yesterday. Too bad there’s no swipe left option in LinkedIn Messaging! ha!)
Anyways, they offered me the job verbally but couldn’t commit to anything on paper as I didn’t have a required certificate. They told me, pass the exam and the job is yours if you want it.
So I’ve spent pretty much the entire last week studying my brains out in order to pass the test. I’m happy to announce I passed the test with 14 points to spare so I can accept the job if I want it!
Why wouldn’t I want it? Well.… mainly the pay. It’s capped at $80k. The recruiter said they can’t offer me any more money but I’m not sure if he’s serious or if that’s standard recruiter talk to get me to offer the lowest offer possible like a schmuck.
I’m also not sure if I want it because Entity B has come around with a vengeance and offered me an interview next week. It’s a Manager level position, the pay is realistically anywhere from $90–100k and comes with a higher clearance. From a long-term view, Entity B is the better option. I work there for a few years, get some experience under my belt, and I could move to a variety of positions easily if the right opportunity presented itself.
It’s just really hard for me to ignore the benefits an extra $10–20k a year could have on my life over the long run. That’s most of, if not all of, my 401(k) contribution.
Should I pass up on the chance to earn more for a job that’s mine if I want it? These and other thoughts have been swirling around my head in the wee hours of the morning.
All of this waffling back and forth also impacts where I want to live in the DC area, how quickly I move out there, and whether or not I bring all my stuff out with me. The two options are far enough apart that I will need to live in one area or another, given DC traffic and nightmarish commute times. It’s easy enough to fly back and forth, but finding a place to move into the next week with a cat in tow is tricky.
Basically, I have no idea what my life is going to look like in a few weeks and that’s both awesome and freaking me out big time!
All in all, I’m so grateful I have this dilemma. I remember interviewing with a company in Boston a few months ago and I had zero leverage. At least I have competing offers and know more than one company is at least interested in hiring me! #feelsgoodman.jpg
Whoooo! Well, you already know I’m excited to get you out here into my neighborhood. 😉 And that you have many helpful friends out here in the DC area who will support and assist with whatever you choose. I think you have 2 good options here, and we’ll help you get settled in either way. And of course, finding a good place for Mr Mew is top priority! 😀
Stephonee recently posted…Net Worth Update: October 2018
I am impressed with your willingness to put yourself out there. Most people(including all those haters), are too scared to venture out on their own. So it didn’t work out…so what?
You saved 200k by 27, you followed your dreams, and life is rewarding you with lots of options. Good luck with everything ‚and I look forward to read what you decide to do!
Firstly, there’s clearly no problem at all with getting a job. As you say you knew what you were doing had a particular risk-reward profile. I think it’s mad when in the US of all places people embrace schadenfreude — I thought that’s what we Brits specialised in!
Secondly, the only thing I was going to point out in your job dilemma is that it is a fantastic problem to have. Whatever you do take a moment to celebrate how in demand you are. That doesn’t happen by accident, it comes from hard work and talent so don’t forget to thank yourself for being awesome!
Best if luck with making your choice!
Caveman recently posted…I just want some more sleep! Why getting a proper night’s rest will speed you to Financial Independence, and make you happier and healthier
Don’t let the haters get you down, Gwen. And good luck with your decision. It’s nice to have options!
Liz@ChiefMomOfficer recently posted…No/Low Spend November – Benefits & Failures
When I think of your story I think “PIVOT!”
The fact that you even tried out the solopreneur/CoastFI life is more than a lot of people. The fact that you bought a house in your 20s for a real estate venture is more than most people do as well. From all of these experiences, you have only grown, not failed. Also, it’s so awesome that you have leverage and options now! Congrats on the new opportunities and for all the hard work that went into finding them.
Financial Mechanic recently posted…How a 25-Year-Old Saved $200,000
My spouse is in a situation similar to yours. She had interviews with two places, liked both them a lot, but prefers Option B. Option A offered her a job last week, but Option B plans to conduct a final round of interviews (four candidates) next week. We moved cities over the summer, and the spouse has been looking for a job ever since. It’s been rough for her, but I’ve explained that it’s a matter of timing and networking (which she’s done) as she’s exceptionally well qualified for jobs in her field. I suggested that she take the bird in the hand. DW decided to be candid with Option A and explain that she’s got another possible opportunity and wants to make the best decision so she can be an the best and most enthusiastic employee wherever she ends up. Option A responded that they found her candor and transparency refreshing and gave her another week or so to make her decision. The spouse’s decision was a bit gutsy (IMHO), but it produced a favorable result. Perhaps you can do the same and ask Entity A for a little more time (a reasonable amount) to make a decision?
Keep doing what you’re doing, Gwen. I’m sure you already know this, but you have the community supporting you. Ignore the haters — those in the media that twist everything into a “better” story and the waste-of-life trolls are just garbage.
Good luck on the job search and I hope whatever you decide to do makes you happy. Oh, and congrats on the Security+ exam!
– Jim
Jim @ Route To Retire recently posted…Meet My Daughter on Women Who Money
Hi Gwen, I wrote MarketWatch in anger over the article. I’m so sorry that your story got misused by them. It’s crazy there are people who want to criticize those of us who are saving and trying to figure out a way through life that creates more freedom.
Glad you are not letting it get you down. Excited to see where life takes you in the next little while.
Honestly, I feel she did a good job writing my piece but the title was all wrong. None of us are retired and I told them not to use it but people read the title and not the article.
Congrats, Gwen! I’m glad things are working out well for you on the job front. Thanks for being so honest about your experience — your experiences are a great read for anyone in college and their 20s thinking about their financial futures.
Sean Mullaney recently posted…Friday Roundup November 30, 2018
Does Entity B know you have an offer on the table? Especially if you are working with a recruiter, that is something they would want to know to hopefully speed up the interview/offer process. It could also help push their starting offer higher! I would respectfully let them know if you haven’t already. Also! It will probably take a little time for Entity A to receive your test results, write up the offer, and send it to you; that might buy you more time than you think. Negotiations don’t really start until you get the written offer, anyway.
I have the written offer in hand from A and need to respond Monday. I think I will accept it but push back the start date a little to give B more time to get their crap together 🙂
Smart!
Dang, they worked fast! Wait, you aren’t just going to accept without countering, right????
Did you see the part where I don’t want to look like a schmuck? I would like to come to an agreement on a better offer. Maybe get 20 days of vacation instead of 15.
Yes! I did see that, sorry, should have been clearer. You really don’t know if that’s just recruiter-speak until you formally counter, unfortunately. And I would do the same thing re: vacation time! Or maybe one day per week virtual?
Kick butt friend! I really enjoy hearing your perspective that you’re going to be more grateful for a job this time around. An attitude of gratefulness helps make all situations better. Now that you know first-hand how much extreme pressure, stress, and worry comes with a self-employed, independent lifestyle, having a guaranteed $80+K salary check land in the bank account every month really isn’t all that bad of a plan B. There are some days I even crave that steadiness. But I know I’d struggle living through the same routine after a few months. Life is hard like that: Sometimes all we want is what we can’t have: perfect balance, contentment, predictability, and happiness all the time. Instead, those things come in waves. Looking forward to seeing what happens as you continue to grow and do what you’re naturally good at: Succeeding in your own, cool, unique way.
Wealth Well Done recently posted…Shopping Smart + My Black Friday Deals
It might hurt that some will cheer on your failures and that’s truly unfortunate that they would do so in the first place. But, if trying out a freelance lifestyle while having some fun and doing cool stuff is failing, damn you make failing look good. Two employers are about to fight over which will get the opportunity to hire you (it’s gonna happen) and they’re going to do that after “failing”. If this is failing, I can’t wait to see what success looks like. We’ll continue cheering you on from the sidelines. Good Luck!!!
Adam@Evolving Escapades recently posted…Living in Montana
Damn, sorry to hear that you and Erik broke up. Sounds like the prospective job is exciting though! I’m super jealous that you have skills that command those kind of salaries.
Since it’s a “contract” with an agency, does that mean you won’t be a permanent federal employee with the FERS and FEHB healthcare? If you eventually make your way into a permanent federal position, you could use your military time to buy into the FERS pension which is pretty sweet.
I accepted a federal job offer. Entry level. I applied kind of randomly, went through the extensive process, and it just sort of fell into place. An agency that virtually every traveler knows of. My savings rate might be 0, but I’ll get to live somewhere awesome for a while.
Having been “fake retired” for the majority of the past year and a half, I am more than ready to have structured work again.
It’s not a federal job although the possibility does exist for down the road. I don’t know how I’d feel about working for the feds.
Good luck with your new gig!
I don’t really comment much (only once I think?) but I took a look at the comments. So sorry you had to read those. People are so bitter and unkind, not to mention uniformed. You took a risk and it didn’t pan out. You actually lived your life, in other words. You have achieved a level of financial independence that you could actually take that risk without needing to panic and now you have options for jobs!
I don’t want to play into all those readers perspectives on millenials…but in the words of Taylor Swift, hater’s gonna hate.
Exciting because it is new and scary because, well, it is new. Glad to see you back on the blogosphere. I know everything will turn out how it should. Oh and thanks for the shout out… “waffling”.
Mrs.Wow recently posted…Goals, Stoicism and Net Worth
Congrats Gwen! I’m seeing an increasing needs for people with CJIS, DoD, etc clearance in IT fields. Corporations (like my employer) always in the lookout to hire IT professionals with clearance to sell softwares/services to gov.
I’m sure you can always move to another company after 1–2 years to get increased pay on each hop. Negotiate hard! 🙂
Hi Gwen,
All the best in your new endeavors. Treat every circumstance as a learning experience.
WTK
WTK recently posted…Momentum Of Continous Effort
Gwen, my advice would be to not over-analyze it between the two jobs. On the surface the biggest difference to me looks like manager vs non-manager. That for me would be a deciding factor but not sure how you view it.
My biggest advice is that regardless of which you pick, if you move here and don’t like it, remember that this is the richest area in the country, with the best job market in the country. Employers are having a hard time finding the right people. Jobs, and good ones, are everywhere here. Once your clearance is finalized you can put that on steroids. That’s why you found those so quickly. Trust me, there will be more, and it will continue.
So I virtually guarantee you’d be able to move pretty easily if you don’t like your choice. Sure you might have to suffer a while in a job you don’t like, but it’s not like we all haven’t had that before 🙂
Best of luck and we look forward to you coming to DC!
Dave @ Accidental FIRE recently posted…Think Of Your Decline In Net Worth As A Loan
Good luck Gwen! Thanks for putting your story out there. I’m in the DC area in IT. There are LOTS of jobs for anyone with half a brain and decent communication skills. Negotiate hard, there will always be another job out there. It’s the job equivalent of a buyer’s market right now. Take advantage!
Hi Gwen,
I saw both the comments on the MarketWatch article and the FI reddit page. Reminds me of the comments on the GCC article a few months ago.
Because I had read the GCC article a few months ago, it was clear you weren’t looking at retirement, but transitions to a CoastFI/freelance lifestyle. I admit I was a little worried for you as your freelance business hadn’t been built up yet so there was risk involved, but we all have our own risk tolerances, and you had plan B options. So good for you for taking a leap and trying something new.
You mentioned job A is for IT support contract working for a large government agency. I’m a little confused as I don’t know if this means you’ll be a contractor that does work for the agency or an employee of the agency itself. If it is a contractor you probably have some room to negotiate a bit, and the hiring process will probably be faster. If you’d be an agency employee (I’m assuming this federal since you said large agency) then there isn’t a lot of wiggle room on negotiating pay (you might be able to negotiate a higher step in the same grade, but almost certainly not a higher grade), you also probably won’t be able to negotiate vacation and sick time (referred to as annual leave and sick leave).
Federal jobs are not the most lucrative, but it generally gives steady employment, they match the first 5% into the TSP (government 401k) and the TSP has some of the best low fee index funds in 401k plans. You’re also still offered a pension (though new employees pay more into it).
I added a bunch of stuff related to Federal jobs, because it is an area I know well, if doesn’t apply to that job because its a contractor, then hopefully someone else may find it helpful.
Best of luck to you with whichever direction you choose!
I’d also check out Reston and Chantilly. Lot of gov contracting work assuming you can pass the clearance.
Love the fact that you have been willing to take some risk in your life. I’m sure in the end everything will work out for you. Many others would have played it safe and always wondered “what if”. Best of luck with the new job prospects!
Financial Pilgrimage recently posted…How You Can Help Promote Financial Literacy Today
I would go with entity B. The pay increase upfront is obviously big but the higher level security clearance is an under rated aspect of this decision. The higher level clearance means you will have more opportunities in the future. I also work on an IT support contract. The salary seems a bit low but it varies pretty depending on experience and area of the country you live in.
Congratulations on passing your exam and getting the job offer and getting more interest from the second entity!
Remember, as a blogger, all publicity is good publicity!
Sam
Financial Samurai recently posted…Common Financial Blind Spots On The Road To Financial Independence
The funniest and most ironic part about all the haters — They’re rubbing it in your face for going back to work… a place they’ve been during your entire sabbatical, and a place they’re on track to stay for the next 30 years. Your “worst case scenario” is their everyday existence.
The difference is you’ve put yourself in a financial position to have options, and you had the courage to take a risk. That’s awesome! And with all these new career choices, I bet one day you’ll look back on this whole chapter as one of the best decisions you ever made.
My Money Wizard recently posted…Net Worth Update: November 2018 (And now, we wait…)
I commend you for taking the leap and trying. I am so scared to do some things and seeing you land on your feet to get a 80k salary is amazing.
Thanks for being a voice in this community.
Real nice blog and nice style of writing! My first visit here. I have only been blogging myself since July at age 67 (yes that is not a typo). So maybe I am a bit out of place here among these young people. Although I have no hope of matching anything like this site, I do enjoy blogging or at least trying to learn it.
Trippe recently posted…Medicare Open Enrollment for 2019
First time commenter, but I’ve been reading your blog for a while and I have to say that I admire your courage. I’m in a similar life and financial situation to you and the thought to take a leap of faith never crossed my mind. At times when I’m unhappy with my job, I would dream of FIRE, but I think I’m very much like you in the fact that I think I need the social interaction of coworkers. But I’ve also never took any action to see if an alternative work lifestyle was something That was possible. You can at least be sure that you explored all your options, found the right one for you, and didn’t derail your life in the process of figuring out what you want.
I also think you need to tell company B you already have an offer, but are really interested in their position and you’d really like to work for them. I said something similar to my current employer when I was in that type of situation and it helped me get the job I wanted. Good luck! You will do fine whenever you are.
Ahh, the stress. I feel ya, girlie! Hang in there and no matter what choice you make, it’ll lead you somewhere interesting!
Moriah Joy recently posted…We’re Going to have a Positive Net Worth in ~9 Months!
I work in the InfoSec field and can tell you that your salary will jump quickly once you get some experience under your belt. Be it with the same company or jumping to another company. InfoSec people are in short supply, especially if you have a knack for it. I started in the position I currently hold 18 years ago at 71k. Granted I did have my MCSE (worthless in security) and some other security vendor specific certifications. It should give you an idea of where your pay should land though. Especially with demand being so high these days 90–100k is not too high for a desk jockey, a manager would make about 25k more to start. When it comes to jobs always go for the higher pay, for the simple reason you mentioned. it can be banked and get you closer to true FI. Good luck with your journey!