Current Events > Anyone with two jobs ever quit one for the other?

(+) Yeah! (+)

If job #1 and job #2 both pay a comparable wage, how did you decide which to quit? I don't think either job will give me more hours than I have or more money than they are, but I'm getting bummed working 70+ hours a week + a class + life stuff (eat, bathe, sleep, CE, etc.).

Job #1 is related to what my college major was (I'm 32). I'm not passionate about the company's goals, I get no retirement or benefits. But I can work remotely anywhere in the world, have no set hours, don't talk to anyone in a service capacity and am using my trained skills. Been here almost three years, with increasing hours. No advancement of titles or pay, but increases in roles/hours. No drug tests. Always remote/online, even before the 'Rona.

Job #2 has a humanitarian focus and is stepping-stone employment with the County. It has set shifts and is entirely citizenry-focused, definitely talking to two or three people about personal stuff every hour. This position has no benefits or paid leave, but is extremely likely to lead to traditional 9-5 work with benes and some modest advancement potential. Been here about eight months. Possibility of returning to physical office in next 12 months. Drug tests for traditional work setup.

CE, direct my life!

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No, but I did take a dump once.

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Trumble posted...

No, but I did take a dump once.

Any hot tips there?

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How important is the working from home vs physical office situation?
How important is the drug testing difference?
Which one helps you get the work experience you need (staying at that company, or moving to another one) that'll better match your long term goals?


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When I worked multiple jobs, I essentially had a super stable job #1 like yours while I shopped around for years until I found someplace I was comfortable with. This also added the extra benefit of saving an assload of money. This lead to feeling very secure when I finally pulled the plug in my safe job and focused on the other.

Idk if your #2 job is that for you, but it definitely seems like you have more of a future there. I'd talk to your boss there and make sure that's the case before quitting the other.

I also hate working from home, so it colors my opinion. Idk your view on that.

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foxhound101 posted...

How important is the working from home vs physical office situation?

Thanks for the input. I like the flexibility. "Home" isn't as important as "anywhere in the world." Before the 'Rona, I was traveling to other countries for two years in a row for the helluvit while working. No can do in job #2

How important is the drug testing difference?

Likely negligible, but I'm just trying to have a good time, maaaan. It's a very low priority, honestly. That said, couldn't pass one right now.

Which one helps you get the work experience you need (staying at that company, or moving to another one) that'll better match your long term goals?

My long-term goals are in politics, having a few YOLOsy vacations before I die/the world economy collapses, being able to donate some money to charity routinely and in caring for my parents' property after they die. The raw aspect "money" is most important there, but the more favorable political angle is "had a job helping [job #2] during the pando." But even then, as long as I'm writing for a thinktank, helping on a campaign meaningfully or moving things legislatively, I care very little about being the 'face,' or the actual politician, so my resume isn't important beyond getting hired.

Jiek_Fafn posted...

Idk if your #2 job is that for you, but it definitely seems like you have more of a future there. I'd talk to your boss there and make sure that's the case before quitting the other.

I also hate working from home, so it colors my opinion. Idk your view on that.

Thanks, this is a good contribution. There's more of a future in job #2, but it's a much more tethered future and I really don't want to get tied into the mission of it. It's County work, so I'd end up in the Health Department which is just... I mean, it's great mission-wise, but in a lot of ways it's so much more depressing that Rec. and Parks or Transportation, you know?

I love working from home, but I'm the consummate extrovert, so I really would cherish the option of being able to go in sometimes and stay home others. I'm hoping job #2 takes that approach when they're back in-person, but I know they wouldn't let me take my equipment and hop over to the UK or Japan.

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Based on the info you've given I think Job #1 is the one you should prioritize. I get a strong sense that the freedom of that job is what will make you happiest.

The second job doesn't seem to offer anything beneficial for you other than it might lead you to a full time 40 hours a week position someday.

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For me it was easy. One of my jobs paid better, had better prospects for advancement, and had a better atmosphere overall. The only the the other job had going for it was free bowling, and once I wanted more sleep more than free bowling I quit.

In your case, the main thing I haven't seen you talk about is: which job offers better prospects for leading to a similar job at another company? Loyalty is nice and all, but in today's corporate environment it's often much easier to get a significant raise at a new place than with your current employer. I'm not saying you should definitely plan to switch companies, but I am saying you should make it part of your decision process.

foxhound101 posted...

I think Job #1 is the one you should prioritize. I get a strong sense that the freedom of that job is what will make you happiest.
The second job doesn't seem to offer anything beneficial for you other than it might lead you to a full time 40 hours a week position someday.

You're probably right (and I'm already leaning toward #1). I like #2 because I love people and because the future job #2 provides may include a pension. But I definitely prefer the freedom of #1. They've called a few inscrutable meetings over the years (including one in-person one that didn't actually involve meeting anyone), but I do like that freedom. The corporate mission is just so icky, though. It's for smart assistant technology.

tiornys posted...

In your case, the main thing I haven't seen you talk about is: which job offers better prospects for leading to a similar job at another company? Loyalty is nice and all, but in today's corporate environment it's often much easier to get a significant raise at a new place than with your current employer. I'm not saying you should definitely plan to switch companies, but I am saying you should make it part of your decision process.

I don't honestly care about 'another company.' I either want to to into public service (elected or inertial) or stay in the same job, making okay money, until I can retire. Job #1 is a government job that offers the possibility of a future job that *may* offer retirement, but job #2 offers comparable pay with much more flexibility.

I don't want to sound poetic, dramatic or like a turtleneck-wearer, but I'm honestly not sure if bargaining for a future in my 70s is worth it. The world seems pretty f'd.

Honestly, the scenario that offers the most is staying in both jobs for a couple years until the choice solidifies. But hoping for Time itself to make the decision for me seems foolhardy.

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