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Pip · Newbie Joined: 19 Aug 2006 Posts: 1 Career Advice: +0/-0

So im a 17 year old uncertified computer technician. I have grown bored of my job and dislike my co-workers, everyday i dread going to work and cant wait for my day to end, so I went to a local computer gaming internet cafe and talked to the owner about a job...he hired me on the spot.

Today I came in to give my two weeks notice at my job and my boss started giving me numerous offers if i agree to stay they include:
-A 40% raise
-A fully paid trip to E3 (huge gaming convention) in silicon valley
-Fully paying for me to get A+, N+, and Some MCSE certifications (these would allow me to get technician jobs anywhere)

Now these offers seem too good to pass up, it sets up my carreer path down the road, whereas the benefits of going to the gaming cafe are:
-No stress (i find current job very stressful)
-Get to play video games, watch movies etc... 75% of the time
-Can do my schooling at work (im homeschooled)

So to some it up should I stay at my job where I learn/earn lots and get setup for a carreer or should I go to the job where I'll actually be happy and relaxed, although not challenged. I am only 17 and lean towards having fun now...enjoy being a kid but im very much considering my current boss' offers.

mat · Posted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 6:53 pm Post subject:

I would advise you to think about your future, and going to E3 is pretty awesome! however if you really hate it so much then you should do what you want to do.

Im sure you'll make the right decision in the end.

janeychin · Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 11:52 pm Post subject: Invisible Handcuffs

I wonder if you have made your choice by now...

Here are some of my thoughts about your post:

- You're experiencing what many "professionals" feel about their jobs - they dread going to work and can't stand where they work. That's the fastest way to get an ulcer if nothing changes. In fact, that may be why many working professionals feel miserable.

- You found a new job that you secured almost on the spot. That tells me you've some personality and enough passion that will take you far in your future once you put some experience and advanced knowledge behind it. You can learn skills and information at school, but you cultivate your attitude.

- You're now getting what's called a "counter-offer" by your employer. Counteroffers are tricky and some career advisors would warn against taking an counteroffer for reasons I won't elaborate here (you can probably do a search here or on the web and get more details).

In a nutshell, the counter offer sounds really sweet. Almost too good to pass up. But here's the rub - in your listed reasons of why you felt miserable at your current job (boredom, poor relationship with coworkers) - the current counteroffer does not solve the problems you listed in the long term.

After you go to the convention and the high wears off, you'll be back hating your boring job, except now you've got an additional burden of obligation because the current boss "tried" to keep you.

There's no reason to put on handcuffs for yourself when you're young enough to follow what feels right in your gut and to follow your dreams.

Best wishes and please let me know what happens!
Jane

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