Being a young professional can be stressful ...

[Onlyjonley]

I just graduated last May and got my first big girl job in August at a small university. But I'm torn on my current situation.

 

Pros: Great atmosphere, decent coworkers, enjoy what I do most days, great work experience, free insurance, comp time, 4+ weeks vacation.

 

Cons: Low pay, only paid once a month, 45-minute commute every day, very moody, micro-managing boss, can be stressful and overwhelming at times, little room for advancement, and did I mention low pay?

 

I'm torn. I like my job most days. But the pay is low for a college grad, and I definitely could be making more somewhere else. It makes my financial situation very stressful at times and leaves me little room to enjoy anything extra. I feel like I work to pay my bills and that's it. I'll be getting a raise later this year, but it won't be much. The commute/gas costs are also a hassle.

 

On the other hand, my health insurance is paid for through the university and with comp time, I get 4+ weeks of vacation every year.

 

So there are definitely prons and cons. But I feel like I'm stuck making this sort of salary. HELP!

[Philosoraptor]

Do a comparison on how much you are paid now + incentives versus what research shows you will get at other places of employment. Also take into consideration the high unemployment, even for those with advanced degrees.

 

Switching jobs is always a calculated risk... so do the math.

[akazid]

Don't quit your job before you have another job lined up.

 

If you want to change jobs find what is available and better for you in the area then start comparing. You're comparing your job to "no job" (The cons ... ).

 

My advice: Actively look for other jobs and if a better opportunity comes through the door than take it. Until then enjoy your current job. Sometimes a less stressful/stable job is way better than more pay - especially if you're raising a family.

[SincereOnlineGuy]

Another thing, in these economic times, maybe pretend that you're a baseball player... at the plate, bat in hand, and that you're trying to foul-off enough pitches (while avoiding striking-out) in the present to afford yourself the chance to wait for your pitch in the future.

 

(be it in the form of a great job opportunity elsewhere for which you might be building experience now, OR in the form of a great guy who may come along (or already BE there) and inspire your path away from the present location)

 

You don't have to solve the world, or solve the rest of your life anytime soon.

[Ashbash11]

Unfortunately, I feel your pain. I am also a young professional in my first job after 4 years of GRAD school.... Your situation is far more common than you'd think... It's mainly the economy. There is a huge amount of competition, and having a college (bachelor's) degree doesn't set you apart much these days.. I had to go to grad school if I even wanted a shot at getting a job in my field.

 

Not to mention, I've been reading the statistics... for most jobs, there are 200-500 applicants for one opening. As some of the others have said, my best advice is to keep the job you have, and start putting your feelers out for another job. Do online searches, ask people you know (friends, neighbors, professors, etc.) tell people you are job hunting. Networking isn't the 100% definite way to get a job, but it certainly helps. Best of luck.

[norajane]

Employers do not like job-hoppers. You are better off staying at this place at least a year before switching jobs. That doesn't mean you can't research where else you might like to work and start networking with people, though.

 

In the meantime, consider yourself lucky to have full benefits paid for by the school and so MUCH vacation. The experience will be valuable even if you aren't paid as much as you'd like right now. Prove yourself, develop skills, make contacts. Then start looking for a new job.