Difficult career decision

[badgalbetty]

just quit your job do what you want and be happy. Life is too short and if you waste it you will have regret. I live my life for me, I do as I please I am my own girl.
FTW.
BGB.

[NoisyDante]

Thanks for the responses so far everyone, I enjoy having points made for both sides.

Work where you have to work, but live where you want to live.

That is very sage advice indeed, thanks Stu.

If you dislike what you do, it shapes your attitude in a negative manner. With that said, if you move to SF and dislike you work, you may end up disliking your situation overall, but if you stay in LA doing something you love, then you may be have a better shot at loving (or at least putting up with) LA

And also something to think about, thanks.

[GAAN]

in my opinion

the word "career" was invented by employers

to make employees endure conditions that would make them leave a "job"

The idea of work is to trade time for money or services necessary to live your life

The people who prioritize their career over a home

are the ones who don't have enough going on at home to want to leave work.

[danaid]

  You did not say if you had a family or not. If your single, I say move to S.F.( I love that place) and give it a try,If your a hard worker and an asset to your company. maybe you could get your job back in LA if all does not work out, just don't miss out on any opportunities.

If you have a wife and kids.... do whats best for your family.

[RAT900]

I doubt very many people lie on their death beds wishing they had put in more hours at the office

that being said...the correct answer has to do with you setting your priorities in life 

if you are younger the career/income may have more importance in order to buy house, raise family etc.

as you get older and your career becomes more of a job, then quality of personal life may become of greater importance...

as you have fewer years ahead of you and more of them behind you...well no matter what they pay you...you can't buy back the minutes of your life with that money

[Veloce-Fino]

It's all about the Benjamins, baby.

Change is good. I say make the move and enjoy the new city. You only live once, I can't imagine living in the same place and doing the same work for any extended period of time. Unless said work provided a massive amount of "Benjamins" that allowed for an excess lifestyle and travel, and hundreds of cars and motorcycles. HUNDREDS.


Good luck with whatever decision you make. (thanks for grips also)


Ric

[Stella]

I opted the "happy" route.
It's biting me in the behind now.

[NoisyDante]

(thanks for grips also)

You're very welcome.

job or career?

I say career because its a relatively elevated position in a specialized field and is long term.  I guess my definition of job would be something that I'd do simply for the paycheck but it doesn't peak my interest and is probably a short lived endeavor.

No wife and kids, or girlfriend for that matter, no property here in LA, I am entirely transplantable.  The biggest downside I am seeing to leaving this town is I won't be able to take my bike to Speeddog. 

Upside to SF, I can get Spidey to show me Stinson Beach. 

I believe the pay could be the same in either industry.  There are opportunities in film to reach a very high pay grade, but really only a very small percentage of people make that, and it's not always how talented you might be, or who you know, but luck.  I know some very very established engineers, but that hasn't helped me.  And games are growing faster than the film industry ever did, there may indeed be some very lucrative opportunities in the future.  Also, games are non-union, so there's no need to be independent and wonder where the next paying gig is going to be coming from.  I know that for my personality, simpler is better.

As I'm reading through everything, it does bring up questions and situations I hadn't considered, but I feel as though I'm leaning towards taking the gig in San Francisco if they do indeed give me a firm offer.  There's actually two positions I'm up for, same title at competing developers, though I think one is more likely than the other.

[MendoDave]

You know, once you move you can always look around for something better. I'm not sure what you do exactly, but as for film there is Pixar, Lucas films, (Industrial light & magic) as well as smaller film companies around the bay. But who knows maybe you might want a Job painting the GG Bridge, or becoming an elevator mechanic for example. (I hear they have a couple of elevators in S.F. that need work from time to time) You never know you could possibly get burned out on what your doing.

The point is, your job is not your life. Don't be afraid to make a move.

[derby]

The biggest downside I am seeing to leaving this town is I won't be able to take my bike to Speeddog. 

there are a number of more-than-reputable duc mechanics in the bay area...

[Speeddog]

there are a number of more-than-reputable duc mechanics in the bay area...

But none as handsome. 

[rgramjet]

The point is, your job is not your life. Don't be afraid to make a move.

My wife is about to quit her job for a number of reasons. She signed on with this company a year ago and they have make the beast with two backsed with her pay and her head so much that last night she came home crying and hyperventilating.  Morale in that office is hideous and the owners just dont get it.

So, she is taking a leap of faith in herself and her own abilities and I couldnt be happier.  My business, which has been in the toilet; has just started to pick back up.

Point of all this is, the reasons have to be right for you and your situation.  Listen to your gut.  Sounds like you are making a calculated decision.....Good Luck Mang!

Anyone want to buy a showroom M900 Cromo with only 1709 original miles?? 

[Povidius]

I'd be more concerned about stability more than enjoyment of the job. Why?  Because San Francisco kicks ass!!!!

I'd pretty much do whatever job as long as it paid enough to let me live fairly well in SF. 

[NoisyDante]

Went to work this morning, and by the end of the day four people had been let go.  Two guys had been with the company for 17 years!  The simple fact is that the industry is shrinking and the major studios are absorbing the work they have outsourced for years.

I think should I receive a firm offer from either company up North it would be in my best interest to take it.

[Duck-Stew]

Went to work this morning, and by the end of the day four people had been let go.  Two guys had been with the company for 17 years!  The simple fact is that the industry is shrinking and the major studios are absorbing the work they have outsourced for years.

I think should I receive a firm offer from either company up North it would be in my best interest to take it.

I would agree.