Accept job or not?

cherrytaz

Hi all,

Just looking for people’s opinion/advice. I have just been offered a graduate job in structural engineering which of course is a rarity in these times. The job is about 50minute drive form home so would be grand for living at home but it is located in the middle of nowhere (like really rural in the countryside). I’m currently nearing the end of my Masters in Civil Engineering with the job likely to start in September. The salary is pretty decent but I have a feeling that it might set me back as I will basically be working for a family run business with just a few employees and so might not gain valuable experience compared to working for a large consultancy or similar.

I know I’d probably be crazy to turn down the job, especially in these times but I kind of feel I might be better just hopping on a plane abroad/waiting for something else/go traveling and that I could get stuck in a rut living at home and working for a small company.

A plus of the job is that it includes a diploma in management from a leading university, it’s a n 18month contract and living at home would allow me to pursue flight training at the weekends to gain my private pilot’s license (PPL), something that would mean a lot to me.
Anyways just looking for any advice/opinions.

Cheers

6679

Any experience is better then no experience.

I would take it, its only 18 months and you can always go traveling after the contract runs out.

mikemac

Get the experience, it's good to have and it's just 18 months, time will fly by

Plus you need the cash, well lessons for the PPL don't come cheap. Such an amazing thing to pursue, well done

ElectraX

Personally, I think there is huge benefits to working in a small company, especially as a structural engineer; you will most likely get to see projects through from conception to completion. You won't necessarily get this experience in a larger company.
Secondly, I'm sure you realise how many engineers there are out there at the moment who would give their right arm for a position like the one you have been offered! You have been offered one of the very few structural jobs in the country- take it! You can always go travelling after, and you will be much more hireable abroad with the eighteen months experience you will have gained.

cherrytaz

Thanks guys, appreciate the replies and agree with you. I'm going to accept it and pursue the flying. Think I'd be crazy to turn it down. Here's hoping all goes well

eire2009

ElectraX wrote: »

Personally, I think there is huge benefits to working in a small company, especially as a structural engineer; you will most likely get to see projects through from conception to completion. You won't necessarily get this experience in a larger company.
Secondly, I'm sure you realise how many engineers there are out there at the moment who would give their right arm for a position like the one you have been offered! You have been offered one of the very few structural jobs in the country- take it! You can always go travelling after, and you will be much more hireable abroad with the eighteen months experience you will have gained.

I agree..

fret_wimp2

Unless you have a better offer, you would be crazy to refuse.

1. Your getting paid to get experience. Many graduates have to work for low wages/nothing to get on the ladder, it looks like you are getting a fair offer here.

2. As already stated in a small outfit you will get exposure to many more areas of a project. This may or may not suit you, but as a grad I think its a good way to go. Quick way to learn and gain experience.

3. Its not forever. You dont like it, you can quit or start applying for better jobs.

3. What other offers have you?

Best of luck, whatever you decide.

cherrytaz

As pointed out I think I'd be a bit mad to turn it down but moving back home after living in the city for so long and seeing a lot of my friends emigrating to Australia later in the year is a bit demoralising, I feel like I would be missing out on so much, especially with no one left around home. I suppose it would be worth it in the long term but at the moment i'm not 100% sure. I know I'll probably get bashed about others giving their right arm for this position but just my thoughts.

mikemac

It's only 18 months

You can head off traveling when it's over
And you'll have some cash saved so you can have more options

Take the job

looksee

I have seen that 'all my friends are there' with my own children and their friends. They will still be your friends, just not as handy, and wherever you go you will have to make new friends. Sometimes a job doesn't have as many contacts but the job is what matters, your social life may go on hold for a while, but keep looking for the positive side, get your pilots licence, get job experience, 18 months is no time at all. Good luck!

MagicMarker

Wow, when I clicked into this thread I was at least expecting a plausible reason for turning down a job.

OP, you should just go traveling and let someone else have the job who'll appreciate it.

Firetrap

Take the job for all the reasons the others have said. Not everyone walks into a shiny, high-powered job straight out of college and you are damn lucky to have gotten a job. There are an awful lot of people who would gladly leave all their friends behind in Oz so they could come back to Ireland and work anywhere near their homes. Sure, it's nice to have your friends around but they should not be the driving force behind your decisions. Ultimately, it's every man/woman for themselves and inevitably, your block of friends will disperse.

cherrytaz

You're right, I'm going to take it, get my experience and get my pilot's license. Thanks all for the info and apologies if I came across as been "spoilt" where I could pick and chose jobs (which I can't).

looksee

cherrytaz wrote: »

You're right, I'm going to take it, get my experience and get my pilot's license. Thanks all for the info and apologies if I came across as been "spoilt" where I could pick and chose jobs (which I can't).

No, you didn't, just someone exploring their options. Hope it goes well for you:)