Poll of the Day > My old employer called me "offering" me a job...again.

(+) Yeah! (+)

Had texted me a few months ago...they called me again Friday.

If I switch:
-around 30k less pay immediate (still over 100k)
-ability to do part-time PhD...pretty much guaranteed faculty position there if I put in the effort since I'd already have a staff position
-department is used to doing part-time PhD's...that's the standard for them
-stuck for 4-6 years to finish degree (have MS from same institution and authored a few papers so can jump back into old projects)
-less stressful, probs like 40h for job and 10-30h a week on degree-work
-more enjoyable city, similar cost of living but more amenities
-get to be around students => easy friend-making
-honestly feel more like the degree/research style more teaches you to be a technician than a scientist, but there is scientific training
-girlfriend in city with her family and friends...she says she doesn't mind either way though
-love doing coursework and enjoyed research work in the department
-get to be around more scientist-types than engineer-types
*need to figure out what a stem PhD gets me practically outside the field, I know it only get me the ability to mentor students within*
-distracted for a few years so I don't think about retirement daily
-would be a prestige drop since I'm already at a very nice university...but I don't personally care besides it's beneficial to get me other jobs

If I don't:
-Probably job hop and get an additional 30k-50k pay
-45h possibly more as standard
-probably retire earlier from not enjoying work as much
-live in kinda a dull place now
-can build other parts of my life...I imagine I won't be able to really when doing work + degree
-time can be used to try to create another income source which could keep me mentally occupied
-kinda be bugged I didn't do it, but glad I made the financially more responsible decision

Extra money all goes into index funds anyway. Work is very similar content.

quite a few pros and cons there, can't be easy to go back and forth on deciding. just go with your gut instinct and listen to what your hearts telling you.

wish you the best of luck with what you choose, and have a pleasant day!!

---