by dreinecke » Tue May 28, 2013 9:43 pm
Phase One was getting out of the absolute hellish conditions at my last place of employment. I talked to a good friend and my former manager at the old job today - it is continuing to go downhill and people are now saying I left at the right time as they are now struggling to leave and find other work.
I was blessed to get a great job in February as a Consultant with Xcel Energy in Denver. One of the nation's largest power producers, it has been a fantastic engagement thus far! As I'd hoped, they now want me as a real employee - that's Phase Two. There was thought I'd get hired on my current team, but a re-org has left that in question and so there is no follow-on guarantee after my 20 month contract is up in August of 2014. Not to say it still won't happen, but you have to weigh the risks vs. opportunities. I have no benefits at the moment and that is costing over $900 on my wife's plan :o also, no vacation so any days off I get to eat. The salary more than comps that though, so I have ZERO complaints.
I've been asked to apply for a very similar job in another department and my Boss is actually supporting this move. She would rather keep a good employee for the company overall and knows that she can't hire me permanently right now. So, she has really been coaching and working with me on this. Great, great lady. Actually, I have an excellent team I work with that I just can't say enough about.
The new job would be awesome as well and is on another great team. I've worked very well with them already and like the environment. I would have benefits, vacation, etc. Like I said, it is a real job. So, the hiring manager asked me to apply and I've had two quasi-Interviews thus far...lunches, that kind of thing. I have a formal one tomorrow at 10AM and I have to say - while there are no guarantees, I'm hearing and seeing things that make me think this may only be a formality. The salary is right where I was at the old job - the added drive costs more, but the fact that we are now debt-free except the house makes it ok. They also have some other nice perks.
So anyway I'd appreciate any good thoughts and prayers. It is a tough market out there (My BIL is STILL looking and another friend just got laid off too) and I realize how fortunate I am to be in a good position.
I'll let you know how this all turns out.