Job Advice

[El Mudo]

My name was put forward to a "hiring manager" another NARA facility. It's a higher grade, so I would get paid more and so forth (but not that much more than I make now). I have not interviewed or been selected for the job, but its a strong indication that I WILL be interviewed.

The bigger problem, is that its in Philadelphia. Its a 2 and a half hour drive from where I live now, and I probably would not make enough to live in the Philly area proper. Is it worth the drive/effort to go out there every day? I have been looking at apartments in NorthEast Maryland (I have no desire to live in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania), where it would only cut me down to about an hour and a half.


Any advice? I also know NOTHING about the Phillydelphia area or South Jersey

[mendyweiss]

That Would Be A Schlep Even In Nice Weather And Driving Conditions, WHen It Gets Nasty And Icy, You'll Be Miserable. Unless It's A Major Promotion, I Would Think Twice About It

[A.J.]

Amtrak it Biden-style.

[RAAMONE]

are you driving? 5 hour round trip commute is horrible

plus driving 25 hours a week would kill you in gas prices

[~Katja~]

if they were to hire you/ offer you the position, you should negotiate a relocation package.
There are some reasonable areas surrounding Philly, both on the Jersey and the PA side, you don't need to live in the city.

A commute would be out of the question for me... not only is it way too much time spent in traffic, it also increases your commuter cost and car insurance costs and you most likely end up with less pay in your pocket after all these expenses are considered.

[Thebazile78]

I think a relocation package would be a great idea and would suit your situation.

When you research areas, if you're considering NJ, Camden & Trenton may have the cheapest rents, but there's a multitude of reasons for that. (It's kind of ... spooky ... there. Despite the fact that Camden is the park-site for the USS New Jersey. And the burial site for Walt Whitman, or so I am told.)

Keep in mind that they just raised the tolls on the bridges from NJ into PA, and a lot of people were pissy about that, so higher tolls will be a factor.

Lastly, you may be able to get a reasonable rent near public transit ... SEPTA runs out of the Trenton Station on NJ Transit/Amtrak and there's a light-rail line (the RiverLine) that runs between Camden and Trenton, with lots of really nice little towns in between, which would be a convenient connection to Trenton if you're concerned about driving.

Hope this helps!!! (Good luck, too.)

[Furtherman]

I think a relocation package would be a great idea and would suit your situation.

When you research areas, if you're considering NJ, Camden & Trenton may have the cheapest rents, but there's a multitude of reasons for that. (It's kind of ... spooky ... there. Despite the fact that Camden is the park-site for the USS New Jersey. And the burial site for Walt Whitman, or so I am told.)

Stay outta Camden. For your health's sake.

Plus you can find good rents in Philadelphia too.

[CousinDave]

You have to compare quality of life vs income.

[ahhdurr]

Dude - I live (not in Mighty Horse but what's known as Lower Bucks) about 45 min's from Center City and, in terms of real estate, it's a diverse area where you may end up finding something... I really didn't want to move from Jersey either but I did for real estate advantages and I don't regret it. The shore is 45 min's, Philly's 45 min's and NYC is a little over an hour from the Trenton stop on the NE corridor. I've taken it in a few times - if you catch an express it's about an hour ride.

You better LOVE being in your car to have a commute like that. I don't care if the job was a blow-job... I wouldn't do that commute.

I'm really liking living here. Feel free to PM me.

[Tenbatsuzen]

I think a relocation package would be a great idea and would suit your situation.

When you research areas, if you're considering NJ, Camden & Trenton may have the cheapest rents, but there's a multitude of reasons for that. (It's kind of ... spooky ... there. Despite the fact that Camden is the park-site for the USS New Jersey. And the burial site for Walt Whitman, or so I am told.)



Jesus christ.

http://www.cultureby.com/trilogy/difranco.gif

AND

http://imgsrv.923krock.com/image/wfny3/UserFiles/Image/news_images/inappropriate_bell.jpg

[Thebazile78]

Jesus christ.

http://www.cultureby.com/trilogy/difranco.gif

AND

http://imgsrv.923krock.com/image/wfny3/UserFiles/Image/news_images/inappropriate_bell.jpg

I made it nearly 2 days without ANYBODY picking up on that ... and it wasn't intentional.

[Aggie]

Not sure if you're married or not but if you are make sure you include her in this decision.

My husband already knows I'd rather him not keep getting promotions and having to work longer hours/have a longer commute. I want to SEE him and when we have kids I want them to see their dad.

No higher salary is worth more than that. Plus, it already sounds like you aren't a fan of the idea. Don't feel pressure because you THINK you should be happy about being considered/getting the offer. Go with your gut and stick with it.

[WhistlePig]

Eww, Philly!

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/01bU3g45F35Dd/610x.jpg