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Go to UT (no debt) or keep Texas Job (~100k/yr)

Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2012 9:14 pm
by ShouldIStayOrGo
Hey All,

I was just offered a new job and have to accept or reject the offer on Monday. I'm looking to see what types of things you guys would consider when making this decision.

Details......

I'm pretty financially risk averse. I've been working for about 5 years. I've learned a lot at my current job about what it takes to succeed, and I think it will help me be successful at any future jobs. There's not much upward mobility at my current job (and it doesn't pay well), so I wanted to move on to something we're I could do great work and be rewarded for it. I should also mention that I live in Texas and would like to stay here.

I applied for law school because I am interested in the ability to grow in the career. I know I not everyone gets a good job coming out of UT, but even if I get median grades, I have great work experience and I'm a very good interviewer, so I imagine I will be able to get a good job. Also, I think it would be a great experience to be back in law school. Between scholarships, money I've saved, and some support from my family, I'll have almost no debt. I don't have a passion to be a lawyer, this is mostly a career move.

The new job is a position as a manager for a consumer finance company in Texas (think home loans, savings accounts, etc. Not big finance or M&A). I have generally heard good things about working there, including the pay, benefits, lifestyle, training, and opportunities for advancement. Pay-wise, I would be making ~$100k. My first year I will probably have to work from 8:30-7 with somewhat regular weekends, after the first year I'll work M-F, 8:30-6 and rarely any longer. However, I'm a little concerned about my ability to do well (I don't have the math background they usually look for), and it is an up-or-out company, so they will fire me if I am not performing well.

Let me know what you think!

Re: Go to UT (no debt) or keep Texas Job (~100k/yr)

Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2012 9:16 pm
by bk1
ShouldIStayOrGo wrote: don't have a passion to be a lawyer, this is mostly a career move.
Then take the job. If the job doesn't work out, you can always go to law school later.

Re: Go to UT (no debt) or keep Texas Job (~100k/yr)

Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2012 10:05 pm
by ThreeRivers
Yea... take the job, if they end up firing you (As you're concerned) law school will always be there.

100 k a year job won't always be there

Re: Go to UT (no debt) or keep Texas Job (~100k/yr)

Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2012 12:26 am
by dixiecupdrinking
$100k in Texas is like a bajillion bucks in NYC, which is where most law students have the best chance of making $160k with a JD. If you don't have a substantive preference, then take the job.

Re: Go to UT (no debt) or keep Texas Job (~100k/yr)

Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2012 12:29 am
by shredderrrrrr
Don't even consider law school with a job offer like that.

Re: Go to UT (no debt) or keep Texas Job (~100k/yr)

Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2012 12:25 pm
by r6_philly
shredderrrrrr wrote:Don't even consider law school with a job offer like that.
I gave up a much better career, but I want to practice law.

That said, since you are just contemplating a career move and have no burning desire to practice law, I vote for the job. You can always come back to law school if the job doesn't pan out. You would have better credentials then.