I need some advice...

[Raymond G]

Hey guys, I need some advice... I've started working on my master's degree, but the truth of the matter is that I'm flat burned out right now with school. My daughter is getting ready to go off to college, and I want to make sure that she has the resources she needs to be successful. These two things considered, added to the fact that I'm tired of being a starving college student, has led to the decision of going back to work... Honestly, I'm ready.
A former employer found out that I have my degree and really wants me to go back to work for him. He’s been courting me heavy the last few weeks. Final compensations have not been settled on, but he did not baulk too much when I told him what I wanted. The thing is, he wants me to go back to doing my old job… They have made some pretty serious goals for next year, he knows that I was one of the best estimators in the business, and that I made him a ton of money in the past. The problem is that I worked hard for my degree and I really feel like I’m going backwards.
You’ve got to understand, not only did I graduate with honors, but with high honors. I have a knowledge and skill base that would be so under used as to make me sick. He did tell me that “eventually” they might move me up, but even those positions I’m afraid that I’d be bored to tears for the same reasons. I have thought about doing this for a year or two and then either go back to school or find another job, but this bothers me as well. I’d really like to find a place to land and stay for a while…
I know that my wife would appreciate the extra income, but she also wants me to be happy. We’ve talked about it, but I feel like we just keep going in circles. Largely because I’m going in circles. I’ve just started looking, but I know the situation is not good. So do I take the job feeling the way I feel, or do I chance finding a job that I might be better suited for… and perhaps in the long run happier? I almost feel guilty faced with this decision in the midst of this economy, but… What do you guys think? Raymond

[Cannonman17]

Let's see, advice...

Don't eat yellow snow, but then again you probably don't have to worry about that much, that's more of a northern thing...

Oh, about you situation! My advice, which is free and worth about as much, would be that
1) Don't always follow the money, being [i]happy[i] is often times over looked IMO.
2) Why not take the job just until the right one comes along? Nobody is saying you have to stay working for him. It might feel like a step backward but maybe you can just look at it as a temporary thing to get rid of the starving college kid feeling. I mean I have what I think is a good job right now but that doesn't mean I don't always keep my eyes and ears open for a better one. Know what I mean?

[drdave514]

Most masters degree grads I talk to are ticked off because each employer they talk to says 'yea, you have a degree but no experience'. I'd want to spend my break from school doing something that contributes to my end goal. The money isn't always good so you have to weigh the pros and cons. I don't think it has to be something exactly degree oriented but something in the ballpark would be nice.

[joshuaream]

If taking the job will help your daughter (and family) thrive instead of just survive, bite the bullet and be the best estimator that your former company has ever seen. Set a couple of goals, don't give up on your long term plans, and have the fortitude to leave the job (and comfortable life) when you can go back. If you have the chance to sacrifice a bit more and continue to study part time while working, do it.

[flintchip]

Raymond, you cannot go wrong by taking care of your daughter first! She and future generations of your family will always recognize your diligence to family. Four to eight years for her to work out her degrees and life are a small sacrifice for you to make, in the meantime the right thing will turn up if you keep your eyes open.

[MidlandMan]

Work shall set you free