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Post Info TOPIC: need some wise opinions (extremely long and may be boring)
ico


Dooney & Bourke

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need some wise opinions (extremely long and may be boring)
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Here is the situation. I have been looking to find a job in a new location, Europe, ideally in Italy. I was in contact with a german group, a french one, and two groups in Italy.


One of the job offers in Italy is in Rome, is for 2 and half years and would imply working with the professor who supervised me during my master's. He really likes me, workwise, and didn't even ask for resume or reccommandations, since we had kept in touch and he knew what I was doing pretty much all the time. He'd want me to be a "bridge" between the italian side and the german side of an european research project, since the german people will be doing some kind of measurements that is my main expertise. I'd have a chance to learn something new, take advantage of the skills I have learned in those more than 6 years in the States, and would have to supervise undergrads and grad students. I know the guy, he can be difficult at times, but I think we have had all the arguments we could, and we pretty mych know how to handle each other. Bonus: it is in Rome, close to my family, I can probably use my sister's apt and not have to pay for the rent.


Other job is for one year, in a city in the south of Italy (Lecce). It's cool stuff they are doing, the professor I'd be working with seems a very smart woman, she has been able to do so much stuff since she started working there. The city is about 6 hours by car far from my hometown.


My main problem is the following. Both jobs would involve a salary cut compared to what I am getting now (which is not much to start with), but overall life is less expensive there. ROme would pay a little less. But it would give me more time to look for something else and understand the job situation both in Itay and in EU. And I won't have to pay for the rent.


Lecce would pay about 300 euros more each month, the city itslef is less expensive than Rome. But one year seems to me not enough time to get settled and start looking for something else. Besides, there I'd have to rent a place to leave.


Now, it is clear that I am inclined towards Rome. Also because I love the city, my closest friends live there, and there is a guy I met sometimes ago, which I still hear from and I get along pretty well with, that lives there. But I feel like I am blinded by all those non-professional considerations to be able to take a wise decision. Meaning: I really am not able to separate the professional side of the deal from the personal stuff. I am so confused!


Please, please, please. I don't need you to tell me what to do, b/c I know none of you could do that. I just need as many points of view as I can get about this stuff. It would be extremely useful to make up my mind.


tia


 



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joy0302


Kate Spade

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If I were in your situation I would choose Rome. It seems as if there is a lot of opportunity there for you and you would have longer to work. Two and half years there would give you plenty of time to look for other offers after you have finished. Another perk would be that you have somewhere rent free to stay. If you are worried about the pay cut that would help make up for it. Plus, nothing helps get you adjusted to a new place like being close to family and friends. Good luck! Keep us posted!

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NCshopper


Hermes

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From my perspective, it looks like both opportunities are really good professional opportunities for you and that you probably can't go wrong with either one of them, career-wise. 


But it does seem like your heart is telling you that Rome is where you want to be.  Am I right?  If so, I say go with Rome.  If you love it there and are really happy there, then the extra 300 euros that you'd be making in Lecce won't feel like a huge sacrifice. 



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relrel


Marc Jacobs

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NCshopper wrote:


From my perspective, it looks like both opportunities are really good professional opportunities for you and that you probably can't go wrong with either one of them, career-wise. 


But it does seem like your heart is telling you that Rome is where you want to be.  Am I right?  If so, I say go with Rome.  If you love it there and are really happy there, then the extra 300 euros that you'd be making in Lecce won't feel like a huge sacrifice. 




I agree completely, it does sound like Rome is more where you want to be but small extra amount of pay in Lecce is what is holding you back. How much of that would be spent on rent though?


It's okay to bring in personal considerations when making professional decisions. You are only at work 8 hours a day (hopefully!) so the rest of the day is personal, right? That means that if you would be happier and more comfortable in Rome, then I say that sounds pretty good.


Are either of the two positions working with something that you hope to be doing five years down the road? I personally try not to let money considerations come into play when deciding these type of things- money isn't always the most important part. The way I feel about it is that as long as I am earning enough to pay bills, bank some and play some, than it's fine and what I will be doing is much more important. Not saying that's how you have to look at it, but that's how I try to view things.


Hope that helps you some...good luck with either position, whichever you decide!



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Dizzy


Marc Jacobs

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I'd stick with the prof you know, since working relationships are going to be really important if you are alone in a new country. Also, it just sounds like a better opportunity. Plus it sounds like that's the one your gut is ttelling you is more what you want.

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