Frustrating job search...Aaaarrggghhh!

[Superfly]

A little background: I separated from the Army last year as an officer with 6 years experience and a college education. I didn't want to get out, but I tore up my knees (Airborne) and had to get out.

So, anyways, I've been pretty much unemployed since last year. In all, I estimate my take-home to be around $10,000 for the last year, which is atrocious. My wife and I had to postpone buying a house and starting a family because we just wouldn't be able to swing it financially.

So, I just got off the phone with the good ol' federal gubment inquiring about jobs and career advice. I've always wanted to get back into my degree area (geology), but they do not care that you have a degree and managerial, team-leading experience. They want automatons who hammer rocks and clock in and clock out daily.

So, I was thinking during this conversation, that taking a job paying 29K is better than what I am making right now, but what are the sacrifices?

1) I would be starting out at entry level...a point at which I should have started 7 years ago, when I graduated college.
2) I would be almost a decade behind the power curve and my peers (which is more a blow to my confidence than anything.)

So, this rant may seem a little out of place, but what do people here think? Should I entertain taking a job paying $20,000 less than my last one or should I look at it from the perspective of this being a pay raise over my current situation?

When I was in the Army, captains were leaving in droves. Now, I fear I may have been a victim of that lemming mentality. The grass is not greener on the other side, at least monetarily speaking. I do miss the snazzy uniforms, tho.

Brian

[demnan]

1. You are right about the Federal Government

I've left it twice, but I wouldn't hesitate to go back into it again. It's possible you could get into a position you would enjoy if you get with the right agency. The world of contractors is the pits right now (at least in my company) and there isn't much doing in the private sector (granted I live in the D.C. area so it's always sckewed to government).

I'd go for the Government position. As a vet you will get preference, your first job won't pay well at first, but you will continue to get raises and the benefits are good. Make sure you get credit for your service so you'll get better leave, etc. There are many areas where you can use geology - I suggest you investigate the Army Core of Engineers - they do alot to reinforce and build stuff up, like river banks and stuff - there's got to be plenty of interesting work doing that after Hurricane Isabel. You could get a job planning and researching stuff which I would guess is within your field of expertise.

Just a thought.

[Superfly]

2. Thanks...

I had called NOAA, USFWS, NPS, and my last straw is the USACE.

I worked for the guy who is the Philadelphia District Engineer, so maybe he can point me in the right direction. I'm about to start calling in old favors, which is something I never wanted to do.

Brian

[demnan]

4. Good luck!

I will keep you in my thoughts. Just remember, once you are in, you don't have to stay in the same position forever, also you can get education benefits and go on Details, so there's a lot you can do if you learn to work with the system.

[junker]

5. consider the alternatives - even within federal govt

I know that NASA, and even NSA also employ geologists. Presumably for different purposes. As do a lot of otherwise not obvious places, like ports. And DOT. And BIA and HUD.... et cetera....

lots of places to be fellow who knows how rocks go together , or don't as the case may be.

[Droopy]

3. Do whatever it takes to put food on the table

I know it sucks to have to take a job that is less that what you hope for and may be qualified for, but when it comes time to making ends meet, you may not have much choice.

If you are in a position that you can do it, have you thought about going back to school and getting an advanced degree? It may be your best option right now with this economy.