Worth The move? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

tres · 05-12-2006, 03:26 AM

So... I'm a 911- Dispatcher.. and While at a Convention in Florida ( I'm from NY) A supervisor of mine introduced me to a supervisor from a highly respected 911- dispatch organazation in Texas. Before the end of the conversation, I was offered a job. Currently I'm making $37,000, and the initial offer was only for 31,1. After discussing my experience I was offered 33,200. Considering the cost of living change..that would be a good deal. However, my car paymet won't change, and what I'm paying in rent now, will only turn into a morgage in TX, so I'm still going to be spending the same amount. Not to mention that I currently get my benefits for free, and I would be charged for them in TX. Obviously the "quality" of my life would probably increase since I would be owning a house... but I'm afraid of having the stuggle I have now, just on a lower scale... in other words.. its hard getting by right now on what I make... I'm afraid of the same problem down there... Would it be bad to ask for 35,300? Is that wrong? I've never had to do this type of thing before... so.. I don't want to blow this opportunity but I also don't want to be paid less than I'm worth... In addition to all this... I was not expecting to move till Jan... now they want me by sept... They havent offered to assist with the moving expenses, and I don't expect it, being the type of organazation that they are... I dunno.. anc advice on the $$$ situation and how to properly approach it would be greatly appreciated...

Redlemon · 05-12-2006, 03:47 AM

What's the benefit to you? The only thing I see that you say is that the new organization is "highly respected". The job appears to be identical to what you are doing now.

What's the cost-of-living difference? Obviously, Long Island ain't cheap, but I don't know where you are going in Texas.

What about friendships and family? Do you have anybody in New York or Texas?

tres · 05-12-2006, 04:30 AM

Benefit to my fiance and I would be the ability to own a home.. and a better place to raise our future child. I'm going to Dallas/Fort worth area.. It is the same thing I'm doing now, but in the long run it will be a better life. My fiance is more than ready to pick up and leave, so thats not a concern, and I have some family, but we are all scatterd around the US, so it won't make a big difference. In addition to that I have elderly family in San Antonio that I would be closer to when they need someone.... There is NO CHANCE of us owning a house on Long Island... According to the NYTIMES the cost of living is 31% less, but I' not sure where thats comming from... but they say a comperable wage to what I'm making now is 25,300, but I'm not sure how they figure that out...

The_Jazz · 05-12-2006, 04:50 AM

I'd say that they need to help you with the move if they want you. Moving expenses for two people could easily be $2,000 or more, even if you're doing it yourself. You get to write those off at the end of the year, but that's not the point. You also need to get accurate figures on what the cost of benefits are and how they'll affect your income. You should also check home and auto insurance rates in Dallas/Ft. Worth along with any other usual expendatures that you have that would follow you down.

Good luck!

tres · 05-12-2006, 04:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Jazz

I'd say that they need to help you with the move if they want you. Moving expenses for two people could easily be $2,000 or more, even if you're doing it yourself. You get to write those off at the end of the year, but that's not the point. You also need to get accurate figures on what the cost of benefits are and how they'll affect your income. You should also check home and auto insurance rates in Dallas/Ft. Worth along with any other usual expendatures that you have that would follow you down.

Good luck!

thanks for the reply..there is no doubt that my car insurance will go down.. and yes, moving expenses can be expensive, however its a government contracted organazation... NOBODY is special in the government

and, moving taxes can no longer be deducted because some obsurd amount of people move every year..so according to my accountant its not a valid deduction..

Redlemon · 05-12-2006, 05:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tres

According to the NYTIMES the cost of living is 31% less, but I' not sure where thats comming from... but they say a comperable wage to what I'm making now is 25,300, but I'm not sure how they figure that out...

I used the CNN Money Cost of living comparison calculator:
Salary in New York (Queens) NY: $37,000
Comparable salary in Fort Worth TX: $24,098.48

"Using data provided by researchers at ACCRA, Inc., we compare key expenses in dozens of major cities. Costs include housing, utilities, transportation and health care."

So, even with the "reduced" salary, you are getting an increase in money value. And the family situation sounds good. You call Texas better, so I assume you are ready for the cultural and climatological differences. Sounds like a 'go' to me.

tres · 05-12-2006, 06:46 AM

What is the etiquette in asking for more money... I only want another $1.00 per hour.... how should I go about it?

Kadath · 05-12-2006, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tres

What is the etiquette in asking for more money... I only want another $1.00 per hour.... how should I go about it?

Last time I wrote one of those it went something like "I am very excited by your offer. I feel that an hourly wage of (offer+1) would be commensurate with my level of experience and in keeping with the expertise I will bring to the job."

I can't remember exactly, but it worked for the person I was writing it for.

iccky · 05-12-2006, 03:40 PM

Consider the future career implications as well. Which department will offer you more opprotunities for advancement? If you have to move again, which will look better on your resume.

Its also worth considering how much (or how little) you know about the work environment at the new place. It may be highly respected, but the boss may turn out to be an asshole or your co-workers might be a bunch of backstabber or who knows what. It doesn't sound like you have a lot of complaints about your current job besides the price of housing, so condiser the dangers of leaving a pretty good work environment for an unknown work environment.

DDDDave · 05-12-2006, 04:24 PM

tres,

Congrats on being 'wanted'. Have you been considering a move? How did you like Florida when you were down? I know that in Florida experienced LEO/911 dispatchers are always needed. A ten minute search on Google pulled up this:

City of St. Petersburg, Florida
Emergency Radio Dispatcher

Job Location:
Saint Petersburg, FL

Employment Status:
Full-Time

Organization Name:
Police

Detailed Description:
Receives, reads and records complaint information from a computer to include the exact name, address or location requiring service. Transmits messages and departmental information by radio dispatching the proper number of available police units closest to the location of the call. Coordinates the movement of police personnel when establishing crime scene perimeters. Records and maintains records of assigned units as to time, location, availability and type of equipment, units dispatched and their time of arrival. Assists mobile police and fire units in communicating with each other. Relays descriptions and other information to police field units concerning, but not limited to, wanted persons, missing or lost persons, stolen vehicles and for the arrest of specified individuals.

($31,762 - $46,675 salary).

There were several other listed in the state job bank. If you work for a municipality you would be part of the State of Florida retirement system so you would have that.

I plugged a salary of say $33,000 into the salary comparison dohickey and it says that a salary of $33K in St. Pete is the same as $49,998 in Nassau County.

You have a good skill. That is not an easy job and good one's are paid well. I would not jump at the first offer. From anybody. Ever.

My advice: Do a little more research. Call the guy in TX and say 'hey, they are offering 35K with benefits in Florida'. Talk it over some more with your fiance. This is a life move.

Good Luck.

macmanmike6100 · 05-15-2006, 04:39 AM

agree with Dave...it might sound good that it's highly respected, but how much more "highly respected" can you get when you're a 911 dispatcher? they're all highly respected ;-)

But more to the point, especially considering Dave's quick research, ask yourself:
- Is this a move that you wanted to make anyway?
- What kind of future will I have where I'm going?
- What's my impetus for leaving?

Good luck!

maleficent · 05-15-2006, 04:47 AM

The cost of living calculator I used (which I've found to be the most accurate ) gives a slightly different number...

37,000 on long island is worth 30911 in Dallas...

http://www.homefair.com/homefair/calc/salcalc.html

the big question I'd ask is are they paying for your relocation? You can easily live on the salary but the move itself won't be inexpensive...

05-12-2006, 03:26 AM	#1 (permalink)
tres Insane Location: Long Island, NY	Worth The move? So... I'm a 911- Dispatcher.. and While at a Convention in Florida ( I'm from NY) A supervisor of mine introduced me to a supervisor from a highly respected 911- dispatch organazation in Texas. Before the end of the conversation, I was offered a job. Currently I'm making $37,000, and the initial offer was only for 31,1. After discussing my experience I was offered 33,200. Considering the cost of living change..that would be a good deal. However, my car paymet won't change, and what I'm paying in rent now, will only turn into a morgage in TX, so I'm still going to be spending the same amount. Not to mention that I currently get my benefits for free, and I would be charged for them in TX. Obviously the "quality" of my life would probably increase since I would be owning a house... but I'm afraid of having the stuggle I have now, just on a lower scale... in other words.. its hard getting by right now on what I make... I'm afraid of the same problem down there... Would it be bad to ask for 35,300? Is that wrong? I've never had to do this type of thing before... so.. I don't want to blow this opportunity but I also don't want to be paid less than I'm worth... In addition to all this... I was not expecting to move till Jan... now they want me by sept... They havent offered to assist with the moving expenses, and I don't expect it, being the type of organazation that they are... I dunno.. anc advice on the $$$ situation and how to properly approach it would be greatly appreciated... __________________ "Its better to be hated for who you are, then loved for what your not" --Van Zant "Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." Last edited by tres; 05-12-2006 at 03:29 AM..

05-12-2006, 03:47 AM	#2 (permalink)
Redlemon Devoted Donor Location: New England	What's the benefit to you? The only thing I see that you say is that the new organization is "highly respected". The job appears to be identical to what you are doing now. What's the cost-of-living difference? Obviously, Long Island ain't cheap, but I don't know where you are going in Texas. What about friendships and family? Do you have anybody in New York or Texas? __________________ I can't read your signature. Sorry.

05-12-2006, 04:30 AM	#3 (permalink)
tres Insane Location: Long Island, NY	Benefit to my fiance and I would be the ability to own a home.. and a better place to raise our future child. I'm going to Dallas/Fort worth area.. It is the same thing I'm doing now, but in the long run it will be a better life. My fiance is more than ready to pick up and leave, so thats not a concern, and I have some family, but we are all scatterd around the US, so it won't make a big difference. In addition to that I have elderly family in San Antonio that I would be closer to when they need someone.... There is NO CHANCE of us owning a house on Long Island... According to the NYTIMES the cost of living is 31% less, but I' not sure where thats comming from... but they say a comperable wage to what I'm making now is 25,300, but I'm not sure how they figure that out... __________________ "Its better to be hated for who you are, then loved for what your not" --Van Zant "Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I learn."

05-12-2006, 04:50 AM	#4 (permalink)
The_Jazz Asshole Administrator Location: Chicago	I'd say that they need to help you with the move if they want you. Moving expenses for two people could easily be $2,000 or more, even if you're doing it yourself. You get to write those off at the end of the year, but that's not the point. You also need to get accurate figures on what the cost of benefits are and how they'll affect your income. You should also check home and auto insurance rates in Dallas/Ft. Worth along with any other usual expendatures that you have that would follow you down. Good luck! __________________ "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - B. Franklin "There ought to be limits to freedom." - George W. Bush "We have met the enemy and he is us." - Pogo

05-12-2006, 06:46 AM	#7 (permalink)
tres Insane Location: Long Island, NY	What is the etiquette in asking for more money... I only want another $1.00 per hour.... how should I go about it? __________________ "Its better to be hated for who you are, then loved for what your not" --Van Zant "Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I learn."

05-12-2006, 03:40 PM	#9 (permalink)
iccky Psycho Location: Princeton, NJ	Consider the future career implications as well. Which department will offer you more opprotunities for advancement? If you have to move again, which will look better on your resume. Its also worth considering how much (or how little) you know about the work environment at the new place. It may be highly respected, but the boss may turn out to be an asshole or your co-workers might be a bunch of backstabber or who knows what. It doesn't sound like you have a lot of complaints about your current job besides the price of housing, so condiser the dangers of leaving a pretty good work environment for an unknown work environment.

05-12-2006, 04:24 PM	#10 (permalink)
DDDDave Addict Location: Sarasota	tres, Congrats on being 'wanted'. Have you been considering a move? How did you like Florida when you were down? I know that in Florida experienced LEO/911 dispatchers are always needed. A ten minute search on Google pulled up this: City of St. Petersburg, Florida Emergency Radio Dispatcher Job Location: Saint Petersburg, FL Employment Status: Full-Time Organization Name: Police Detailed Description: Receives, reads and records complaint information from a computer to include the exact name, address or location requiring service. Transmits messages and departmental information by radio dispatching the proper number of available police units closest to the location of the call. Coordinates the movement of police personnel when establishing crime scene perimeters. Records and maintains records of assigned units as to time, location, availability and type of equipment, units dispatched and their time of arrival. Assists mobile police and fire units in communicating with each other. Relays descriptions and other information to police field units concerning, but not limited to, wanted persons, missing or lost persons, stolen vehicles and for the arrest of specified individuals. ($31,762 - $46,675 salary). There were several other listed in the state job bank. If you work for a municipality you would be part of the State of Florida retirement system so you would have that. I plugged a salary of say $33,000 into the salary comparison dohickey and it says that a salary of $33K in St. Pete is the same as $49,998 in Nassau County. You have a good skill. That is not an easy job and good one's are paid well. I would not jump at the first offer. From anybody. Ever. My advice: Do a little more research. Call the guy in TX and say 'hey, they are offering 35K with benefits in Florida'. Talk it over some more with your fiance. This is a life move. Good Luck. __________________ I am just a simple man trying to make my way in the universe... "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." - Thoreau "Nothing great was ever accomplished without enthusiasm" - Emerson

05-15-2006, 04:39 AM	#11 (permalink)
macmanmike6100 High Honorary Junkie Location: Tri-state.	agree with Dave...it might sound good that it's highly respected, but how much more "highly respected" can you get when you're a 911 dispatcher? they're all highly respected ;-) But more to the point, especially considering Dave's quick research, ask yourself: - Is this a move that you wanted to make anyway? - What kind of future will I have where I'm going? - What's my impetus for leaving? Good luck!

05-15-2006, 04:47 AM	#12 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	The cost of living calculator I used (which I've found to be the most accurate ) gives a slightly different number... 37,000 on long island is worth 30911 in Dallas... http://www.homefair.com/homefair/calc/salcalc.html the big question I'd ask is are they paying for your relocation? You can easily live on the salary but the move itself won't be inexpensive... __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.