Which Job Should I Choose

[gemmi999]

I am currently employed as a mid-shifter for ER. I love mid-shift, going home when it's still night and going to work in the afternoon, while it's still light. My current hospital is in the process of possibly being bough/sold and I don't want to deal with that transition, plus a few other factors, have lead me to start looking for a new full time job.

I received 2 offers, both ER, and I don't know which one to choose!

Option A is in an EXPENSIVE CITY. They're offering about $20,000 more a year then option B, but that difference is the cost of living difference between the two cities. It is a larger hospital system, a teaching hospital, and is night shift (no possibility of midshift for at least 1 year). I could not afford to buy a house in this city anytime soon.

Option B is a smaller hospital in a less expensive city. They are offering approx. $20,000 less then the first hospital. It is a smaller hospital, a smaller ER. It is a mid-shift position and I can potentially switch to days in a year if I decide I want full days. I can afford to buy a house in this city. If I take this option, I can stay at my current hospital per diem (which I really want to do, I like the people there and the docs).

My personal, 5 year plan is to buy a house and start fostering children. I intend to do foster-to-adopt. I also want to go back to school eventually and get a master's in education. I am leaning towards option B but my family keep pointing out that 20,000 is a lot of money.

Which would you chose? A shift you don't like for more money, in a more expensive city? I could theoretically commute, but it would be an hour each way and I do not want to commute an hour each way to get paid more money. I want to actually enjoy my time at home.

Thanks for your input!

[BCgradnurse, MSN, RN, NP]

Seems like it's an easy choice. Job A has nothing you like except for an increased salary that will just be eaten up by an increased cost of living. Job B will allow you to achieve your goals.

[seaofclouds21, BSN, RN]

I agree, option B seems to meet what you want/need. Yes, 20K more sounds great, but when you factor in that it's only going to go to the increased cost of living in that area, you are right back to what option B is offering, but without the shift you like and the ability to buy a house.