9 to 5
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Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Advice needed
in 9 to 5
Hello! I am looking for some much needed advice:
-I am a new masters of public health graduate and have a job interview for a position that involves everything I am looking for; however, it does not pay what I had hoped. In this economy, I know I can't expect much, but this job pays what I was making at my prior job with just a bachelors.
My question is--how do you weigh doing something you love versus making enough money, and is this what to expect in this economy?
Thanks!
Re: Advice needed
I have done both... worked for the job and worked for the money. Money is nice and all but a job you love its worth wonders. If you enjoy what you do and you feel you're moving in the right path things seem to fall together.
For me, when I was just working for the money I hated it everyday.
If you love what you're doing the money is just an extra bonus. I was working at my dream job before I got laid off. It was so much fun the money was really just an added incentive. Now I'm working for the money and I seriously live for the weekends. It's rough.
You also need to consider benefits, pay bands, and opportunities for advancement.
Maybe they're bringing you in at the low end of the pay band, but it gives you some room for raises as you work there. Instead of coming in at/near the top and being stuck unless you get a promotion.
What are the benefits like? It may pay the same as your pre-Master's job, but with more PTO or better health insurance, for example.
And will this job ultimately lead to a way better paying job in a year or 2?
As a pp noted, you can always rock the inerview, and if they extend an offer ask for something above what you were making before your Master's degree.
GL
Our little Irish rose came to us on March 5, 2010
Don't drink the water.
Disclaimer: I am not an MD. Please don't PM me with pregnancy-related questions. Ask your doctor.
Thanks everyone!
I think the main thing is in this job I will be somewhat stagnant. I won't move up in terms of responsibilities--pay will increase, but ultimately what I want is to be a health education director which this job won't help with. I am going to still do the phone interview and get more information though.
I'm going to be honest - public health is one of those fields (like social work or psychology) where you pretty much need a grad degree in order to be taken seriously, but you won't necessarily get paid more for having it. Unless you can get a job with the CDC or some other similar agency, public health just doesn't pay much.
Even with the paycut, I'm happy that I took the job that I did. There's nowhere to move up in this particular job either, but that's ok with me too - it's great experience and I'm using it as a stepping stone. If this job is something that you would enjoy and would provide you with experience (something that I'm sure you know counts for a lot in this field), go on the interview and do your best. If you get offered the job, take it and do your best with it until something better comes along.
What is your undergrad in? What experience do you have? Do you have your CHES? Having an MPH is pretty important to be a Health Ed. Director, but experience counts for a lot too.
As pp's mentioned, first step is to rock the interview! When it comes to an offer, definitely negotiate and offer solid logic for your reasoning (your degree, level of experience, market rate, etc. vs just wanting more $).
Otherwise, consider the total benefits package vs. just salary. If they cannot offer more $, can you negotiate for an extra week of paid time off? How is the retirement plan match and insurance,etc.
Good luck!
Thank you for your advice!
I have my undergrad degree in Community Health Education and I have 5 years of public health experience. I also have my CHES as well.