Hello!
I was hoping for advice on a current job situation I’m in. I’m having to choose between two positions, the pros and cons of each being:
Job 1:
+Located in NYC (first-choice location, most of my friends are there, and I miss living there terribly)
+Large, iconic, household name company
-Being a design drone in a large company
Job 2:
+As the company’s first and only official product designer, I would have free reign and creative authority
+Hefty learning experience (sourcing, spearheading product development processes, start-up like atmosphere at an established company looking to revamp and willing to take risks)
+Responsible for redesigning entire product line, and considering product expansions and strategy
-Located in the middle of nowhere–seriously, like cows and farms and quarries.
-Brand not as well known, but maybe I can change that!
I am 24, 2 years out of school, and have only interned, freelanced and consulted so far, so either job would be the first “official” full-time position for me, and could set the tone for future employment opportunities.
So at this early stage in my career, would it be better to take the meatier, more challenging position in the middle of nowhere, or the less-demanding position in my favorite city and actually have a better “quality of life”? Should I suck it up for a few years? The thought of spending my mid-20’s in the middle of nowhere makes me really sad, though I’m trying to see the bigger picture.
I can see both experiences leading to opportunities and opening doors, but in different ways. I’m more excited about Job #2, but being able to live and work in NYC would even out the cons against Job #1.
And money and compensation are not as important a factor right now for me in this decision as they maybe should be…
I would appreciate any thoughts or advice you guys can offer!