I got 2 job offers this week:

The first one is high paying but only a 2 month contract (though they said there MIGHT be the opportunity to turn it into a permanent position). As far as the job itself, it’s right up my alley of expertise with just a little extra for me to challenge myself and get more experience. It does have insurance benefits but I don’t have any details on that yet (I’m sure it’s not as good as the government one of course).

The government job is much lower in pay (even less then I made at my last job) but it’s permanent. I know it may seem like a no-brainer BUT they also said that their raises are based on funding and “sometimes we get them, sometimes we don’t” which makes me nervous about the future prospects of the job. Am I going to end up with a low paying job for years and years with little to no raises? The job itself is also very doable for me, however may end up becoming a bit monotonous (although I don’t mind a little monotony after my last train wreck of a job). Also, because it’s at the state attorneys office, I’ll be hearing detailed descriptions of criminal cases and some may be quite disturbing. I really don’t think I’m the type of person to let that kind of thing get to me, but it’s something to consider.

As for myself: I’ve been unemployed for 6 months. I’m not in a dire position financially. I’m single but I rent a room in my best friend’s house and she has said in the past she would cover me if it ever came to the point where I couldn’t afford to pay her. My savings have definitely taken a huge hit in the past 6 months but I have enough left to be able to pay rent for about 5 more months if needed. Obviously that’s not smart but I do have a cushion if I take the temporary job and then end up back on the job search again after 2 months. Oh, plus the money I’d make during those 2 months would almost triple my current savings (and yes, I accounted for tax deductions etc). Also I’m 31, so in theory I have 30 years left in the workforce so that would give me lots of time to work my way up in the government spot… but also I’d love to not have to live with 3 roommates for the next several years because I can’t afford to live on my own.

Anyways I’d love to hear some opinions. Does anyone actually think it would be a better idea to take the risk and go with the temp job? I feel like that would be crazy but it will hurt to let that much money go. Not to mention the job itself sounds better to me.