I currently just started working at the second largest IP in the US as an internet/voice technician. Basically, I am the guy you would call when your internet is not working. All new hires go through a 90-day training program, with full pay and benefits. However, I have been in an interview process for a database engineer position with a local software development company. The company specializes in AI machine learning software to help manage transport logistic inventory, seems like cool stuff. They have also let me know to expect an offer letter this week. I currently am working towards my Bachelor in computer science, and expect to complete it fall of this year. I have worked in data oriented IT positions in the past, so I am familiar with SQL as a user, but not as a developer. I will go over the positions and some of the pros and cons to further elaborate on the dilemma. Both jobs pay about the same so in the short-term money is not a factor. Also, I am a father of 3 girls and play a very active role in their lives, being home everyday to spend time with them is very important to me.

I am currently training in the call center position, and it doesn’t seem too bad now. The pay is good and the benefits are fantastic. From what I can tell there is a good prospect for career advancement as well. Having spoke to a few managers, they told me after I finish my bachelor they have an in house career path to transition people to their software development department. This being said, it will take at a minimum a year before I can begin that process, as one cannot transfer departments for 9 months after training. So, it is very up in the air how soon before I can begin a career at this company in software development. Another negative is the hours, I will be working from 11 to 8, with Wednesday and Thursday off, not ideal for my family. After 9 months I will have the opportunity to change shifts. I really have no interest in working in a call center, but it seems like it could be a good company to grow my career with.

The database engineer position seems like a great opportunity, but I have also noticed a few red flags. I would like to work in a more data oriented position, as that is what I currently have experience in, and I enjoy it, and being able to get a position like this before I finish my bachelor seems like a great opportunity. The company specializes in machine learning software to automate tracking freight through video. They were initially incorporated in the 90’s so have been around awhile. My first two interviews went really well, and they made it seem like a great position. It is an hour drive each way, but it is a hybrid position, with me only having to be in office three days a week, potentially 2 days after I have been there for a while. Also, it is a traditional 9-5 m-f, which is great for my family life. So, lets get into some of the red flags. The posting I applied to advertised for a paid internship position, which I believed would be a good fit as I have database experience but no degree. By my second interview I determined there was some mistake in the posting. I interviewed with the VP, and she stated that there was some kind of breakdown in communication regarding the posting. However, I emphasized my background and experience level just to insure they did not set expectations of me higher than they should. Overall, this interview went really well regardless. I then had a third and final interview with the CEO, and that was…interesting. He did most the talking, however I was able to get a few words in edge wise to sell myself. What was disconcerting was how he made sure to highlight how they have let go of one or two new hires for not meeting expectations. Big red flag to me. Also, dude kind of seemed like a d**k. Though he was the CEO and that is not too out of line. Also from what he said he seemed to be involved in the development process, but in an expecting regular updates kind of way. Lastly they did mention they are starting the process of being acquisitioned, but part of the deal was the new company would keep things in place how they currently are

TL;DR

IP Company

Pro: Benefits

Career advancement

Already have job

Close to home

Cons: Terrible work-life balance

Call center position

1-? Years before software-oriented position

Call center position

Database Engineer position:

Pro: Early career start

Hybrid position

Good work life balance

What I actually want to do

Con: Hour drive each way

CEO seems like a d**k

Hiring process seems very lackadaisical

Currently being acquisitioned

I know I have highlighted the CEO being a d**k, but I am ok with that, I have worked for a-holes before, I just worry I will quite my current job, to just get fired from the database position after two months or something.