Starting a new job - need some advice about money, benefits, etc.

philly035 · Aug 30, 2010

I was wondering if I could get some grownup advice from some wiser NT members. I was recently offered an entry level IT job that would like to start me off at 40k with a 6 month evaluation review. I should mention I live in Chicago, so my questions are:

1. Those with college degrees in BA, how much were you able to start off making right out of college? I read some info. that the average starting salary for college grads from my university majoring in IDS is 42-47k in Chicago, so I feel a bit cheated, but I suppose 2k is nothing to get mad over esp. in this economy.

2. This job offers a 30 year pension plan. My boss has mentioned this but I will need to get the details when I go in to fill out the paperwork. This is a not-for-profit company, which I am told is good to work for (like the government). What is a good % for a company to match?

Benefits from this job:
9-5 with 1 hour lunch break (so 35 hour work week)
No on-call (usually the IT staff rotates weeks to be on call. This job does not have one, which i think will be a huge plus)
Medical/Dental/vision
Jeans and shirts is all that's needed - no dress up required.

Any advice / help would be appreciated. I have been getting plenty of calls for phone / personal interviews, but so far this is my first offer. If more information is needed (or something I'm missing that should be asked) please let me know. Might not be the right place to ask for advice but I'm sure someone could chime in. Thanks!

philly035 · Aug 30, 2010

I was wondering if I could get some grownup advice from some wiser NT members. I was recently offered an entry level IT job that would like to start me off at 40k with a 6 month evaluation review. I should mention I live in Chicago, so my questions are:

1. Those with college degrees in BA, how much were you able to start off making right out of college? I read some info. that the average starting salary for college grads from my university majoring in IDS is 42-47k in Chicago, so I feel a bit cheated, but I suppose 2k is nothing to get mad over esp. in this economy.

2. This job offers a 30 year pension plan. My boss has mentioned this but I will need to get the details when I go in to fill out the paperwork. This is a not-for-profit company, which I am told is good to work for (like the government). What is a good % for a company to match?

Benefits from this job:
9-5 with 1 hour lunch break (so 35 hour work week)
No on-call (usually the IT staff rotates weeks to be on call. This job does not have one, which i think will be a huge plus)
Medical/Dental/vision
Jeans and shirts is all that's needed - no dress up required.

Any advice / help would be appreciated. I have been getting plenty of calls for phone / personal interviews, but so far this is my first offer. If more information is needed (or something I'm missing that should be asked) please let me know. Might not be the right place to ask for advice but I'm sure someone could chime in. Thanks!

therav4 · Aug 30, 2010

That's great for right off the bat graduation... especially with the benefits they are offering. A lot of positions might pay well but will only be offered through contract work (could be different here in Canada) which really hurts your chance to have any benefits or accumulated vacation pay etc. I say take the offer if there is nothing else serious out there, but keep looking if you are hungry for a better position. I highly doubt you will stay at the same place for longer than 5 years for your first job after grad, but it is important to build some experience on that resume. That's what I feel at least.

therav4 · Aug 30, 2010

That's great for right off the bat graduation... especially with the benefits they are offering. A lot of positions might pay well but will only be offered through contract work (could be different here in Canada) which really hurts your chance to have any benefits or accumulated vacation pay etc. I say take the offer if there is nothing else serious out there, but keep looking if you are hungry for a better position. I highly doubt you will stay at the same place for longer than 5 years for your first job after grad, but it is important to build some experience on that resume. That's what I feel at least.

peep tha sneaks · Aug 30, 2010

Take it. Its hard finding a job now.

peep tha sneaks · Aug 30, 2010

Take it. Its hard finding a job now.

Betonblck · Aug 30, 2010

You gotta remember, you are working 35 hrs. Other jobs might also require OT or you may have to be on call

40 hr weeks at $45,000 amounts to $21.63/hr

35 hr weeks at $40,000 amounts to $21.97/hr

Take the job. Good benefits, pension, 35 hr work week. If you don't like it leave after a year.

Betonblck · Aug 30, 2010

You gotta remember, you are working 35 hrs. Other jobs might also require OT or you may have to be on call

40 hr weeks at $45,000 amounts to $21.63/hr

35 hr weeks at $40,000 amounts to $21.97/hr

Take the job. Good benefits, pension, 35 hr work week. If you don't like it leave after a year.

luckyluchiano · Aug 30, 2010

LOL if you don't take it I will.

luckyluchiano · Aug 30, 2010

LOL if you don't take it I will.

biggie62 · Aug 30, 2010

Take it for the experience at the very least. Always looks for an upgrade, but use this as a resume builder by learning more and by getting you supervisor to be satisfied with your job to actually give you a great recommendation down the line.

biggie62 · Aug 30, 2010

Take it for the experience at the very least. Always looks for an upgrade, but use this as a resume builder by learning more and by getting you supervisor to be satisfied with your job to actually give you a great recommendation down the line.

redman · Aug 30, 2010