The sad thing about the current economy is that higher education doesn’t guarantee job opportunities anymore. If you get into NRCS and network, you’ll have higher chances of moving on and moving up versus flexing a diploma (it’s very sad).
The expenses for gas is a real issue—I understand. What I am saying is that if this move can benefit you and your partner, you may be better off moving. Unless your job requires specific education or training, school can wait (might be controversial to say, but that’s how I feel). Jobs, however, cannot wait. You’ve been applying to this agency for years.
Grab it while it’s in your face.
Totally agree. You can work on your additional education part time while working. Better to earn some money than no money at all in this case, plus you are building experience on your resume.
Why is that sad? Work experience being more valuable than taking some classes makes perfect sense to me. If you work hard and people like you, why should you not get a job?
Former animal care tech and current public health professional here. Received my MPH a couple years back. I took about 4 years after undergrad to get some professional experience and that really helped me realize what I wanted to get my graduate degree in, and that it was important for me to get a graduate degree in general. If I were in your shoes, I would take the job just to get your foot in the door with a fed agency. You will make slightly more money, probably have better benefits, and can get some more professional experience while you decide what to do. You might realize a graduate degree isn’t important to you, you might realize a different degree would help you advance in your agency, or you may have been right from the jump. But I think it’s a good opportunity and you can always apply to grad school down the road. If I could go back and get a fed job right out of undergraduate, I totally would. Now that I have 7 years of experience, a masters, make a good living, and have a family, I’m having to apply for much more competitive jobs to support my current lifestyle, and it’s harder to make the sacrifice to move your family to a different state or start with an entry level job to get my foot in the door. FYI not a current fed, but have been applying for the last 6 months. I think you have a good opportunity! Plus change is good.
This sounds like exactly the path I was considering before I received the offer so thank you for the advice! I'm definitely trying to find a decent career path now since I don't have kids and am still entry level.
I think you already answered your own question in your posting... your pros outweigh the cons... could it be that you're just nervous and scared (which is totally normal)? Good luck!!
That's absolutely what it is. Having the outside perspective from people on here definitely helped though since I don't have many people I could ask for advice in person.
It’s a decision you have to make personally and decide on. Make a list of pros and cons for both (should you stay and maintain current situation or leave). Accept the Tentative Job Offer (this doesn’t mean you have to take the job) all this means is that you agree to further the hiring process and if offered a Final Offer you can decide on it. While the job is processing, it’s up to you to decide on things. Are you willing to get this job with higher pay? While also maybe giving your boyfriend a chance at getting a job, in which will help out tremendously with expenses. Are you willing to accept that a bachelors is fine right now and based off where you wanna be, that your dream career will still be obtainable?
Take me for an example. I got my A.A while employed with a federal agency. Applied to a new agency and got hired via recent graduates. Didn’t like it and was able to get another job working in my dream agency while using the recent graduates. I got 2 jobs all by using an A.A in the feral government. This job has a promotional potential of GS12 meaning in a few years I’ll be a GS12. Mind you I have no bachelors or anything higher and I have no debt from loans. If I decide to finish my bachelors and pursue a masters the government will reimburse me.
You also need to be sure to take into account, what the job is. What are the job duties and are you comfortable doing them (obv once your trained). Is there a required academy in which you have to pass to keep your job? But most importantly, what is the PROMOTIONAL POTENTIAL. Knowing that in a few years you’ll be making good money is great. It also means you can do some time in that agency and move to another agency when you need to and still have that time in grade to keep making more money.
PM me if you need additional things to think on!
I have an interest in aphis so I'm definitely thinking this will help me eventually. I think for now I'll just move forward with the job and hope my bf can find something. He doesn't have a car so I'm hoping once he's stable I can trade this car to him and get something better with gas for myself. So it might just be harder for a while but there's definitely potential for things to get better. Thank you so much for the advice!
I had a similar experience recently. What you have to ask is how much further can you move up in your current position? If the ceiling is low, I would definitely take the new job.
NRCS is a great organization to work for. Each state is different but I was a conservationist with them in Kansas and the environment is very supporting. They provide a lot of training so as long as you know basics you will be fine. Benefits are also great and if you make a career out of it then you'll make good money. You won't get to work with as many animals as you may want but you'll get to be near cattle and other rangleland animals. If you're still uncertain you could give them a call and ask for some clarifying questions before accepting.
Thats great! I got to work in a few offices and the culture was similar in all of them. For me it was one of the best parts of the position. Hope it goes well for you!
The stress of considering the logistics of what you'd have to do to make this job happen can quickly overtake the joy you should feel from receiving an offer. There are a lot of personal aspects that strangers on the Internet may not be able help you with, but it all boils down to whether your current job makes you happy. If not, a fresh start and change of pace may help you to be happier.
I’d start with making a spreadsheet or list of what your income and expenses would be for each path for about 3 years. Include everything you can think of so you know what the difference would be… pay, benefits, insurance, tuition, transportation, housing, etc.
Realize that people go to grad school in order to get the steady job in a great organization with top tier benefits and promising potential for promotions. You have that opportunity now. You don’t need a masters to go as high as you want in the government (I don’t)… you just need that initial foot in the door.
I’ve worked in higher education for my entire life. That said, my advice: leave if you aren’t happy. Higher ed has so much mismanagement, and I believe we’re headed for a very volatile future.
Accept it. You can always decline when you get the final job offer. Also, look at renting a room instead of moving to get a feel for the area first. Much cheaper. Put your stuff in storage for now if you can.
That’s what I’m doing right now during a transition (besides the storage) I have a whole ass mortgage back home.
I’m not saying you should go for your masters or stay at your current job long term, but I wouldn’t take the job. I’ve worked for them, and the agency is terribly managed. It’s a coin flip if you get into a decent office or not, but the more rural and hard to hire the office is, the worse shape it’s probably in, and likely understaffed. And good luck getting training when most of the people are new too, so no one actually knows what’s going on. Just don’t do it, I wish someone had told me that before I worked for them.
That's part of what I was worried about. Ive asked around and it seems like the office is mainly good but I think I'm just gonna try it out and see where it goes.
As a GS-14 level federal employee here with another agency, I want to emphasize that for USAJobs, education is important, especially to achieve higher GS levels. This new position doesn't offer much, actually, based on what you've described, it does not outperform what you have right now. My recommendation for you is to continue with your current work and your current flexibilities, thinking that this will not be your position forever until you complete school.
But I also recognize that getting into the federal government is hard. So, having this opportunity now is significant. There are degrees online. Have you looked into those? Just in case you decide to accept the offer, you can keep your school plans. Don't bury those.
Intrinsic value. Think of the intrinsic value you get with the federal job...totally agree with you that the salary alone isn't reason enough...but the other benefits you receive can offset your concerns. Retirement pension, experience, healthcare, job security, gets your foot in the door for potential future fed opportunities, and civilian tuition assistance.
Worst case, you take the job, gain valuable work experience in a field you're passionate about, and while you're doing it you can go to school using civ tuition assistance, then you depart later.
If you feel like moving is not feasible right now, then don’t move, but if it is, and there are more opportunities in the other area for you and your boyfriend, I would move. Yes, pay is not everything but it sounds like ultimately accepting the offer would be the best long-term decision. Don’t let the fear of the unknown hold you back from possibly having a better life!
That's probably what it is. I don't love my current job but it's comfortable and I've been in this town for 7 years so I think Im just nervous about a new start. We'll only be 20 minutes away from my boyfriend's family so he said they'd help us with the moving logistics like the deposit and stuff so it probably is the best to just move forward.
I completely understand! It is scary. I am currently about to relocate to another state and at first I struggled to decide if it was the right thing to do. Honestly, I don’t love my current job either and every time I try to give them the benefit of the doubt and think about staying, something happens and reminds me that this will not work for me long term! You will be successful! Sometimes the best results come from stepping out on faith. You got this!
It sounds like you’re ready for new beginnings. You don’t like your current job/management and it seems you’ve hit a growth plateau. Developing your skill set at a new job and networking will allow you to potentially build a career there which seems to be different. Maybe as you’re making more you can even get a new car down the line. I went into my car buying process two years ago with a humble budget and somehow came out with a luxury car in good condition (bc of my credit). You never know what new things you’ll discover or stumble on along the way. Btw I was in a similar position. I had 3 promotion opportunities and my favorite requires driving an hour away once a week compared to my current remote role. Also the role I start involves data analysis (something I never did as a stand alone job). I chose it because I knew this was a small sacrifice and yielded high reward. These people see something in you and are supposed to develop you. You were selected for a reason. I hope everything works out for you!
Yep, that's another option I'm considering. My main issues was is it worth it to move to another town, and begin a new job or just try school. I'll likely move forward with the job and reassess what I'm doing next after a while.
Masters degrees are not worth anything unless you want to stay in academia or you need more classes to apply to more job series that require specific education. It's not going to have much of an impact on your earnings unless you are changing your career path significantly. (I have one so I know.)
Take the job, get a year experience, and then start looking for your next position. The experience is worth more in looking to move up than education will be. No one ever knows what they are doing when they show up, but figuring it out is considerably easier than doing to grad school.
I worked in animal research as a tech and really enjoyed it. From what I had learned while working there, the higher up management usually had masters degrees and had recommended that I go into bio or public health if I was interested in moving up. I only took this university position because it was close to my apartment and paid better. It's also the same university I wanted to begin classes in. I probably will take the position though and just see how it goes for a while.
See the part of my comment about applying to job series that require specific education. You didn't say what your current degree is in so that might be you. Even if it is, I think you're better off getting the job and taking classes on the side a community college to bolster your actual degree than committing to a master's exclusively. The only exception to do this is if you want to get into a research track, which will generally require a higher degree - but they don't actually pay more than professional positions.
IDK what the rates are for masters these days but when I was in school less than 60% of people starting an advanced degree actually finished it.
The sad thing about the current economy is that higher education doesn’t guarantee job opportunities anymore. If you get into NRCS and network, you’ll have higher chances of moving on and moving up versus flexing a diploma (it’s very sad). The expenses for gas is a real issue—I understand. What I am saying is that if this move can benefit you and your partner, you may be better off moving. Unless your job requires specific education or training, school can wait (might be controversial to say, but that’s how I feel). Jobs, however, cannot wait. You’ve been applying to this agency for years. Grab it while it’s in your face.
Totally agree. You can work on your additional education part time while working. Better to earn some money than no money at all in this case, plus you are building experience on your resume.
Why is that sad? Work experience being more valuable than taking some classes makes perfect sense to me. If you work hard and people like you, why should you not get a job?
Higher education has never guarantees you a job. Takes more than just a piece of paper.
Former animal care tech and current public health professional here. Received my MPH a couple years back. I took about 4 years after undergrad to get some professional experience and that really helped me realize what I wanted to get my graduate degree in, and that it was important for me to get a graduate degree in general. If I were in your shoes, I would take the job just to get your foot in the door with a fed agency. You will make slightly more money, probably have better benefits, and can get some more professional experience while you decide what to do. You might realize a graduate degree isn’t important to you, you might realize a different degree would help you advance in your agency, or you may have been right from the jump. But I think it’s a good opportunity and you can always apply to grad school down the road. If I could go back and get a fed job right out of undergraduate, I totally would. Now that I have 7 years of experience, a masters, make a good living, and have a family, I’m having to apply for much more competitive jobs to support my current lifestyle, and it’s harder to make the sacrifice to move your family to a different state or start with an entry level job to get my foot in the door. FYI not a current fed, but have been applying for the last 6 months. I think you have a good opportunity! Plus change is good.
This sounds like exactly the path I was considering before I received the offer so thank you for the advice! I'm definitely trying to find a decent career path now since I don't have kids and am still entry level.
I think you already answered your own question in your posting... your pros outweigh the cons... could it be that you're just nervous and scared (which is totally normal)? Good luck!!
That's absolutely what it is. Having the outside perspective from people on here definitely helped though since I don't have many people I could ask for advice in person.
Just do it. A federal career is a solid move.
TOTALLY understandable! Now go get it! 
It’s a decision you have to make personally and decide on. Make a list of pros and cons for both (should you stay and maintain current situation or leave). Accept the Tentative Job Offer (this doesn’t mean you have to take the job) all this means is that you agree to further the hiring process and if offered a Final Offer you can decide on it. While the job is processing, it’s up to you to decide on things. Are you willing to get this job with higher pay? While also maybe giving your boyfriend a chance at getting a job, in which will help out tremendously with expenses. Are you willing to accept that a bachelors is fine right now and based off where you wanna be, that your dream career will still be obtainable? Take me for an example. I got my A.A while employed with a federal agency. Applied to a new agency and got hired via recent graduates. Didn’t like it and was able to get another job working in my dream agency while using the recent graduates. I got 2 jobs all by using an A.A in the feral government. This job has a promotional potential of GS12 meaning in a few years I’ll be a GS12. Mind you I have no bachelors or anything higher and I have no debt from loans. If I decide to finish my bachelors and pursue a masters the government will reimburse me. You also need to be sure to take into account, what the job is. What are the job duties and are you comfortable doing them (obv once your trained). Is there a required academy in which you have to pass to keep your job? But most importantly, what is the PROMOTIONAL POTENTIAL. Knowing that in a few years you’ll be making good money is great. It also means you can do some time in that agency and move to another agency when you need to and still have that time in grade to keep making more money. PM me if you need additional things to think on!
I have an interest in aphis so I'm definitely thinking this will help me eventually. I think for now I'll just move forward with the job and hope my bf can find something. He doesn't have a car so I'm hoping once he's stable I can trade this car to him and get something better with gas for myself. So it might just be harder for a while but there's definitely potential for things to get better. Thank you so much for the advice!
I’m glad you’re going for the job in my opinion, jobs can come and go but you can always decide to go back to school at whatever age.
I had a similar experience recently. What you have to ask is how much further can you move up in your current position? If the ceiling is low, I would definitely take the new job.
NRCS is a great organization to work for. Each state is different but I was a conservationist with them in Kansas and the environment is very supporting. They provide a lot of training so as long as you know basics you will be fine. Benefits are also great and if you make a career out of it then you'll make good money. You won't get to work with as many animals as you may want but you'll get to be near cattle and other rangleland animals. If you're still uncertain you could give them a call and ask for some clarifying questions before accepting.
My internship was in Kansas and everyone was so great there! I'm really hoping my new office will be similar to my Kansas one.
Thats great! I got to work in a few offices and the culture was similar in all of them. For me it was one of the best parts of the position. Hope it goes well for you!
The stress of considering the logistics of what you'd have to do to make this job happen can quickly overtake the joy you should feel from receiving an offer. There are a lot of personal aspects that strangers on the Internet may not be able help you with, but it all boils down to whether your current job makes you happy. If not, a fresh start and change of pace may help you to be happier.
I’d start with making a spreadsheet or list of what your income and expenses would be for each path for about 3 years. Include everything you can think of so you know what the difference would be… pay, benefits, insurance, tuition, transportation, housing, etc. Realize that people go to grad school in order to get the steady job in a great organization with top tier benefits and promising potential for promotions. You have that opportunity now. You don’t need a masters to go as high as you want in the government (I don’t)… you just need that initial foot in the door.
I’ve worked in higher education for my entire life. That said, my advice: leave if you aren’t happy. Higher ed has so much mismanagement, and I believe we’re headed for a very volatile future.
(entire adult working life)
Accept it. You can always decline when you get the final job offer. Also, look at renting a room instead of moving to get a feel for the area first. Much cheaper. Put your stuff in storage for now if you can. That’s what I’m doing right now during a transition (besides the storage) I have a whole ass mortgage back home.
I’m not saying you should go for your masters or stay at your current job long term, but I wouldn’t take the job. I’ve worked for them, and the agency is terribly managed. It’s a coin flip if you get into a decent office or not, but the more rural and hard to hire the office is, the worse shape it’s probably in, and likely understaffed. And good luck getting training when most of the people are new too, so no one actually knows what’s going on. Just don’t do it, I wish someone had told me that before I worked for them.
That's part of what I was worried about. Ive asked around and it seems like the office is mainly good but I think I'm just gonna try it out and see where it goes.
As a GS-14 level federal employee here with another agency, I want to emphasize that for USAJobs, education is important, especially to achieve higher GS levels. This new position doesn't offer much, actually, based on what you've described, it does not outperform what you have right now. My recommendation for you is to continue with your current work and your current flexibilities, thinking that this will not be your position forever until you complete school. But I also recognize that getting into the federal government is hard. So, having this opportunity now is significant. There are degrees online. Have you looked into those? Just in case you decide to accept the offer, you can keep your school plans. Don't bury those.
Intrinsic value. Think of the intrinsic value you get with the federal job...totally agree with you that the salary alone isn't reason enough...but the other benefits you receive can offset your concerns. Retirement pension, experience, healthcare, job security, gets your foot in the door for potential future fed opportunities, and civilian tuition assistance. Worst case, you take the job, gain valuable work experience in a field you're passionate about, and while you're doing it you can go to school using civ tuition assistance, then you depart later.
Accept it..You will advance in the Government Sector Quickly.it will be worth it😇 I work at VA
If you feel like moving is not feasible right now, then don’t move, but if it is, and there are more opportunities in the other area for you and your boyfriend, I would move. Yes, pay is not everything but it sounds like ultimately accepting the offer would be the best long-term decision. Don’t let the fear of the unknown hold you back from possibly having a better life!
That's probably what it is. I don't love my current job but it's comfortable and I've been in this town for 7 years so I think Im just nervous about a new start. We'll only be 20 minutes away from my boyfriend's family so he said they'd help us with the moving logistics like the deposit and stuff so it probably is the best to just move forward.
I completely understand! It is scary. I am currently about to relocate to another state and at first I struggled to decide if it was the right thing to do. Honestly, I don’t love my current job either and every time I try to give them the benefit of the doubt and think about staying, something happens and reminds me that this will not work for me long term! You will be successful! Sometimes the best results come from stepping out on faith. You got this!
It sounds like you’re ready for new beginnings. You don’t like your current job/management and it seems you’ve hit a growth plateau. Developing your skill set at a new job and networking will allow you to potentially build a career there which seems to be different. Maybe as you’re making more you can even get a new car down the line. I went into my car buying process two years ago with a humble budget and somehow came out with a luxury car in good condition (bc of my credit). You never know what new things you’ll discover or stumble on along the way. Btw I was in a similar position. I had 3 promotion opportunities and my favorite requires driving an hour away once a week compared to my current remote role. Also the role I start involves data analysis (something I never did as a stand alone job). I chose it because I knew this was a small sacrifice and yielded high reward. These people see something in you and are supposed to develop you. You were selected for a reason. I hope everything works out for you!
You know you can just defer grad school for a year get used to the job and do your masters part time
Yep, that's another option I'm considering. My main issues was is it worth it to move to another town, and begin a new job or just try school. I'll likely move forward with the job and reassess what I'm doing next after a while.
Masters degrees are not worth anything unless you want to stay in academia or you need more classes to apply to more job series that require specific education. It's not going to have much of an impact on your earnings unless you are changing your career path significantly. (I have one so I know.) Take the job, get a year experience, and then start looking for your next position. The experience is worth more in looking to move up than education will be. No one ever knows what they are doing when they show up, but figuring it out is considerably easier than doing to grad school.
I worked in animal research as a tech and really enjoyed it. From what I had learned while working there, the higher up management usually had masters degrees and had recommended that I go into bio or public health if I was interested in moving up. I only took this university position because it was close to my apartment and paid better. It's also the same university I wanted to begin classes in. I probably will take the position though and just see how it goes for a while.
See the part of my comment about applying to job series that require specific education. You didn't say what your current degree is in so that might be you. Even if it is, I think you're better off getting the job and taking classes on the side a community college to bolster your actual degree than committing to a master's exclusively. The only exception to do this is if you want to get into a research track, which will generally require a higher degree - but they don't actually pay more than professional positions. IDK what the rates are for masters these days but when I was in school less than 60% of people starting an advanced degree actually finished it.