Pros and cons

[Gentle Lamb]

Please help me gain some wisdom in this matter. In looking for a good job, what is most appealing? A higher hourly rate but minimum benefits, or a lower hourly rate with excellent benefits all around? What about looking for a retirement savings plan, is it worth it to have a lower hourly rate but a better retirement savings?

 

[SavedByGrace3]

Get into IT. Go to a local 2 year technical college and get an associates degree, or take some classes and get some quick certificates. My 3 sons all went the certificate route and they are in their 40s and all making 6 figures. 2 of them work from home.
I went back to college in 1997 and graduated with a degree in programming. I was employed before I graduated making 32 bucks an hour. After I graduated I doubled my pay. By 2017 I retired as a systems engineer making just short of 6 figures.
Best job I ever had.
Hint - get into a tech area and make yourself indispensable. You will be guarantied a job for as long as you want and your pay will constantly increase.
I would not waste my time getting a BA, Masters, or PHD. You will end up in debt, and will price yourself out of a job. The market needs people with skills to get things done.

 

[timothyu]

From personal experience I would say go for the benefits and less now. You have no idea what the future may bring especially regarding your ability to make a living. One thing that is true, if you make a lot now, you will spend a lot now which leaves the uncertain future empty. Better to think ahead because the older you get the faster it is over.

 

[JohnC101]

Please help me gain some wisdom in this matter. In looking for a good job, what is most appealing? A higher hourly rate but minimum benefits, or a lower hourly rate with excellent benefits all around? What about looking for a retirement savings plan, is it worth it to have a lower hourly rate but a better retirement savings?

It really depends on your situation. Having great benefits is a good deal if you go to the doctor often, or have multiple dependents that would need them, keep in mind that most health plans that you get through a job do cover emergency medical services, even if they're not so good otherwise. With regards to the retirement plan, having one is significantly better than not having one, if something happens, you can always draw from said plan in case of an emergency.

 

[Gentle Lamb]

Thanks for the excellent input everyone.

To @SavedByGrace3 , what sort of IT program would you recommend? Some of the certificate programs seem like scams. What are reputable websites for them if doing an online program?

 

[SavedByGrace3]

Thanks for the excellent input everyone.

To @SavedByGrace3 , what sort of IT program would you recommend? Some of the certificate programs seem like scams. What are reputable websites for them if doing an online program?

Your best bet would be to drop in to a councilor at your local tech/vocational school. These are run by the state and you can get this for no charge. They will have the poop on the possibilities and the when where, and how. Some have classes to achieve your goals.
Don't be turned off by the certificate path. Just get your councilor to show you the right path. It takes a little study and work. But you can buy study and test manuals that will help. Security is big now. Other son works with the auditing department of one of the nations largest insurance companies. 47 years old and looking to retire in 8 years. Then there is the PC maintenance route if you are more hands on. A+ certification if I recall.

 

[SavedByGrace3]

Your best bet would be to drop in to a councilor at your local tech/vocational school. These are run by the state and you can get this for no charge. They will have the poop on the possibilities and the when where, and how. Some have classes to achieve your goals.
Don't be turned off by the certificate path. Just get your councilor to show you the right path. It takes a little study and work. But you can buy study and test manuals that will help. Security is big now. Other son works with the auditing department of one of the nations largest insurance companies. 47 years old and looking to retire in 8 years. Then there is the PC maintenance route if you are more hands on. A+ certification if I recall. I was the interim IT director at the college for about a year. I was also on the hiring team. We would much rather have a interviewee with certificates and real experience than someone with a sheepskin and a feeling of entitlement.

 

[Gentle Lamb]

Thanks for the input @SavedByGrace3 , I really appreciate it, God bless you.