Tuesday, November 22, 2011

What Should I Do?

I am currently working at a very good paying job this forcing me to work in SQL, 95% of the time. I have never been trained in SQL but have picking up a bit over my years in the software development profession. Java has been my primary focus for several years and I like to program in Java. My current job is not showing me any future in java development.

Staying means I make a nice salary. More than I have ever made before. Nice benefits and a 401K. But every day is a drag. I have been here for over a year and I still have trouble with the their SDLC. I would like to say it is my fault but I see everyone clashing and checking in untested and undocumented code that does not work. They are attempting to use RAD to help them work better but it is a minimal effort.

Leaving means I may not find a comparably paying position. I do not plan to leave until I have a new job lined up but I have not worked in java for a year and a half. I try to keep up by doing some programming at home but it is not much. I have interviewed for a couple of positions that I did not get that were for a senior java developer. Maybe I should look for a mid-level java position.

My question is, should I stay at a good paying job that is not what I like to do or should I find a, possible, lesser paying job that is more in line with what I like to do?

Thanks for your help, in advance.

2 comments:

  1. Heyas, just happened across this by clicking your name by accident on another blog. In terms of advice, I would say it depends on your current financial commitments. That is, if college is paid for, debt is low or does not exist at all, then maybe taking a pay cut is not so bad. But then again, who can say... I would also factor in job security and advancement potential. Perhaps there is a leadership path ahead of you? That would be a reason to stay. One last thought: I see that your full real name is shown on this page. Be careful what you post that could find its way to your employer.

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  2. There is no advancement potential here. I have tried to find out how to move up but I am getting no where. I understand I may be as at fault as they are but I guess the bottom line is I don't like SQL programming. Maybe if I had decent tools but I doubt it.

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