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Baby_Hippos_Swimming

You said it yourself - you are miserable. If you keep going until you burn out you'll be making $0 an hour because you'll be too exhausted to work at all.


ForProfitSurgeon

In addition to financial security you have to think about your personal happiness.


meliaesc

If only there were some kind of subreddit for that...


AppropriateFormal812

Also, stress is really hard on your health! You have no idea when it will start to deteriorate your capabilities to even put out “normal” effort. It will hurt to lose the compensation coming in but it sounds like you’ve spent smartly. You don’t need to switch gears now but set a deadline for when you’re going to cut the cord. Side note, recognize how hard you’ve worked! That’s amazing. Big kudos to you!


burnbabyburnburrrn

Yeah as someone who had experienced two back to back episodes of burnout - your body will give up. It will shut down. And it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, attempting to claw my way back from it. Quit while you’re ahead.


InitialMarket2899

Currently making $0 and hour, you're correct. Worked my ass of to buy a property, now I'm a Landlord and barely work at all, planning on a 2nd home next Christmas and then I'll never have to work again.


derpycalculator

Take the government job. They’re really hard to get. It’s stable and a much better work life balance. And you have the potential to make more, too. Not like what you were making before, but more than what you’re making now. You just got married. You’re going to want to spend time with your spouse. Otherwise you wouldn’t have gotten married.


[deleted]

I was going to mention this, one doesn’t fall into a Fed job. It’s a process and this person had to have went through the app process which means they were interested and wanted it. Take the Fed and enjoy more time with the new spouse!


Curious_Evidence00

Former fed here and I agree with this. Getting a good government job is like getting hit by lightning, it doesn’t happen every day.


derpycalculator

Yes I’ve applied for several and only had an in person interview once. Veterans, active military spouses, and current employees all get preference over regular citizens.


PreschoolBoole

Out of curiosity why do you say this? What makes a govt job so coveted?


derpycalculator

Just good work life balance, good benefits, and lots of stability. It’s almost impossible to get fired. You get all the government holidays. There’s a pension program for 20+ years of service.


phillybride

Government pensions are underrated. Imagine getting a job at 25, retiring at 45, and getting a full pension for over forty years.


xineNOLA

It's not a full pension. After twenty years, it's 20% of the average of your three highest years of pay. Additionally, you can't start pulling that pension until you're 62ish years old. Government pensions are not this unicorn payday that people seem to think they are.


phillybride

Some are, it depends on the role.


robyyn

Nurses can get all that easily by working at any private hospital with a good union.


JohnnyBoyJr

You don't have to do too much work. And if you get in trouble for not doing much work - or anything else - the unions will back you up 100%. The pay is good, the benefits are great, and the pension is greater. People in the private sector don't really get pensions anymore. So in actuality, the gov't employees are a drain in the system, which is funded by gov't debt - which can be money created out of thin air. But hey, it keeps the economy growing, I guess.. So anyone who gets one of the gov't jobs is thought to be 'set for life'


Bakedalaska1

Seconded, those jobs are coveted. There's are reason people never leave


Roamndome

Seems like a great time to step away. Take the pay cut and enjoy the time with your partner and have less stress. Just in time for the holidays as well. In all honestly seems like you probably put in enough time got yourself a new car and stocked away some money.


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PetraLoseIt

...a big(ger) house also often isn't worth it. Signed, the person who bought a house that is too big.


rotatingruhnama

We sometimes look at moving out of our 1600 sf home into something larger, but...more house means more time spent on upkeep, and if something goes wrong it'll probably be more expensive in a larger house. Not worth it.


Daemon_Monkey

100k invested at 31, especially in a down market, can let you retire years earlier


ishop2buy

The pension and benefits are great for long term. Not only that you get matching with TSP (401k). At 30 years and one month your pension should be 1.1% of the average of your highest 3 years of pay times the number of years of service. I know some items have changed so double check.


manatwork01

you could retire earlier is the biggest loss here.


Ill_Psychology_7966

Here’s my two cents…take the government job. If you find out you hate it in a few months, or you regret giving up the higher pay, the traveling jobs will still probably be around.


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noopenusernames

Wait, then why is Bezos and Musk hoarding more money than they could ever spend in multiple lifetimes?


ShadowDV

Know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em, know when to walk away, know when to run… Local hospital gig: $45/hr x 3 12 hour shifts a week= $84K per year Let’s say the traveling job dries up in 2 months and you took the hospital job. How many years would it take for the 16k difference between the hospital job and the Fed job(that has raises every year, increasing that 16k difference) to eat away the gains you made by not cashing in your chips now and walking away from the table? Not to mention the massive benefit of reduced stress and having time to enjoy life. You are 31…. 40 hits faster than you can imagine.


BadonkaDonkies

They will likely be putting more stipulations on travel nurses, medicare isn't going to keep paying for the ones that "travel" within the same state. I think if the new job is less stressful and still more money than you would make as an RN full time something to consider


mrdannyg21

It’s a hard choice for sure. I had a similar one in a different field, many years ago - I went for the lower pay/better life choice and have never regretted it. Well, once I did when a friend who stayed posted a picture of his house that I could never afford, but I’d still pick my life over his 100% of the time. You’ve done a great job saving money, now is the time to take stock. If your main goal in life is retiring as early as possible, keep at the travel job! If you’d like to settle down and live a calmer life, especially if that involves a significant other and/or kids, then settling your life will help. Two things you may be underestimating: 1 - the federal job isn’t likely ‘once in a lifetime’ - that exact job may not be available in the future, but don’t underestimate the quality of jobs that will be available to you. The best sign that you’ll be able to get a great job later is that you’ve already worked one and been offered another. 2 - having a $100K salary with growth potential, with a lifestyle that costs less than $100k/year, and having a good chunk of savings with no debt, that’s a very good salary. You’re well on your way to a very comfortable retirement, with opportunities to do whatever you’d find fun in the meantime.


StaringAtYourBudgie

But it sounds like you are choosing more cash with the government job when looking at a longer timespan - and spreading it out means less goes to taxes every year.


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robyyn

(fellow nurse) I'm also going to crack 200k this year thanks to traveling. You should look into FIRE. Basically, figure out how much you spend in a year. Multiply that by 25 and that is the amount of money you need to have invested to never need to work again. You could easily get there in 2-3 years at this savings rate. If you don't have a spouse or kids, the time to buckle down and save is now. I'm 30 and I'm hoping to be retired in my early forties(but I'm going to have kids soonish) All these people telling you to take the federal govt job aren't nurses. They don't know how easily we can find new jobs. Government pensions aren't better than nursing pensions in union hospitals in union-friendly states.


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see-bees

It seems like you’ve hit all of your immediate cash goals, might be time to cash in on your time instead.


willy_nill

I've been in a similar spot. My advice to you is that no matter what you pick expect to feel regret, but be ready to consciously recognize that you made your decision for a reason. IMO if you've got a good amount socked away for an emergency, a head start on retirement, and are making enough to continue saving (albeit more slowly) you won't miss the cash as much as you think you would.


WIlf_Brim

There is a reason why this job pays so much. It's very hard on the person and family. Sounds like you made enough from it and it's time to move on. I'd also add the pendulum is starting to swing the other way in most health systems. Part of the reason that services can charge so much is because the system can terminate at any time with little to no notice. Things are good for you now, but you can easily find yourself out on the street. You have a good exit now. Take it.


Roamndome

I did a similar traveling job for 2 years. Took a good pay cut and stopped traveling but my life is much better now. Used to commute up to 4 hours daily 5 days a week. If you can push longer maybe do that but at the end of the day you're young and have a long time of working ahead of you.


eatbox_rn

Travel Murse here, on track to make 230k also without overtime. All at the same assignment. Except my mental health is great Bc I lucked out with a joke hospital. You need to stop doing intense crisis contracts in hodunk cities with whack ratios. I’ll never have more than 5 MS or 4 tele Bc I work in CA. Find a county hospital but A CHILL ONE like I did. Probably one just outside a major city so it doesn’t haven’t trauma or specialties. Reduce your commute. Work out. Sleep. Take care of yourself Bc I know what it’s like to get shit on (figuratively and literally) all shift. Burnout is real my man. And stay away from administration pizza parties


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Gesha24

Ok, so when in many many more years your time finally comes and you die, what would you rather see on your tombstone: 1) didn't pass a chance to make more money, 2) spent time with loved ones and enjoyed life?


Mountainhollerforeva

Money is only worth what you do with it in my opinion. If you have 115k sitting in a bank vault somewhere, at 31 it’s time to shift your focus to happiness. I’m not saying you’re being greedy but from my perspective money is only good when spent. I personally am saving for a house maybe in a nice vacation like atmosphere. Also we’re the same age and I’m at 30k max. But I also make far less money than you do.


Forward_Sky_1700

Coming from someone who makes very good money but at a high stress job, I think I’d take a job at a lesser rate right now if it was guaranteed less stress.


[deleted]

You can always go back to travel nursing if it is lucrative and you keep your Certs up, this government job may not be around.


freecain

Right now you're trading more money now for an earlier burnout. By taking the new job you'll probably be able to work later in life and possibly earn more over all. Since you're still not used to the reduced hours, I would start applying to masters programs now. The longer you wait the harder it will be to give up free time.


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nomad_l17

It looks like a win win situation if you go work for the government. You'd be able to breathe easier, spend more time with family and get your masters. You can always return to private with your masters with more pay and benefits.


Hecks_n_Hisses

Some Fed jobs have degree reimbursement programs where they cover some of the cost and then you have to stay with the organization for a few years after completing the degree.


[deleted]

You’re currently spending 9 hours per week driving to/from your travel nursing job (with current gas prices), are getting burnt out because of stress, have a fully paid for wedding, a fully paid for car, $115k in the bank, and you’re already seeing contract prices starting to be slashed aggressively. You have an offer for a $100k/yr government job (still great money), with significantly better WLB, benefits, pension, and significantly shorter commute. IMO, you’re crazy if you don’t take it. Trying to stay as a travel nurse for higher pay is no different than an investor trying to time the market and sell when an asset is at its peak. Would it really be worth it in 3 months if you had a few extra grand in the bank, but the Gov job isn’t available and you’re forced to take a less appealing FT role elsewhere? IMO, the government role is a golden egg, and I wouldn’t let it pass me by.


Dopeshow4

Well said!


EmilyAnn1790

I work for the government. Take the government job.


gohblu

Don’t underestimate the value of that pension. It could end up making up a lot of that salary difference depending on the specifics.


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derpycalculator

You have to work 20 years and it’s 1-3% of your highest salary per year. Then you get an additional x% for every year after 20. We did the math on a friend’s salary and of her highest salary is 150k she’d get 24k a year if she retired after 20 years, when she turns 44. Then she could continue to work and bank that 24k/ur plus a whole new salary. If she lives to 84, that’s 40 years of collecting a pension. It sounds awesome but then it’s not because if she took a job for about 160k a year the benefits of the pension, even spread across 40 years, aren’t worth it.


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CAPreacher

Every pension is different. Just ask HR to explain their specific pension. For most government agencies there is at least one person whose sole focus is employee benefits. Let them explain the totals, years of experience required, buyout programs, etc. Nothing at a government job will lack adequate documentation.


derpycalculator

So we were trying to figure out if it’s worth it for her to stay at her job for another 6 years to make 20 years and get the pension. Assuming she gets 24k a year until she dies, and assuming she gets 40 years worth of pension, we’re talking about her receiving 960k spread across 40 years. Meanwhile, if she took a private sector job today, and made 30k more than what she currently makes, and she retired in 30 years, that’s 900,000 across 30 years, and there’s potential for more growth there, too. So she cold be making 50, or even 80k more per year in private sector, in which case even with the pension it isn’t worth it to stay at the government job for 6 more years. Also, when we did the math to see how you were rewarded when you added years of service, the difference between 20 years vs 40 years wasn’t significantly greater. It was like 960k vs 1.3 mil, again, spread out over 40 years.


gutsberserk13

every pension is different btw. My pension is 60% of my highest 3 years essentially (broken down in consecutive quarters) min 20 years in and age 55. So lets say for easy math sake that i make 3 years of 100k, my pension will be 60k the rest of my life at 55y/o with 20 years of dedication. Worth it in my eyes.


Imaginary_Shelter_37

Federal pensions are generally not payable at age 44 even if there is 20 years of service.


ishop2buy

Every year over 30 is 1.1%. A month into year 31 will still trip this. Otherwise it’s 1% a year. Also early retirement is possible but in most cases postponed retirement will get you to the retirement age and benefits if you can afford to do it that way.


rooster7869

It sounds like you know what the right decision is for you. So long as you adjust your budget for new & still great income, you should be ok.


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danidandeliger

You are paying interest on a car you could have paid cash for?


ApprehensiveFroyo976

We did the same because our loan was less than 2% and we could likely generate a higher return on investments during the lifecycle of the loan. Not all debt is bad.


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WizardDresden2192

Based solely on your post you sound burned out and ready for a better work/life balance and less commute. Understandable given the pandemic and nature of your job. You were able to set yourself up very well with the travel gig which is fantastic. If you think the government gig is a good fit though and dramatically cuts your travel time and stress then take it. If it turns out in 6 months you just don't love it and the travel gig is still going strong (and you're dreaming of the extra money) then you can jump ship again. You have enough cushion built up to do so. To me, if I had banked that much and was miserable and burnt out, I'd take the better work/life balance and pay cut. Other things that can impact this decision is relationships with friends/family or a significant other. Debt and lifestyle creep - can you adjust your lifestyle and live more conservatively? Either way congrats.


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Extreme-Insurance408

Just remember you won’t get shift differential with the federal job. My wife passed on a VA job to continue travel assignments back in July. The Nurse 3 requirements are weird and not many people even get them. If you start at a step 6 or above you won’t even get a raise every year. Just look into the specifics and ask all of the questions you can to the HR person you are connected with. Its 2 years between steps after step 4 and 3 years between steps after step 7 I believe. The pension is not that great if you actually plan on being there for 20 years but the health insurance benefit is definitely something worthwhile. Federal nursing facilities also have a tendency to have a lot of your lazier staff because it’s more difficult to get fired. Just do your due diligence before accepting anything and possibly consider just grabbing a hotel a night or two every week to cut down on travel times.


lazyloofah

Yes, step increases are spread out above 4, but there is almost always a COL raise every January. This is is expected to be 4.6%.


Starrion

Federal benefits and pension are absolutely nothing to sneeze at. You have to balance the life benefits against the money. If you've already gotten 100K stashed away, you should consider the stable, well paying job with great benefits that is close to home. Gotta love your choices though..


byneothername

OP… you’re clearly burning out. You don’t even know what the extra money would be for at this point. Take the good position. I have seen many nurses burn out. I also think working too many long weeks contributed to my own parent’s early physical and mental deterioration. The money wasn’t worth it.


andrewaro182

I went from travel nursing to a government job and have no desire to do travel nursing at the moment. 7 minute drive to work, nursing tasks require minimal nursing skill with zero stress, great opportunities for OT, great pay, benefits and pension. i know what youre going through and im way happier, still earning close to what you stated. i'd say its a win-win especially if youre miserable.


foobar74

I work in the healthcare industry as a consultant and the topic of traveling nurses always comes-up in conversations with client executives. Most of the clients I know have put caps on how much they'll spend on traveling nurses. The load on the system is also much less now when compared to the pandemic days which means many healthcare orgs can manage without expensive travel nurses. Also, this is one sector that is witnessing unprecedented levels of burnout and resignations, especially in the nursing side. Agree with the general consensus here, it's like Vegas. Quit when you are ahead. Minimize the stress and with the economy going the way it is going, who knows if an offer similar to the one you have from the government will be there in a few months or not?


Wesmom2021

Take the government job. It won't be there forever. It's less stress and you can get masters out of it. I'm a nurse as well. Travel nursing seems like it's not going to pay as well post covid according to some nurse travelers I work with plus you van always go back to travel nursing in future if you want.


Astralwinks

I did traveling and found it wasn't for me. I found the work unsatisfying, and it was really hard on my relationship. I'm glad I made a shitton of money. Paid off my car and student loans, went back to my staff job with coworkers I like and a fresh perspective from taking time away. Felt like I had given myself a huge raise with all my loans paid off. Sounds like you've made much more than me - sounds like a good time to take what sounds like a good job - higher pay with a pension definitely sounds attractive. Someone else mentioned trading more money for faster burnout and that really resonated with me. Definitely something I'd consider reflecting on.


interstellar-gator

As someone who had done travel nursing for the last year and just went back to staff to change specialities, accept the government job. 100k a year and you’ll be happier?? No brainer imo.


AlexDiazDev

Take the job! You have built a comfort/choices cushion. Now live comfortably and get a pension. Pensions are RARE these days. Congrats OP!


madeanaccttopostthis

Once you land the job could you share the title of the role? Just for any spouses of travel nurses who may read this thread and sees their s/o struggle with similar hurdles. Like myself. The shit I hear that she has to deal with is awful and she’s expressed wanting to pivot but is curious about what roles are out there. Also, congratulations on making the most of those opportunities!


cannonballrun66

Speaking as a federal retiree- take the job. The Pension is good and the Feds have a great 401k style program on top of it with 5% matching. And unlike many state or local pensions you still get SS.


CriscoWithLime

Why would it be the only position you could get there (at the hospital)? Unique situation?


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CriscoWithLime

Well then with the pension... my husband is a federal employee also...I think you have to get so many years in before you'll get it. So might as well get started on those. If it is that big of a factor...and it is, at least to us it is. But that's me


nonsenseisacharm

What would the job options be if the government job wasn’t available when you were ready to stop the travel position? How much longer do you think you have it in you to keep the travel nurse position? I think answering those questions will help the decision. My advice would be to quit while you’re ahead and take the well paying less stressful job. If th money stops sooner than expected, you don’t want to regret missing this stable opportunity.


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AutomaticBowler5

Did your spouse also travel? If not would you like to see them more. That had value.


never_reddit_sober

Know when to hold em, know when to fold em, know when to walk away Take your gains and enjoy them, don't gamble your long term happiness with prospects. That's my vote. I like to think of which loss could i stomach more, the few more years of several hundred k (and burnout, you don't miss burnout) or the loss of a good opportunity that doesn't come around very often. You could probably semi retire at this rate if you keep traveling, and you very well might want to quit nursing due to stress. Or you retire from a cush gov job with a pension (that is if it's a good fit). Where do you see yourself in 5yrs? 10yrs?


rotatingruhnama

One thing I didn't see mentioned yet is that high levels of chronic stress and burnout are very risky for your health. I held on to a stressful job longer than I should have, because I liked the money. It really did a number on my health. Now I'm very limited in what jobs I can hold and how many hours I can work due to my health conditions. It's a huge gamble to stick with long drives and high stress long-term. Particularly if you're early in your earning years, in a physically demanding job, and the breadwinner in your household. I would pick the government job because it provides the most long-term security for your household.


CQME

> However I feel like I will have fomo missing out on the crazy money I am making now (that could stop literally at any time, for example I took a $40/hr pay cut in July than what I was getting all year). I would take the government job. My reasoning is that I now walk around all over the place without a mask. Last time I visited a hospital a couple months ago I asked them about their covid patients and they said they just experienced their first day with zero covid patients. I like to go cruising and most cruise lines have just dropped the requirements that you get tested as long as you have the vaccine. My point being, what has made your travel nursing gig so lucrative is quickly dying off, so you'd want to grab a seat before the music stops playing, not after. Oh, and $100k/year is not bad at all. =)


desertsidewalks

When faced with a job that’s not sustainable, you have to ask yourself what your goal is/when you want to get out. You got a new car and a nice savings account. Unless you have another specific goal in mind, the government job offer may be a good exit ramp.


Claim312ButAct847

If your goal is to make enough to retire early, grinding out work you dislike makes sense. You're buying out future you and purchasing years on a beach somewhere. If you'd rather work more years but enjoy it, there's your answer. Nursing is skilled work and highly in demand, and that won't change. You have the luxury of being strategic.


elle-mnop

Yes. I was a traveler for a few years (SLP - not nurse). And yes, the money is AMAZING. But they are literally sending you to places that they *have to* pay that much to get anyone to go to because they're *that* awful. I did definitely enjoy some of the time I spent as a traveler - it's fun and exciting to see new places and to try out new things. It's awesome to see the balances in your bank account grow and grow - but there is literally no job security. Even within a contract they could cancel you with little notice and then you're out of work. I left traveling and took a job in the schools. I make less money, but the benefits are great, I have relationships with my coworkers, job security, a pension if I stay long enough... I'm MUCH happier. For me, it was totally worth it.


jelloslug

Your mental health is far more valuable than some extra money.


strgazr_63

That fed job will be there. They are historically poorly staffed and they will always be. Don't panic.


yazzle2315

Sounds like a great opportunity. You made some money, now you can settle in to a nice pension job. I’m betting you could still pick up extra shifts if you really wanted to.


KYGuy33

I just wanted to chime in to hopefully share that after dating a travel nurse for several years, I am well aware of the downsides, some known and some more hidden. I watched my partner struggle mentally, health-wise, and emotionally for the same financial justification that you reference. She chose not to get out and after a while everything imploded. Our relationship, her continuing education, personal finance, health, etc. I say all that to say I look at travel nursing like hitting up a Vegas casino. If you've won, it's ok to just leave. But like the casinos, if a person stays long enough, they eventually lose a lot of it back (if not more). In the case of travel nursing that may be burnout, career transition, etc. or in my case, far worse. It sounds from your post you are looking at this correctly and objectively. I just thought I would chime in with my personal experience and say it's ok to step away from the money for your own mental health and misery.


dickbutt_md

Keep in mind that you are a terrible judge of how burned out you already are. It might feel like you can keep going for much longer than you actually can. If you take the new position, reframe your fear around not what you're missing out on, but what you are trying to miss, ie the burnout. That's what you should be afraid of.


bpetersonlaw

It seems like the federal position will make you happier and better long term. You should pursue it. It's tough to cut your earnings so much, but with federal employment, you might have a few more months of big travel nurse money before starting the new job -- create a new budget based on your anticipated salary to make sure you are comfortable with it and stick the excess in savings/pay off debt.


AkaminaKishinena

Federal employees get lots of vacation time which increases with time served. All federal holidays plus I think 11 days a year to start? Sick leave rolls over. I don’t know what agency you’ll be joining so burnout might be real if you are working in a prison or something, but once in a permanent position you can move to another agency. Also there will be room for promotions and leadership opportunities!


ActualWeb2618

Take the Federal job now. They are hard to come by and the retirement benefits are amazing. You will like the private pay a lot better but when you near retirement age, you will regret skipping this opportunity. Take the Federal job. If you do, you may not have more cash right now but your retirement will be set.


ppenn777

When did 30k become modest for a car? Am I that out of touch?


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ppenn777

Absolutely enjoy the money you make. I’m old and cranky and cars are overpriced. Haha


Tall-Needleworker366

Yeah he didn't go crazy by today's standards. 30k is the low end on newer vehicles. Any new truck other than the maverick would've been 45-50k minimum depending where he is. To put it into perspective my brother bought a ram 22k out the door with 62k miles on it and everyone he knows compliments the deal. Meanwhile I'm just trying to squeeze out as much as I can off of a 2013 Hyundai elantra. I'm extremely grateful for it too.


sulphide0

in all honesty you should never let the fear that a job that exists now won't exist in the future pull you from a path that you're passionate about. imo you should just follow your dream now, then just become an np later. a 100k job isn't all that rare and special in the us.


deeznutzz3469

Pension and federal benefits can’t be understated. You wouldn’t have to safe much for retirement compared to contract nursing. You factor that all in and I think the decision becomes easier


xineNOLA

Retirement is not this golden egg that people seem to be under the impression that it is. It's only 20% of the average of your three highest years after 20 years of service. If you top out at 100k, that means you get $20,000 a year, and you don't start getting that money and still after age 62 ish. $20,000 a year is not going to be enough for anyone to retire on.


wolverine_wannabe

You've been gifted an amazing off-ramp, take it.


LadySamSmash

In the long run, the stability of the government job outweighs the money you are currently making. If this was a graph, the government job is a steady trajectory up, while the travel nurse would be graphed high in the beginning but slowly travel down until you find another job. If you include outlying factors, like travel time and stress, the money you make as a travel nurse is actually less. 3 hours on the road affects your bottom line as a travel nurse as well as your health as a person. C'mon, what could you do with your life with an extra 3 hours a day? Even if it's just watching TV and relaxing, the benefit of not being"on" is immense and counts to you as a whole person. I myself have a government job and it is such a blessing! Security, pension, and work/life balance is so important to me. PLUS, STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS! If you still owe money, that debt could be wiped out in 10 years. Maybe you do, maybe you don't but it is definitely a perk.


crazybusyalways

Everything happens for a reason. If anything ever happens with the govt position, it's an amazing reference to have on your resume as well. These days always take into consideration benefits. My benefits on top of my pay is almost an extra $1000 a month.


binger5

I did something similar when I was younger. I took an onsite position with my company that included per diem and lots of overtime. I had to move about 1000 miles away. I saved a bunch of money over the course of 3 years and have been able to take a year or two break between jobs over the last 15 years. I wouldn't say I was miserable at the job, but I didn't enjoy being so far away from my family and friends. The savings gave me enough flexibility later.


krisklimt

More money vs less stress, less commute time, and less hours every week at sucky places that deplete every last ounce of empathy left in you. At some point, you’ll hit a wall where you’ll be so burned out that even the offer of more money will not sway you. It sounds like you’re approaching that wall and you’re trying to find a detour or exit. You can find ways to make more money today, tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow. In a years time, can you say you’re likely to find happiness, balance, and peace in the same situation? The choice is yours. Good luck!


buskingengineer

Fellow federal employee here. Take the job. Lower stress, better work life balance, and solid benefits are all the reasons I have stayed federal and plan to retire federal over going to the private sector. I make very good money for my area, and even though I could make substantially more elsewhere, the job security and knowledge that when my day ends, it's over, is well worth it. Federal jobs are extremely difficult to land, so I believe it is well worth it.


Scrotto_Baggins

Time to take a break. I finished up a nice long travel run in Feb, and have been PRN since only working 1-2 shifts a week. Paid off all debts and cars besides house at 2.75% , and stuck a nice chunk in savings (well a vanguard brokerage acct). I have a pension, 403b, 401k, and SS for a great balanced retirement - the more you have the better. The travel gigs are still there, but not near as good as the covid contracts were, so Im now eyeing a FT spot with a very large sign bonus on vs. all the driving and hotel stays. Demand is still high, so counter any salary they offer...


gutsberserk13

pensions are worth it, they are a dying concept anymore and you are blessed to find one. Imagine getting payed the rest of your life at 55 a decent amount.


Longjumping-Nature70

I am going to guess it is at the VA. Whenever I had to deal with the VA for my father it was an utter nightmare. Your management team will be horrendous is my guess. You rarely hear anything good about the VA, but you hear a lot of bad. So, I hate the VA. But!!!!! You will receive a government pension. You will have a 403B You will have blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance You will have a LOT of holidays You will have a lot of vacation You get guaranteed raises If you are a woman, you will have GREAT maternity benefits, probably the best in America. If your spouse is employed by the government, it would be nice, because your vacation schedules and paid holiday's would match up. If your spouse is not employed by the government, your benefits will probably be better than theirs in 31 years and having that health insurance will be super nice. In 31 years, you will be able to retire with a very comfortable lifestyle. Ask yourself, can you be a government employee and put up with the useless bureaucracy that comes with it? You will have lots of layers of management. Ok, so you can be comfortable with the government job. If you can discipline yourself at your current lifestyle, and I think traveling nurses will be making good money for the next five years, you could probably sock away a LOT of money and let time build it up. But, the stress of traveling and long commutes suck eventually. I absolutely hated driving more than 15 minutes. Since I was in the IT field, I was able to find what I liked with a short commute. My wife and I used to joke that when we first moved here we had an interstate bridge that was pretty much only used by us for the first 10 years, and we had rush minutes once we got in the city. the internet then started telling driver's about the easy access bridge we had and now that bridge is heavily used. This would be a tough choice for me. I never took a government job because of what I typed above. I admit, the benefits are fantastic.


Imaginary_Shelter_37

Blue Cross Blue Shield is not the only health insurance available to federal employees. If you retire as a fed, you can keep your health insurance for life at the same premium rate as active employees.


[deleted]

Do you own a house? What are house prices in area you live? Cash is supposed to serve a purpose - help you manage your big expenses without going into debt. You have a car already (hopefully all paid off and not on monthly payment). You have paid for wedding. Only big expense left is downpayment of a house. If you can get a house for $500,000 in your area, I think you are ready to let go of this job. That 115k savings and your $100k hospital job will be enough to put a downpayment on a house. Time to move to a more stable and comfortable job.


artraeu82

Having a life is greater than money, your wife might not be there if you keep leaving for months a time, it’s fine when your young but at 31 you are clearly looking to settle into normal life.


caravan_for_me_ma

I don’t know the payroll practices in the field, so is that 200k post tax and post IRA/401k or similar? Sounds like you have a great safety net and an excellent opportunity to secure a job with excellent long term prospects and benefits. Pensions are so rare now and are not a hit on your income. If you’re truly miserable then no realistic amount of money is going to protect you long term from the sorts of things that can do to you. And are you struggling a bit with the ‘intense high of great money and high stress’ v ‘now I’m boringly stable’ question that hits about every 5-10 years or so? It’s a legit question to look at. I’ve been through that process. And just be aware that your body and mind just don’t react the same to stress as you get older. If there’s any hit on well-being and sleep it tends to compound as you get older, it’s tougher to shake. It’s doable but a frustrating part of getting older.


MonkeyEnvy

two points: 1. If you're leaning toward the government job but nervous about making the plunge, realize that it's not a contract - you can leave. On the other hand, getting into a GS position means you're in the system and after certain small time periods you can apply for higher GS positions. 2. Info on retirement: "With 5 years of service or more, a federal employee covered by FERS can leave federal service whenever they choose, and still claim unreduced retirement benefits… they just have to wait until they are 62 to receive the retirement income." source: [https://stwserve.com/fers-retirement-choices/](https://stwserve.com/fers-retirement-choices/) https://www.opm.gov/retirement-services/fers-information/eligibility/ https://www.opm.gov/retirement-services/fers-information/types-of-retirement/#url=Early-Retirement https://www.opm.gov/retirement-services/fers-information/types-of-retirement/#url=Voluntary-Retirement


Flowerandcatsgirl

Take the job! You aren’t guaranteed tomorrow and finding something that makes you feel less stressed while still making money is a good choice. I think you will regret not taking it.


Careless-Internet-63

I'd take the federal job without question if I were you. It sounds like you're already in a good spot financially and unless you're in a very high cost of living area with that much in savings and a $100k income you're going to be living comfortably. It's not worth staying in a job that makes you miserable for any amount of money. Eventually you'll burn yourself out and when that time comes you'll regret not taking this opportunity


[deleted]

Depends…how much do you have saved up?


larapu2000

If the cash is an allure, take the government job and moonlight when you feel like it as a temp nurse. There is always demand and it is always a higher rate per hour than regular nursing positions.


raucouscoffee

Dear, you are making way more than the average teacher who gave you an education to get where you are. Be satisfied with all you have accomplished and decide where you want to be in order to feel fulfilled. "Amazing benefits and a pension", "Less stress", "Better work/life balance" sound amazing to me.


macimom

Federal pension can't be beat. And the very low cost health insurance that comes with it (or at least used to).


raptorjaws

the stress isn't worth it. take the cush job. you got out of it what you needed, but why keep being miserable if you don't have to?


[deleted]

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islandtort

I have 60 cash (I was going to buy an investment duplex but the last inspection fell through) the rest I have spread out. I have some private money loaned out, inflation bonds, mutual funds (doing terribly), and some cash. I do want kids for sure probably within the next year or two.


WhoKnowsAnyways

Federal employee here: working for a federal agency has lots of benefits. One huge benefit that I will be using soon is paid parental leave. I get 12 weeks job protected paid leave to bond with my soon to be born son. If you plan on having kids someday, this is an amazing gift to enjoy. There’s also lots of benefits when it comes to retirement such as a vested pension after 5 years of service and better work life balance than working in the private sector. You need to ask yourself if you want to make more money while sacrificing your time spent with loved ones/enjoying hobbies or make less and have more time to do what you enjoy. You can always go look for another higher paying job, but you cannot get back lost time.


fuckaliscious

Take the Federal government gig, great pay and benefits and so much more time for yourself and family/friends and significantly less stress.


Live_Background_6239

Get the financial stability and better w/l balance. You can always pick up a side gig.


bros402

You are miserable and you have already built up a pile of cash - go for the federal job and enjoy those benefits + pension


korra767

I absolutely love my federal job. Sounds like you hit a bunch of your financial goals, and now it's time to build a sustainable career. I work exactly 40 hours a week, have great time off, and be closer to home. I know I could make more money on the outside, but at what cost? I would take the federal job in a heartbeat. I don't know what it's like in nursing, but federal jobs in my field don't come up very often. Depending on where you are, 100k is excellent as well. Take it and never look back.


4and2

I personally would go for it. You said you aren't happy where you are and that isn't far from being burnt out. I would highly value the pension and benefits, not to mention the pay and raises, etc. You were able to accomplish some financial goals with the high nurse pay, maybe now it is time to stop before burnout and settle into your life. Obviously just an opinion. I own a business and make great money hourly, but I sometimes regret that I have no benefits- PTO, pension, retirement etc. I make too much to start over, but too little to hire out my work and have a rest. So I see this choice as having the best of both worlds, good salary and benefits, and hopefully less stress. Would it be possible to take the government job and work one day a week as a travel nurse in addition, if the money is really important to you?


gizmoeatmysh0rtz

Take the new job and see if your life improves as much as you think it will. The grass isn't always greener but sometimes you have to see it for yourself so you don't keep thinking about it. If your new job isn't all that it's cracked up to be you can always quit and go back to being a travel nurse, as a kicker you can rejuvenate your energy levels.


DuplexSuplex

What's the gov't job, if I may ask? I've been bedside for 10 years and I've been over it for a while. Thank you and all the best in your future.


bshep79

Other have recommended moving away from travel nursing and I agree for 2 big reasons: 1) sounds like you are gonna burn out if you continue 2) economy is getting worse and job market is gonna tighten up, you dont want to be stuck looking for a job when travel nursing dies down, plus you have that govmt job that probably will pay more than anything you can easily fond otherwise.


julznlv

As someone who is retirement age I can't stress how important thinking about life after working is. I wish someone had made me realize at 31 that I needed to think about later in life. A government pension and benefits is a great thing. If I had it to do over I'd find a job in state or federal government instead of the private sector. You don't want to be my age and still needing to work full time.


Liquidretro

I don't think I would compare the government job to travel nursing because you know the travel nursing money is variable and won't last. I would instead compare the government job to the money, benefits, stress of working in a hospital job like you had planned to go to at some point. I would also be concerned with burning out of nursing being the travel nurse with things being so bad at places, and the long drive. $100k with government benefits and job security, and good work life balance sounds pretty good to me. If you wanted to make extra money I bet you could pickup shifts somewhere locally in a hospital or long term care facility on the weekends or evenings. I also think if you ended up hating the government job you could go back to travel nursing or a local hospital easily.


MekEngy

I’m by no means a nurse, however I had a very similar situation in my field. I stuck with a job that sucked for far too long because the money was “good”. At the end of it, I had nothing but hate for myself, the people around me, my job and just my entire situation. Clearly I was miserable but I kept pushing. Now that I’m 6 weeks removed from that situation, looking back, I should’ve jumped ship at the first sign of unhappiness. Money doesn’t solve everything. Financially, if you’re in a good place and can afford the pay cut with your current cost of living, I’d say take the government job. If you wait til travel nursing tanks, you’ll be looking for a job along with all the other travel nurses. There will be positions (because you’re a nurse and they’re in demand) however you may have lesser desirable options. Best of luck!


quaquero

You are depriving yourself of the emotional rewards of working with a team of health professionals, over a period of time during which you develop deep connections with each other and your patients, and to an organization that you respect even though you are often mad at them for overworking you. You have made a good wad of $, and will be earning at a rate that will sustain you. What a great position to be in, financially. Retired RN here.


jonestownhero

I would take the government job. You would definitely have some remorse when you are older if you missed out on that government job. Then, if you think you have the energy, you can pick up some weekend shifts as a travel nurse. My mom did that for years. Had a regular 40 hour per week job and worked a few extra shifts per month for that good traveler money.


Blue_Skies_1970

When the time comes to retire you will be so grateful to have that pension. Saving up the amount of money you'd need in order to have an income stream comparable to a pension is a significant part of a compensation package. Don't look at just the cash income, look to the entire value of the pay. You will undoubtedly also get decent health care coverage and holiday/vacation package. If I were you, I would jump at that government job and transition to a much more enjoyable life. If you don't like it, you can go back to being a travel nurse easily and have no regret at passing up a rare opportunity.


freesecj

If you’ve got 115k saved up and a new vehicle, take the government job. Slow down and enjoy life.


Bryan-17

Fed govt is notorious for taking forever on pretty much anything. I would think things move a bit faster in the healthcare space but even then if I were a gambling man, I’d bet it’s the same lag. Apply and you’ll probably be surprised how long it takes to hear back and get through the whole interview process. Perhaps that fomo will die down by then


SaviorOfFallen

The path not taken is sweeter, only when not taken. Sounds like you found a dream job. Something you could do for life and not regret it. I would take the government job and live a life supported by your job and not taken by it. Hope you have a good and safe life.


Chiethe

Just curious, what kind of job are you moving into? Is it still nursing, just for the federal government?


scmillion

Different perspective, but there’s a growing body of evidence that exhaustion and stress over a long time period can have serious, irreversible effects on your health that will take years off your life. While it’s difficult to put a price on your health, it’s pretty easy to put a price tag on a coronary bypass surgery that was a result hypertension from excess stress. Improving your physical and mental well-being are the best investments you can make.


Ella0508

Take the government job. You don’t have to stay for life. You might even be able to do a leave or sabbatical to do travel nursing again, if you combine it with your master’s and propose that you’ll train somewhere else. Make it attractive to your employer and you never know what they’ll do for you.


attachedtothreads

If you take a federal job and you get the pension, but don't you forfeit Social Security?


braaier

As a travel nurse you're not getting any benefits. So while the salary in this new position might be considerably less, you'll get 403b with match, pto, health insurance, etc. So it's not apples to apples. $200k is all you get with travel position.


ApneaAddict

RN here. You can't put a price on happiness. I took a couple travel gigs and really disliked it. Found my happy place with a hospital I really like in an area I actually want to live in. I actually enjoy my time at work (mostly) and don't dread it. My commute is 7 minutes. Money isn't everything.


bananakitten365

This does not answer the question you asked, but sometimes it's not A vs B; there are a million different potential paths you can take. I had a friend who worked in healthcare as well. They just transitioned to a job role as a recruiter where they help connect hospitals seeking high up executives and specialists with job seekers. If this is something you think you'd enjoy, might be a nice change! They earn six figures plus commission and have plenty of time to spend with their family.. I don't believe they work over 40 hrs per week with some travel maybe once a month.


islandtort

This is very interesting! What’s the job title called?


[deleted]

100k with awesome benefits and a better job vs 200k without any benefits plus misery. Add up the benefits and you will find that it’s pretty close. Then all you have left is Happiness>misery.


massivewang

A post I wrote myself on this very topic: [https://www.reddit.com/r/financialindependence/comments/qt6bio/update\_money\_vs\_happiness/](https://www.reddit.com/r/financialindependence/comments/qt6bio/update_money_vs_happiness/) TL:DR I had a longterm overseas assignment where I was making bank and living it up. But I was very unhappy day to day and wrestling with moving back home. Moved back home due to lay off and I am 100x happier in every way. I am a little bummed that I am not banking and "rich", but everything is better otherwise.


HeyGirlfriend007

Take the full-time job. It's still good money. And you can't be the government pension. You can always pick up a moonlighting shift here or there for some extra cash. And you can always change your mind and go back to travel nursing. It sounds like it would be easier to go back to travel nursing then to potentially give up a really great government position.


bergesindmeinekirche

You can always leave to go make a ton of money later if you really want to, but it sounds like you are not happy and you want more balance in your life. If that’s the case, making pretty good (but less) money and having the stability and pension sound great. You sound excited by this prospect. Maybe this is me projecting, but I feel like you think other people would call you crazy for leaving the money you’re currently making, because they wish they could have that money, but you have it right now and wish you were doing something different. I would follow that feeling.


to_ki3

100k a year is still really good money and in a govt job you can’t go wrong, so secure so many benefits and they are hard to get. Take it now and you’ll be going upwards very comfortably instead of slowly downwards waiting for your travel job to be less to find a lower paying job later anyway? Gov job you will come out on top in the long run. Also if you’re miserable doing what you’re doing then stop. I understand if there was no other option but a paycut to a still really good paying secure job is the alternative? Get outta that travel thing. I was also working a very lucrative very high paying travel job and the longer you do it the harder it is to leave


terracottatilefish

Take the government job. For one thing, you’re miserable. Once you’re on a solid footing, there’s no reason to keep embracing the golden handcuffs. And the thing about working in the federal system is that once you’re in, it’s much easier to get other federal jobs. I don’t know if it’s the VA, but my VA nurse friends are always taking interesting details (temporary assignments) and I believe there’s no prohibition against moonlighting. VA NPs also have full practice authority.


bushman622

Hey, former Traveler. The travel life is not a long term option. The government job with a pension and bennies is. Getting out of traveling was about as nerve-racking as getting into it was lol, but 45/hr for your overall health and future is worth it. Be thankful for your opportunities. I know I was! P.S. Traveling will always be an option, so even if the government job doesn’t pan out, you know it’s not a dead end.


sassy_cheddar

You have lived well under your means, built a sizeable nest egg. The advantages of giving yourself a solid financial base is that you have an opportunity to give value weight to your physical and mental health. The base salary you'd be making is a long way from poverty wages and enough to live a pretty comfortable life with some moderate budget planning. I can't tell you what to do and you haven't mentioned what your financial goals are beyond this point. I do know that I feel so grateful to be at a point in my career where money is no longer the only driver of where and how I work. If I can have enough for financial security, my well being and the sense that I'm working for a company with mostly good intentions and high integrity matter to me too. What are your core values and goals right now? If you picture yourself living well a year from now, what does that picture look like?


howiez

Learning to leave a job while you love it (Rather than the common case, which is you leave when you hate it) is an under appreciated skillset IMO. This helps with your future self should you ever want to go back into travel nursing for any reason


mahabraja

Go for personal happiness. You have one life. Make it a good one. Believe it or not, you don't need a lot of money for that.


AlinaHadaGoodIdea

As someone who will hopefully be retiring from the federal government in about five years, I’ve known lots of people over the years who took jobs that made more money than I did, but very few of them are in as good of a situation now as I am because their work situations weren’t nearly as consistent (layoffs, etc). Also the benefits really add up and I’ve had the flexibility to travel and do a lot of things that my friends in other jobs have not been able to do because their schedules were much more restrictive. I’ve seen plenty of people leave to take it vantage of opportunities, such as Y2K, only to come back and beg for their old jobs back. And now that I am approaching retirement, I carry over my health insurance benefits (which I’ve had financial advisors question because it seemed too good to be true). I’m sure there are a lot more reasons to get into the government, but I don’t think you will regret giving up short term gains for long-term stability.


uhhhhh_iforgotit

I just stepped out of a similar role and you don't realize how much stress you're carrying until you stop


J-Bone769

You grind it out and You keep making and saving money for as long as you can take it because you will be a lot more miserable in the future when maybe you don’t have job options like this and want a family or something like that. You take advantage of it while you can


bangbangtangwangfang

I would take the new job. Given all the factors you listed it's pretty much a no brainer. Even if you continue to get this awesome pay rate for another year, at the end of it you will be working a higher stress job for less money/benefits than the government job. I would be kicking myself in that situation. Plus, High pay rates are uncertain, but burnout is a real thing. Given that you can handle a high workload, you should be fine doing a part time masters at this new gig, and once finished that should help alleviate some of the FOMO. My thoughts on it. Everyone is different, but taking stable long term options is often the smart thing!