Am looking to retire in 3-4 years time. The job market in the Boston area for technology professionals is HOT. Do I stay at my present non profit company where I’m well respected but are tired of continually moving from assignment to assignment once I get the work headed in the right direction, and aren’t too crazy about recent top down organization changes OR do I jump to another MegaCorp for 20-30% more pay and bank it all?
I am in the same spot as you, although I am semi-retired. I applied for a job on a lark and now have an interview on Tuesday. Taking it would entail moving overseas and learning a newish system, however, if the job description is truly what I would be doing, it would be fairly challenging and interesting. I would not have applied if it had not seemed interesting and a very good fit to my experience and desires for intellectual stimulation. I did not care about the compensation.
I then cursorily calculated the financial and other benefits and realized it would be a no-brainer to take the job if offered. It is a three year assignment and I can leave the job after that - I would essentially be stockpiling quite a bit of money for three years. All while having weekends and some free time to travel while overseas.
Downsides: house management while overseas, back to daily grind and minimal vacation time (starting over), unknown fellow colleagues, etc.
But what is great is I could just quit if I didn't like it - I would lose a little bit, but not much and it gives me another interesting experience in my life.
The key for me though, is I will be happy either way - I have some great plans and have enough financial cushion and my own consulting company that I will always be able to do what I want.
The above scenario to me is why I LYBM'd for so long and invested. To have the options and opportunities that I do - to be able to say yes or no because I want to and not because I have to.
You are in the same spot - if you know your predilections and know it is temporary and can handle the risks, then go for it assuming you have home support. Even if you don't, what a great position to be in - I am so thankful for the opportunities and experiences I have had good and bad!!!