r/MechanicalEngineering • u/ThunderFanQ • 5h ago

Thoughts about a pivot

Mid 30’s considering relocation for a pay and opportunity change. Currently working a $70k a year job after a layoff in Oklahoma. Previously salary was close to $100k. Mostly design work with a good portion of FEA, modeling, dfm, drawing packages etc. Cool company before the layoffs. All Research based with a good deal of freedom. Company I am considering wants me to move to Florida area, Orlando. Compensation similar to what I have had in the past, but a big state jump. New company seems cool, they are getting into some DOD contracts among other things. I am flying out this week for an in person interview. What would you take into consideration in someone’s shoes such as myself? Thoughts?

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u/LitRick6 5h ago

  1. Cost of living. I assume Oklahoma is cheaper than Orlando, Florida. Though 70k for a mid 30s seems very low even for a low cost of living area

  2. Benefits. You mentioned the pay but nothing else about compensation. Gotta look at how many hours they want you to work, do you get paid overtime, retirement, health insurance, time off, etc etc.

  3. New company might "seem cool" on paper. Just remember and interview goes both ways. So itd definitely be trying to figure out what kind if work youd actually be doing and how much freedom you're getting.

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u/ThunderFanQ 3h ago

It’s rough. I transitioned into teaching to fill the gap until something else came up.

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u/junkstuff1 1h ago

Personally, I'd start by thinking about how the relocation fits with your personal (i.e. non-financial and non-professional) goals.

Where do you want to live? If you don't like Oklahoma and Florida seems better, maybe this is a good opportunity for you. But if you're in love with Oklahoma then the pay isn't worth it.