Aberdeen, Maryland

**soxmuscle** · 03-15-2011, 02:07 PM

As you know, I recently graduated from Indiana University and have been on the job hunt since January 1st. I've had success at many places but ultimately am refusing to settle for a position that I feel I'm above. I have nothing against people who cold call for a living, people who sell insurance, or something of the sort, but I don't see that being a profession I could be happy in.

Having said that, I've mainly kept my search to the Chicagoland area because that's where my friends are. Well, I was recently contacted by one of the companies I applied to and interviewed with and while they don't have a position available in Chicago, they do have a position available in Aberdeen, Maryland.

Like I said, I've been keen on staying in Chicago for social reasons. However, I'm certainly considering making a big boy decision given that my salary would nearly double ($50k to start in Aberdeen, MD to about $25-30K plus commission to start in Chicago, IL).

Money can't buy me happiness. It just can't. I get way more out of laughing with a couple buddies than I would going on an exotic, expensive vacation. That said, it would be foolish of me to completely throw away this great opportunity simply because I want to drink excessively with my friends on the weekends/I'm too scared to move somewhere on my own.

So tell me about Aberdeen, Maryland if you know anything about it... Weather... social life... women... basically anything besides the fact that Cal Ripken and EJ Henderson grew up there is what I want to know.

Thanks in advance guys...

**ALBOB** · 03-15-2011, 02:46 PM

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

I'm certainly considering making a big boy decision

Time to take your own advice. Did you go to college to drink with your buddies or did you go to prepare yourself for the rest of your life?

Aberdeen is kind of the best of both worlds. It's rural enough that you don't have to deal with the drawbacks of big city life but, it's also close enough to Baltimore to enjoy that lifestyle if/when you want to.

**Little Wing** · 03-15-2011, 04:39 PM

i got a call this morning and ended up getting added renters insurance plus my auto insurance and still saving $40 a month over what i was paying for just two vehicles.

**Little Wing** · 03-15-2011, 04:44 PM

all i know about aberdeen is the proving grounds are cool. The United States Army | Aberdeen Proving Ground

**maniclion** · 03-15-2011, 05:38 PM

Move, one of the best decisions I ever made was to get as far away from a place and redefine myself. I always take the first chance to go somewhere new, but then I thrive on change and can't stand settling down. It could be that from the age of 5 we moved thousands of miles every year or 2 until I was 11, then I stayed in one spot for 5 years, and moved again, then again to Hawaii 2 years later. Being in my current home for 10 years is the longest I've stayed in one spot in my whole 33 years....

**Gregzs** · 03-15-2011, 05:54 PM

Which is more important at this time: hanging with your buddies or your career? You said you have just graduated- do you have loans to pay back? That company may have that position in Aberdeen but there is no reason for you to look at it as being a permanent move. A position may open up back in Chicago and you can transfer. A position at another company may turn up in the meantime.

As Maniclion says, you can get out there and see some things. South of Aberdeen is Baltimore and D.C., north is Philly. NYC is about 3 hours drive. You might even find yourself at the Jersey Shore in the summer. lol

**KentDog** · 03-15-2011, 11:14 PM

^+1

Would have to know more about the job, but if it is permanent, full-time and sounds like something you'd like to do and will be able to learn a lot from, then seems like a good choice.

The East coast has a load of history, and it sounds like you will be close to Baltimore and a bunch of other great cities.

**ZECH** · 03-16-2011, 09:24 AM

I'm sorry, but I have to say this........"jobs you are above?"
You have never held a full time job. You haven't proven yourself to be worth anything to anyone. To get repsect, you have to earn respect. That means putting in your dues. Kids these days don't understand that. They think everyone just owes them something. Sox, this isn't a knock just at you.............Be patient and work hard and I'm sure you will go far in life. Just don't expect everything for free. It won't happen. Good luck in your search!

**Jodi** · 03-16-2011, 09:49 AM

Originally Posted by dg806

I'm sorry, but I have to say this........"jobs you are above?"
You have never held a full time job. You haven't proven yourself to be worth anything to anyone. To get repsect, you have to earn respect. That means putting in your dues. Kids these days don't understand that. They think everyone just owes them something. Sox, this isn't a knock just at you.............Be patient and work hard and I'm sure you will go far in life. Just don't expect everything for free. It won't happen. Good luck in your search!

I was thinking the same exact thing!

Sox you know I love ya but just because you have a college degree, it doesn't mean jack shit in this economy. People with a college degree AND several years of actual on the job experience are begging call centers for jobs right now. Don't diss an entry level job - 99.9% of people start out there. From that point its up to you to learn, grow and work hard to work your way up or become an entrepreneur.

If you can get this job in Maryland and it's not an entry level position, you better jump on it no matter what the area is like.

**Gena Marie** · 03-16-2011, 10:54 AM

I agree with what the others are saying. In this economy, I would jump at the chance to give your self a good life. I feel on one is above anything. I didn't attend college until after I turned 30ish. Before that, I did what ever it took to provide for my family. Cold calling, serving tables, anything.
Our son has your mind set. He grew up with a pretty coo-sh life style. Now he thinks he is above working fast food, or being a dish washer. My very 1st job, I was a dish washer.
Look at me now, I recently quit a job making a boat load of cash, and am co~owner of to business and get to work in my PJ's all day if I want to.
Just my opinion

**mich29** · 03-16-2011, 10:35 PM

thats a rough area I know a few cats from there.I'd move if the jobs are better else where but I agree if you can get a job period its a win win right now.I know so many people not working cuz they can't find work at all even simple area jobs are taken.

**danzik17** · 03-16-2011, 10:49 PM

What's your degree in?

**soxmuscle** · 03-16-2011, 11:23 PM

Originally Posted by danzik17

What's your degree in?

Sport Communication-Print, Minor in Journalism

**soxmuscle** · 03-16-2011, 11:24 PM

Originally Posted by mich29

thats a rough area I know a few cats from there.I'd move if the jobs are better else where but I agree if you can get a job period its a win win right now.I know so many people not working cuz they can't find work at all even simple area jobs are taken.

I think it would make sense to live in Baltimore and just commute...

**soxmuscle** · 03-16-2011, 11:44 PM

Originally Posted by dg806

I'm sorry, but I have to say this........"jobs you are above?"
You have never held a full time job. You haven't proven yourself to be worth anything to anyone. To get repsect, you have to earn respect. That means putting in your dues. Kids these days don't understand that. They think everyone just owes them something. Sox, this isn't a knock just at you.............Be patient and work hard and I'm sure you will go far in life. Just don't expect everything for free. It won't happen. Good luck in your search!

I tried my best not to make that part sound that way and failed. I think what I meant is that I would be miserable working a job I didn't enjoy working ala selling insurance.

I have nothing against people who do but I'm not sure it's a profession for me.

But yes, I know I have to work hard to be successful. I think the only way I'm going to be successful, ambitious and working hard is if I'm confident in it is what I'm doing and enjoying it at the same time.

I'm mainly talking about having patience and not jumping into something because of a bonus that is appealing or something of the sort.

Originally Posted by Jodi

I was thinking the same exact thing!

Sox you know I love ya but just because you have a college degree, it doesn't mean jack shit in this economy. People with a college degree AND several years of actual on the job experience are begging call centers for jobs right now. Don't diss an entry level job - 99.9% of people start out there. From that point its up to you to learn, grow and work hard to work your way up or become an entrepreneur.

If you can get this job in Maryland and it's not an entry level position, you better jump on it no matter what the area is like.

Although somewhat of a babbling session, it being 12:30 and all, I think I more thoroughly explained what I meant above.

Growing up in an affluent area, it's very competitive in a sense. I'm not personally well off (single mother, the whole shebang as we've been over for the last decade that I've been posting here) but living in this area with people aspiring to be doctors (nepotism), bankers (nepotism), jerkoffs (also, nepotism), etc. makes me inclined to not "settle" for an entry level sales insurance position...

I don't think that sounds douchey...

All I'm saying is that I'm at that point in my life where I'm trying to decide what path I want to go on to be happy. Knowing myself, I want to have time for working out and socializing and being a sports nerd... but I also want to be successful financially.

I wish there were more than 24 hours in a day...

I do appreciate the love. I'm obviously a huge fan and would lovingly wrap your knick-knacks with bubble paper if given the opportunity... The more I think about it, the more I'm realizing that it's the best opportunity for me.

"you can make friends, you can't make money"
"you're going to pass up on double the salary so you can drink with your buddies?"

These are two things that have kind of stuck out when talking amongst friends... Obviously, I'm not going to be replacing friends, but it is true that I'm social enough to the point that I would have no problem meeting people.

I guess I just gots to grows up

Originally Posted by Gena Marie

I agree with what the others are saying. In this economy, I would jump at the chance to give your self a good life. I feel on one is above anything. I didn't attend college until after I turned 30ish. Before that, I did what ever it took to provide for my family. Cold calling, serving tables, anything.
Our son has your mind set. He grew up with a pretty coo-sh life style. Now he thinks he is above working fast food, or being a dish washer. My very 1st job, I was a dish washer.
Look at me now, I recently quit a job making a boat load of cash, and am co~owner of to business and get to work in my PJ's all day if I want to.
Just my opinion

Yeah, leaning towards jumping but do have another opportunity that may arise... Another company I've been talking to asked me back for a final interview today and it went well. We'll see how it all goes...

Yeah, I don't have anything against people who cold call or wash dishes... You gotta do what you gotta do.

Hey, you're the poster child for the American Dream, I respect that... And you're hot.

I want a poster of you for my new pad in Baltimore

**soxmuscle** · 03-16-2011, 11:47 PM

Originally Posted by ALBOB

Time to take your own advice. Did you go to college to drink with your buddies or did you go to prepare yourself for the rest of your life?

Aberdeen is kind of the best of both worlds. It's rural enough that you don't have to deal with the drawbacks of big city life but, it's also close enough to Baltimore to enjoy that lifestyle if/when you want to.

Well... to be honest... no, I mean, the partying aspect was huge for me. I think I grew up more as a person than I did anything else at school. Definitely learned a lot though.

Thanks man. Been reading much more into Baltimore and warming up immensely as I mentioned above.

**soxmuscle** · 03-16-2011, 11:48 PM

Originally Posted by Little Wing

all i know about aberdeen is the proving grounds are cool. The United States Army | Aberdeen Proving Ground

love the link.

And glad you saved money on your car insurance...

**soxmuscle** · 03-16-2011, 11:49 PM

Originally Posted by maniclion

Move, one of the best decisions I ever made was to get as far away from a place and redefine myself. I always take the first chance to go somewhere new, but then I thrive on change and can't stand settling down. It could be that from the age of 5 we moved thousands of miles every year or 2 until I was 11, then I stayed in one spot for 5 years, and moved again, then again to Hawaii 2 years later. Being in my current home for 10 years is the longest I've stayed in one spot in my whole 33 years....

Love the advice. I'm reallyyy starting to warm up to this Baltimore thing.

**soxmuscle** · 03-16-2011, 11:50 PM

Originally Posted by Gregzs

Which is more important at this time: hanging with your buddies or your career? You said you have just graduated- do you have loans to pay back? That company may have that position in Aberdeen but there is no reason for you to look at it as being a permanent move. A position may open up back in Chicago and you can transfer. A position at another company may turn up in the meantime.

As Maniclion says, you can get out there and see some things. South of Aberdeen is Baltimore and D.C., north is Philly. NYC is about 3 hours drive. You might even find yourself at the Jersey Shore in the summer. lol

I'd fist pump at the shore, give it a whirl haha

Like I said throughout, all the advice has been great. Thanks.

**soxmuscle** · 03-16-2011, 11:51 PM

Originally Posted by KentDog

^+1

Would have to know more about the job, but if it is permanent, full-time and sounds like something you'd like to do and will be able to learn a lot from, then seems like a good choice.

The East coast has a load of history, and it sounds like you will be close to Baltimore and a bunch of other great cities.

^+1
^^+1
^^^+1
...and so on.

When are you coming back to Chicago?

**phosphor** · 03-17-2011, 06:37 AM

I'm 2 hours away from Chicago, fun place. I am kinda stuck here for the time being with job, family and all. Wish is wern't so. I prefer the east coast over the midwest any day of the week, but that's just me.

**ZECH** · 03-17-2011, 08:02 PM

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

I tried my best not to make that part sound that way and failed. I think what I meant is that I would be miserable working a job I didn't enjoy working ala selling insurance.

I have nothing against people who do but I'm not sure it's a profession for me.

But yes, I know I have to work hard to be successful. I think the only way I'm going to be successful, ambitious and working hard is if I'm confident in it is what I'm doing and enjoying it at the same time.

I'm mainly talking about having patience and not jumping into something because of a bonus that is appealing or something of the sort.

:

I completely understand how you feel and agree with you. If you don't enjoy your job, it will be miserable.

**ZECH** · 03-17-2011, 08:05 PM

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

Sport Communication-Print, Minor in Journalism

I have a good friend who graduated from WCU in NC with something much like this. She now works in a great job for Nascar. Traveled to the tracks for years and finally decided to stay close to home for her child. The Charlotte area is a good place to live. Maybe you should consider something along that line.

**I Are Baboon** · 03-18-2011, 05:29 AM

Baltimore has Max's Taphouse.

You're welcome.

**fray5** · 03-18-2011, 06:49 AM

Whatever decision you make man, your good friends will always be your good friends. When I moved away from my best friends, I was really worried about not having them around anymore. But the fact is, they are going to be moving on with their lives just as you are right now. I get to see the friends I'm talking about maybe once or twice a year but when I do, we just pick right up where we left off and it's like nothing has really changed. It's pretty cool and we always have new things in our lives going on that we talk about. As others have said, the economy is not in good shape right now and a job like you mentioned is going to be hard to come by, especially at that entry salary. If it seems like a job you'd enjoy doing, I'd say go for it without a doubt. If it's something your not so sure of, well man, that's just life. You gotta take chances every now and then and that's called living. Who knows, maybe you'll take this job and be able to eventually transfer to a job closer to where your friends are. You gotta start somewhere man and I wish you the best of luck in every step!

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