YAY! Taking this job was the best thing!!

[neatdesign]

I just started a new job in mid-August in the international education office of a university, which just happens to be my alma mater. I REALLY like my job, in so many ways, but the financial perks are the biggest benefit. Taking this job is really going to help us dig out of our debt.

I'm now making $13/hour compared to $9/hour before. Although I only work 11 months out of the year (I get July off, unpaid), I'm still making $500/month more than I was before. This, obviously, lifts a HUGE burden. SAVINGS: $500/month

We had been signed up under Mark's health insurance plan, which costs about $132/month for both of us. However, the university offers FREE health care for the employee (not spouse). So I signed up for that and will be dropped from Mark's plan. SAVINGS: $79/month

The university offers some free computer services to employees. One of those services is a free membership for VTC Online, offers online tutorials for every computer program under the sun. We actually had a subscription to VTC already for our own personal use, and were paying $30/month for it. Now we get it for free! SAVINGS: $30/month

University employees get discounts on meals from the dining hall and other eateries on campus. Lunch at the dining hall costs $4.75. They just renovated the dining hall and the food selection is excellent. Considering that I used to pay $7 or so to have a fruit salad for lunch every day at my previous job, $4.75 for a balanced meal is a bargain! SAVINGS: $50/MONTH

There are other ways I'm able to save in this job that I couldn't in my last job, but there isn't a fixed savings amount. For instance, at my last job I had to be employed an entire 12 months before I could even think about a retirement plan. At this job, though, I can immediately start making my own contributions; I just started contributing 4% of my pre-tax income last week. After 12 months of employment, the university starts making a 5% base contribution, plus up to 5% in matching contributions. By the time the university starts contributing, I will already have $1900 in my retirement account. That's $40/week that I won't miss from my paycheck, but the savings will really add up in the long run.

I get discounts on tons of cultural and academic events sponsored by the university, such as theatre and music, speakers, athletic events, art exhibits, etc. Our office runs the international film series and that's free (Mark loves artsy-fartsy movies, too!). Recreational facilities are free. Some other events are free as well.

Both Mark and I are eligible to take up to 5 non-credit courses per calendar year through the university's School of Continuing Studies for FREE. These courses can be academic (foreign language, history, fiction writing, etc), work-related (computer programs, web design, public speaking, etc) or just fun (floral design, dance, aerobics, photography). It's difficult to gauge how much the savings would be because the course prices vary so much. But still, the opportunities are there if we want to take advantage of them!)

And of course, the library and all it has to offer is free as well. Books, DVDs, CDs, computer usage, etc. All FREE.

The more I think about the benefits this job has, the more excited I get. It's just fantastic! We're already seeing the savings add up, and I've been there less than 2 months! YAY!

~ Jenney

[Ima saver]

That sounds great!

[Personal Finance Daily]

Good for you. Not many people can say they really love the job they are in, even if it does pay the bills.

[Bluezy]

Bless your heart! I always love to hear about a good call on a new job. I also love hearing about good fortune and getting ahead in life. All the best to you, and thank you for sharing your good news.

[shelbylovesmelby]

WTG! Congrats on the awsome new job Jenney!

[boefixepa]

WWOOHOOO, there's a lot to be said for loving your job! It makes a BIG difference in your attitude!

[Fern]

I'm jealous. I guess all those perks are the school's way of making up for the lack of competitive compensation, at least for full time vs. private industry. Sounds great...maybe i should apply.

[MoneyHoney]

Good for you! And you're so wise to utilize the benefits they're offering. The free classes sound great.

[Broken Arrow]

I could've sworn I've responded to this thread earlier. Guess not.

Well, anyways, congratulations!

[creditcardfree]

Congrats! I'm moving to a town with lots of universities. Moving for husbands job, maybe I'll at least check into a university nearby. It would be nice to have a month off in the summer when my kids are out of school.

[neatdesign]

Thanks, everyone, for your congratulations. Every day I find myself saying "I'm so glad I got this job" at least once to myself. It's a great feeling -- you're right, Boefixepa, it has really affected my attitude, for the better!

Creditcardfree -- I should clarify that I don't work in July because that was the only way the university would fund my position. They said my department could hire someone for a 10-month rotating position, the department negiotiated for an 11-month rotating position and the university agreed. They decided the position would be from August to June because with the students all home for the summer, there's not much to do in July.

I wish I was working year-round, because for that one month I don't get paid, which will cause a bit of a financial strain. But I'm glad that at least I get to work 11 months instead of only ten!

~ Jenney