what do I do?

[RejectionMan]

I just got a call from my former employer, they want me back to run one of the mill locations. now Im really torn, as the employer I'm with really wants to keep me.

Details:

TELUS ITI
Contract -Full time pending in January (3 contract extensions)
#9 public company in Canada on contract for #40 company in Canada
Great Learning opportunity
opprotunity for advancement
Desktop Tier 2 On Site Service
platinum plated benefits plan (if i ever get full time)
Management position, Tier 1 is Union (its ugly to)
Microsoft shop
The Contract Liaison is a jerk and regularly goes out of his way to piss me off
I'm feeling a little strung along on the contracts, but apparently its just the way TELUS is due to the union.

Millar Western Forest Products
Full time
Private company, small/medium
strongly affected by commodities in lumber and pulp (why I was let go)
learning opportunity as needed
I will be calling all of the shots for the Pulp and Lumber mills in whitecourt (desktop, server, network, and some GIS)
gold plated benefits plan
Millar is non union.
Best of Breed Shop bit of everything and it all works together.

both will match wages.

I really enjoyed working at Millar, as I reported directly to the Manager and Director. I had the freedom to do what needed to be done, and had direct hands on exposure to everything. I am critical to decision making as I plan and implement all new networks, servers, and desktop upgrades. I will have to move to Whitecourt.

I like working for TLEUS, but it is a helpdesk, the same problems keep coming up, but I am "the golden boy". other support teams refer to me. I am the Team Lead appointee. I have no influence in decision making. I will not have to relocate.

What should I do?

[CCT]

You need a fourth option:

4: Make your own decision, I am having enough fun screwing my own life up!

[RejectionMan]

thanks.... I haven't had a truly stressful day here untill that phone call.

I cant decide either way....

what research I conducted for housing in whitecourt denffinatly suggests that my cost of living will go down and I will actauly be able to afford a home.... that may be the deal maker right there.... crap, im going to need to sleep on this for days.

the bidding war is nice though. I like being in demand!

[El_Squid]

Okay, I voted for Millar. From everything you wrote, it seems like it is fairly even. Millar seems to be less stable than the Telus job, however it looks to be much more rewarding personally and seems to have a much lower BS factor. I also note with alarm, that Telus has promised full time employment, but has not come through. Contract extensions are a delaying tactic, to keep you on a string. Why? I don't know. If there is a significant Management versus Union struggle going on, it could be bad.

You seem to like the people and work environment at Millar better and would be more in control of your own destiny there. How volatile is the lumber industry? Anyhow, it is just my opinion. Best of luck which ever way you go.

[RejectionMan]

Okay, I voted for Millar. From everything you wrote, it seems like it is fairly even. Millar seems to be less stable than the Telus job, however it looks to be much more rewarding personally and seems to have a much lower BS factor. I also note with alarm, that Telus has promised full time employment, but has not come through. Contract extensions are a delaying tactic, to keep you on a string. Why? I don't know. If there is a significant Management versus Union struggle going on, it could be bad.

You seem to like the people and work environment at Millar better and would be more in control of your own destiny there. How volatile is the lumber industry? Anyhow, it is just my opinion. Best of luck which ever way you go.

currently the lumber industray is in the pits due to the US Softwood lumber dispute... still refusing to pay back 4 B in unfair tariffs which were agreed to at the conclusiong of Softwood Lumber Dispute 4 (aka Can industry is giving up 1 B which the US government gave to local producers for some reason. Millar alone is owed 36 M from the US gov't). This will likly be the precurser to Lumber 5....

damn US lobby groups.

Pulp is also in the tank, so for the company its a realy low period, so the only way they would let me go is if they had to close the mills. (not very likly)

I'm going to let the bank decide, If I can afford housing in the whitecourt area im going, as its simply out of reach in Edmonton and a farce in Richmond (my grand kids would still be paying....)