Watch out UC DAVIS...  here i come!

After many months of applying for new jobs my work as born fruit.  I have been offered a position at UC Davis running part of the state program.  It is a fairly large feather in my cap since this is a fairly substantial promotion and rise in status.  I will be able to influence and write policy for the entire state program.  The salary offer is at the bottom of the scale but $8,000 more than I am making now. 

That’s the good things, now the bad things; I would have to move from San Diego and live near Davis.  My office would be on campus at UC Davis, well, technically on campus, it’s near the airport.  No major biggie other then friends and family live in Socal.  The job will require me to travel, a lot… and for someone who dislikes to fly… big minus.  I currently live in a 4 bedroom house paying $400 bucks a month in rent with no utilities.  My rent would double if not triple for a place in or around Davis.  Which means the raise would be offset by rent.

I have already asked for more money and they counter offered an additional 2,000.  Which brings the salary up to how much the last person in the position was making.  That’s where I am now.  Do I ask for more and accept or just stay where I am.

I am worried about starting all over again with a new program.  The person who had the job before me is well respected and had many contacts.  He isn’t leaving the program but transitioning over to a new state initiative.  I dislike thinking of having to prove myself again because that’s what I would have to do.  There were many staff members from other counties who also applied who would be looking for an excuse to say they could’ve done better. 

Is it worth it?  Should I take the job?  I don’t know…