BigJohn
Footballguy
So, this is going to be a long one.
Key Facts:
I am 44 years old.
I do not have a degree.
I have worked the last 17+ years for Montgomery County Water and Sewer in Dayton, Ohio.
I am enrolled in P.E.R.S. (Public Employees Retirement System)
Working in government has a lot of perks. Every holiday off you can imagine. Incredible job security. Fulfilling work.
Working in government also has some drawbacks. Union, so stuck with terrible employees for far too long. Stagnant pay. Severely low wages versus private sector.
I started at the County in the Construction Inspection Division. I worked as a Surveyor prior, so it fit my skillset nicely.
In 2018, I moved into a 'Planner/Scheduler' role. This position was created for me because our Assistant Director saw my ability to interpret data and develop work structures that had not been revised in some time. I enjoyed this position a lot. but, the A.D. started piling way too much work on me because honestly, I was over-producing for how I was being compensated. I was asked to do a few interviews for some higher level management positions both inside and outside the County. Was told on more than one occasion that I was the top choice, but my lack of Supervision experience prevented me from getting the offers. So, my A.D. convinced me to take a lower level Supervisor spot in our department to get this experience under my belt. Short of it, is I hate it. I still get to do a lot of the same data analysis and am in a position where I directly supervise the guys in the field that are collecting the data that I'm using. I love that part of the job. I just hate the HR aspect of the position. Not all my guys are ####heads, but enough of them are. My stress level in the last year and a half has gone through the roof.
So, I've recently realized that Data Analysis is what I love to do. Excel, Power BI, CityWorks CMMS. I have lots of great experience with all these.
This is the first time in my life that I see a potential career move could benefit me both mentally and financially.
But, I'm scared.
Being 17+ years into my County career, I have 14+ left until I could retire at 58 years old. At that point, I could retire and draw $4,689 per month. Assuming a 2% increase every year. At this point, I'm at ~$60,000 per year.
If I decide to leave the County, I couldn't draw my retirement until 67 and I would draw $1,678 per month. So, that a pretty big gap that I would need to fill.
But, I feel like my salary potential is significantly higher in the private sector, so it could be possible.
I guess I'm trying to come up with a number that I would need an offer to be for me to consider it. Not having a degree has made me mentally stuck here, but I'm realizing my work experience could be worth as much, if not more to the right employer.
Of course, I made a spreadsheet and ran a bunch of scenarios, but I just think I need to go with my gut on this one.
Anybody in Data Analysis/Science that can give me insights on the career? Salary potential?
I appreciate any feedback. TIA.
Key Facts:
I am 44 years old.
I do not have a degree.
I have worked the last 17+ years for Montgomery County Water and Sewer in Dayton, Ohio.
I am enrolled in P.E.R.S. (Public Employees Retirement System)
Working in government has a lot of perks. Every holiday off you can imagine. Incredible job security. Fulfilling work.
Working in government also has some drawbacks. Union, so stuck with terrible employees for far too long. Stagnant pay. Severely low wages versus private sector.
I started at the County in the Construction Inspection Division. I worked as a Surveyor prior, so it fit my skillset nicely.
In 2018, I moved into a 'Planner/Scheduler' role. This position was created for me because our Assistant Director saw my ability to interpret data and develop work structures that had not been revised in some time. I enjoyed this position a lot. but, the A.D. started piling way too much work on me because honestly, I was over-producing for how I was being compensated. I was asked to do a few interviews for some higher level management positions both inside and outside the County. Was told on more than one occasion that I was the top choice, but my lack of Supervision experience prevented me from getting the offers. So, my A.D. convinced me to take a lower level Supervisor spot in our department to get this experience under my belt. Short of it, is I hate it. I still get to do a lot of the same data analysis and am in a position where I directly supervise the guys in the field that are collecting the data that I'm using. I love that part of the job. I just hate the HR aspect of the position. Not all my guys are ####heads, but enough of them are. My stress level in the last year and a half has gone through the roof.
So, I've recently realized that Data Analysis is what I love to do. Excel, Power BI, CityWorks CMMS. I have lots of great experience with all these.
This is the first time in my life that I see a potential career move could benefit me both mentally and financially.
But, I'm scared.
Being 17+ years into my County career, I have 14+ left until I could retire at 58 years old. At that point, I could retire and draw $4,689 per month. Assuming a 2% increase every year. At this point, I'm at ~$60,000 per year.
If I decide to leave the County, I couldn't draw my retirement until 67 and I would draw $1,678 per month. So, that a pretty big gap that I would need to fill.
But, I feel like my salary potential is significantly higher in the private sector, so it could be possible.
I guess I'm trying to come up with a number that I would need an offer to be for me to consider it. Not having a degree has made me mentally stuck here, but I'm realizing my work experience could be worth as much, if not more to the right employer.
Of course, I made a spreadsheet and ran a bunch of scenarios, but I just think I need to go with my gut on this one.
Anybody in Data Analysis/Science that can give me insights on the career? Salary potential?
I appreciate any feedback. TIA.