First time posting here, so thank you in advance for any advice/insight.
I am a 28M living in the PNW, and currently work as a sales/account manager for large landscape company. I have been working in this field for the last 5 years. Current job is salaried at 59k (set to increase to 65k in 2023) with a 3% commission rate on all sold jobs. I have sold over $250k in jobs in my first year at this company (started in August 2021) which was the highest amongst all other account managers.
While I like some aspects of the job, I do feel I am burned out and underpaid proportionally to the revenue I generate. I typically work 55 hrs a week minimum and am salaried for 40. Constant employee turnover due to low pay (especially for crew) and high workload. I live in a 1br apartment for $1350 a month and feel like I’m always just barely saving enough money. I have been searching for a new job in town for the past month with not much luck. I am also a bit over the industry in general, and really only see myself staying if I started my own company.
Recently, I was referred by a friend who works in a neighboring industry for a demolition position based in McMurdo Station, Antarctica. The position is 7 weeks, and pays 20-25k. All expenses paid. I have received the offer letter and passed all qualifying exams. Basically given the green light.
I am extremely interested and excited about this opportunity. It sounds like a great experience and adventure, and I’d come back with more money saved than I have in the last 2 years. With this money I could easily invest/travel/start a business, etc.
My only conflict here is that I will likely have to quit my job, and not have another lined up when I return. My boomer dad has strongly advised against it – although my opinion is that I’m young, healthy, and will probably regret turning down the opportunity to stay at a job I already dislike. Many of my peers are resoundingly supportive.
Also worth noting that I do have approximately 55k in retirement/savings accounts.
So, r/antiwork – what is your advice? Stay at my current, stable job, or take the risk for an adventure and chunk of change?