your opinions, please

[justashooter 430]

it appears that i will soon have a decision to make.

last year, due to reduction in orders of capital equipment related to the recession, i was given an opportunity to take a sabattical that included very generous terms. i decided to take the time and use it to re-train in a new field. my studies have been enjoyable, and i am a 4.0 to date, with ease. final goal is RNP, and acheivable on basis of current reserves and benefits with an annual buget around 50K$. annual fixed expenses are around 22K$.

last week a friend in china was approached by a procurement agent representing a significant general contractor. this agent is about to place an order with the chinese foundry/machining shop at which i was camped from 2004-2009. the intended order includes objects of a scale and design closely mocking recent projects i oversaw production of, the scale of which is very uncommon in the industry, and can only be produced at 3-4 vendors worldwide. there are very few quality engineers that have ridden horses like this. none other than me have done so at this particular vendor, and i was widely known as the "old man" there.

on a recent visit to the vendor the agent, whom i had met, noticed that i was no longer on site and asked after me. the chinese VGM of export division is a personal friend of mine and referred them to an aussie who is also a close personal friend. the aussie has been in contact with me, and is meeting with the agent on wednesday. i have indicated to the aussie that i am somewhat available, if the price is right. direct discussions should commence within a week or so. at the moment, it looks like mid range six figures is expected, with a 4 year duration. i should be able to steal my old quality team of chinese engineers from their current employ.

i am 46, and was looking to be active in the new career within 4 years. delaying the process would be financially empowering, but would postpone entry into the new career until i was 54 or so. the question is, if in similar situation, would you take the contract and build the war chest, or would you continue on present course and enter the new field with depleted reserves?

[tmma 467]

it appears that i will soon have a decision to make.

i am 46, and was looking to be active in the new career within 4 years. delaying the process would be financially empowering, but would postpone entry into the new career until i was 54 or so. the question is, if in similar situation, would you take the contract and build the war chest, or would you continue on present course and enter the new field with depleted reserves?

What would i do? take the contract. Negotiate a great deal. Save the stash. Entering a new career field either now or at 54 is going to be difficult. You are going to be competing with recent, younger ( read cheaper) grads.

Go with what you know. Take the stash. Invest wisely and retire early and do new career later as a hobby .

But that's just me- only you know what's right for you and what risk you are prepared to take.

Edited August 14, 2010 by tmma

[^_^ 5,021]

You're 46 - go take their money. The more you make now, the closer you get to being able to enjoy retirement.

[Darnell 8,478]

I'd say take the offer, if it materializes, and IF they swing a valid work visa for you.

Sorry, I've no idea what an 'RNP' is, but if it's in nursing, hey - those jobs never go away, regardless of the age.

Edited August 14, 2010 by Darnell

[nab 74]

I'd say take the offer, if it materializes, and IF they swing a valid work visa for you.

{snip}

Ditto.

bird in the hand is worth two in the bush...

go on, take the money and run...

never put off till tomorrow what you can do today (i usually say never do today what you can put off till tomorrow though )

hmmm, no more well-worn phrases for you

Good Luck whatever you decide

[Pooky 3,365]

Go with your gut feeling.

My guess is that will take you back to China.

[DEDixon 39]

take the money, live frugal, save like you are going to retire at 54 even if you are not.

Acronym Definition

RNP Rede Nacional de Ensino E Pesquisa (Portugese)

RNP Ribonucleoprotein

RNP Required Navigation Performance

RNP Rede Nacional de Pesquisa (Portuguese: National Research Network; Brazil)

RNP Rosa Nel Pugno (Italian Political Party)

RNP Ribonucleoprotein Particle

RNP Registered Nurse Practitioner

RNP Required Navigational Performance

RNP Radio Network Planning

RNP Remote Network Processor

RNP Remove for Non-Payment (Sprint)

RNP Radio Navigation Point

RNP Recovering Nurse Program (Louisiana)

Edited August 14, 2010 by DEDixon

[slim 1,514]

an aussie who is also a close personal friend.

You're not talking about that dude that always posts here on VJ, are you? The "Guns are bad, Australia is better than US" guy?

looks like mid range six figures is expected, with a 4 year duration.

I'm wondering why you couldn't retire on that alone, especially if living in China for a while.

would you take the contract and build the war chest, or would you continue on present course and enter the new field with depleted reserves?

There's no way I'd turn down any opportunity to make more money right now.

Plus, you're a rock star at any age in China. Are you a rock star as a 50y/o RNP here in the States?

[TBoneTX 43,389]

1. I like "ribonucleoprotein" the best, si man.

2. I agree with all the others that you should jump at this financial opportunity NOW, after negotiating the best deal that you can regarding all details. This is quite an enviable situation, si man. Just don't leave VJ, no man, in the process.

[^_^ 5,021]

2. I agree with all the others that you should jump at this financial opportunity NOW, after negotiating the best deal that you can regarding all details. This is quite an enviable situation, si man. Just don't leave VJ, no man, in the process.

I'm sure once he's in China we can arrange for the Chinese authorities to ban VJ.