If you can’t put a dollar value on something, how do you make a decision?
As some of you may know, I’m currently agonizing between two incredible job offers. I can’t believe that in this economy, I am in the enviable position of actually having a choice in where I work. So in some ways, I can’t go wrong picking either one. But, of course, I want to make an informed and well-thought-out decision. I’ve tried every imaginable metric and rubric to evaluate this decision but, at the end of the day, I’m right back where I started. A large part of the problem is that I’m comparing apples and oranges – one offer is a rather typical, but safe and well-paying corporate MBA job. I’d learn a lot, the company would invest a lot in me and I’d make great connections while doing work that, most likely, will be enjoyable. The other offer is completely non-traditional, working for a Foundation, located in Africa with a salary that’s half the amount of the first offer. I’d learn a lot, experience a lot, but probably have a slow and difficult time getting anything meaningful done. But I’d be in freakin’ Africa for two years, helping to save children’s lives. I bet my blog would be more interesting too 
How on earth does one compare these options? Being the good MBA student that I am, I immediately tried to create an economic decision making model. I put all kinds of things into the model – the fact that I’d be able to save a lot more in Africa, the difference in the dollar amount – but then you run into problems when you start thinking about future payoffs and valuing intangibles. Starting with a big salary now could mean even bigger salaries in the future. But starting with an incredible overseas experience could mean huge personal gains in the future. How do you put an economic value on becoming a better person?
Well, lucky for me, I have a deadline. Thursday afternoon. Which is good because the suspense is killing me. I could probably debate myself in circles until the U.S. economy turns around. As of this very moment, I have no idea what I’ll decide. I’m hoping to have a conversation with the corporate folks in the morning and will make my decision immediately afterwards.
Dear God, now would be a great time for that whole “close a door and open a window” bit that you do. Ok? Thanks. Love ya, The Lady V.
