Decisions Decisions

Decisions Decisions
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I am faced with a decision about how I want to pursue my next job. Since mid-October, I have gotten very used to life out of work. I keep myself busy with lots of time with my dog and getting the "honey do" list knocked out now that my neck surgery is healing well. 

I am fortunate to have several companies interested in me with my past line of work in office automation (copiers, printers, scanners and such). It feels nice knowing I am wanted at my later age and it makes this decision a bit tougher. 

Do I take a job in a field that I have worked for the last 25 years? Do I continue with my old clients in NY (and deal with a Non solicitation clause lurking over me) or try to expand the possibilities down in Florida where I currently reside for much less pay (starting from scratch)? Do I take a position that will pay more in a base salary but less in commissions, knowing I will be back to a regimented system, or do  I take a minimal or no salary with higher commissions, and work at a place that will give me more freedom to come and go as I please? Or do I just consider retirement while getting a light part time job to help cover the bills?

This week I will need to make such decisions as I am nearing the end of my time off. 

I would love to hear suggestions…

Comments

Shawn Bernabeu

I have alot of thoughts on this and would be happy to speak on the phone. My first opinion in this economy since you are living in Fla is to find a similiar role that you can leverage your experience and relationships. 

Submitted by Crysti (not verified) on Wed, 02/11/2026 - 08:24

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Dan,
This is indeed a tough juncture. First and foremost, I am happy you are healing to the point of being able to begin this decision process.

You have many talents to market yourself with. Since it does not seem that finances are the primary concern, I would suggest a major, maybe even top of list consideration, is the happiness/satisfaction factor.

However you land, I hope only the best for you and your family. Of course, depending on your ultimate choice, you would be missed here in NY!

Shelley Simpson

I guess that's the problem when you have options. The good thing is that you have options and they are all good ones. When I was deciding whether to leave my job and take a chance on my business it was similar. I was making good money and had benefits and I could stay and do the business in cracks of time. 

The decision hinged on priorities. I wanted location independence and time flexibility and, of course a way to make money. I looked at the options and picked what fit the priorities. 

Make a decision knowing that it was the best one in the moment - that's all you can do and that's what you will have when you look back no matter how it works out. 

Thanks for reaching out at Gotham Health today.. While I agree with Fred that there is no right answer, I will let you know that as you grow older, you need more time and flexibility for personal relationships, health care including taking care of your self...which can be worth its weight in gold. I also learned from a spiritual coach that if I ask important questions while placing my right hand on my heart and take three deep breaths to center, i can trust my heart to give me the truth, whether it's the right doctor, the right job, joining an organization. So far it hasn't failed you. Ask your body to move forward if the answer is yes and backward if the answer is no. Sometimes, my answer is an emphatic yes or no in which case my body will
emphatically tell me yes or no. Hope it helps!

Corey Bearak

My approach is to run the $#s and see how they breakdown to cover your needs and how each impacts your quality of life and determine what balance you find most to your liking.  Informed decisionmaking usually yields the best outcome.  Got some confidence you'll make the right choice and I remain a phone or Zoom away to talk anything out.

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