I was at the store the other day. I saw a former co-worker, Michael, across the room. He used to work at my company until he quit a few months ago to start a new job as a public relations officer at Missouri University. It's a job he's been working toward for years. He wasn't happy working for a corporation and wanted to get into either a non-profit organization or a university. I wanted to see how he was doing. The truth was, I was thinking of making a move myself.
Becky: Hey, Michael. Remember me? I'm Becky. We used to work at Lekmans together.
Michael: Oh, sure. How are you? Long time, no see. How are things at Lekmans?
Becky: It's about the same. I've been thinking of making a change myself. Do you mind if I ask you a few things about your job at the university?
Michael: No, not at all. Go ahead.
Becky: Well, I was wondering what the salaries are like? I mean are they much lower than the corporate world?
Michael: Well, I can't speak for all universities, but my salary is a definitely lower than at Lekmans. I just don't think the salaries are comparable when you leave a major corporation.
Becky: Yeah, that's what I thought. But, I've heard that the perks are better. I was wondering if that was really true.
Michael: I'd have to say yes and no on that. I don't get a big end-of-the-year bonus like I did at Lekmans but I get to take classes for free if I want to. I've always wanted to get a graduate degree so I'm taking classes now to do that.
Becky: Oh, that's great. It sounds like you're really happy with your move.
Michael: Yeah, I guess I am. Working at a university is the really suits me.
Script by Dr. Lucy Tse