Should probably be singing in the streets, but I feel like crying

[aqutalion]

I work in the defense industry, and my project has been having its budget slashed more and more. I put my resume online as soon as the layoffs started, but haven't been actively trying to leave, as I did really like it here. But I've gradually made up my mind that I'll have to leave, anyway. So many people are gone and they've rearranged things so much that the good chemistry I liked is all but gone. Yesterday, the woman who's the closest thing I have to a friend here told me the contract company (we work for the same one) was moving her to another project, so I guess that clinched it.

So today, I had an interview, and it might be the closest thing to my dream job that I've come across, so far. It's with another contractor that works on a NASA facility. I've wanted to work for NASA since I first started. I was kind of neutral on the actual job, since it seemed like my skills are only a partial match for it. But I got the impression that it might be a foot-in-the-door to eventually doing actual research at NASA- something I would kill for.

So, good, right? But now I feel bad about possibly telling my current company that I'm leaving. They're a really good company, good to work for, good at keeping their people employed in a volatile industry. Basically, "It's not you, it's me. And NASA."

But if it doesn't work out, I at least have a job until the middle of next month and my contracting company has other things coming down the pike...

[sms001]

I hate to be cynical, and I'm glad you like your current company, but I strongly suspect that all the good you see in them is probably a mix of good, ethical people in key spots (which can change at any time) and self-interest (be as good as you can get away with to keep good people from bailing).

The days of reciprocated company loyalty are long dead.

I hope the interview went well, and you can move toward your dream job.

[aqutalion]

I hate to be cynical, and I'm glad you like your current company, but I strongly suspect that all the good you see in them is probably a mix of good, ethical people in key spots (which can change at any time) and self-interest (be as good as you can get away with to keep good people from bailing).

The days of reciprocated company loyalty are long dead.

I hope the interview went well, and you can move toward your dream job.

The cynicism is justified, and I agree with you about company loyalty being dead. That's certainly the case with the company I'm contracted out to. The head of the project says things are going great, the customer loves what we're producing, we're all essential to the project's success... meanwhile more and more people are just not there, any more, and in meetings with the higher-ups of my contract company, we find out there's been such epic mis-management that the project is in danger of being shut down.
Although with the contract company, the "key spots" are pretty much the whole company (it's tiny), so they're a bit more credible, to me.

[Pixilated]

I'm sorry to hear about your current job. It's hard when a team you like starts falling apart, through no fault of their own. But I think that your and sms001's assessment of the situation is very accurate, and it's in your best interests to move on as soon as possible.

I'd luuurrrrrve to work for NASA! Unfortunately, considering math is one of my weakest subjects ...

[Jester]

If you can, take the dream job, and don't feel bad about leaving the current job. Because you have to put yourself and your interests above those of the company.

[bhskittykatt]

Is the other job in 'Bama? I have a feeling my dad works for the same contractor. He loves working there. Has a snazzy "nasa.gov" email and everything.

[aqutalion]

Is the other job in 'Bama? I have a feeling my dad works for the same contractor. He loves working there. Has a snazzy "nasa.gov" email and everything.

Yep, I'm in 'Bama. Would you mind PMing me the name of the contractor?