Today I received an offer for a Senior position at a consulting firm that partners with the Department of Water Resources. The role offers a salary of $104k per year, which is a significant jump from my current government job where I make $75k (around $92k with benefits). The new position also allows for one work-from-home day and has a shorter commute, plus I would be able to utilize my CAD skills that I've honed over the last seven years. However, the consulting firm operates on a five-year contract with DWR, and they are currently in year one. On the other hand, my current job has its perks: stability, a solid pension through CalPERS, and a great team of people. But I've been struggling with the customer service aspect of the role, which involves a lot of paperwork and not much technical work. I appreciate my coworkers, but I feel unfulfilled in my current position. I have until tomorrow morning to decide whether to accept the new job offer. The consulting company has been very accommodating during the negotiation process, which I appreciate. I’m weighing the pros and cons carefully, especially considering the risks associated with contract work and the lack of a 401k match at the new job. I need to figure out if the potential for career growth and higher pay outweighs the stability and benefits of my current government role.