So confused! What would you do?

I feel a bit bad worrying about this given what else is going on in NZ at the moment, and in the scheme of things we are in a good position, however I would love your opinions on what option you would choose in the same position.

DH and I are currently in the process of getting a new (farm) job.
Things have been stressful but we were getting somewhere. Now we have a bit of a dilemma as we have TWO potentially viable options, and we dont know which way to go. This decision will have a huge impact on our future.


Option 1 - is pretty much a sure thing as far as getting the job (have already been negotiating contracts, although nothing is signed), however there is an amount of risk involved due to borrowing and the like (we need to borrow almost 100%, with guarantees which are not fully sorted as yet). The boss for this job is very friendly to us, but we have heard mixed things about how he can be a bit of a bullsh*t artist and to be very wary of his verbal promises. We would be locked in to this job for 3 years, and after that will be looking for another job (they will be selling after the three years, so this is non negotiable).
If we have three good seasons as far as production and payout, we will do quite well. On the other hand, if the seasons are average, we could end up in the pooper! This one is near impossible to predict, although the payout for the first season looks really good.
We need to sign a contract or pull out with these people in the next week-two weeks at most so have a small window in which to decide what to do.
If we were to pull out, we run the risk of pissing off the farm owner, who has always been relatively nice to us (especially if we let it drag on too long), which could hurt our reputation very early on in our career.


Option 2 - DHs parents have found out that they can purchase another farm, so are looking into this. If they find one, they would put us on. This is all very last minute.
The finances are organised but there is a risk that they might not find something suitable in the timeframe.
We would eventually be buying into this farm so although initially we may not earn as much as #1, we would have long term job security and would be heading in the direction of herd, and eventually farm ownership in a much easier and less risky way.
DHs parents can be a bit of a headache to work for at times although the farm would be away from theirs, so perhaps not as much involvement (perhaps not though) and therefore less headaches in that department.
Having this option in three years time (after the other job) is not possible due to siblings and financial status/plans of everyone else. Its now or never basically.


So our options are pull out of #1 and hope like crazy that #2 works out (if not, we are out on the street!), or continue with #1 knowing at least its a sure thing, hope for some good seasons, with knowing it will take A LOT longer to get to farm ownership.

We feel what ever way we go there is an amount of risk, and we think that either way, someones feelings will be hurt.
Im so confused, I just want the decision made so I can get a good night sleep!

Thanks

Yea, I'm with Kazper - can you look into people's opinions of this chap, and the reasons for them a little more? It's no fun at all to work for someone who's a bit dodgy, especially if you're locked in.

Is there an option buy option one after the 3 years or do they have a buyer already? If he turns out to be a douche during the 3 years at least you'd be working towards something permanent.

Ok so I would prob find out what the issues are then. Whether they are quite big issues and/or issues that might pop up with you guys!!

Also do you know any previous employees or have you spoken with current ones? I wouldn't ask outright with current ones, but if they seem quite happy then may be nothing to worry about. So hard when people say things like "just watch out" etc.

Edited by Kazper

Personally I would stay away from option 1, it sounds like there is a fair bit of risk involved ... and also - what would you then do at the end of the 3 years? If it all went well you'd presumably have some cash and be in a good position, but if it goes to poo then you'll be worse off than you are now?

Option 2 sounds like it has the potential to be really fantastic and has better long-term options..... but I know it can be tricky working for/with family... you'd want to make sure you had some pretty free and frank discussions up front.

Now, if they don't find somewhere in time, is there somewhere you can stay, or can you rent somewhere until they do find somewhere? that's pretty much the kicker, but from what you say, it sounds like it should be worth the wait?

Oh and i'm going to be a nana now and say

"Better the devil you know"
"A bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush"

I really am a nana!

If reputable people have said that the farm owner is a liar and goes back on his word then I wouldn't go with that option. Plus if you have 3 average seasons, or the milk payout drops dramaticly again like it has done in the past then you will be screwed.

I know your IL's have given you lots of grief in the past, however they are a known quantity, and after 3 years you wouls be in a much better position than if you had 3 great years with the other guy. I reckon option 2. Good luck

I, personally, would go with option 2, main reason is because I'm a long term goal/ low risk person, and because even if you don't always get along with your in-laws I'm sure their son & family's future is more important to them & are therefore less likely to put you in the poo than Mr Option One, regardless of how payouts go over the next 3 years.

Yea I agree Im probably dreaming there Jules

I'd go with option 2! I like the idea of working towards something bigger and better and as someone else has already said, if you go for option 1 at the end of the 3yrs you've then got to find something else.

Either one is a bit of a risk, but that's what life is about. You don't get anywhere without a little bit of a gamble! And at least option 2 is a gamble on yourselves, rather than a gamble on someone else!