Long Commute or Less Salary?

Been out of work for a few months. Offered a position 10 min from home, but paying about 26K less than last job (nice environment, own office, training, cell phone, laptop, less stress). Just did a phone interview (went well, I think) for a job that should pay about 10K more than my last job (1 1/2 hour commute, not sure of environment, more gas, and potentially more work). I do have children so I am thinking closer and less stress would be good. However, if I take a lesser salary than I ever have before, will it effect my salary going forward?

Any input? Would you take the sure thing or risk going for the higher paying job? Or would you take the sure thing, continue interviewing, and leave if something better comes? I would feel bad starting and leaving, but I am really confused. Help!! Thanks.

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networker050184

I'd usually say don't worry so much about salary, but I can only imagine the lifestyle changes you would have to make with a 26k a year decrease in pay.

On the other hand time with family and less stress can make up a lot in the money department. If you can afford to take the pay cut then you should go for what ever job interests you the most.

dynamik

Is that 90 minutes one-way or round trip?

I guess a lot of it is relatively to what you make now. If you make $200k, $26k probably wouldn't be the end of the world. If you make $50k, that'd be much more substantial.

royal

If the higher paying job is an actual offer, then I would try to negotiate with the place closer to home. Explain to them that you have another offer that is $10K more than their offer but you really like their company and feel you can grow with them for years to come. They may match it or give you a bit more.

Daniel333

follow the money. any economist will tell you that.

you can move for how much extra that job is paying. Shoot, even get a nicer car.

jbrown414

Are you a single mother single income family?

networker050184

Daniel333 wrote:

follow the money. any economist will tell you that.

you can move for how much extra that job is paying. Shoot, even get a nicer car.

Money can not buy happiness. I know its cliche but it is so true. I have left a higher paying job for a lower one in the past and would do it again if the right opportunity came up. I'd rather enjoy my job than be rich any day.

techiemom

dynamik wrote:

Is that 90 minutes one-way or round trip?

I guess a lot of it is relatively to what you make now. If you make $200k, $26k probably wouldn't be the end of the world. If you make $50k, that'd be much more substantial.

It is about 90 minutes one-way.

I was making about 74K before I got laid off a few months ago, living off of unemployment and my husband's income. Since being in IT, I have never made less than 60K a year and my salary has gone as high as $52.00 an hour. The guaranteed job is offering 48K. The other possible job is not a guarantee, but I know they would be looking to pay in the 80-90K range based on what they are looking for, what I have, and the area. I have only had a phone interview with them and should know within a week if they want an in person interview.

I had to give an answer for the lower paying position since they were looking to hire immediately and I am supposed to start next week.

Should I take the in person interview if offered? If so, how should I handle taking the time off to go and do an interview for another job? Do you think it is right to take a job and leave so quickly? I think I would feel bad.

cacharo

Is relocation an option for you? Possibly splitting the difference between your husbands employer and yours? I know that the market isn't all that hot, but it is something to think about.

sprkymrk

I think if you don't plan on committing at least 6 months to the low-paying job I wouldn't feel right making them go through the hassle of hiring you. It wouldn't be fair to them.

If your income is secondary, and you have children (you didn't mention their ages) I would definately consider the low paying job if you are sure it's a good match for you and the company will not end up laying you off in the near future (in other words it must be a relatively stable company). Trust me when I say the 90 minute commute will get old very soon. That adds 12 hours a week to your work schedule (if they offer you 80k per year and you figure in the extra hours, you end up with something like 60k per year instead of 80k), and probably 6 gallons of gas per day x 5 days a week is 30 gallons a week, so deduct another $5500 a year for that, another 46k miles a year on your vehicle, which amounts to tires, oil changes, etc and you'll need a new car in 3 years.

I'm thinking a low stress job 10 minutes from home is well worth it.

techiemom

sprkymrk wrote:

I think if you don't plan on committing at least 6 months to the low-paying job I wouldn't feel right making them go through the hassle of hiring you. It wouldn't be fair to them.

If your income is secondary, and you have children (you didn't mention their ages) I would definitely consider the low paying job if you are sure it's a good match for you and the company will not end up laying you off in the near future (in other words it must be a relatively stable company). Trust me when I say the 90 minute commute will get old very soon. That adds 12 hours a week to your work schedule (if they offer you 80k per year and you figure in the extra hours, you end up with something like 60k per year instead of 80k), and probably 6 gallons of gas per day x 5 days a week is 30 gallons a week, so deduct another $5500 a year for that, another 46k miles a year on your vehicle, which amounts to tires, oil changes, etc and you'll need a new car in 3 years.

I'm thinking a low stress job 10 minutes from home is well worth it.

Thanks for breaking it down like that! I am going to go with the sure thing and less stress. Thanks to everyone for their input. I appreciate it.

networker050184

Good luck and let us know how it turns out!

dynamik

That seems like a good choice. I couldn't imagine spending 3 hours out of my day commuting. I think that time would be better spent with your family. Keep us posted, and good luck!

keenon

you should be factoring in gas, insurance and time off as well.. see if the local company can pay you what you currently make..

Kaminsky

Absolutely if you have kids, go with the job that is closer. I've got three myself and although the more money will be handy, before you know it your children have grown and you never got to know them.

My wife's farther commuted 2 hours each way for twenty years. Left in the morning before they were up and got home after they went to bed. On the weekends he was either cathing up on sleep or doing odd jobs he didn't get to do during the week and grouchy as hell all the time.

He really regrets that now. Luckily I was wise enough early on never to go down that road. I want to be home for breakfast and dinner each day to keep in touch with what my 3 young ones are doing at primary school each day. You can't put a value on that.

You made the right decision me thinks.

L0gicB0mb508

I personally drive an 1 hour and 45 min to work everyday. It gets old. I am currently looking for a place in between where I work and where i go to school. If I were you, I'd definitely stay with the closer job. The money spent in gas and maintaining your car is going to be nice, not to mention the extra time home with your family.

snadam

techiemom wrote:

sprkymrk wrote:

I think if you don't plan on committing at least 6 months to the low-paying job I wouldn't feel right making them go through the hassle of hiring you. It wouldn't be fair to them.

If your income is secondary, and you have children (you didn't mention their ages) I would definitely consider the low paying job if you are sure it's a good match for you and the company will not end up laying you off in the near future (in other words it must be a relatively stable company). Trust me when I say the 90 minute commute will get old very soon. That adds 12 hours a week to your work schedule (if they offer you 80k per year and you figure in the extra hours, you end up with something like 60k per year instead of 80k), and probably 6 gallons of gas per day x 5 days a week is 30 gallons a week, so deduct another $5500 a year for that, another 46k miles a year on your vehicle, which amounts to tires, oil changes, etc and you'll need a new car in 3 years.

I'm thinking a low stress job 10 minutes from home is well worth it.

Thanks for breaking it down like that! I am going to go with the sure thing and less stress. Thanks to everyone for their input. I appreciate it.

good call congrats on the job!

sprkymrk

Good luck techiemom, please post back in a few weeks and let us know how much you enjoy your new low stress job.