Hypothetical situation - which path would you choose?
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Anonymous
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I am 30, currently making $175K in "Role A". I have a skillset that would easily allow me to get a job in "Role B" (which is a role I've held before).
"Role B" would pay around $150K, I'd likely max out around $200K, but I'd be highly employable for the rest of my career, the WLB would be decent (likely fully remote). The job security and flexibility are important to me, since my husband has an inflexible (but very stable) job and we are looking to start a family soon-ish. "Role A" has the potential to be extremely lucrative ($500K+ a year) at the highest level, but I doubt I would make it to that level and think I'd hate it if I did. It's pretty volatile (I'm currently concerned about being laid off), poor WLB, and the exit opportunities likely would not be as lucrative. I do have a decent network and find the work more interesting and rewarding than "Role B." Given the current market, I'm increasingly considering jumping to "Role B", but something is holding me back. WWYD if you were me? |
Anonymous
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Is there any magic to timing. Can B be a backup option or do you need to decide now?
Quite honestly given your young age and many unknowns around potentially having a family I’d favor keeping my options open especially for high earning positions. |
Anonymous
I see your point. I am currently likely looking at a layoff soon ish and the market is tougher for Role A, which is making me want to jump ship sooner. |
Anonymous
might as well start applying/interviewing for role b type positions, since a career pivot isn't a sure thing and you aren't guaranteed to get a slot at a favored employer. otoh, if this is a pivot that isn't available to others that might be laid off, then you can always wait to see what kind of severance you might get. but i try to apply to interesting positions even when i don't think i actively want to leave. here, you are actively worrying about a layoff. |
Anonymous
| Money isn't everything. I'd pick Role B. $200k affords a very nice lifestyle and it's fully remote. |
Anonymous
| This is the definition of leaning out before you need to. Try to find another Role A. |
Anonymous
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A for sure.
My personal goal at 30 was to make 200k by 40. I made it at 37. Aim high! |
Anonymous
| Role B sounds better for work/life balance. |
Anonymous
| I chose B. I wish I chose A. |
Anonymous
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I have chosen to lean out at multiple times in my career (staying engaged and interest in the work but not going for the bigger promotions) and I think I’d be unhappy if I hadn’t made that choice. I even went part-time for a few years. I can chaperone at field trips, be home to help with homework etc. BUT there are three things that make this okay:
(1) we have enough income / savings / inheritance that I don’t need the higher salary. There are things it would be nice for, but not needed. (2) I do my best not to be jealous of the folk who started after me who have promoted above me. I picked my path and they picked their and both have pros and cons. But it can be hard at times. (3) in my case the salary difference if I’d pushed hard would be maybe $15-20k / year. And that’s not all that likely. As my kids age I might try for other roles (or not) but I might have felt differently if I were “missing out” on $100k / year. |
Anonymous
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How difficult would it be to flex back to Job A?
How soon are you looking to start a family? If DH's job is inflexible, and Job B would allow you to manage that with kids and Job A won't, that's something you can't put a dollar amount on. It is incredibly stressful when a kid/nanny gets sick and you both have busy work calendars. |
Anonymous
| Why bother with this if you’re not going to share industries and roles? People can give you actually advice if you give some real info. |
Anonymous
| I think you can’t know where a particular path will take you, so I would focus on what is the best fit for you over the next 3-5 years? |