Taking a job just because it offers more money

[Anonymous]

OP, make sure you aren't just scared of change. Don't let yourself get complacent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just had twins three months ago

Seems like a huge life transition like this is not necessarily the best time to be thinking about huge job transitions.

(I would add, don't forget to factor in social capital you've built up at your current employer. If you've been there almost nine years, you might have more flexibility that you wouldn't get from a new employer. With two babies, flexibility could be helpful.)

+1

The non-monetary benefits of being a long-term and trusted employee can be pretty big, especially for your children. Some of the long-term financial stability may be able to be deferred a few years so you are getting through "kids are sick and I need to take them to the doctor" issues, which tend to be easier to deal with as a longer term employee vs. the newbie.

The first year was rough for me and I only had one child, and I was the main breadwinner (and the sole breadwinner for a time). I would try to keep as much sanity in your life for the first year, vs. put yourself in a position of being the always-on-and-working-at-110%-new-employee at only 4 months post-partum with twins.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just had twins three months ago

Seems like a huge life transition like this is not necessarily the best time to be thinking about huge job transitions.

(I would add, don't forget to factor in social capital you've built up at your current employer. If you've been there almost nine years, you might have more flexibility that you wouldn't get from a new employer. With two babies, flexibility could be helpful.)

+1. The flexibility I had returning to a job where I was well-established was priceless. No need to worry about time for pumping, sick days for the baby, running late because it was just one of "those" mornings. Now that DD is over a year I am making a move, but it would have been a big burden to do so earlier.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have been in the same situation (3 kids within a short amount of time and needed more income to pad retirement and college savings) and I went with the money. I am someone that works to live...I don't have to love or even like my job. I get in, do my job well, get out. Thats MY personality so going for more money always makes sense. My husband is a completely different personality. He is a physician in a field he truly LOVES (but doesn't pay great) and has had many opportunities to cross over to specialties and make a lot more money but it wasn't an option for him because his work is apart of who he is. I think you have to examine what work means to you to decide.

I totally agree with this. I am in a job mostly for the money. I don't dislike the job, but can think of many other jobs I would rather have. There are many that would not find this a big deal, but for me it is a constant struggle. So I agree that you have to understand what sort of role work plays in your life.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, make sure you aren't just scared of change. Don't let yourself get complacent.

This.
+ If you are happy at your firm now, chances are you are predisposed to... well, be happy at work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:what is the actual salary difference?

OP again. It's about $35k up on base pay alone which for us is a big difference. We are not a household earning "only" $250k - lol.

It will mean the difference of having savings and fully funding retirement and college during the daycare years or not.

To the PP who noted other considerations like commute - yes, that will be better, too. I'll be able to primarily work from home with virtually no travel (maybe 3x a year). Currently, I commute 45 minutes each way with travel 10 -12x a year, so that's a considerable benefit.

I don't know that I'm afraid of change. I had other jobs before my current one and changing jobs always felt right when I did. This feels very bittersweet. Because I've had other jobs I know how lucky I am to be working where I am.

Thanks to all for your replies. I appreciate the feedback.

[Anonymous]

Primarily working from home is invaluable. Take the new job OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just had twins three months ago

Seems like a huge life transition like this is not necessarily the best time to be thinking about huge job transitions.

(I would add, don't forget to factor in social capital you've built up at your current employer. If you've been there almost nine years, you might have more flexibility that you wouldn't get from a new employer. With two babies, flexibility could be helpful.)

+1

The non-monetary benefits of being a long-term and trusted employee can be pretty big, especially for your children. Some of the long-term financial stability may be able to be deferred a few years so you are getting through "kids are sick and I need to take them to the doctor" issues, which tend to be easier to deal with as a longer term employee vs. the newbie.

The first year was rough for me and I only had one child, and I was the main breadwinner (and the sole breadwinner for a time). I would try to keep as much sanity in your life for the first year, vs. put yourself in a position of being the always-on-and-working-at-110%-new-employee at only 4 months post-partum with twins.

+1

[Anonymous]

Ok, with the new info about working from home and no travel... take it! It is not a permanent decision, and it sounds like the benefits are significant. As long as you are not derailing your career... take it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

To the PP who noted other considerations like commute - yes, that will be better, too. I'll be able to primarily work from home with virtually no travel (maybe 3x a year). Currently, I commute 45 minutes each way with travel 10 -12x a year, so that's a considerable benefit.

I'm that PP and with these facts alone, I'd say take it! The $35k is gravy; the extra time with your twins will be huge.