Do I take the higher paid job I won't like as much?

[Anonymous]

How is your current job about people coming back? If you think you could go back if you really dislike the new job - you could try it. Some employers are more flexible about this than others though.

[Anonymous]

OP here - thanks for the advice and good questions, I'll answer a few.

I wasn't out looking for a new job, a former colleague went there and asked that I send her my resume when she saw an opening. I hesitated because I have been very happy in my current position for 6 years, but didn't see much harm in sending a resume. I was also persuaded that there are opportunities for growth in the new job, my current boss is unlikely to leave for a decade so I have little opportunity for promotion in my current job.

I've gone in for two interviews and haven't particularly liked the interviewers, I've also learned that they've had 3 occupants for the new job in the past 5 years. Perhaps I would love the new job but I'm not getting a great vibe.

My family currently lives below our means and we don't want a Tesla or any major lifestyle upgrades. We have a good amount of savings now, but this would allow us to build up a much larger financial reserve and put a lot more in the kids' 529s. I haven't done the math after taxes but $70k is a big jump, I agree.

[Anonymous]

If you leave on good terms any chance you could go back to your boss that will still be there over the next 10 years? And maybe get a higher salary?

Or maybe your boss will surprise you and offer a nice counter to keep you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - thanks for the advice and good questions, I'll answer a few.

I wasn't out looking for a new job, a former colleague went there and asked that I send her my resume when she saw an opening. I hesitated because I have been very happy in my current position for 6 years, but didn't see much harm in sending a resume. I was also persuaded that there are opportunities for growth in the new job, my current boss is unlikely to leave for a decade so I have little opportunity for promotion in my current job.

I've gone in for two interviews and haven't particularly liked the interviewers, I've also learned that they've had 3 occupants for the new job in the past 5 years. Perhaps I would love the new job but I'm not getting a great vibe.

My family currently lives below our means and we don't want a Tesla or any major lifestyle upgrades. We have a good amount of savings now, but this would allow us to build up a much larger financial reserve and put a lot more in the kids' 529s. I haven't done the math after taxes but $70k is a big jump, I agree.

If they've gone through 3 people in 5 years that would be a HUGE red flag for me. - unless you are specifically in an industry where people only stay a year or so. I am in my early 40s and escaped a miserable work situation about a year ago. Love my new job. Would not go back to my old place for 70k. As you get older I think it is harder to put up with bad work environments. And they do impact you, your health, your family, etc. Just my two cents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Before you take it, run the numbers for how the salary increase might impact your tax situation. Does it put you into AMT territory? Will you have other associated expenses with the new job? Yes, it's a big raise but if you are happy and comfortable right now, the extra money (after taxes) might be less than you'd expect.

An HHI of $300k should already put them into AMT territory.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I make 150k, DS also makes around 150k, we are in our late 30s and living comfortably but not extravagantly in a house we can afford with no debt beyond our mortgage, and 2 young kids in elementary school. I really enjoy my current job, great boss, interesting work, very comfortable there. I'm now a finalist for a job in another organization where my starting salary would be $220k, though my interviews lead me to believe I wouldn't enjoy the culture or work as much. Same industry, similar commute, etc. My DS thinks I should take the higher paying job for a few years just so that we can put a huge amount in the kids 529s and other savings, I'm worried I'll be sacrificing my daily happiness at work. What to do?

$300k should yield enough to save for retirment and kids college on its own. You donn't need the $70k to do that. I agree with a PP that said the turnover of this job over the past few years should be a reg flag and worth serious thought.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't leave the good work environment for 70k. Yes, it's a lot of money per year, but after taxes it is much less.

And I agree with pps that 3 people in 5 years is a huge red flag. DH took a job with more opportunity (but not 70k extra in salary) and the work environment is awful and he wants out asap. Plan is to spend a year there and then apply for something else. The bad environment is sapping him physically, emotionally, etc.

[Anonymous]

OP - sounds like you guys are very comfortable. I personally wouldn't take the higher paying job as I prioritize health and happiness over money. $70K is indeed a lot, but you really need to calculate your net increase, and see if it would still be worth your while.

[Anonymous]

Do whatever you can to find out why those other people left, $70k is a lot to turn down on a feeling or "vibe".

[Anonymous]

You and your husband make plenty of money to afford the things you need, save for your future and your children's future, and afford a few luxuries. Making more money will give you a little more stuff and a little more savings - but honestly, it is not going to change your life.

A job you enjoy vs. a job that you don't enjoy? Getting up on Monday and looking forward to going to work vs. dragging yourself out of bed and dreading the week ahead? That is the kind of happiness you cannot buy.

Be careful of throwing away happiness for a few pounds of coin.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't take the job if your gut tells you you'll be unhappy.

[Anonymous]

I was going to say YES for the 70k. While people around here always say you get "nothing" after taxes, I usually expect to bring home about 50% after all taxes/deductions/retirement etc. So 70k is another 35k coming in, which is almost 3k per month. Who couldn't use (or save) another 3k per month in their late 30s -- it'll be the difference between fully funding an ivy vs. telling your kids to go to state school.

BUT research into it further bc 3 people leaving a job in 5 yrs is NOT good and if you find there's something that drives people out, then chances are it'll drive you out too -- and you will have given up a 150k job for it; there are no guarantees that you'd necessarily get your old job back or get an equivalent at 150k. The last thing you want is to go do this, be so miserable in 3 months that you have to leave, and then find the job offers you're landing are for 120k or 130k -- obviously saving an extra 3k/month for 3 months isn't worth that kind of long term cut.

[Anonymous]

don't do it. you guys make a great living.

[Anonymous]

I recently did something similar. I almost instantly regretted it and I couldn't go back to my old job. After 5 months I found a job that is giving me my sanity back again. It's not worth it. Seriously. Especially if you are happy now.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't in your shoes. Your all-around current happiness is hard-to-find. Do you take your work stress home with you? What if your boss does leave the company? Would you be the next in line?