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

[Anonymous]

You sound financially comfortable-- no way would I leave a job I am happy in for a questionable job and more money. Twice I have taken 25% pay cuts and never regretted it. I literally used to try to think of things I could spend my huge salary on that would make up for my miserable job but it never really works.

[Anonymous]

Absolutely not. I would be hesitant to do it in the best of situations, but I would not leave my easy, well-paying job that I love to go somewhere that has churned out 3 people in 5 years. No.

[Anonymous]

I would NOT do it in your case simply bc of the turnover in that job -- something is not right in that job/mgmt./group and you do not want to give up your high paying job to figure that out.

[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.

Could you ask your former colleague why the high turnover?

[Anonymous]

+1 for staying put. You sound more down to earth than most people on this forum, so don't let them make you think that $300K a year isn't good enough. They have no idea what it's like to actually be happy...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

NEVER TAKE THE COUNTER OFFER.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

NEVER TAKE THE COUNTER OFFER.

NP here Why not?

[Anonymous]

OP here - just got the job offer and now I have until the end of the week to decide. Based on the advice here, and our family's thinking over the weekend, I'm planning to turn it down. Thanks for the advice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

NEVER TAKE THE COUNTER OFFER.

NP here Why not?

http://www.forbes.com/sites/lisaquast/2014/07/07/why-you-should-never-accept-a-counter-offer-when-you-resign/#632609815a6a

[Anonymous]

Only in DC does this make any sense, you don't see people in middle america turning down $220k for their own happiness. SMH.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

NEVER TAKE THE COUNTER OFFER.

NP here Why not?

http://www.forbes.com/sites/lisaquast/2014/07/07/why-you-should-never-accept-a-counter-offer-when-you-resign/#632609815a6a

I don't buy that for a second. I did take a counter offer, and in addition to getting more money and a higher title, I was able to move up in the organization where things were static for me previously. And yes, I had previously asked for raises and title and more responsibility, but it wasn't until the boss actually realized that others saw my true worth that it finally kicked in. Yes, it sucks that it has to be that way, but only you can decide what's best for you. Sometimes you need to get external validation in the form of another job offer to show that you are worth and capable of more. (And, at least at my organization, only select people got counter offers, so you do have to be ready to walk.)

[Anonymous]

Good for you, OP!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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?

Take the gig. These years are not about you or your happiness.

What's that supposed to mean? They live comfortably below their means with no debt, so they don't need the money. I'm not sure how OP's kids will be better off if their parent spends 40+ hours a week being unhappy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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?

Take the gig. These years are not about you or your happiness.

What's that supposed to mean? They live comfortably below their means with no debt, so they don't need the money. I'm not sure how OP's kids will be better off if their parent spends 40+ hours a week being unhappy.

Sorry bud, some of us have the ability to compartmentalize.
In other words, when I get home I am father not an employee of Soul Sucking Company XYZ.

Also, everyone needs money even this poster. If there is somewhat Job Security for at least a few years and in-demand skillset with same number of hours; I would take the money.

[Anonymous]

I would not do it...there is nothing worse than a toxic work environment. Like it or not, you spend most of your waking hours there, so why be miserable. $300k HHI is fantastic anyways...