Taking a job just because it offers more money
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Anonymous
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I just had twins three months ago and DH and I realize that even with considerable tightening of our spending (we already live very modestly), we need to bring in more money in order to be able to save appropriately and ensure financial stability down the road. DH has a very limited amount of mobility career-wise.
I have been offered a job that will give me about a 20% raise. This amount is enough to solve most of our concerns about savings. The thing is, I really love the firm I currently work at and am heartbroken at the prospect of leaving. Unfortunately, I don't see myself getting a 20% raise plus up to 45% variable comp at this firm any time soon (even raises for top performers are around 10% max / 30% variable comp). Anyway, I'm bummed. The new opportunity will be interesting, but not as interesting as the work I do now. I will miss the people I work with now. Have been with this firm for almost nine years. Trying to remember that my family is the most important thing right now and part of that is ensuring our financial security. Just sucks to take a job primarily because of the money, though I'm sure I'll do well in the role and deliver what the employer is asking for. Don't know if there's an answer to this issue, just wanted to express my thoughts. |
Anonymous
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I'm in a similar boat, only made the decision 3 years ago.
Honestly? I"m not happy. But I also realize these years really aren't about me. I also don't build my identity around my occupation, so I figure it's just a job I do and I come home every night to my family and leave work at the office. |
Anonymous
| I'd stay at current job |
Anonymous
| Good lord, woman - it is not easy to be happy at work! I would be very hesitant to make this jump. Can you use the new offer to negotiate anything with current employer? |
Anonymous
| 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. |
Anonymous
| My goal is to work in order to fund the things that make me happy. I don't go to work to be happy. I'd take the higher paying job. |
Anonymous
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. |
Anonymous
| I'm hopefully going to be facing a similar position shortly and I'm planning on going with the money. Can you negotiate the new position so that is it closer to a 25-30% bump? For me, career progression and money are the most important things at the moment. |
Anonymous
+1 |
Anonymous
OP here - I cannot negotiate with this. My firm doesn't negotiate salaries on the basis of other job offers and it's a pretty well known fact that they not only take a hard line on this but trying to do so will threaten your job security. Love many things about my employer but they are no-nonsense in this regard, unfortunately. |
Anonymous
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OP again. Overall I'd say I'm a work to live person and my job isn't a huge part of my identity. But given that I work between 45 - 50 hours a week at a minimum, I've really appreciated working in a place that I love to be in day to day and working with people who are smart, kind, and collegial.
A big part of the issue is that I am the primary breadwinner at home and even though my husband works very hard, he doesn't earn very much (about 40% of my salary) and it isn't possible for him to easily jump to another employer, though I think he'd love to. In sum, it's on me to make more money right now - and we do need to bring more money in. Anyways, first world problems, I guess. But still very sad to be doing this. I'm sure I'll buck up and get the job done well, but will miss the place I am working now. |
Anonymous
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.) |
Anonymous
| what is the actual salary difference? |
Anonymous
| Leave. Kids come first. |
Anonymous
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Are there any other factors in play that might be good pros/cons to consider? I.e. different/better commute; career advancement possibilities; more/less predictable hours?
I'd try to line up some of things together, along with the financial considerations, and then decide from there. I made a lateral move, financially, from a firm I knew and loved for over 10 years, but the better commute, more predictable hours, better benefits, etc., made it stand out as a great choice and I don't regret the move. |