Flexible Work Schedule or More Pay?

[Anonymous]

Would you leave a laid back job where the work schedule is extremely flexible (wfh pretty much anytime...leave early no problem etc.) for a 20k pay raise? The new job wouldn't have much flexibility.

[Anonymous]

How badly do you need/want the money? How will your kids/spouse/sanity be impacted by the change? How will your career be impacted if you don't make the move, and do you care?

Lots of individual factors at work. I personally wouldn't do it right now because I have a toddler and plan to have another baby in the next year. A few years from now, I would seriously consider. It really depends on what you need and want.

[Anonymous]

Depends on your personal circumstances completely. I wouldn't, but others I know would.

[Anonymous]

OP here, thanks for your response! I have a toddler at home too. I just don't think it's worth the 20k to leave my current job. Maybe in a few years....

[Anonymous]

It really depends on your needs. I wouldn't for $20K. But someone only making $20K or even $40K might feel differently.

[Anonymous]

What's the 20k in pe cent to your salary? Would you need to spend some of it for more hours of care? Is the new job a better opportunity to advance further?

[Anonymous]

OP here, thanks all for your responses! It's about a 15% increase from what I make now, and yes I would have to spend a little more on care since the commute will be further. This definitely will not be a better job opportunity...I'll be doing the same stuff just at a different company.

I think I am going to stay at my current company.

[Anonymous]

Personally, I would not - but I really, really value flexibility.

[Anonymous]

I recently gave up more pay for a job that teleworks. It was a difficult decision, as I have a lot of internal ambition waiting to get out. I was fearful that teleworking would limit my chances for advancement. So far it's been a good decision. My work is highly visible, but I still have the flexibility.

For added perspective, my kids are older (10-14yr). I figured I only have four more years before the oldest is off to college, and I want to take advantage of that time with them.

I may look for higher paying positions once the youngest is in college. By then we should need extra money for tuition and loans.

Good luck on you decision.

[Anonymous]

A few things I factor into offers -

What's the annual raise vs what's the hourly rate? (ie - if my hourly compensation rate goes down even though annual is up, that's a no go for me)

How does this change my childcare needs, both in terms of cost and daily hassle - if I have to buy back convenience, do I still net out ahead? or does all the extra pay just get eaten up by extra babysitter time, more take out, more housekeeping, etc

How would this step effect my long term earnings trajectory? Maybe it's 20k this year, but if it puts me on a path that wouldn't be possible (and is presumably better) than the one available in my current organization, then that's a big factor to consider.

[Anonymous]

I face that option weekly. Never once have I even considered it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here, thanks all for your responses! It's about a 15% increase from what I make now, and yes I would have to spend a little more on care since the commute will be further. This definitely will not be a better job opportunity...I'll be doing the same stuff just at a different company.

I think I am going to stay at my current company.

See if you can leverage the offer for a raise at your current company.

[Anonymous]

I am currently in a job that's not flexible, and I would be willing to give up 20+K to take a flexible job.

[Anonymous]

Doesn't seem worth it for 15% plus care cost increases.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am currently in a job that's not flexible, and I would be willing to give up 20+K to take a flexible job.

Yup.