OP, I graduated from an Ivy League school and get to read about all my classmates and other grads in my alumni magazine doing these amazing things and no doubt making lots of money.

I, however, make about $60K (after 15 years, mind you) teaching at a private school. My spouse works at a nonprofit and makes about $70K, so combined, we're making considerably less than you.

And listen, I'd be lying if I didn't sometimes feel like, "what in the world have I done with my life?" I'm never going to crack $100K. Never. I could have gone a different direction and be making bank right now. I know, because my friends/classmates are doing it. Not to mention that I'm surrounded by wealthy people in my job. It would be great if I didn't notice that a parent comes in with a purse that costs more than I make in a week, probably a month. Most of the time I don't care. Sometimes I do.

But to answer your question-- no. No way would I double (or triple, or quadruple) my salary if I had to work twice as much. I get every break and summer off with my kids. And yeah, I drive a Chevrolet. I like my Chevrolet, actually. But my kids are also getting a top notch education at the school where I work because I get a faculty discount and financial aid. Because schools were not a concern, we moved out to a bigger house in PG County and have a very reasonable mortgage for the area. Our kids have a yard to run in, and we have a membership at the local pool in the summer. And I am able to take my kids there, not the nanny. We don't go on fancy vacations but we can spend a week at the beach and walk on the boardwalk and eat ice cream and ride the Ferris wheel…. because I have the time to do it.

Over Christmas we were sitting by our tree, fireplace crackling, watching the kids play with their new toys, and I said to my spouse completely without irony, "We're living the dream, aren't we?" It's cliche but money can't buy those moments with your family. You make plenty enough to have a comfortable life-- cherish it. You're living the dream, friend.

I'm 34. I would take the job. Maybe you do it for 2 years and reevaluate. Could it position you for high $ / less hours later on?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Well that's pretty much unanimous. Would anyone be swayed by the $400k offer being with a "hot" company and/or the prospects for advancement at current firm being "okay" but not stellar?

I'm guessing no, but I'll ask since I'm getting firm responses here.

How old are you?

34.

I used to work 70-80 hrs a week and earn $300-400k. This was in my late 20's after b school and before children. These hours are not uncommon in NYC and I would probably be making $500k+ by now.

I now work 25 hours per week and earn about $150k. Would never work that much again. My kids are most important to me and time with them is worth more to me than anything I could buy with the extra $.

DH works about 50 hours per week and earns $500k.

Anonymous wrote:No. 200k for 40 hours is pretty much ideal

THIS! My DH works in high tech and is climbing steadily but he works 55-60 and gets $150 (with potential for good stock bonuses). I don't know anyone who works 40 and makes 200! Everyone I know who only works 40 is paid a pittance, like me, for the "flexibility" (none over 50!)

no way

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Well that's pretty much unanimous. Would anyone be swayed by the $400k offer being with a "hot" company and/or the prospects for advancement at current firm being "okay" but not stellar?

I'm guessing no, but I'll ask since I'm getting firm responses here.

How old are you?

No. I took a 40% paycut to work 50% fewer hours.

Nope. I would miss my kid. $200K is a great salary.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No, although I am already at/above $400k. I probably work 50-55 hours/week but have total flexibility so some weeks it might be 20. I could make more if I put in more time but have turned down projects or not pursued them because I value time more than money at this point. I might feel differently if my comp was lower but our combined comp covers a very comfortable life.

This isn't investment mgmt unfortunately.

?? Not sure what that means.

Anonymous wrote:No but I'd take half the money for half the hours.

- single mom

Interesting twist on the problem actually.

No doubt, being poor sucks. But 200K for 40 hours a week is an extremely generous paycheck. It is enough money to live well and meet all your obligations. It is enough money to outsource some grunt work at home and enjoy your leisure hours. At 80 hrs a week - you cannot outsource anything to enjoy your leisure hours. It is an unending grind. You may afford to go on a luxury vacation for 3 - 4 days, but the rest of your daily life sucks.

My aim is to die with just a couple thousand bucks in my bank account. Every single dollar that remains in my bank account when I die - represents the time I spent earning them instead of living my life. That dollar sign represents regret.

yes, i probably would so DW can stop working. she's been working for too many years.

No but I'd take half the money for half the hours.

- single mom

Yes but my FT job doesn't require a full 40 hours a week to do (more like 25)