#careeradvice #jobdecision #financialplanning #careerdevelopment
Redditors, which job would you take? 🤔
## The Dilemma:
EDIT – You all have given me SO MUCH to think about and consider. Thank you to every single person that took the time to share their experiences and thoughts. I really, really appreciate it!
SITUATION – I have zero people in my life to help me with this decision and would really like some assistance. Imagine you were in my shoes. 25F, no debt, very little bills. I posted to this sub because this is a big financial decision and I need advice.
Two jobs.
### Job #1:
– $70,000 salary with a $2500 to $4000 bonus annually.
– Easy work with a 9-minute commute.
– 6:30AM – 3PM work hours.
– Limited room for growth, basic salary increases annually.
– Company facing financial challenges and potential layoffs.
### Job #2:
– $97,000 salary with a $2500 bonus annually.
– Introduces new tools and processes.
– 8AM – 4PM work hours with a 1hr 15min commute each way.
– Room for growth in a stable industry.
– Limited personal connections at the company.
## Solutions:
Choosing between Job #1 and Job #2 is a tough decision, but here are some practical solutions to help you navigate this dilemma:
1. **Evaluate Your Priorities**:
– Consider what matters most to you – salary, work-life balance, career growth, or job security.
2. **Assess Long-Term Goals**:
– Think about where you see yourself in the next few years and which job aligns best with your career aspirations.
3. **Consider Commute Time**:
– Factor in the commute time and its impact on your daily routine and overall well-being.
4. **Network Building**:
– Explore opportunities to network and build connections in both companies to gain insights into their work culture and potential growth prospects.
5. **Financial Security**:
– Evaluate the stability and financial health of each company to make an informed decision regarding job security.
6. **Seek Mentorship**:
– Reach out to industry professionals or mentors for guidance and advice on choosing the right job opportunity.
Ultimately, the decision between Job #1 and Job #2 should be based on a combination of factors that align with your personal and professional goals. Trust your instincts, weigh the pros and cons, and choose the job that resonates with your values and aspirations.
What would you do? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! #redditors #jobdecisions.
Something like Job#2, but find one without a soul crushing commute. I would rather move than do that commute . If you can’t find that, then job#1.
Take Job 2, build network + experience for 2 years, then leave & find new job for 110k+ /yr.
I would opt for job 2 if you are ok with the commute. At your age, this could give you opportunities to grow and advance. Wishing you the very best!
Honestly I couldn’t commute that long every day unless perhaps you are taking a train. If it’s that long of a drive everyday no thank you.
For me I’d pick job #1, I value having a work life balance and being someone that has experienced 2-3 hours commute on the DAILY. I can tell you it wasn’t worth it. Wear and tear on the car, gas every 2 days, losing sleep from having to wake up early.. just isn’t worth.
Overall it’s up to you, just play by what you value and what you think is worth.
Depends on how likely you think layoffs are. For me job 1 wins on commute alone and the earlier hours are a bonus. That said, better a longer commute than no income at all.
Take job 2 and move closer! Even halfway, a 40 minute commute each way is much more doable
I personally think at your age you would want to a job that teaches you new things and you gain much more experience faster. You should be trying to learn as much as you can now in your career. And also make as much. Go hard for next few years and then hopefully in yours 30s you will have built yourself up and can find a job with the best of both worlds that you want
Job #2: sounds less risky plus $27k more. More skills to add to your resume for your next jump
Is the commute via bus/train or car? If car, will the company provide/pay for parking? Any tolls involved?
Could you move closer?
I did 1.5h each way for 10+ years, I got used to it
I commuted 1 hr each way for 2 years. You get a bit numb and accustomed to it. I would take #2 and work to move closer or use that experience to land a better job that’s closer in a year or two. $27000/year is absolutely worth the commute IMO.
Move.
Budgeting hard and planning layoffs is a bad sign, and 3% isn’t growth. Hell, given how inflation has been, you’re looking at a *comfortable right now* income that is going to get worse and worse the longer you’re there.
$27000 is a lot of money. Not necessarily life changing, but it’s a *lot*, and it’s the *floor.* And by your words, the industry is more stable and there’s a lot of room for growth in the company.
Move. Get out. Negotiate with job 2 to accommodate the cost of moving, do some research so you can get the tax write off for moving so far away from your current home, and leave your current company on a positive note with good relationships and recommendations from your coworkers. You don’t need to move crazy far, either–you can do some research and exploring to find the right option between driving and public transit and hybrid remote work.
Which job appeals to you more? Do you prefer to work within your comfort zone, knowing that it may not offer longevity? If so, take this job and start putting out feelers right away to get an idea of where you could go when/if the company tanks.
If you’re looking for more of a challenge, go with #2. You’ll learn more and earn more. See if you can negotiate an earlier start (like 6:30 or 7/finish at 3 or 3:30) to minimize traffic and shorten commute. Also, use the extra funds to buy a better car.
Choice is up to you!
Job 2 is how you move up in life. Job 1 is how you chill and stay where you’re at (and get bored sooner rather than later). Can you move 45 min closer?
I have been where you at – take the challenge.
Job #2 sets you on a higher income path going forward
Listen to audiobooks in the car and the commute isn’t bad
Would you ever want to live closer to Job 2?
30% higher salary is a game changer but that commute will get old very very quickly. I don’t think I’d take job 2 if relocating or a hybrid work schedule weren’t an option.
The caveat is if you think there is a strong chance of getting laid off from your current job then it may make sense to go with the new job.
OP, I was in your exact shoes two years ago, almost down to the exact numbers and situation. I made the hop to Job #2 and am currently working there, 8:30am-6:30pm every day.
You should take Job #2. Does the commute suck? Yes. Is it soul crushing? Yes. Does it leave you little time to do anything else in life? Yes. However the key thing is the room for growth and opportunity.
Having a 40% raise in your income impacts you so much. You can save and invest a lot more, further setting you up for more success later on. You can travel more and do more things with more money. Gives you the freedom to enjoy nicer things in life. Once you’re at a higher pay scale, it makes it easier to grow your money which is the ultimate reason why we work
Investing yourself is also the best reason to sacrifice now. You ever heard that situation of, “I don’t want to start college now because I’ll be in my 30s when I graduate” and the response is “You’ll be in your 30s anyways, just with or without a degree?” Same thing here. You can live a more chill life now or you can live a busier life now, either way in a few years you’ll be the same age just with a different career. Going to a place to make more connections, grow your career, learn more, make yourself more valuable, get promoted at an up and coming company is infinitely better than cruising at the same job on a company that’s sliding.
I’m not saying that the trade offs aren’t hard. I’m not saying that it’ll without a doubt be worth it. For me, I’m really into music and podcasts so I spent time that I would spend at home doing those things just in a car. Still sucks and I hate it. But the trade off in my career and opportunities have paid dividends. I’m interviewing for jobs right now that will put me in the $175K-$200K range. You have the rest of your life to chill and work something easy. Sacrifice and invest in yourself now so you have more options later.
You only have one life why not take some risks?
Job #2 is your stepping stone to Job #3 in two years from now, which might be Job #1. And by that time, you’ll have the experience and history to start your familiar job anew with a significantly higher salary.
Don’t forget: At the same job you might get your average +2% per year (for some that’s a dream, and it’s still below inflation-correction rates).
But switching jobs will already get you a +40% increase in salary.
And at that job, too, you will get +2% every year, give or take, probably less.
So when you switch back to Job #1 two years from now, you’ll be at $100k (+2% times two) and your #1 job will probably match the salary, or offer more.
That said…
…it’s not all about the money. The travel time is killing. Quality time with your partner will be reduced. It’s not going to be great. It’s an investment.
Job 2. Take the suck and commute. If need be, move closer. You can always bail and jump ship elsewhere and tell them your salary was $97k; they’ll match.
Be smart with the extra income, and actually save or invest in something.
Commutes cost money.
Calculate how many miles you’d drive per week and that’s the cost in dollars. Then estimate the amount of time worked per year, probably 2040. Then add estimated hours commuted and add that to hours worked.
In your example you will work ~2100 hours a year for $72,500 averaging the bonus. That’s $34.50 and hour when not factoring in mileage for the commute. Probably $32 if you do.
In example 2 you will work 2040 hours, 312.5 hours driving, commute 25,000 miles, and get paid ~$100,000.
That’s 2353.5 hours worked per year plus a $25,000 commute expense
Net income $75,000 for a wage of $31.88/hour
Probably break even at between the 2 jobs and have ~320 less hours a year free time.
Job 2 is the loser.
The commute is where is draw the line. I think you’d need to be really sure you wanted the new job to put up with that, and it doesn’t sound like you do
At 25, I’d take the higher salary. It’s for a season (you don’t have to work there forever) and when you’re done, you’ll be able to get an even higher salary.
Option 1 feels very comfortable and nice and might be tempting to stay at for too long. You have an opportunity to grow in salary— take it! (Also, you can listen to podcasts, books, etc on your commute.)
Job #2, you’re at the stage to grow your career today. Turning down a chance to build skills isn’t the optimal choice. Staying with a a company that has an uncertain future is another risk. Take #2, build your skills. How long until you can spring to job #3? If you take job #2, can you move closer to work, does the company have a telecommute option?
There is no salary in this world to make me commute in my own personal car over an hour each way!! But really, if you can arrange transportation that won’t make you go criminally insane and actually see that increase in salary not going to car and commute, then it’s worth it. But that long of a commute in your own personal car with how much money cars are right now. Is all I think about
Job # 1 for sure. You lose so much after work time with #2’s longer day and commute.