Leave a job for a longer commute but an extra 20k ?

LetMeLoose

Greetings Boardies,

I have a decision to make and would appreciate any ones input.
Here is my situation, i like the job i am in but feel there is a ceiling to my growth within the company as i realistically only have one or two more promotions left. The job is ok, the people are great, money could be better but the job is only a 5 minute drive from where i live, i have since been offered a job that looks more interesting on paper for an extra 20k for a very reputable company but it would come with an increased commute equating to roughly 40 mins to get to the job.

Age: 27

Current Job:

Salary: 50k

Pros:
Job is ok
People are great
Perks are good
Commute is 5 mins

Cons:
Ceiling on my growth
Money could be better


Potential new job:

Salary 70k

Pros:
Job seems more interesting
More room for growth
All the perks of my current job plus company stock and bank holidays off

Cons:
Commute is roughly an extra half hour, may work out at 40 minutes to get to the job
Would have to rely on public transport.


It is obviously a big decision to make, i am usually quick to make decisions but i now have a 3 month old son to think about.

Any advice is much appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Dial Hard

40 minutes is nothing. If the job is a better opportunity, take it.

average_runner

So after tax its roughly a 10,000 increase.

So is your quality of life worth 10,000?
Which company will give u more flexibility with your new kid.

Did you read reviews about new company? Grass is not always greener. Did u give ur current company a chance for a counter offer?

If your important to them they will go to 60,000.

tomwaits48

Take the job. You’d be mental not too. €70k salary good stepping stone to six figures in a 3/4 years.

salmocab

I’d agree, if 40 minutes is realistic then go for it.

marketty

€10k in the hand is a very nice boost, and 40 mins isn't a bad commute. Any possibility of moving closer if it is a big deal to you? Or working a day or 2 from home? I've a longish commute already but I'd still get it hard to turn down an extra €200 a week, plus better promotion opportunities beyond that, I'd probably put up with another 30 mins each way, and move closer after a couple of years. For a 40 mins commute it's a no brainer imo.

mvl

Where I'd critique the offer or timing: having a 3 months old and relying on public transport is more of a problem with going to longer commute in this stage of your life.

(what happens after maternity leave finishes ? is mom staying at home, or will you share responsibilities with dropping/collecting from childcare ?)
- if the two can be mitigated with no impact on your quality of life, I'd go for the newer opportunities.

jjpep

Does the commute have to be on public transport? Is cycling an option? Probably quicker than public transport and more predictable. If the distance is too far to cycle under your own power every day, you could look at an electric bike.

An extra 20k is not to be sniffed at and as another poster said, would be potentially the next step anyway in getting to quite a large salary.

Ursus Horribilis

Take the job. And learn how to drive.

Purple Mountain

Ursus Horribilis wrote: »

Take the job. And learn how to drive.

He is driving already.

kippy

Hard to give the "right" answer here as we're not aware of all of the specifics and variables involved.

All I would say is the grass is not always greener on the other side, particularly when it comes to work environement and culture.

Think about this:
Your commute adds a minimum of 5 hours per week to your time spent working. I'd suspect 5 hours is a conservative estimate and would depending on wait times for transport, delays etc etc
It's a minimum 260 odd hours per year (6.5 work weeks) - Outside of any other considerations that you won't find out until you start (some places require you to work unpaid overtime / etc etc)
Is it worth "working" a minimum of 6.5 weeks extra per year for 20K gross?

Personally, I'd make sure I gave my existing job a good chance to increase my package, and based on knowing the work environment and knowing how flexible they might be with the kid in mind, I'd be very hesitant to move based on the circumstances you have provided.

OMM 0000

Do you rent or own?

If renting, take the new job and move close to it.

Bobby04

Dial Hard wrote: »

40 minutes is nothing. If the job is a better opportunity, take it.

+1

GiftofGab

Can't believe this is even an option. Take the new position. Higher salary, higher ceiling for growth and more interesting position. 40 mins is nothing
In 3 years time you will earn an extra 60k more. If you don't lile it, move onto somewhere else.

kippy

GiftofGab wrote: »

Can't believe this is even an option. Take the new position. Higher salary, higher ceiling for growth and more interesting position. 40 mins is nothing
In 3 years time you will earn an extra 60k more. If you don't lile it, move onto somewhere else.

As a matter of interest, at what stage of your career are you at?
Life is not all about money.

Benny Biscotti

There are some sheltered lives out there when 35 minutes stands in between someone and an extra 20k.

jam_mac_jam

Benny Biscotti wrote: »

There are some sheltered lives out there when 35 minutes stands in between someone and an extra 20k.

No just different priorities

GreeBo

Benny Biscotti wrote: »

There are some sheltered lives out there when 35 minutes stands in between someone and an extra 20k.

There are some shallow lives out there when 20k gross is worth more to you then 5 hours a week with your family.

vectorvictor

What value do you place on your tenure with existing company and presumably some security in the form of notice / redundancy entitlements etc..?

The new salary is nice but not so much when you can be turfed out with no reason probably a max of three months notice pay (if you're lucky) and no redundancy entitlements for the first two years.

Given the extra commute but mostly with a new addition to the family I would value what I know and the inherent security at much more than two ton a week

You are fortunate to be young enough not to worry about "ceilings to your growth" , sometimes there's value in threading water for a while

Future employers will also like you seeing out the 1 or 2 promotion opportunities you say you have left rather than bailing mid way through the progression opportunities available to you - it shows tenacity and commitment rather than being easily lured for instant gain

Spook_ie

Too many personal variables in such a move to give solid advice.

Do you as a couple intend on one of you staying at home or paying for childcare?

Do you value having fixed dates off ( Bank holidays )

Do you have a fall back plan if the job and company turn out to be s***e

What's the tax implications of share options etc.

In the event of weather events, PT strikes, RTAs etc. what viable options to get into work.

Whatever you decide, hope it works out and remember at the end of the day it's something you should be doing for the family as a whole.

bobbysands81

I’d kill for a 40 minute commute.

Currently mine is 150km each way in and out of Dublin City Centre.

mvl

bobbysands81 wrote: »

Currently mine is 150km each way in and out of Dublin City Centre.

yeah, always depends to what ppl are comparing to. I can't be signing up for something like that until my young one goes to college: I work full time, and do all the school drops @9:20am/after school collections @6pm.

- replies to OP are pretty diverse anyway - plenty to think about.

Sono

bobbysands81 wrote: »

I’d kill for a 40 minute commute.

Currently mine is 150km each way in and out of Dublin City Centre.

Do you hate your job or are you extremely well compenstaed and it makes up for it?

how long is such a commute sustainable for? I am 40 mins on public transport and I find that hard at times

whoopsadaisy

To echo what everyone else here has already said -- it is a matter of priorities, and whether you're willing to take on a commute while you currently don't have one. No one else can really say whether you're making the right or wrong decision. For me, that salary increase is just too big not to jump at it!

Out of curiosity, what made you put yourself forward for this new role initially? Was it that it was an enticing package, or were you just fed up at the time in your current role? Surely you'd have known about the commute and the fact you'd have to factor in your newborn throughout the application / interview stage.

The reason I'm bringing it up is because if you are genuinely fed up in your current position (because of the ceiling to progression, or because of any other issues outside of money), any salary increases that you're offered to stop you from leaving isn't going to fix those issues. It'll sweeten the idea of staying put, but once your head is clear of this dilemma and you're back in the swing of things in work, you'll remember why you started looking elsewhere in the first place, and you'll probably start looking again.

Just something to think about.

Esse85

What industry/job pays €70k to a 27 year old?

I wish I'd of followed this path.

5uspect

40 minutes on a bus is probably 20 minutes on a bike. Are there changing and shower facilities at the new place?

touts

LetMeLoose wrote: »

Greetings Boardies,

I have a decision to make and would appreciate any ones input.
Here is my situation, i like the job i am in but feel there is a ceiling to my growth within the company as i realistically only have one or two more promotions left. The job is ok, the people are great, money could be better but the job is only a 5 minute drive from where i live, i have since been offered a job that looks more interesting on paper for an extra 20k for a very reputable company but it would come with an increased commute equating to roughly 40 mins to get to the job.

Age: 27

Current Job:

Salary: 50k

Pros:
Job is ok
People are great
Perks are good
Commute is 5 mins

Cons:
Ceiling on my growth
Money could be better


Potential new job:

Salary 70k

Pros:
Job seems more interesting
More room for growth
All the perks of my current job plus company stock and bank holidays off

Cons:
Commute is roughly an extra half hour, may work out at 40 minutes to get to the job
Would have to rely on public transport.


It is obviously a big decision to make, i am usually quick to make decisions but i now have a 3 month old son to think about.

Any advice is much appreciated.

Thanks in advance

40 minutes is nothing especially if you have public transportation to do the hard work and get you there. With that salary, perks and potential it's a no brainer. Take the job.

racso1975

The commute is very doable and will be a change from 5 mins but you'll adjust. The increase alone will cover the majority of creche fees if applicable and hence won't your spending power won't change hugely and you still have the opportunity of growth allowing for promotion or movement to a bed job in a few years.

Atlantic Dawn

Get yourself a comfie automatic car and chill out on the new drive.

bobbysands81

Sono wrote: »

Do you hate your job or are you extremely well compenstaed and it makes up for it?

how long is such a commute sustainable for? I am 40 mins on public transport and I find that hard at times

I actually quite enjoy the job, the traveling (especially the cost) and being away from the family is the hard thing about it. Given the traffic I encounter in the mornings there’s plenty of other folk doing it.

I’m doing long commutes for almost 7 years. I break it up when I can. They’ll be worth it in the long run.

bobbysands81

LetMeLoose wrote: »

Greetings Boardies,

I have a decision to make and would appreciate any ones input.
Here is my situation, i like the job i am in but feel there is a ceiling to my growth within the company as i realistically only have one or two more promotions left. The job is ok, the people are great, money could be better but the job is only a 5 minute drive from where i live, i have since been offered a job that looks more interesting on paper for an extra 20k for a very reputable company but it would come with an increased commute equating to roughly 40 mins to get to the job.

Age: 27

Current Job:

Salary: 50k

Pros:
Job is ok
People are great
Perks are good
Commute is 5 mins

Cons:
Ceiling on my growth
Money could be better


Potential new job:

Salary 70k

Pros:
Job seems more interesting
More room for growth
All the perks of my current job plus company stock and bank holidays off

Cons:
Commute is roughly an extra half hour, may work out at 40 minutes to get to the job
Would have to rely on public transport.


It is obviously a big decision to make, i am usually quick to make decisions but i now have a 3 month old son to think about.

Any advice is much appreciated.

Thanks in advance

In other words 2.5 hours a week extra for 20k. That works out at an extra €154 euro per hour of travel. Is each hour of extra travel worth €385 per week to you for a job that you find more interesting?

Your standard of life will increase if you move jobs regardless of extra commuting time. This is seriously a no-brainer.

Stephen15

5uspect wrote: »

40 minutes on a bus is probably 20 minutes on a bike. Are there changing and shower facilities at the new place?

That would of course depend on if it's on a bus, coach/Bus Eireann bus or train. 40 mins by train or even a Bus Eireann bus from the likes of Rathoath or Ashbourne would cover a significantly larger distance in 40 mins than a city bus stuck in traffic for most the journey. It would also depend factors like is it uphill and the general safety of cycling such as a proper cycle lane I personally wouldn't cycle in Dublin City Centre for example.

If you live in Dublin a 40 minute commute is practically living in the suburbs and working in the city centre and commuting by bus. Where I live I'd probably do it as there's a very good bus service where I live and it's about 40 mins by bus.

beauf

You're young enough that if it doesn't work out you have lots of time to recover and change to something else.

40 mins is a normal commute. That's not a commute that would put me off.

Check what other people who work in the new place say about it. Unless they hate it sounds like a no brainer to move.

corks finest

Stay ,as an idiot who did 2 jobs to provide for an awfully long time it's not worth it ,I mean you'll have more home time,and if there's kids coming or there now - time is precious and obviously you are living ok and ask yourself " do I really need it?" That's my perspective, being a dad who spent a lot of time away at times from a young family ( no choice)

Pkiernan

bobbysands81 wrote: »

In other words 2.5 hours a week extra for 20k. That works out at an extra €154 euro per hour of travel. Is each hour of extra travel worth €385 per week to you for a job that you find more interesting?

Your standard of life will increase if you move jobs regardless of extra commuting time. This is seriously a no-brainer.

It's 5 hours extra for €200 a week after tax.

Corkblowin

Look at it from the other side - would you give up a 40 min commute & 20k to move to your current job with 5 min commute?

OldMrBrennan83

For 20 grand that shouldn't even be a question. I'd walk on glass for an extra half hour for it.

salmocab

corks finest wrote: »

Stay ,as an idiot who did 2 jobs to provide for an awfully long time it's not worth it ,I mean you'll have more home time,and if there's kids coming or there now - time is precious and obviously you are living ok and ask yourself " do I really need it?" That's my perspective, being a dad who spent a lot of time away at times from a young family ( no choice)

In fairness he’s talking getting home 30 minutes later in the evening. As he currently has little or no commute that’s the difference between getting home at 5.10 and 5.40. Obviously it’s nice to be home earlier but with an extra 10,000 a year cash to spend he could go on extra family holidays plus he would get his bank holidays with the family.
I would agree on your substantive point though that time with family is more important but in this case I don’t think the commute is going to really affect home life.

OldMrBrennan83

corks finest wrote: »

Stay ,as an idiot who did 2 jobs to provide for an awfully long time it's not worth it ,I mean you'll have more home time,and if there's kids coming or there now - time is precious and obviously you are living ok and ask yourself " do I really need it?" That's my perspective, being a dad who spent a lot of time away at times from a young family ( no choice)

It's half an hour later, not landing in at midnight.

KevinCavan

Maybe you could move house to make it a shorter commute? Or you possibly have bought a house already, that is closer to your current job.

shesty

Working mum of young kids here (also an engineer that is not paid 70k now, never mind at 27 - where are these jobs??!!!). Since you have a three month old, here are some questions that you will be facing in the next 2-3 years and onwards, we are juggling these now. They might help your decision...


Is it 40 mins with no traffic, driving full out or 40 mins including traffic - ie, maybe 20 mins if things are quiet?



Will your partner be returning to work?


If not - although it's early days yet - what would your childcare arrangements be? Are there creches in the area, near your bus/luas/train stop? Will your partner drive (ie and possibly be able to drop off child). What types of pre-school/primary schools are around? Would you be able to share school drop offs - one do morning, one do evening? Do you have family in the area that could pick up the slack in an emergency?


You don't have to have all the answers right now to those, or solve those problems right now, but have them in the back of your head. With them in mind, I would ask the new company do you have options to do flexible hours ie start late/early, finish late/early or work from home in the future the odd time if needed.



Unfortunately when kids enter the picture it stops just being about the extra 20k and starts being about a whole host of other things. No money is worth it if you end up in a job you can't stay in because it won't work with your life, and the first few years with kids is hard.

kippy

bobbysands81 wrote: »

In other words 2.5 hours a week extra for 20k. That works out at an extra €154 euro per hour of travel. Is each hour of extra travel worth €385 per week to you for a job that you find more interesting?

Your standard of life will increase if you move jobs regardless of extra commuting time. This is seriously a no-brainer.

You need to review your figures.
Also, it is impossible to know for sure if you will find something you haven't done yet more interesting than a change within an existing organisation.
It's a no branier to some looking at the gross salary only without considering all the factors.

Elessar

That's a hard one OP. I had a similar choice recently.

Like you I am 10 mins from the job. I liked it and colleagues were great, but there were very few opportunities for promotion or career growth. Got an offer for (a lot) more money but in the city center. The commute would have increased to at least an hour or more. After mulling it over, I decided to stay. The extra money would have been good, but the commute was a big factor in turning me off. The work/life balance I have being so close to work is fantastic. There's hardly any traffic, little stress and each day I am in the door home from work before 5pm. I have mates who work in the city center and don't get home until 7 or 7.30 each evening. I feel that's your whole day gone. On top of that I drive by loads of people each morning standing in the wind and rain waiting on buses to the city (the only public transport where I am) and I know they will get caught in traffic regardless. So I stayed where I am.

I'm not saying that is the right decision for you, I don't have a young family to look after. Hell maybe one day I will still end up leaving and doing that commute. But weigh up the pros and cons - write them both down on a sheet of paper and weigh them up. Don't underestimate the benefits of working close to home. I know guys who would take a pay cut to get closer to home. But it's your decision, I know first hand how difficult a decision it is!

arccosh

you need to be thinking:
-what can I do in this extra time.. will it be wasted or can I se it constructively (read, cycle, etc...)
-how flexible are the new employers.. if something is going wrong at home with a new born, you're not in "I'll just nip home and make up the hours later" territory
-do they offer childcare, for when your child is a little older

from the other angles, pay/opportunity etc... it's a no brainer to go for the new role, and even if you had a mindless commute to and from each day, the time wouldn't be wasted... its when you have kids to worry about also, you start to look at those "wasted" times and see what you can fit in it (fitness, learning etc...)

Esse85

Mr.S wrote: »

IT, accountancy, business consulting or development etc. Hell even marketing / sales pays high with the right (foreign, usually) employer.

Business consulting or development?

Is consultancy not performed by highly experienced professionals who've working knowledge of the industry their consulting in? I doubt a 27 year old has the required knowledge and expertise to command a €70k salary.

The marketing industry does not pay €70k to 27 year olds.
Sales, regardless of age, to get a €70k salary you'd need to be a sales manager, to get to that level, again you need sufficient experience.

I won't comment on accountancy or IT as I don't work in those industries. Maybe others can comment on whether earning a €70k salary at 27 is realistic or not?

arccosh

I know of a DevOPS team lead (team of about 8-12) who is 28 and on €80k, a network ops centre engineer, 29, who is on similar (mind you that is including shift allowance and weekend work). Senior Software engineer also was on about €65k (plus project bonuses) at 26, he's 30 now, so who knows what he's on. All based in Dublin ....

If you went to college straight after school (degree by age 21/22), landed the right job, had the right leadership skills, you could be on €60-70k quite easily by 26/27.

If you stuck with the network operations side of things, you may not necessarily even need a degree, just be happy to get certs as and when you can (Cisco, Palo Alto, Juniper etc...) and be happy to work unsociable hours. Shift and weekend allowance in those kind of jobs is quite lucritive.

Although with the amount of Data centres going in and around Dublin, certs like CCNA Data Centre, CCNA Cloud, AWS certs etc... with some experience will earn you some decent cheddar too.

IT is all about staying up with the current gravy train, and with a bit of time and effort, can easily be hopped on board.

Elessar

Esse85 wrote: »

I won't comment on accountancy or IT as I don't work in those industries. Maybe others can comment on whether earning a €70k salary at 27 is realistic or not?

Absolutely. I know several guys not much older earning triple digits. All IT.

kippy

Elessar wrote: »

Absolutely. I know several guys not much older earning triple digits. All IT.

No doubt, there are great opportunities in the right sectors if you are willing to work the hours and take on the added responsibility.

ongarite

No brainer OP.
More money, less days working as you say you work bank holidays at the moment.
An electric assistance bike or scooter could make your commute very quick and easy.
Share scheme is a great way to earn more money if you can spare the pay slip hit, no money in bank saving accounts at the moment.

GreeBo

arccosh wrote: »

you need to be thinking:
-what can I do in this extra time.. will it be wasted or can I se it constructively (read, cycle, etc...)

Im guessing you don't have a 3 month old at home!!

Spanish Eyes

Sorry to butt in, and having just skimmed the thread also, but from experience, Quality of Life is worth a lot more than a few more quids in your pocket.

Take from that what you will.