Low pay job with long commute

BuzzMcdonnell

I’ve recently been offered a job which is very relevant to my degree area and could be great for my professional development. It is an 10 month contract with the option to go full time if I perform well.

The only downside is the job pays minimum wage for the time being at least. This along with a commute of 1 hour and 10 minutes each way leaves me wondering if it’s feasible. After tax it comes to €347 minus about €25 for tolls and any diesel costs.

Do you think it’s worth it? If it makes any difference I’ve no loans etc my only big monthly outgoing is €90 for car insurance. My mind is telling me to go for it but I don’t want to be barely scraping by either.

John Hutton

Is the 70 mins an actual door to door time, or will it be longer in reality?

If 70 mins is the total it is very doable.

Atlantic Dawn

If you have none or little previous experience in the role use this as a stepping stone and then leave after the contract, treat it as building your career. If you are experienced I'd look elsewhere.

BuzzMcdonnell

John Hutton wrote: »

Is the 70 mins an actual door to door time, or will it be longer in reality?

If 70 mins is the total it is very doable.

I suppose if I’m being honest about it it’s probably 90 minutes, but if you’re saying 70 minutes is doable then 90 minutes would be too!

I’m probably overthinking it, there are people doing much longer commutes.

BuzzMcdonnell

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

If you have none or little previous experience in the role use this as a stepping stone and then leave after the contract, treat it as building your career. If you are experienced I'd look elsewhere.

Thanks for the reply. Yes I was thinking the experience would be of huge benefit when seeking other employment.

Purple Mountain

BuzzMcdonnell wrote: »

I’m probably overthinking it, there are people doing much longer commutes.

Not for minimum wage though.

SeanieW1977

My own opinion and experience is you should try build your cv around your qualification. If it costs you a few quid over another job so be it, but when the job you really want comes up closer to home or whatever this will stand to you both on the cv and in the interview process

BuzzMcdonnell

Purple Mountain wrote: »

Not for minimum wage though.

You’re right, that’s the other side of it. I won’t have a lot left over after the cost of running a car that distance everyday.

Purple Mountain

BuzzMcdonnell wrote: »

You’re right, that’s the other side of it. I won’t have a lot left over after the cost of running a car that distance everyday.

Is wfh on the table given current situation?

Atlantic Dawn

BuzzMcdonnell wrote: »

Thanks for the reply. Yes I was thinking the experience would be of huge benefit when seeking other employment.

Yes 10 months will fly, could turn out at the end that you find something better paying from that same company and if you don't you have a finish line where you can be looking for something else as the time ticks down.

discodiva92

It's a job and a start

BuzzMcdonnell

SeanieW1977 wrote: »

My own opinion and experience is you should try build your cv around your qualification. If it costs you a few quid over another job so be it, but when the job you really want comes up closer to home or whatever this will stand to you both on the cv and in the interview process

Not only does this job fit around my qualification very well, but any other jobs I can find involve me working in completely different industry. I’ll probably take the job, I just needed some people to tell me.

discodiva92

Purple Mountain wrote: »

Not for minimum wage though.

Out of work you would

BuzzMcdonnell

Purple Mountain wrote: »

Is wfh on the table given current situation?

Unfortunately not though I’m not sure why. The office is fully sanitised every night apparently.

glen123

BuzzMcdonnell wrote: »

I’ve recently been offered a job which is very relevant to my degree area and could be great for my professional development. It is an 10 month contract with the option to go full time if I perform well.

The only downside is the job pays minimum wage for the time being at least. This along with a commute of 1 hour and 10 minutes each way leaves me wondering if it’s feasible. After tax it comes to €347 minus about €25 for tolls and any diesel costs.

Do you think it’s worth it? If it makes any difference I’ve no loans etc my only big monthly outgoing is €90 for car insurance. My mind is telling me to go for it but I don’t want to be barely scraping by either.

If you have nothing else at the moment, I'd do it in your situation while looking for a better paid job relevant to your degree as well AND with firm intention to move on a year or max two years later. Besides, there could be other opportunities inside that place even though I wouldn't rely on that in terms of getting decent pay increases when you change roles inside the same company.

Purple Mountain

BuzzMcdonnell wrote: »

Unfortunately not though I’m not sure why. The office is fully sanitised every night apparently.

If the climate was different, I'd think it a bit mad for the cost of commute but times are very challenging now so I'd say commit to the ten months but dont let minimum wage go beyond 10 months if offered a contract.
If you dont, make sure and get a great reference out of it anyway.
Hopefully in the ten months, some other staff might start to advocate for at least some of the work being done from home.
Good luck.

BuzzMcdonnell

Purple Mountain wrote: »

If the climate was different, I'd think it a bit mad for the cost of commute but times are very challenging now so I'd say commit to the ten months but dont let minimum wage go beyond 10 months if offered a contract.
If you dont, make sure and get a great reference out of it anyway.
Hopefully in the ten months, some other staff might start to advocate for at least some of the work being done from home.
Good luck.

I certainly won’t be staying there for minimum wage beyond the contract.

I really appreciate the help, thank you

SeanieW1977

BuzzMcdonnell wrote: »

Not only does this job fit around my qualification very well, but any other jobs I can find involve me working in completely different industry. I’ll probably take the job, I just needed some people to tell me.

It’ll stand to you in any interview you ever do

Skipduke

Honestly I wouldn’t bother if I were you. The company is paying minimum wage.. this just shows how much they value their staff. Why would you want to work for pennies and make someone else rich? All in the hopes of getting another job down the line and making €11 Per hour as opposed to 10 something.

driving long distances every day is also expensive. Tyres, break pads, petrol, other random car stuff all needing attention can easily take up a huge portion of your wage.

I get that you want to use this as a stepping stone, and if you’re completely bored stiff in the house go for it. Obviously money isn’t an issue or you’d be getting a job at a local Spar or something as oppose to this. Can I ask what industry the job is in ?

jelem

you forgetting car insurance and tax?
a 10 to 20 euro on top (if lucky) of what you stated per week.
better doing something than nothing but not at your loss.
on line courses etc if available or seek a voluntary "your time" position.

BuzzMcdonnell

Skipduke wrote: »

Honestly I wouldn’t bother if I were you. The company is paying minimum wage.. this just shows how much they value their staff. Why would you want to work for pennies and make someone else rich? All in the hopes of getting another job down the line and making €11 Per hour as opposed to 10 something.

driving long distances every day is also expensive. Tyres, break pads, petrol, other random car stuff all needing attention can easily take up a huge portion of your wage.

I get that you want to use this as a stepping stone, and if you’re completely bored stiff in the house go for it. Obviously money isn’t an issue or you’d be getting a job at a local Spar or something as oppose to this. Can I ask what industry the job is in ?

Trust me I know the pay is crap. You’re right that money isn’t an issue at the moment, I should have probably added that for a long period last year I was on the PUP and from staying at home along with other savings I managed to accumulate enough savings that I could potentially supplement my income with about €100 per week for the length of the contract.

Id rather not specifically mention the industry, but it’s not anything like science or engineering. The main issue is I have specialised in a fairly niche area as a choice in my degree, and most employers in the area aren’t hiring due to the pandemic.

BuzzMcdonnell

jelem wrote: »

you forgetting car insurance and tax?
a 10 to 20 euro on top (if lucky) of what you stated per week.
better doing something than nothing but not at your loss.
on line courses etc if available or seek a voluntary "your time" position.

My insurance and tax adds to approx €110 per month. My main concern is diesel costs which will be significant.

Strumms

2 hours 40 minutes commuting per day.

13.3 hours commuting, driving per week.

Plus the time, effort and concentration AT the job...

Take it from me, you’ll be falling into bed at 9.30 every Friday night, be Sunday before you start to feel normal...

Fûck all social life or should I say none actually....

All for a pittance. You’ll loose more in terms of health, quality time, quality of life then this scenario will ever be able to benefit you...

I wouldn’t give it five minutes thinking time, instead of you getting on the road, tell them to hit the road.

Pcgamer

Strumms wrote: »

2 hours 40 minutes commuting per day.

13.3 hours commuting, driving per week.

Plus the time, effort and concentration AT the job...

Take it from me, you’ll be falling into bed at 9.30 every Friday night, be Sunday before you start to feel normal...

Fûck all social life or should I say none actually....

All for a pittance. You’ll loose more in terms of health, quality time, quality of life then this scenario will ever be able to benefit you...

I wouldn’t give it five minutes thinking time, instead of you getting on the road, tell them to hit the road.

Will you stop, I did a four hour commute before with traffic and wasn't falling into bed at 9.30 and I'm in IT. I did this for two years.


I know full time plumbers commuting from Waterford to Dublin every day and there not falling into bed at 9.30P.M whatsoever and doing this for the last five years and there start time is 7.30AM.

You will be a bit wrecked for the first month OP but after that you can get into a routine.

Think of this as a stepping stone OP and is the start of your career. Straight away you can start looking for jobs closer to home. If companies ask you why are you moving after such a sort time just tell them your looking for a permanent role.

Strumms

Pcgamer wrote: »

Will you stop, I did a four hour commute before with traffic and wasn't falling into bed at 9.30 and I'm in IT. I did this for two years.

I know full time plumbers commuting from Waterford to Dublin every day and there not falling into bed at 9.30P.M whatsoever and doing this for the last five years and there start time is 7.30AM.

You will be a bit wrecked for the first month OP but after that you can get into a routine.

Think of this as a stepping stone OP and is the start of your career. Even after a few months there you can start looking for jobs closer to home. If companies ask you why are you moving after such a sort time just tell them your looking for a permanent role.

I don’t need to ‘stop’, that was my experience. Other colleagues voiced the same concerns and experiences.

What is ‘routine’ ? There is neither psychological nor physiological backing that says engaging in an unhealthy engineered schedule as being explained is good for you. Simply the opposite.

If you are ‘routinely’ punched in the head it’s better than just the once, your logic seems to imply so ?

Either way OP, I wouldn’t be entertaining it. Take it from experience.

jimmycrackcorm

BuzzMcdonnell wrote: »

Not only does this job fit around my qualification very well, but any other jobs I can find involve me working in completely different industry. I’ll probably take the job, I just needed some people to tell me.

Experience is everything when it comes to getting new jobs and career progression. It all depends on your options.

I know someone who was a tiler and became a great QA post the 08 crash. But if you have your heart set on a career in your niche and there are going to be jobs then it's worth the ten months.

The only thing is - what are your potential options after in the same nivhe.

Don't forget one significant aspect though.... If a better option comes along in those ten months, then up and move.

JoChervil

OP, have you tried to negotiate better salaries? Or minimum wages only for 3 first months while on probation?

Is this commute time in normal time or in COVID time?

I am commuting (or used to pre-COVID) but I am doing it by bus, so I usually sleep in the morning and on my phone while going back. Driving both ways can make you tired and not perform well at work. So it is not guaranteed that you will have good references after that. But you know yourself better...

Anyway it is always a better starting position to look for a job, while in employment.

Pcgamer

Strumms wrote: »

I don’t need to ‘stop’, that was my experience. Other colleagues voiced the same concerns and experiences.

What is ‘routine’ ? There is neither psychological nor physiological backing that says engaging in an unhealthy engineered schedule as being explained is good for you. Simply the opposite.

If you are ‘routinely’ punched in the head it’s better than just the once, your logic seems to imply so ?

Either way OP, I wouldn’t be entertaining it. Take it from experience.

Its for 10 months to build up experience in order to get a better job.

Situation isn't ideal but for a lot of people for their first time out of college they have to do it.

Getting your foot in the door is the hardest thing for a lot of graduates.

Its a 70 min spin. People do this and worse every day.

Padre_Pio

Pcgamer wrote: »

Its for 10 months to build up experience in order to get a better job.

Situation isn't ideal but for a lot of people for their first time out of college they have to do it.

Getting your foot in the door is the hardest thing for a lot of graduates.

Instantly put the job on your CV and keep looking for other jobs.

You'll find it much easier to get a better position somewhere else.

Ten months is nothing OP

If its a position you are learning and developing and have an interest in, as well as a plan to move on from there, then its ten months well spent.

How sure are you that there's better pay and position once youve a bit of experience under your belt, is the only question. What does someone with 2 years, or with the first bump in position, say, earn in the field?

JustAThought

There are plenty of people working for free as ‘interns’ or to get their foot in the door - not to mention it still being better payment and experience than sitting on the dole or having the SW force you to work for free in some scheme to get the dole payment as is still happening to tens of thousands unfortunates on Seetec and other ‘schemes’.

I’d taKe it , gain the relevant and specialised experience - you’d still be taxing and insuring your car anyway and its not as though you can be doing or going anywhere more productive in the meantime! 10 months will fly in and it will stand to you when you are jobhunting again in 2022. If someone offers you double the salary in an eqally relevnt area you can negotiate a raise or leave. Until then I’d take it and start and use the commute time for podcast listening or good music - you could be another 3 or 4 months looking and still have nothing - there is a global crisis - not a time to be too picky with no experience.

Mrs OBumble

BuzzMcdonnell wrote: »

I certainly won’t be staying there for minimum wage beyond the contract.

I really appreciate the help, thank you

You don't even need to stay for the full contract, either.

Take the job if there's nothing better available. But start looking for something better immediately.

Minimum wage is for shelf-stacking and contract cleaning. Anything which uses degree content should be paying at very least a little more.

Go for it you can always resign if it is not working out as long as it's not some 'media' type job, and the prospects of it really making a difference and turning into to a career are there. The fact that they are paying minimum wage and are still able to fill a professional job is a bit of a red flag.

ThunbergsAreGo

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

You don't even need to stay for the full contract, either.

Take the job if there's nothing better available. But start looking for something better immediately.

Minimum wage is for shelf-stacking and contract cleaning. Anything which uses degree content should be paying at very least a little more.

In theory yes, but we dont know what field or location it is. A small accountancy firm is West Kerry for example, might be struggling at the moment and that might be all it can offer?

Well done OP, for at least entertaining the idea of this job and not being content on welfare etc. (something that must be very tempting given the times that is in it).

You are much likely to get offered a job you want while working in a job, employers like employment.

I would take it, take 3 months and then start looking.

_Brian

It’s not unusual to start at work that pays low wages. It’s a real bonus if it’s building your experience in what you have.
It’s an old saying but true, it’s easier to get a job when your in a job. It proves you have what it takes to get him and out day after day, even better resolve if your building skill rather than just taking in cash.
Early on in your career it’s important to get experience and references.

One thing I always look for is workers, people who have worked will always work. I hate to see cvs of people who have gone through school and college without ever having a part time job somewhere, clearing tables, washing dishes , anything, anything shows your willing to roll up the sleeves and get stuck in.

Look at this job as an investment in yourself.

Misguided1

I'd suggest taking the job to get your career started. Once you have 6 months experience, you can start looking for something that pays better.
A permanent position might even come up in the company with a higher salary. See it as an opportunity to start your career but keep your eyes open for something that pays more/has a shorter commute. Best of luck whatever you decide.

Smee_Again

You won't be doing much else for the next few months so may as well spend the time commuting and building up your CV, but medium to long term I would recommend looking for something closer to home.

70-90 minute commute is a killer in the long run, many people do it, but it takes its toll.

Take the job, give it your all for 6 months and then start looking for something else. When asked in interviews why you're looking say that it is a 10 month contract and you're trying to line something up for when it finishes.

Have you asked for more money? You don't have to accept their first offer and at minimum wage any increase goes a long way.

dinneenp

As many have said take it. As you said it's extremely good work experience. Also you'll get to meet people in that industry and could make helpful contacts. Listen to podcasts/audiobooks or just accept the driving time/don't get annoyed by it & take it as time to yourself, your thoughts or reflection on your work etc.

TheBlock

It took me over an hour in the car each way One side of Dublin to the other during normal times for 10 Years plus . An Hour of a Commute is not un-common 90 Mins should be doable for 10 Months.

ricksanchez

OP,

I was in a very similar position before. I was offered a job with an organisation I loved who did work I was truly passionate about. I was just out of college, it was a temporary one year contract at minimum wage (with no guarantee of a job afterwards).

At the same time I was offered another job, for an organisation I didn't know much about who did work I was fairly indifferent towards. It was a permanent contract starting at just over 32k.

Being young and fed up of being broke, I took the latter and have regretted it ever since. I've not been able to get near the first area of work again and apply for jobs in that field every few weeks, although I've just about given up any hope of getting into it.

Deal with the crap money if it's really what you want long term, ten months will fly.

Skipduke

ricksanchez wrote: »

OP,

I was in a very similar position before. I was offered a job with an organisation I loved who did work I was truly passionate about. I was just out of college, it was a temporary one year contract at minimum wage (with no guarantee of a job afterwards).

At the same time I was offered another job, for an organisation I didn't know much about who did work I was fairly indifferent towards. It was a permanent contract starting at just over 32k.

Being young and fed up of being broke, I took the latter and have regretted it ever since. I've not been able to get near the first area of work again and apply for jobs in that field every few weeks, although I've just about given up any hope of getting into it.

Deal with the crap money if it's really what you want long term, ten months will fly.

easy say that now when you're on 32k, big drop there to minimum wage. ultimately OP needs to work for next to nothing + do a long commute or get another job with better terms and conditions.

A few years ago my ex accepted an internship where she got nothing, but at the end she got a really good recommendation letter, a reference, and instead of a long absence on her CV she had something to put on it.

10 months of not a lot of money, long-ish commute, but it's doable, and will be worth it in the long run. It's a section on your CV thats relevant to your degree.

I know more than one person who couldn't get a job in their preferred role in their industry so went back to college to get a Masters and still couldn't get a job, probably because they had no work experience.

I didn't go to college, I started in Tech Support 17K a year and moved up from there.

Learn to love Aldi frozen pizzas.

delboythedub

BuzzMcdonnell wrote: »

Thanks for the reply. Yes I was thinking the experience would be of huge benefit when seeking other employment.

Hardest time to get a job is when you have not got one

ricksanchez

Skipduke wrote: »

easy say that now when you're on 32k, big drop there to minimum wage.

It's easy to say I wish I had taken less money?

I'd still rather be on minimum wage and in a job I enjoyed than on big money dreading work every day.

Purple Mountain

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Learn to love Aldi frozen pizzas.

I gather from the posts that the OP is still living at home. If so, then this is the perfect time to get out there and trial this for ten months.

Purple Mountain

Purple Mountain wrote: »

I gather from the posts that the OP is still living at home. If so, then this is the perfect time to get out there and trial this for ten months.

If that is the case, he should definitely take it.

BuzzMcdonnell

[Deleted User] wrote: »

If that is the case, he should definitely take it.

Yes I’m living at home, my only monthly outgoings are about €95 for insurance and my Spotify subscription so next to no expenses thank god.

Soilse

Op why don't you rent it would be pretty much the same as commuting

BuzzMcdonnell

Soilse wrote: »

Op why don't you rent it would be pretty much the same as commuting

Do you think so? I wasn’t so sure considering I’ll be paying for insurance, tax etc regardless. Will the price of diesel really work out more expensive than rent and electricity bills etc?

Sonic the Shaghog

BuzzMcdonnell wrote: »

Do you think so? I wasn’t so sure considering I’ll be paying for insurance, tax etc regardless. Will the price of diesel really work out more expensive than rent and electricity bills etc?

What's the commute in km would you reckon? You'd get an idea then of the price of fuel.

It's depends on the price of a room plus bills.

You have fuel, tax and insurance yes. But also wear and tear, like tyres and putting up possible big mileage on your engine

BuzzMcdonnell

Sonic the Shaghog wrote: »

What's the commute in km would you reckon? You'd get an idea then of the price of fuel.

It's depends on the price of a room plus bills.

You have fuel, tax and insurance yes. But also wear and tear, like tyres and putting up possible big mileage on your engine

The commute is about 75km, I live out in the back end of nowhere and have to commute to just outside of the city (not Dublin)