Another job related thread

Would you accept a new job for around 2/3 of what you make now to move several states away with no paid relocation?

What if the new job would also be harder/more demanding than the current job?

What if the new job was where you grew up (but haven't lived for over 20 years) and there was family nearby?

What if the new job sounds more fulfilling (other than the more effort for less pay aspect)?

Am I crazy for even thinking about this?

Anyone ever drive/fly to go to a job interview on their own dime?

What is the cost of living in places A and B, and which one has a better quality of life?

Most importantly, which job will be more "fun" and would you enjoy doing more. I'd take thw swap if I'd go from a Service Advisor to a Test Driver. I'd be all over that.

You married, kids, happy? You're not the same person you were 20 years ago so all that's not relevant.

When you hate to get up in the morning it's a long life.

Dan

Losing 1/3 of your income is a huge difference. If you're not prepared for it financially, it would probably be a horrible mistake. This is assuming that the cost of living is somewhat close in both areas.

rotard wrote: Losing 1/3 of your income is a huge difference. If you're not prepared for it financially, it would probably be a horrible mistake. This is assuming that the cost of living is somewhat close in both areas.

This. Unless you've got "excess income" or the cost of living is at least 1/3 cheaper, you will have a problem.

Yeah, I'd love to change jobs and I'd even take less money.

But I couldn't afford a 2/3 cut.

I mean I could have the exact same standard of living I do now, but no toys. And that's no life at all.

I've done the "pay to fly to the interview & for my own relocation" part, but it was in the middle of the recession (9/09) for a job that was both more challenging and better pay than anything I'd done to that point. It was the right choice for me at the time.

Since family's nearby, no harm in going to the interview - combine it with a family visit. If they like you and offer you the job, ask for a sign-on bonus that will help defray the cost of relocation. Note that most sign-on bonuses require repayment if you quit before a certain amount of time (90 days or 1 year, depending on the amount).

Thanks for the comments all.

The job itself intrigues me. It sounds like it would be challenging in a good way. Lots of work, but interesting. My plan is to go to the interview and see how it goes. The cost of living is comparable between the two places, but real estate is cheaper there. Gas is higher and taxes in general are a little higher. I'm trying to think of some creative ways to make this work, both in terms of salary negotiations and lifestyle changes. Things would sure change a lot in how we live our lives with that large of a paycut, but things would still be ok, just different. The job is different than what I do now and in a different industry.

The other wrinkle is that I doubt I can get out of my house for what I owe on it right now. That may be the deal breaker right there.

Lifestyle changes can be manageable for someone living solo. To save money I needed for school, I moved from a 1000 square foot place for myself and a roommate to 550 square foot two bedroom place. I may not have central A/C, but success at work and at school is the first priority. I rarely spend time at home anyway.

However, if you are taking a family with you, the move will be more difficult. The compromises will be easier for you to make because you are benefiting professionally, but everyone else may just see the downgrade in the living situation.

It sounds like a tempting but bad choice TJ. Less pay, paying to move, and being a little upside down on your house just does not make sense. I'm sort of in the same spot as you. I want to move closer to my family but it just doesn't look like it's going to happen right now.

T.J. wrote: Would you accept a new job for around 2/3 of what you make now to move several states away with no paid relocation? No, can't afford to and I don't make enough now What if the new job would also be harder/more demanding than the current job? Really going in the wrong direction What if the new job was where you grew up (but haven't lived for over 20 years) and there was family nearby? HELL NO! Family has a way of being like an old girlfriend you remember the good and forget the bad, till it is in your face everyday (I am currently living this error.) What if the new job sounds more fulfilling (other than the more effort for less pay aspect)? I did just that and I am now regretting it. My family is more important than my job and being able to afford to do things with my two boys and take my wife places means something to me. Longer harder work hours and less pay isn't going to get that done. Am I crazy for even thinking about this? Nope, been there done that, making about $30K less a year because of it now. Anyone ever drive/fly to go to a job interview on their own dime? Drive, yes, fly, no. I wouldn't either. If they have you over a barrel jonesing to work for them, imagine if they hire you the attitude they will have toward you. Tolerable working environments, as is so many other things, is all about managing expectations.

This is all trivial if you are Hugh Hefner's date inspector, then ignore everything I just said.

Live to work?

Or

Work to live?

(BTW, both answers are right- just some like one, some like the other... )

The only thing I can say is, that unless you will LOVE this job, don't do it. I thought I'd be pretty happy after I jumped ship back in July. Nope, and I earn about $10k less per year. berkeley (especially when you have student loans to pay). That extra $500 per paycheque would make all the difference in the world to me!