Kurant

I work for a very large import/exporting company presently.

Recently I was offered a position of an increase in base pay of about $17,000 a year. With the overtime people in this position get, it would be in the neighborhood of about $25,000 to $28,000 a year.

The reason I say this, is because right now, I work 4 10's, and the job I'm currently at, I make a good living. But it's not something I want to do forever, actually not a minute longer. But, the job is brainless sometimes, I work my 40 hours a week with my 3 days off, and spend as much time with my wife and little boy as I choose to. I love that time together. Nothing is more important to me then time with my son.

It sounds like an easy choice, but I work 5 days a week now, and put in probably 45-50 hours a week. I really am having a hard time taking it because it's 5 days, and it's less time with my family. I'm worried about not being able to be there when my son plays a football game. Or, missing anything in his life that is important to him. Currently, I would miss nothing. If I took his position, that chance becomes much greater.

But, with this increase, we can both retire earlier, we can both live better, with more money and less focus on finances. We live good now, but we could buy that new home sooner then the 3 years from now we're planning. My son would be able to have a bigger room, or bigger backyard, perhaps a better school, or whatever it may be. We could enjoy our lives a lot more.

Maybe it sounds selfish, but I want my time with my boy. The work doesn't bother me. Missing anything in my sons life does. But, it may be worth missing a few things to allow us to live differently, and with less stress on our marriage and live healthier as a family.

Willravel

I've personally found that if you're motivated and unhappy at your current job, you can find a better one. Find places you want to work at and are qualified to work for and throw out your resume. The worst that can happen is a few 'no's and you still have two options as it is.

Best of luck, and I hope you can spend time with your son.

Luciian

It sounds to me like you already have your priorities straight about what is most important in your life. Like Will said you may be able to find equal pay for current hours elsewhere. If it were me, I would go with my gut and what I valued most.

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Jinn

You make $7000 - $11000 a year? That's below minimum wage? How do you live?

I only ask because an increase of that amount is considerable, more than doubling your current salary. If it were less, I'd advise staying where you're at. But considering the amount, maybe you can get the best of both worlds. Can you talk to your boss(es) and explain just how important your son is, and that you'll only accept the job if they can make allowances for you to leave to see him?

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Daniel_

Take the money.

Things are very rarely quite as bad as we imagine that they may be, and if you are looking for a new job later, the higher salary will make a better jumping off point.

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dirtyrascal7

I'm pretty sure he means the INCREASE in yearly base pay would be $17k a year (or $25k-28k with overtime)... those aren't the base pay totals themselves. Still, that has to be pretty significant unless he is currently making over $250k a year.

Anyway, getting back to the OP... If it were me, I would take as much time as you have to make the decision and try to visualize things five or ten years from now... imagine that you had taken the promotion and what that would mean both positive and negative... then do the same thing but imagine you didn't take the promotion.

This is a really personal decision and it depends highly on what you value and where your priorities currently lie. But like I said, try to think ahead as well... you don't want to look back 5 years from now and regret your decision because you were thinking short-term when you made it.

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Cynthetiq

I'll ask some of the more practical questions... what about money for schooling and college? Taking the hours makes more money for education and the things that come with that. Is that on your checklist as well?

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Kurant

The money figures I posted were simply the increases.

The pay increase would push me to a little less then 100k a year. With the annual base raise next year, and overtime, I would be right at the 100k point. I also found out my pension contributions almost triple compared to my current job. I also receive a new pension to contribute to, I'm unsure at this point how much that particular pension is, but the pension increases are very substantial. Something else I wasn't aware of, I am currently finishing school for Information Technology Management. That was to put another resume out, so eventually we could move from Alaska. The new job I was interested in allows transfers, with seniority and a position. I can apply for a transfer in 2 years.

My wife and I talked it over last night, and I accepted the job. I just came the conclusion that my time spent with my boy is every that much more important. My family time will come, and I'm willing to sacrifice a little bit of my time with working to benefit us a family.

It seems to me the benefits to our family out-weight the negatives by a mile.

I thank you for your responses, have a nice night - wherever you may be.

thingstodo

Sounds like you made a good choice. Looking at the long-term is alwasy important. I'm sure you'll find a way to make the time work out with your family. Hell, more money, influence, etc., might even make that easier in the long run!

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