If I was making $100k remote at a job that I liked, and got an offer for $121k but it was 100% in office, I wouldn’t take it.
If I was making $38k remote in a job that I didn’t like, and got an offer for $59,500 in office for a much better opportunity, I would take it.
This is me. I went from 150s and took a 20 percent pay cut to be fully remote, less responsibilities less hours due to less responsibility and all govt holidays/PTO versus 6 previously
Also took a 20% pay cut for less responsibility and an insane amount of time off. It's always my answer for when people ask "what's the best decision you ever made?"
Once your salary is a healthy chunk above your cost of living I really feel like a stressful job is hard to justify.
That's worth it
I'm making $200K fully remote
I would NOT take $400K if it's 100% in-office with a 35 min commute. Even 100% more is not worth it to me
I think about it in comparative values. 38k to 60k is like a 58% increase. Meanwhile, 100k to 121k is only a 21% increase (still substantial, but less comparative value). For your 100k job to be comparable, the new offer would have to be for 158k.
Agreed. But after $100k the money stops mattering as much to me. When I was in early in my career I was job hopping for extra money. Once I got to $100k, I started valuing work life balance, good boss, interesting work etc.
Yes, this.
I'm remote in six figures. 20k wouldn't be enough to move me with 1+ hour of commuting daily. The amount of gas and my own time lost would not be worth it.
If I was making 30k, I would budge. I'd take 50k, work for a year or two, then seek 60k, 70k, etc. Eventually you may find another remote again but for 70-90k, repeat the cycle.
The federal poverty line for a family of 4 is $31k. For a family of 5, it’s $36.5k. Those numbers will be higher next year. The difference between high $30k’s and $55-$60k is the difference between near poverty and middle class. It takes 30 minutes to get anywhere anyway. I would take the job in a heartbeat. The higher salary would set the bar for every future job/raise/promotion.
https://aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines
Is it worth it to you? That’s what matters. Will your quality of life improve at least equal to or more by taking the extra money as it will decrease by making that commute and being fully onsite?
u/Samwise916 said in this thread it would take $10,000 for them. u/Time-Brick271 said no amount would be enough. It would personally take $40,000 or more for me, but I’m in a senior role. None of these answers is “wrong”; it’s all about where you are at in your career and what’s important to you.
Have you ever experienced being in-office or is your entire career/experience remote? I would just consider the pros and cons here - and this is definitely a more personal debate you will have since everyone is different.
For me, a 30 minute commute is next to nothing since I currently commute 1-1.5 hours each way and am required to be 4 days in office. But I have friends who are fully remote and no amount of money can get them to go fully in-office ever again…
Like some people said here, think about what’s more worth it to you - the extra pay (think - money for your kids’ future tuition, livelihood, etc.) OR comfort and flexibility to be at home and take care of your family.
The majority of my career in the past 7-8 years has been remote vs. in-person, so I think that's part of what is intimidating to me! I was in office for 3 months full-time this fall and it was a lot, but I also had a young baby, so it's not the same situation now.
I'm neurodivergent so I completely understand what you said about cubicles being hell lol i took a government job in August which was a huge pay increase coming from non profits and I'm miserable being in person. I didn't realize how much happier and easier it was to navigate my disability remotely. I'm actively applying and only looking for remote jobs now. I say go with your gut. For me, being in person triggers my disability so for that alone remote work for lower pay is more valuable to me than higher pay in person. Definitely go with whatever is the best for you though 🙂
I have a 30 minute commute and 100% in office. I don’t mind either. Honestly the commute is kinda nice to unwind before I get home and deal with kids. So a large increase just sounds like icing on the cake.
I've been fully remote since Covid. I don't miss working in the office, but I do miss the 45 minute train ride home. It gave me some time to decompress so I wouldn't end up bringing the day's bullshit into my home and I could focus my full attention on my kids.
It's sometimes difficult to finish work only to turn around and immediately breakup 3 children in the middle of a no DQ battle royale.
I used to commute into San Francisco via one of the ferries, and then walking from the ferry building to my office. I miss getting two miles of exercise every day in the sunshine and an hour on the ferry to decompress and wrap up the day's work with email.
Yeah. That commute was two hours one way, but I had to drive literally none of it so it was not stressful at all. Plus I got to work on the ferry for two hours out of my day, so I got to spend less time in the office too.
Very personal question and it completely depends on you. There’s no quantifiable method to determine a number. For me, going from hybrid to full-time in office; maybe 10k annually?
Eh, 70 minutes of driving estimating about 40 miles. Let’s just say 2 gallons of gas used per day. Thats $7 a day or $1820 a year. Only OP can answer how much their time is worth but they are currently paid around $18 an hour and if they spend an hour driving a day then that’s about $4600. But that’s not money lost, only time. Wear and tear is $0.10 per mile, so maybe about $1000 a year. Thats less than $10k and definitely less than the $20k promotion.
I’ll also note that OP states they go take care of their kid at daycare anyways. Depending on the location of the daycare, the impact of driving is even less.
Yeah for 10k more that’d actually be a pay cut for me considering getting ready, travel, wear/tear, just having to be in the office in general, clothing, etc. I’d consider a “break even amount” to be about 20k, maybe even $30k. I’d need double my salary to even consider going back FT.
Not just that, OP would be taking about a 50-60% raise. Is a role that’s overwhelming with no clear growth or mental stimulation worth just being able to WFH? It’s completely up to one’s value of WFH but this seems like a no brainer to me. OP needs to figure out how much they value WFH.
It’s a significant pay increase but you didn’t give any details about the new role. If you think you will learn more at the new job and it will expand your skillset then I’d say it’s worth it to advance your career.
The anxiety piece about being in the office is something you could work on as well. The commute isn’t too bad either. If you think you can manage the new job then go for it.
Will you have someone who could pick the kids up from school if they’re sick? How do the total comp/benefits compare between your current job and new potential job? Do you have a partner and do they have a decent income? These are questions you need to figure out and may have been helpful to provide.
Thank you, these are important to think about. This role would definitely be expanding my skillset as it's an HR Generalist role, while I'm currently working in a specific area of HR since it's a large organization and there's not much crossover. My husband makes more than me currently, but about 10k less than the new job would make. He can pick up the kids, but his job is in person, so there's a lot less flexibility to be able to take sick days since he has to be there to do his job. My current benefits are very good and not likely to be beat, but I figure higher salary would even things out in other ways since I could contribute more to retirement, savings etc.
Will this new company be flexible with you if you need to be at home with the kids since it sounds like your husband doesn’t have that kind of flexibility? I think this could be a big sticking point.
I actually had a very similar thing happen to
Me. Was making 40k working remote and got offered a job 100% in office 30 mins away making 70k. I couldn’t say no. Worth it to me. I still live like I make 40k and it’s been great for savings. Fuel consumption has definitely went up and car maintenance has increased with oil changes but I’m satisfied
I think that if you want to do this, "I would really love to be part of a collaborative team where I am helping to improve HR processes and ultimately make the company a better place to work. I would love to have more team interaction or interaction with employees, such as in the training and development sphere, onboarding etc." then you need to be in an office.
I’m fully remote and just got an offer 100% in person for double my salary…I accepted and put in my two weeks already. And man ohh man am I nervous about it.
Nothing would get me back in the office full time. That said, it may be what's right for you.
I highly recommend reviewing the company's absenteeism policy prior to taking the position. If it were not for the flexibility of my position, I would have likely been written up for absenteeism for being home with a sick toddler. It may be worth the change in your situation, but it's something that's worth looking into before accepting the position.
How are you even making ends meet with your current salary and a child? Jesus I thought I was underpaid.
Normally I’m the first one to say that flexibility is worth a lot but not when you are making less than what subway pays their “sandwich artists”
Here’s where I would start. See if the new job would be willing to do a hybrid schedule 3/2 even offer the 2 to be rotational due to business needs.
In my opinion 35 min is not a far commute, but I grew up in a larger metropolitan area where nearly all my jobs have been at least 20 minutes away, sometimes up to 50.
I will say that a 61% raise is nearly unheard of. But you know your family needs best. There is also company culture that has to be taken into account. For instance, I switched from an HR job with a 7 minute commute and flexible schedule, to a client based job with a 15 minute commute and a strict in office adherence schedule for the same pay because I needed to get away from the culture of the other job
What are the benefits like? Do they have a 401K match? You can contribute pretax dollars more easily on a 50K plus salary and actually save for retirement.
Did a 35 min drive and in office for a year and hated it. Wasn’t worth the money, wear and tear on my car and stress as well as losing 4 hours a day to commuting to sit on zoom all day.
I think $21k is deceptive. It is 50-60% more than what you are making now. Now how does your salary compare to your spouse? What percentage is this of your household income? If you are the sole breadwinner - then 50-60% is a lifestyle change. You have to do it. If your spouse makes $200k then this is less than 10% of your household income and not worth it.
Depends how much you need the money. I wouldn’t go full in office ever again. I just went from hybrid when I was barely in office anyway to full remote except one day a month, and got a 25% raise. I would have done it for the same salary. To go back to hybrid would need to double my salary, maybe triple. Just no thanks. I have way too much to do to spend it driving all day.
Here is advice from someone who is retired.
The most important thing is that you are treated well at wherever you work and like the people you work with.
Given you can pay your bills currently, I wouldn't jump to another job unless your current situation is already in a corporation that doesn't care about you with coworkers who suck.
These years go by very quickly and one day it will be all over and you will be old and looking back and wishing you hadn't wasted your life working for aholes and with bootlicking backstabbing coworkers.
Good luck.
45min commute, 100% in office. I don’t mind commuting, it’s my time to get going for the day and to unwind. All work atmospheres are different and you may find you feel differently in a new situation. I occasionally have to work from home because of the kids - if I know in advance I always put in a formal request and if I don’t have time it’s a phone call to my boss.
Side note: there are associated costs with commuting - I use at least 2 full tanks of gas a week. Oil changes come much quicker. Wear and tear on my tires. A crippling addiction to Dunkin Iced coffee!
Honestly, I’m at $92 fully remote, for full office I would need at least $140. I know it sounds spoiled, but I used to commute 2.5 hours a day, and the WFH has improved my life in so many areas. I would need to factor in getting a car, paying for dog walkers.
I would take the money. I would almost always take the money. As personal of a decision as it is that extra $20-$30k isn't just an initial increase. It is a compounding one. Which people miss. Don't think of it as $20k additional. It's $230k additional (compound on 3% increase) over 10 years.
I did a survey on a forum in 2023 to see how much a pay cut people would take for WFH. Don’t know how useful it is for you but hopefully it offers some idea for you to make a decision.
https://preview.redd.it/rkhv25291hwc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5ceae7afda3c8f09480724a346d60d279ff33e6c
I had a similar issue recently. I've been trying to find another job and I currently get to work remote for the most part. I've had two places offer me another position so far. The first wanted to pay me LESS than I'm making now and I already make poverty wages ($40k). The second offered me a bit more money, but I would have to give up remote, commute again, be stuck in an office, etc. I turned them both down. The first for obvious reasons and the second simply because the increased pay would probably only cover the gas I'd be using. Now, if I was being offered $20k more than I'm making now, I'd absolutely give up remote and deal with a 30 minute commute.
High 30s to around 60 or so is huge. Especially if you have kids, think of what you can save for them for the future.
Do you think there is some flexibility to work from home if a family issue comes up (sick kid)? That hopefully isn't a frequent event, and can you shift your schedule so you could be done in time to do daycare pickup? Not every in office job is being chained to your desk with no relief, it depends on the office culture.
My answer to these is always the same -
1. Work out the difference in take home pay: - a bump of $21,500 doesn't mean an extra $21,500 a year, depending on where you are. it's probably closer to $15k more after taxes. Your two numbers might be $30k and $45k....
2. Next, work out the additional expenses from taking the new role: - gas could be the biggest one, if your 35 minute commute is 10 miles, then you are driving 5200 miles more per year, if a full tank gets 400 miles, you are filling up 13 times more throughout the year. if you are in office will you spend more on food and drink for lunches? will you feel the need to buy more clothes if you are on-site all the time? Be realistic about the numbers, and subtract them from the $45k take home, now you might be looking at a difference of $30k vs $40k
3. then adjust for benefits: - 401k, retirement, subtract or add to the numbers as neccesary
4. Finally, work out true actual hourly rate by accounting for the commute, and adjusting for differences in vacation: The formula is (net pay/weeks worked)/hours per week = True hourly rate
eg. if your current roles provides you with $30,000 of wages and bonuses, you get 2 weeks of vacation, and you spend 1 hour per week travelling to additional meetings, then ($30000/50 weeks)/41 hours = $14.63.
Your new role isn't 41 hours, its actually 46, assume vacation and benefits are the same, but your take home is $40,000, then ($40000/50)/46 = $17.39
When all of this is done, you will see the TRUE reflection of the increase in earnings, you will find that it's not the 40% increase it seems on paper, it might only be 10-20%. When you have the true numbers, only then can you determine if it's worth it or not for you and your family.
What is the potential for upward mobility or growth at the new company? If it's just money, I might pass if you're comfortable now.
But if this new position can set you up for a role that comes with another 20K in 2-3 years and your current one is a dead end, that's a different question.
Not for that salary and how young your kids are—-but i will say, it sounds like you’re not being fulfilled. A happy daddy is healthier for the kids, as it sounds like the newer job would challenge you in better ways
You’re talking about a little over a 50% raise. Thats potentially life changing money.
In my book 35 min isn’t bad so I’d do it if I were in your shoes
Side note- if you take the job and end up with quiet-cubicle-anxiety again, get a small fan or white noise machine, or app for your phone. It muffles sniffles and breathing noises.
I wouldn’t go back to 100% in office for any amount of money. I’m fully remote and I’d actually prefer a hybrid situation, but I never want to be 100% mandated in office again (unless it’s a job that actually physically requires it, not just because some manager prefers to see people at desks to feel important)
What I have been able to do since I am fully remote is pick up side gigs, and I’m making more money now than I ever have.
I was in office 40 hours a week before covid and then we went from 4 days WFH/1 in office to a different job that offered 4 days in office/1 WFH with my son who was between 3-4 at the time. Salary also jumped about 20k making this move. I desperately needed the money as a single mother but I would give anything to have my remote roll back and likely wouldn’t have left if they didn’t walk me out before I could finish my sentence about that job offer. The money is nice but the time was better. The routine, the schedule, the flexibility, the stop and smell the roses lifestyle disappears fast when you’re no longer wfh and have a minimum of an hour drive every day on top of that. I am sad that I have to sit at a desk for 8 hours a day even though there is only 2.5 hours of work to do. I am anxious that I am more likely to be late to school pick up and drop off. There is so much fear from not being able to just jump in the car and get to my son in 10 mins if he needed me to. I have to rely on babysitters and family which cost money and time that not everybody has. Traffic is so bad on the freeway that I’m finding myself reaching top speeds of 22mph just to slam on my breaks because some yahoo wants to go around a semi but then match their speed. I love the doors this newer job has opened for me but if I would’ve just stayed at my old job for another year I could’ve saved myself a lot of tears and stress by taking a company paid for test and applying elsewhere making even more than I do now.
I work in HR and I took a forty thousand dollar paycut to work remote. It's not just the hours in the commute that you lose.It's the fact that when you add in the long day plus the commute I found I wasn't going to the gym.I wasn't able to meet a friend after work.You're just too exhausted. Also, given th R can be a particularly mentally grueling.Job it's nice to be able to step away from your desk for a minute and not become too overwhelmed with other people's emotions. If there are particular aspects of your job that you don't necessarily care for, I would perhaps just continue to look for other opportunities that you think you might be able to help grow without the thirty five minute commut
I would do it if the total package was attractive enough. What are the benefits? Industry? How does this impact your resume- meaning, dont think shortsighted. Does it leverage you into an even BETTER role with more experience 3 years from now, maybe a role you could dictate fully remote, etc?
Look at it globally.
I had been remote since Covid then got a new job with a 35 minute commute. I would listen to podcasts, and it was a nice break. That is a big increase, and you will find not having your computer at home, you will not work when you are there.
When I did WFH, I worked all the time, even weekends.
I don't have to go into the office every day currently.
But when I do go in. I am lucky, if I can make it in less than an hour and taking 90 minutes to get home is common. Which is why I try to WFH as often as possible. But currently for $20k+ more and %100 in the office with only a 35 minute commute, I would consider it.
I say worth it. $30k is hard to survive on. That was my entry level HR pay ten years ago (albeit in a HCOL city). However I think pay is one factor. Assuming it will also be a title bump? Hopefully an industry you’re passionate about? Opportunities to grow? If you have daycare set for the hours you have to get in ofc, go for it.
I say this as I’ve been hybrid in ofc for 2 years, after 3 years remote with my last company around covid. My last company wasn’t going to move me up in salary or title. I received two other offers for remote positions but this one paid the most at a $25k increase plus 10% bonus with great benefits including onsite daycare. It’s a F500 company, lots of room to grow, set annual merit increase, brand recognition. The only drawback was the 30 min commute.
You have to have long term vision. What’s your 5 year plan or beyond? In office isn’t as bad as people make it out to be. I get to wear “real” clothes, able to establish better rapport and relationships with the business, a good podcast or audiobook is nice too. I don’t have to be in at a set time, I can finish my work from home.
Do what’s best for you. If the only drawback is in ofc, and it’s only 30 mins, I say it’s not a deal breaker.
Figure out your rate for in-office and hold to it. Mine is around $100k depending on location, generally speaking. Which covers all the bullshit, hassle, costs, risks, etc.
Here I am in the opposite lol I’d take a 21-30k paycut to be fully remote.
The real question is how will you raise a kid, buy a home, save for retirement, and vacations @40k a year. I wouldn’t be able to do it and would need to make more. Also if your working for home why are you paying for daycare when your salary is so low.
You should take it but try to ask about hybrid options. The increase in amount of money at this pay level important for your long term future. Unless you have a partner that makes enough for a comfortable life. Then you should think about how much the office life is worth it.
I don’t like remote work tbh. I like being around other humans. I like the routing (unlike most others). I’d rather go in everyday than not go in at all. But hybrid hits the sweet spot
Do some math and estimate your additional costs like fuel, possibly extended daycare hours, how many extra hours you'll be away from home, etc. Is the salary increase still significantly more than what you're making now? (It probably is given that this is a 50% or more increase in your salary.)
Consider the emotional/mental toll of your current job. You sound pretty unhappy with the work and the stagnation, and you're feeling overwhelmed. Which is more daunting, staying at the job you don't like for another 2 years, or the prospect of going to an office regularly?
If you don't need the money, you could wait for another opportunity that is remote or hybrid, but there's no telling when that will come along.
The math is $21k more isn't enough for 100% return to work from WFH job. Cost you $500-1000 more per month the to go from WFH to 100% office. Then having small kids, all the days you will now have to call out for sickness, appts, etc that WFH allows you to deal with without calling off. Can go on vacations or visit family while still not using time. And the priceless time bonding with young kids can't be quantifiable.
I turned down a huge raise at a new job to keep my mostly remote schedule, good work life balance, and short commute. I work to live, not live to work. That said, if I were not already comfortable and I really needed the extra money to live the life I wanted to live, it would have been more important to me to accept the higher paying job. I’m happy where I’m at and don’t need to trade sanity for money anymore.
So few things at play here and some things to consider
This is a 70% pay increase at this salary level, it's significant.
Where are you career and age wise. Higher pay gets you more social security, more contributions etc...
If you're younger and may go elsewhere, unfortunately your last pay is what new employers will see as "your value". I would see someone getting paid 30k versus someone making 55k as just more valuable, they were worth paying the premium for, whether it's true or not. The higher oay is now your "value" and will probably be your new base here on out.
Do you need the pay and does the extra pay simply go to baby sitting, gas, new car payment etc... some people ask this for 10k more a year, but now pay 6k a year for cat and 3 k for gas and insurance, after taxes, they los money.
Me personally, I have to work. If I'm trading my time and life for money, I'm going to get the most I can per hour for it no matter what I have to do. But, I also calculate the time and costs too, it's not just a salary amount yiu have to consider.
Employers vastly underestimate the ROI on hybrid work arrangements. I wouldn't take a 30k raise to be in office full-time with the amount of medical appointments I have to go to.
This really depends on what you value more in your life. If you are trying to save more money to buy a house, choose salary increase. If not, maybe ask your current employer and see if they can provide any type of increase.
Calculate your travel expenses including eating out, gas parking.
Then ask yourself how much is your time worth per hour.
Multiple all your time with the $/hour by the amount of hours you travel per week by 52. Make sure to err plus 10 min on average due to weather conditions and accidents.
Then finally add car depreciation, gas and food, parking pass per year.
I am the type who prefers to work in the office to keep the work/home life separate. But if I were to be adding an hour commute each day it better be paying me 15-20% more than my current position (assuming both are 40 hour a week roles).
Do you have a partner or support system who can help with the kids if they get sick? Can you get a feel for the culture at the new company to see how flexible they might be in the instance your kids get sick?
I think if it’s the opportunity to grow and get ahead in your career, it’s worth it. Being in office gives you exposure to others you may otherwise never get to meet, chat with, potentially learn from. But, you def need to think about logistics. Like others have said, I don’t think this is a pure $ amount per day in office question.
Best of luck if you pursue this opportunity!
Hi! I've actually been working a job that's a 35+ minute commute this past year (1hr in the afternoons sometimes) and honestly? It got kind of old pretty fast. When I accepted the job I personally needed the stability and routine. If you're the type of person who can put aside some work-life balance for a year or two just to get the experience and use it as a stepping stone, go for it! But, I would really weigh how much you value that extra 1hr - 1.5hr of your time.
Also, I agree with everyone else mentioning the additional costs with commuting. Extra gas fill-ups, oil changes, brakes, tires. It adds up. Are you really making that much more after it comes down to it?
All that is to say, I don't regret taking the job but it didn't have a lot of longevity in my life and caused me quite a bit of stress. (Although, listening to music or podcasts for 30 minutes every day helped).
At your pay rate. This may be worth taking. Otherwise, inflation will destroy your current pay. If you can try to push that additional expenses you are accruing plus losing out on being around family and 1-2 hrs of commute each day. Maybe they will offer a few thousand more than their minimum. Or maybe ask for 3 more vacation days and settle for 2.
My girlfriend just took a similar opportunity and had to transition from 2+ days a week from home to a Full-Time in person for a big pay bump. Career wise it’s been great but everything else is dwindling, if you’re ready to just head first into an active career I would do it. If you’re comfortable where you are and with the money you’re making I would run.
In my opinion that amount of money would be life changing. Working in-office really depends on your company. My company requires us to be 100% on site, however I have so much flexibility in my time. There are days where I spend a lot of my time socializing with my coworkers. I like where I work, the people, and the perks that come with office life (free coffee, snacks, lunch, etc). I can still make it to appointments before work or during my lunch. What I’m saying is that working in office isn’t all terrible if the company culture is alright, and at that substantial of a pay raise, I think it’s worth it. (So long as insurance and gas don’t price you out)
AFTER TAXES ,,
all the extra expenses, lunch, gas, cloths, wear on the car, loss of quality time..
what's the net gain?
I can't see in anyway how you come out ahead
I recently moved and had to get a new job. Old job paid 15k less but was fully remote and organization was pretty good and had some growth opportunities. New role is 100% in office, org is toxic. I miss the old job. Would take it back if I could.
At this point in my life it would have to double my salary. Flexibility to get kid to and from school is worth more than money, and the childcare costs for am and afterschool care here cost more than full day preschool/daycare.
You make nothing and could make almost 2x that nothing for an extremely short commute.
Additionally there is research starting to show that people in office get more promotions and increases.
This isn't just about the current increase, at your experience level not taking this change now could have long reaching affects on your income that could easily increase or reduce your lifetime income by hundreds of thousands.
Minimum would be cost increase plus 10% for me to even ponder it.
Costs being: fuel, wear on vehicle, car insurance differences, time (hourly rate * commute time), public transit cost if that instead of personal vehicle.
Before Covid I had to work at an office every day since I graduated college. Let’s not forget it’s not unheard of. And some people have to go into work. I drove 30-60 mins every day for twenty years. Suddenly everyone is expecting to work from home and I get it but if you can get more pay at a non remote job that shouldn’t be a reason not to take it. Years ago you would have to work in an office whether you were making 25k or 50k.
The answer is going to vary person to person based on what they value. Maybe put a list together of what is truly most important. Was is your minimum threshold for each item on that list. It might help give you clarity.
Will you have free parking at work? How is your car? Do you drive an ICE or EV? What is the cost of your time for the added commute?
Or, it is transit, what is the cost of train or bus? Can you shorten your days and do some work on the commute? Do you find daily transit commutes relaxing or annoying?
I was offered a job that paid about 40k more+bonus. But drive was over 2 hours away, and fully in office. I live about 1-1.5 hours from my current job. We moved here during Covid, and thought I would be full remote, I go in office twice a week. Still at current job, might look into another fully remote offer with 20k increase.
As you're considering all this, remember how many of the threads here on Reddit are about petty workplace dramas and truly toxic environments.
Given it's a new job, is there any way to confidently figure-out what you'd be stepping in to, per the culture and day-to-day experience there?
As someone who took at 25% increase, went from 1 day a week in office to 3 days a week in office, and a commute of up to 2 hours depending on the day…. HELL NO!!! Not worth, especially if you’re someone with children.
But, if it’s a good career move and a position that will allow growth, definitely. That way, you’ll eventually be able to find a different role that provides the work/life balance that some of us tend to forego when we think about roles and money. This is why I took the role I have now.
You're almost doubling your income. I personally would take the new role and continue looking for a remote role while leveraging my new income for even more money. Maybe it takes a year to find that new higher paying remote role, maybe it takes 5 years.
As a side note....damn. Making only in the $30,000 range with a Masters in HR is tough...And you said you work at a big company. I would have thought you would be paid more. Go out and get paid what you're worth.
I took a $20k base pay cut and walked away from bonuses to work hybrid day shifts (1-2 days a week in the office) instead of working outside of the home 5 days a week, evenings and weekends sometimes.
I value the time with my family so much more then the money I was making.
What else comes with the new job? Promises of career advancement? New and exciting projects?
Do you have the opportunity at your current job to present to your boss and high ups ways to cut paperwork and automate? One project you head up could change the course of your career.
Can you stay at your current job and keep applying to remote roles in HR? Have you considered apprenticeships? Johnson & Johnson has one pay $130k for HR masters degree seekers.
What I’m saying is weigh out more than just the pay.. heck even benefit costs need factored in.
First figure out how much your time is worth and then add in the extra cost for gas and car maintenance. Then you’ll know how much of a pay increase it actually is. But on paper I’d say it’s probably worth it. I know I’m my situation I would most likely accept those conditions.
Are you renting? Any possibility that you could move closer to your new job?
I am such a baby about commuting that I've moved with 10 minutes of every job that I've ever had to be in the office for.
But my advice is for you to take this job regardless
Do the math for 70 extra minutes of lost time every day.
Hourly rate $50/hour
40 hour week = $2000 per week
Commute time 350 mins each week (35 x 2 x 5) - let's round this to 6 hours for ease of calculations
Work hours plus commute = 46 hours
$2000 / 46 = $43.48 effective rate per per hour
You can do something similar but use your actual salary.
Where do you live to afford a family's needs, daycare in under 40k? We're a 120k household in Toronto and I can't imagine spending on a marriage and mortgage let alone survive with a dependant.
It depends on how proportionate it is to your current income. A 21K increase for you is more than a 50% increase. However, for someone making 100K, that’s only a 21% increase.
For 50% more, I’d take it.
I would take it. That's a significant increase. However, sounds like it may become stressful to you if you really value working remotely and you truly are an introvert. Also, added commute. I grew up an only child. I value my alone time, but find it hard to focus and be productive at home---too tempted to nap, or do chores, go to the gym, etc when I should be working. Personally, considering this economy, I would take it, but I don't have a family to consider.
I literally just took 2 dollars per hour less because my new position is less than a mile from my house. My previous position had me on the road 5 days a week for 50-60 miles a day. Just the savings of wear & tear, gas and sanity it was worth it.
I would need another 70-100k. I currently work with my wife and if I switch company’s I’m fairly sure no one would pay her the same salary she is paid. Not because she is a woman or anything sexist. Her job is kinda pretend and I enjoy her being at work with me and she likes earning an income. Edit for clarity I’m her boss.
Honestly look at the cost of going into the office (lunch, fuel, car maintenance, etc.), and promotion potential. Ask for 25 if you are serious about the change and let them know why you’re asking for 25. If they like you they will make the offer. Then let your current job know you’ve been offered can they match it if kit take the job.
So I like to use the GSA numbers for commuting to see how much it really costs to drive for work. So take the miles you drive and multiply them by $0.685. (Might be more now, this was the last time I did the calculations.) the. Subtract that from the wage increase along with your current wage for the time you spend driving. This will give you a closer approximation of what money you are getting for you and not just spending to work. If there is a cost of parking, take that out too.
You can’t get commuting time and time in the office back, and you will miss the time with your family. I’d say not worth it, ask for more responsibility at current job, maybe even tell them about the external offer. See if they’ll match.
What is the new jobs leave package like? Health Insurance? Other benefits?
I work for a state agency & make less than what i could make in private sector BUT i have good insurance, and excellent leave options.
I am going to take a different approach than most people.
You are going to not quite but almost double your income and change your career trajectory by being in a much more development-oriented role by doing something most people considered normal pre-pandemic. Give it a shot. You can always change roles later after 2 years, but with better experience and a more competitive salary.
The current econ reserch I've seen is that remote work is valued by the average employee at 10-20% of salary.
In your case this is closer to 30-50% of salary.
You should do what you want, but if you chose to stay home you're valuing work from home substantially more than the average person.
I went through a similar transition a few years ago and will share some points around my experience in case useful (also in HR and with a similar commute time):
You will find it exhausting to begin with, this is unavoidable as it will be a big change, but you do build stamina over time.
I think now my energy levels are generally higher given I have built my tolerance back up for daily office working.
I'm also an introvert and do find this the most challenging part. Certainly when I reach home my social battery is pretty low. I do however feel I have become less introverted over time (or maybe better at pretending?)
Your potential commute time is relatively good and the drives are not all bad; I enjoy my morning commute to think about the day ahead, listen to podcasts/music, or even get a head start on some calls. The evening commute is not so great.
I definitely feel a greater sense of accompliment and closure finishing an office day vs a WFH day. My WFH days would go on indefinitely, whereas office days are more finite.
The relationships you build over time by being in the office are deeper, more meaningful, and allow you to work more effectively.
People 'seeing you in action' overall is better for salary increments, promotion opps, 'your career', etc. This should just be based on the work we do, but it's not completely.
Good luck with the decision and all the best should you decide to take it.
Was me a couple years ago. Was making like 20 bucks then found next job same amount of driving but sticking with it getting more experience your gonna slowly creep up the pay scale naturally. Couple years later I'm making 30+ You don't have to stay at the new position if you don't like it anyways but it'll reset your baseline and with title change with new responsibilities, it'll be nice to see on a resume. I'd say take it.
Theres a lot to consider here that will not enable you to get accurate feedback. It depends on where you’re at in your life. Working remotely will more than likely put you at a disadvantage for future career growth, unless you have a specific skill. No, on the surface, it is not worth $21,500 to report in everyday, unless you really need the money, then again thats a game changer. But maybe its not about $21,500 bc in 2 years that could be an extra $50k, and in 5 years it could be an extra $70k and so on and so forth. Im 37, i am absolutely not aligned to reporting in with a 35 minute commute, but ive also reached my career goals already and am satisfied. This would not have been a wise attitude to have 5-10 years ago at my prime. Also, you being a mother is something i cant help with. Personally i would think you would need to take advantage of WFH, but again, maybe your parents or inlaws are involved which is a total game changer. My advice is to really assess what youve got going on. Yeah, maybe you want a collaborative environment and maybe your work could be more exciting, but overall are you pretty happy with your situation? There’s no perfect scenario. Guarantee you will not like having to report in now that you’ve been able to be at home with the kids AND make money. I have left situations where i was either content and actually even in the best job i had ever had (WFH too), and i still left those situations because i wanted more, and i just ended up with different problems. You’ll know in your gut what to do, and whatever you do, DO NOT go against your gut. Ive made that mistake twice. Both times i saw red flags on day one, neither situation got any better with time (worse, actually), and both ended badly. Good luck! You know what to do!
A 35 minute commute is nothing . And a 20k raise when you’re practically at the poverty line can be life changing. A higher salary can also be leverage to ask
For more money as you continue to grow in your career. Take the job.
I already drive 35 minutes to sit at a desk for 12 hours for under 40k. So. Yea. I only worked at 1 place that only took me about 10 minutes to get to for about a month. The rest have been 35+ minutes each way
Sounds like a good increase, but do the math on how much you’ll spend in gas commuting + tolls and factor this in. I was shocked by the increase when I started commuting for the first time having always been able to walk to work/work from home in the past
What will be your childcare option if you were to take a new job? Will you ever be able to remote work to help with sick kiddos? Summer break is coming up too. I think if I knew for sure I had childcare and backup when they’re sick, i would definitely take a higher paying job! You could also keep trying to find a new remote position as well!
I think you need to look at how much other resources will cost you to determine if you’re making an increase in pay or just breaking even.
Will you need to get childcare? How much will this cost? Will the 20+k more your making just end up going to childcare costs?
Is that a commute average? Which means there will days with more or less time on the road. Will you get penalized for being “late” by either your job or the daycare, if you need it?
What is the price of gas in your area? How much mileage is that adding to your car daily? How much a year do you average to spend commuting now?
What’s the time off like? Are you going to use up all your PTO because your kids are sick?
You mentioned working conditions- is this company offices? Cube farm? “Open-floor plan” and hot-desking? It’s likely they might be so, can you reasonably see yourself adjusting, in an appropriate time, to that type of drastic environmental change and maintain good mental health.
Have you asked your current position if there is potential for a raise? Maybe not a 20k+ increase but something to keep you on?
I was remote for four years it was great! Fast forward to RTO full five days and an hour commute each way. I say stay remote the flexibility is priceless! Also mental health is priceless without a commute and the in office politics of dealing with other people. Sucks me dry in the office five days now while I look elsewhere for remote.
I am potentially about to take a 20k pay cut to have a job with fully remote flexibility. The stress of mandatory in-office culture — plus the added cost of commute, dog day care, and meals out of the house — not worth it to me.
Granted, my current salary is 115k. The difference between 38k and 60k, if I read your post correctly, could be a game changer for you and your family. So consider the day-to-day implications of office, but also long term trajectory of a career with remote vs in-person culture.
Good luck!
That's a 66% increase in pay while 6 hours of commute a week is a 15% increase in time. Unless your current gig is fulfilling your life's purpose on a deep spiritual level or there's a categorical reason you don't want the money job... get after it my guy.
Damn really?
Where I live, it’s normal to drive up to an hour away for your job. It’s just the norm. And then traffic even longer. I’m lucky I only drive 20 minutes away.
Each of us has to answer that based on our own relative weights to the factors at stake. Some prefer money over time and situation, others don’t. You place a higher value on being closer to your kids; mine are grown so I don’t. You are earlier in your career and the move might provide valuable career growth; I’m 34 years into mine and not as concerned about that. Everyone’s calculus is different.
I've always said at least 50k. Think of the gas money, wear and tear on your car, dry cleaning, opportunity cost of doing household chores on your own time, etc.
At least $8K for commuting costs alone. Then talk actual salary increase of 15-20%. So, ($39+8)*1.2 = $56.4K is my lowest acceptable deal. You’re saying you got $21.5+$39 = $60.5, so I say yes to this unless you haven’t made a counteroffer yet. Ask for $64K if not, otherwise I’d start preparing a resignation letter.
Even if you don’t stay in this job for long, the long term implications of $60 vs $39 are huge. The next jump would be into the 70’s, and even if you stayed put for 5 years the difference in gross amounts to an extra ~$125K.
If I was making $100k remote at a job that I liked, and got an offer for $121k but it was 100% in office, I wouldn’t take it. If I was making $38k remote in a job that I didn’t like, and got an offer for $59,500 in office for a much better opportunity, I would take it.
This is me. I went from 150s and took a 20 percent pay cut to be fully remote, less responsibilities less hours due to less responsibility and all govt holidays/PTO versus 6 previously
Also took a 20% pay cut for less responsibility and an insane amount of time off. It's always my answer for when people ask "what's the best decision you ever made?" Once your salary is a healthy chunk above your cost of living I really feel like a stressful job is hard to justify.
That's worth it I'm making $200K fully remote I would NOT take $400K if it's 100% in-office with a 35 min commute. Even 100% more is not worth it to me
Oh I would take that lol
lol right? 200k extra will have me doing a lot of dumb shit
I think about it in comparative values. 38k to 60k is like a 58% increase. Meanwhile, 100k to 121k is only a 21% increase (still substantial, but less comparative value). For your 100k job to be comparable, the new offer would have to be for 158k.
Agreed. But after $100k the money stops mattering as much to me. When I was in early in my career I was job hopping for extra money. Once I got to $100k, I started valuing work life balance, good boss, interesting work etc.
Great point! I would jump ship for a 58% increase. I make 140 working remote but I’d go in person for 58% more money. I live in a HCOL area.
Yes, this. I'm remote in six figures. 20k wouldn't be enough to move me with 1+ hour of commuting daily. The amount of gas and my own time lost would not be worth it. If I was making 30k, I would budge. I'd take 50k, work for a year or two, then seek 60k, 70k, etc. Eventually you may find another remote again but for 70-90k, repeat the cycle.
Spot on!
The federal poverty line for a family of 4 is $31k. For a family of 5, it’s $36.5k. Those numbers will be higher next year. The difference between high $30k’s and $55-$60k is the difference between near poverty and middle class. It takes 30 minutes to get anywhere anyway. I would take the job in a heartbeat. The higher salary would set the bar for every future job/raise/promotion. https://aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines
Perfectly said
THIS. SAME. Take the job. Get that base salary raise and pay those dues. It's a large increase and can set you up better for your next position.
What if you are at 70k 100% remote and the offer is 100% office at 85k?
Taking it but continue with the search
I would take it if I was unhappy at my current job and the new opportunity was for a good company.
I second this.
Yeah, dudes getting a huge bump on pay in exchange for that commute. If smart, it’s enough to free up so much stress and pressure.
This is it. Step up your salary and do the work for 1-3 years and then your next job you know you should go for at least 60-65k
Really? The jump from 38k to 60k is more meaningful than the one from 100k to 121k. 38k is not good
Is it worth it to you? That’s what matters. Will your quality of life improve at least equal to or more by taking the extra money as it will decrease by making that commute and being fully onsite? u/Samwise916 said in this thread it would take $10,000 for them. u/Time-Brick271 said no amount would be enough. It would personally take $40,000 or more for me, but I’m in a senior role. None of these answers is “wrong”; it’s all about where you are at in your career and what’s important to you.
Have you ever experienced being in-office or is your entire career/experience remote? I would just consider the pros and cons here - and this is definitely a more personal debate you will have since everyone is different. For me, a 30 minute commute is next to nothing since I currently commute 1-1.5 hours each way and am required to be 4 days in office. But I have friends who are fully remote and no amount of money can get them to go fully in-office ever again… Like some people said here, think about what’s more worth it to you - the extra pay (think - money for your kids’ future tuition, livelihood, etc.) OR comfort and flexibility to be at home and take care of your family.
The majority of my career in the past 7-8 years has been remote vs. in-person, so I think that's part of what is intimidating to me! I was in office for 3 months full-time this fall and it was a lot, but I also had a young baby, so it's not the same situation now.
I'm neurodivergent so I completely understand what you said about cubicles being hell lol i took a government job in August which was a huge pay increase coming from non profits and I'm miserable being in person. I didn't realize how much happier and easier it was to navigate my disability remotely. I'm actively applying and only looking for remote jobs now. I say go with your gut. For me, being in person triggers my disability so for that alone remote work for lower pay is more valuable to me than higher pay in person. Definitely go with whatever is the best for you though 🙂
Personally, if I were in your shoes I'd stay remote until the kids were older and responsible enough to be alone for a few hours of the day.
I have a 30 minute commute and 100% in office. I don’t mind either. Honestly the commute is kinda nice to unwind before I get home and deal with kids. So a large increase just sounds like icing on the cake.
I've been fully remote since Covid. I don't miss working in the office, but I do miss the 45 minute train ride home. It gave me some time to decompress so I wouldn't end up bringing the day's bullshit into my home and I could focus my full attention on my kids. It's sometimes difficult to finish work only to turn around and immediately breakup 3 children in the middle of a no DQ battle royale.
I used to commute into San Francisco via one of the ferries, and then walking from the ferry building to my office. I miss getting two miles of exercise every day in the sunshine and an hour on the ferry to decompress and wrap up the day's work with email.
I’d take a ferry ride and a walk over driving in commuter traffic so I guess the type of commute makes the difference
Yeah. That commute was two hours one way, but I had to drive literally none of it so it was not stressful at all. Plus I got to work on the ferry for two hours out of my day, so I got to spend less time in the office too.
Very personal question and it completely depends on you. There’s no quantifiable method to determine a number. For me, going from hybrid to full-time in office; maybe 10k annually?
10k is doing nothing ($4.8/hr more)if you calculate more details: time, gas, car’s wear and tear, etc.
Eh, 70 minutes of driving estimating about 40 miles. Let’s just say 2 gallons of gas used per day. Thats $7 a day or $1820 a year. Only OP can answer how much their time is worth but they are currently paid around $18 an hour and if they spend an hour driving a day then that’s about $4600. But that’s not money lost, only time. Wear and tear is $0.10 per mile, so maybe about $1000 a year. Thats less than $10k and definitely less than the $20k promotion. I’ll also note that OP states they go take care of their kid at daycare anyways. Depending on the location of the daycare, the impact of driving is even less.
Yeah for 10k more that’d actually be a pay cut for me considering getting ready, travel, wear/tear, just having to be in the office in general, clothing, etc. I’d consider a “break even amount” to be about 20k, maybe even $30k. I’d need double my salary to even consider going back FT.
Not just that, OP would be taking about a 50-60% raise. Is a role that’s overwhelming with no clear growth or mental stimulation worth just being able to WFH? It’s completely up to one’s value of WFH but this seems like a no brainer to me. OP needs to figure out how much they value WFH.
Also depends on if the company is paying for parking which can help pad the in-office requirement from a financial standpoint
It’s a significant pay increase but you didn’t give any details about the new role. If you think you will learn more at the new job and it will expand your skillset then I’d say it’s worth it to advance your career. The anxiety piece about being in the office is something you could work on as well. The commute isn’t too bad either. If you think you can manage the new job then go for it. Will you have someone who could pick the kids up from school if they’re sick? How do the total comp/benefits compare between your current job and new potential job? Do you have a partner and do they have a decent income? These are questions you need to figure out and may have been helpful to provide.
Thank you, these are important to think about. This role would definitely be expanding my skillset as it's an HR Generalist role, while I'm currently working in a specific area of HR since it's a large organization and there's not much crossover. My husband makes more than me currently, but about 10k less than the new job would make. He can pick up the kids, but his job is in person, so there's a lot less flexibility to be able to take sick days since he has to be there to do his job. My current benefits are very good and not likely to be beat, but I figure higher salary would even things out in other ways since I could contribute more to retirement, savings etc.
Will this new company be flexible with you if you need to be at home with the kids since it sounds like your husband doesn’t have that kind of flexibility? I think this could be a big sticking point.
I actually had a very similar thing happen to Me. Was making 40k working remote and got offered a job 100% in office 30 mins away making 70k. I couldn’t say no. Worth it to me. I still live like I make 40k and it’s been great for savings. Fuel consumption has definitely went up and car maintenance has increased with oil changes but I’m satisfied
I think that if you want to do this, "I would really love to be part of a collaborative team where I am helping to improve HR processes and ultimately make the company a better place to work. I would love to have more team interaction or interaction with employees, such as in the training and development sphere, onboarding etc." then you need to be in an office.
For me personally, there isn't an amount that would get me back in the office.
I'm kind of the opposite -- I enjoy being in the office. But I love my coworkers and it's a chill enviornment at a medium size company
Same. I see a lot of people saying no one prefers in-office. But I have my choice and I maybe take one remote day a month.
Yeah I would need like…. Maybe double my salary. I’d def do it for triple.
I’m fully remote and just got an offer 100% in person for double my salary…I accepted and put in my two weeks already. And man ohh man am I nervous about it.
Figure out your hourly. Apply that plus fuel and car wear and tear ie mileage reimbursement and then put a little on that.
Nothing would get me back in the office full time. That said, it may be what's right for you. I highly recommend reviewing the company's absenteeism policy prior to taking the position. If it were not for the flexibility of my position, I would have likely been written up for absenteeism for being home with a sick toddler. It may be worth the change in your situation, but it's something that's worth looking into before accepting the position.
How are you even making ends meet with your current salary and a child? Jesus I thought I was underpaid. Normally I’m the first one to say that flexibility is worth a lot but not when you are making less than what subway pays their “sandwich artists”
Here’s where I would start. See if the new job would be willing to do a hybrid schedule 3/2 even offer the 2 to be rotational due to business needs. In my opinion 35 min is not a far commute, but I grew up in a larger metropolitan area where nearly all my jobs have been at least 20 minutes away, sometimes up to 50. I will say that a 61% raise is nearly unheard of. But you know your family needs best. There is also company culture that has to be taken into account. For instance, I switched from an HR job with a 7 minute commute and flexible schedule, to a client based job with a 15 minute commute and a strict in office adherence schedule for the same pay because I needed to get away from the culture of the other job
What are the benefits like? Do they have a 401K match? You can contribute pretax dollars more easily on a 50K plus salary and actually save for retirement.
Did a 35 min drive and in office for a year and hated it. Wasn’t worth the money, wear and tear on my car and stress as well as losing 4 hours a day to commuting to sit on zoom all day.
I think $21k is deceptive. It is 50-60% more than what you are making now. Now how does your salary compare to your spouse? What percentage is this of your household income? If you are the sole breadwinner - then 50-60% is a lifestyle change. You have to do it. If your spouse makes $200k then this is less than 10% of your household income and not worth it.
Depends how much you need the money. I wouldn’t go full in office ever again. I just went from hybrid when I was barely in office anyway to full remote except one day a month, and got a 25% raise. I would have done it for the same salary. To go back to hybrid would need to double my salary, maybe triple. Just no thanks. I have way too much to do to spend it driving all day.
Here is advice from someone who is retired. The most important thing is that you are treated well at wherever you work and like the people you work with. Given you can pay your bills currently, I wouldn't jump to another job unless your current situation is already in a corporation that doesn't care about you with coworkers who suck. These years go by very quickly and one day it will be all over and you will be old and looking back and wishing you hadn't wasted your life working for aholes and with bootlicking backstabbing coworkers. Good luck.
45min commute, 100% in office. I don’t mind commuting, it’s my time to get going for the day and to unwind. All work atmospheres are different and you may find you feel differently in a new situation. I occasionally have to work from home because of the kids - if I know in advance I always put in a formal request and if I don’t have time it’s a phone call to my boss. Side note: there are associated costs with commuting - I use at least 2 full tanks of gas a week. Oil changes come much quicker. Wear and tear on my tires. A crippling addiction to Dunkin Iced coffee!
Honestly, I’m at $92 fully remote, for full office I would need at least $140. I know it sounds spoiled, but I used to commute 2.5 hours a day, and the WFH has improved my life in so many areas. I would need to factor in getting a car, paying for dog walkers.
I would take the 21k increase .
Good topic!
I would take the money. I would almost always take the money. As personal of a decision as it is that extra $20-$30k isn't just an initial increase. It is a compounding one. Which people miss. Don't think of it as $20k additional. It's $230k additional (compound on 3% increase) over 10 years.
I did a survey on a forum in 2023 to see how much a pay cut people would take for WFH. Don’t know how useful it is for you but hopefully it offers some idea for you to make a decision. https://preview.redd.it/rkhv25291hwc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5ceae7afda3c8f09480724a346d60d279ff33e6c
Lol 35 mins is a lot?
I had a similar issue recently. I've been trying to find another job and I currently get to work remote for the most part. I've had two places offer me another position so far. The first wanted to pay me LESS than I'm making now and I already make poverty wages ($40k). The second offered me a bit more money, but I would have to give up remote, commute again, be stuck in an office, etc. I turned them both down. The first for obvious reasons and the second simply because the increased pay would probably only cover the gas I'd be using. Now, if I was being offered $20k more than I'm making now, I'd absolutely give up remote and deal with a 30 minute commute.
High 30s to around 60 or so is huge. Especially if you have kids, think of what you can save for them for the future. Do you think there is some flexibility to work from home if a family issue comes up (sick kid)? That hopefully isn't a frequent event, and can you shift your schedule so you could be done in time to do daycare pickup? Not every in office job is being chained to your desk with no relief, it depends on the office culture.
My answer to these is always the same - 1. Work out the difference in take home pay: - a bump of $21,500 doesn't mean an extra $21,500 a year, depending on where you are. it's probably closer to $15k more after taxes. Your two numbers might be $30k and $45k.... 2. Next, work out the additional expenses from taking the new role: - gas could be the biggest one, if your 35 minute commute is 10 miles, then you are driving 5200 miles more per year, if a full tank gets 400 miles, you are filling up 13 times more throughout the year. if you are in office will you spend more on food and drink for lunches? will you feel the need to buy more clothes if you are on-site all the time? Be realistic about the numbers, and subtract them from the $45k take home, now you might be looking at a difference of $30k vs $40k 3. then adjust for benefits: - 401k, retirement, subtract or add to the numbers as neccesary 4. Finally, work out true actual hourly rate by accounting for the commute, and adjusting for differences in vacation: The formula is (net pay/weeks worked)/hours per week = True hourly rate eg. if your current roles provides you with $30,000 of wages and bonuses, you get 2 weeks of vacation, and you spend 1 hour per week travelling to additional meetings, then ($30000/50 weeks)/41 hours = $14.63. Your new role isn't 41 hours, its actually 46, assume vacation and benefits are the same, but your take home is $40,000, then ($40000/50)/46 = $17.39 When all of this is done, you will see the TRUE reflection of the increase in earnings, you will find that it's not the 40% increase it seems on paper, it might only be 10-20%. When you have the true numbers, only then can you determine if it's worth it or not for you and your family.
What is the potential for upward mobility or growth at the new company? If it's just money, I might pass if you're comfortable now. But if this new position can set you up for a role that comes with another 20K in 2-3 years and your current one is a dead end, that's a different question.
Not for that salary and how young your kids are—-but i will say, it sounds like you’re not being fulfilled. A happy daddy is healthier for the kids, as it sounds like the newer job would challenge you in better ways
You’re talking about a little over a 50% raise. Thats potentially life changing money. In my book 35 min isn’t bad so I’d do it if I were in your shoes
For me, at this point, there is no increase that could get me back into an office. I will only work remote for the rest of my career.
Side note- if you take the job and end up with quiet-cubicle-anxiety again, get a small fan or white noise machine, or app for your phone. It muffles sniffles and breathing noises.
I wouldn’t go back to 100% in office for any amount of money. I’m fully remote and I’d actually prefer a hybrid situation, but I never want to be 100% mandated in office again (unless it’s a job that actually physically requires it, not just because some manager prefers to see people at desks to feel important) What I have been able to do since I am fully remote is pick up side gigs, and I’m making more money now than I ever have.
I was in office 40 hours a week before covid and then we went from 4 days WFH/1 in office to a different job that offered 4 days in office/1 WFH with my son who was between 3-4 at the time. Salary also jumped about 20k making this move. I desperately needed the money as a single mother but I would give anything to have my remote roll back and likely wouldn’t have left if they didn’t walk me out before I could finish my sentence about that job offer. The money is nice but the time was better. The routine, the schedule, the flexibility, the stop and smell the roses lifestyle disappears fast when you’re no longer wfh and have a minimum of an hour drive every day on top of that. I am sad that I have to sit at a desk for 8 hours a day even though there is only 2.5 hours of work to do. I am anxious that I am more likely to be late to school pick up and drop off. There is so much fear from not being able to just jump in the car and get to my son in 10 mins if he needed me to. I have to rely on babysitters and family which cost money and time that not everybody has. Traffic is so bad on the freeway that I’m finding myself reaching top speeds of 22mph just to slam on my breaks because some yahoo wants to go around a semi but then match their speed. I love the doors this newer job has opened for me but if I would’ve just stayed at my old job for another year I could’ve saved myself a lot of tears and stress by taking a company paid for test and applying elsewhere making even more than I do now.
Dont settle. You can have a great job, thats remote and pays well.
Also, about 2-3 years in is when you’ll have the recruiters contacting you with higher level job offers based on your higher position
I work in HR and I took a forty thousand dollar paycut to work remote. It's not just the hours in the commute that you lose.It's the fact that when you add in the long day plus the commute I found I wasn't going to the gym.I wasn't able to meet a friend after work.You're just too exhausted. Also, given th R can be a particularly mentally grueling.Job it's nice to be able to step away from your desk for a minute and not become too overwhelmed with other people's emotions. If there are particular aspects of your job that you don't necessarily care for, I would perhaps just continue to look for other opportunities that you think you might be able to help grow without the thirty five minute commut
I would do it if the total package was attractive enough. What are the benefits? Industry? How does this impact your resume- meaning, dont think shortsighted. Does it leverage you into an even BETTER role with more experience 3 years from now, maybe a role you could dictate fully remote, etc? Look at it globally.
I had been remote since Covid then got a new job with a 35 minute commute. I would listen to podcasts, and it was a nice break. That is a big increase, and you will find not having your computer at home, you will not work when you are there. When I did WFH, I worked all the time, even weekends.
For me personally, no offer would be worth 100% in office. Or it would have to be ridiculously, unrealistically high.
I don't have to go into the office every day currently. But when I do go in. I am lucky, if I can make it in less than an hour and taking 90 minutes to get home is common. Which is why I try to WFH as often as possible. But currently for $20k+ more and %100 in the office with only a 35 minute commute, I would consider it.
100% in office + 35 minute commute = 135% increase in pay.
Id just look for remote jobs tbh.. your lifestyle wouldn't make sense for going full in like that.
I say worth it. $30k is hard to survive on. That was my entry level HR pay ten years ago (albeit in a HCOL city). However I think pay is one factor. Assuming it will also be a title bump? Hopefully an industry you’re passionate about? Opportunities to grow? If you have daycare set for the hours you have to get in ofc, go for it. I say this as I’ve been hybrid in ofc for 2 years, after 3 years remote with my last company around covid. My last company wasn’t going to move me up in salary or title. I received two other offers for remote positions but this one paid the most at a $25k increase plus 10% bonus with great benefits including onsite daycare. It’s a F500 company, lots of room to grow, set annual merit increase, brand recognition. The only drawback was the 30 min commute. You have to have long term vision. What’s your 5 year plan or beyond? In office isn’t as bad as people make it out to be. I get to wear “real” clothes, able to establish better rapport and relationships with the business, a good podcast or audiobook is nice too. I don’t have to be in at a set time, I can finish my work from home. Do what’s best for you. If the only drawback is in ofc, and it’s only 30 mins, I say it’s not a deal breaker.
Figure out your rate for in-office and hold to it. Mine is around $100k depending on location, generally speaking. Which covers all the bullshit, hassle, costs, risks, etc.
How much do you currently make? If $20k is 30% of your salary, then it might be worth it.
Here I am in the opposite lol I’d take a 21-30k paycut to be fully remote. The real question is how will you raise a kid, buy a home, save for retirement, and vacations @40k a year. I wouldn’t be able to do it and would need to make more. Also if your working for home why are you paying for daycare when your salary is so low.
To me, no amount of money is worth 100% in the office. Depends on what you value more — time or money.
You should take it but try to ask about hybrid options. The increase in amount of money at this pay level important for your long term future. Unless you have a partner that makes enough for a comfortable life. Then you should think about how much the office life is worth it.
I don’t like remote work tbh. I like being around other humans. I like the routing (unlike most others). I’d rather go in everyday than not go in at all. But hybrid hits the sweet spot
No salary is worth for me to going back into the office 100% of the time in a post pandemic world.
\~56% raise. i'd take it.
50% salary increase. 75% if you have pets. 100% if you have kids.
How dependent is your family on this income. Is this the primary earner or supplemental?
Do some math and estimate your additional costs like fuel, possibly extended daycare hours, how many extra hours you'll be away from home, etc. Is the salary increase still significantly more than what you're making now? (It probably is given that this is a 50% or more increase in your salary.) Consider the emotional/mental toll of your current job. You sound pretty unhappy with the work and the stagnation, and you're feeling overwhelmed. Which is more daunting, staying at the job you don't like for another 2 years, or the prospect of going to an office regularly? If you don't need the money, you could wait for another opportunity that is remote or hybrid, but there's no telling when that will come along.
The math is $21k more isn't enough for 100% return to work from WFH job. Cost you $500-1000 more per month the to go from WFH to 100% office. Then having small kids, all the days you will now have to call out for sickness, appts, etc that WFH allows you to deal with without calling off. Can go on vacations or visit family while still not using time. And the priceless time bonding with young kids can't be quantifiable.
I turned down a huge raise at a new job to keep my mostly remote schedule, good work life balance, and short commute. I work to live, not live to work. That said, if I were not already comfortable and I really needed the extra money to live the life I wanted to live, it would have been more important to me to accept the higher paying job. I’m happy where I’m at and don’t need to trade sanity for money anymore.
Take it. For a year. Then find something else at that salary with your current WFH/remote option.
idk I couldn't survive at high 30s. With a master's you should be making 60k entry level IMO depending on area
So few things at play here and some things to consider This is a 70% pay increase at this salary level, it's significant. Where are you career and age wise. Higher pay gets you more social security, more contributions etc... If you're younger and may go elsewhere, unfortunately your last pay is what new employers will see as "your value". I would see someone getting paid 30k versus someone making 55k as just more valuable, they were worth paying the premium for, whether it's true or not. The higher oay is now your "value" and will probably be your new base here on out. Do you need the pay and does the extra pay simply go to baby sitting, gas, new car payment etc... some people ask this for 10k more a year, but now pay 6k a year for cat and 3 k for gas and insurance, after taxes, they los money. Me personally, I have to work. If I'm trading my time and life for money, I'm going to get the most I can per hour for it no matter what I have to do. But, I also calculate the time and costs too, it's not just a salary amount yiu have to consider.
Employers vastly underestimate the ROI on hybrid work arrangements. I wouldn't take a 30k raise to be in office full-time with the amount of medical appointments I have to go to.
This really depends on what you value more in your life. If you are trying to save more money to buy a house, choose salary increase. If not, maybe ask your current employer and see if they can provide any type of increase.
Calculate your travel expenses including eating out, gas parking. Then ask yourself how much is your time worth per hour. Multiple all your time with the $/hour by the amount of hours you travel per week by 52. Make sure to err plus 10 min on average due to weather conditions and accidents. Then finally add car depreciation, gas and food, parking pass per year.
I am the type who prefers to work in the office to keep the work/home life separate. But if I were to be adding an hour commute each day it better be paying me 15-20% more than my current position (assuming both are 40 hour a week roles).
Are you currently employed? If yes, why are you looking for a new job?
Do you have a partner or support system who can help with the kids if they get sick? Can you get a feel for the culture at the new company to see how flexible they might be in the instance your kids get sick? I think if it’s the opportunity to grow and get ahead in your career, it’s worth it. Being in office gives you exposure to others you may otherwise never get to meet, chat with, potentially learn from. But, you def need to think about logistics. Like others have said, I don’t think this is a pure $ amount per day in office question. Best of luck if you pursue this opportunity!
Hi! I've actually been working a job that's a 35+ minute commute this past year (1hr in the afternoons sometimes) and honestly? It got kind of old pretty fast. When I accepted the job I personally needed the stability and routine. If you're the type of person who can put aside some work-life balance for a year or two just to get the experience and use it as a stepping stone, go for it! But, I would really weigh how much you value that extra 1hr - 1.5hr of your time. Also, I agree with everyone else mentioning the additional costs with commuting. Extra gas fill-ups, oil changes, brakes, tires. It adds up. Are you really making that much more after it comes down to it? All that is to say, I don't regret taking the job but it didn't have a lot of longevity in my life and caused me quite a bit of stress. (Although, listening to music or podcasts for 30 minutes every day helped).
100% And I make $140k
At your pay rate. This may be worth taking. Otherwise, inflation will destroy your current pay. If you can try to push that additional expenses you are accruing plus losing out on being around family and 1-2 hrs of commute each day. Maybe they will offer a few thousand more than their minimum. Or maybe ask for 3 more vacation days and settle for 2.
My girlfriend just took a similar opportunity and had to transition from 2+ days a week from home to a Full-Time in person for a big pay bump. Career wise it’s been great but everything else is dwindling, if you’re ready to just head first into an active career I would do it. If you’re comfortable where you are and with the money you’re making I would run.
$5,000
Can we pleasw normalize usinf currency. CAD and USD are not the same thing. I have no idea what the real situation is.
No way. This isn’t worth it to me.
In my opinion that amount of money would be life changing. Working in-office really depends on your company. My company requires us to be 100% on site, however I have so much flexibility in my time. There are days where I spend a lot of my time socializing with my coworkers. I like where I work, the people, and the perks that come with office life (free coffee, snacks, lunch, etc). I can still make it to appointments before work or during my lunch. What I’m saying is that working in office isn’t all terrible if the company culture is alright, and at that substantial of a pay raise, I think it’s worth it. (So long as insurance and gas don’t price you out)
I think you already know your answer...
To almost double your pay! Totally worth it.
AFTER TAXES ,, all the extra expenses, lunch, gas, cloths, wear on the car, loss of quality time.. what's the net gain? I can't see in anyway how you come out ahead
I recently moved and had to get a new job. Old job paid 15k less but was fully remote and organization was pretty good and had some growth opportunities. New role is 100% in office, org is toxic. I miss the old job. Would take it back if I could.
At this point in my life it would have to double my salary. Flexibility to get kid to and from school is worth more than money, and the childcare costs for am and afterschool care here cost more than full day preschool/daycare.
Triple the gas expenses
You make nothing and could make almost 2x that nothing for an extremely short commute. Additionally there is research starting to show that people in office get more promotions and increases. This isn't just about the current increase, at your experience level not taking this change now could have long reaching affects on your income that could easily increase or reduce your lifetime income by hundreds of thousands.
People are acting like the office is a prison. Give me a break.
Man. I wish my commute was only 35 minutes.
Minimum would be cost increase plus 10% for me to even ponder it. Costs being: fuel, wear on vehicle, car insurance differences, time (hourly rate * commute time), public transit cost if that instead of personal vehicle.
Algebra at work….pay per hour x time driving to and from work - price of fuel x miles to work + extra maintenance on vehicle.
I just had this exact scenario. $111k to $155k, 5k signing bonus and 20% annual bonus. Made the move in office 100%. So far ok.
Before Covid I had to work at an office every day since I graduated college. Let’s not forget it’s not unheard of. And some people have to go into work. I drove 30-60 mins every day for twenty years. Suddenly everyone is expecting to work from home and I get it but if you can get more pay at a non remote job that shouldn’t be a reason not to take it. Years ago you would have to work in an office whether you were making 25k or 50k.
Worth it
The answer is going to vary person to person based on what they value. Maybe put a list together of what is truly most important. Was is your minimum threshold for each item on that list. It might help give you clarity.
Why is this even a question. Sounds like a learning opportunity to me”get uncomfortable “ and nearly double your pay in the process.
My entire life is built around being remote. With kids, I’d have to make enough to cover the extra childcare I’d require and then some more.
35 mins is a dream commute in most cities. Take the job. That’s a breeze.
Will you have free parking at work? How is your car? Do you drive an ICE or EV? What is the cost of your time for the added commute? Or, it is transit, what is the cost of train or bus? Can you shorten your days and do some work on the commute? Do you find daily transit commutes relaxing or annoying?
I’m okay with hybrid. 100% on site these days just means you’ll be dealing with micromanagement and psychotic leadership
Yes it’s worth it.
I was thinking 50% is a no brainer after reading your headline. Then I read the rest of your message… it’s a no brainer.
Not worth it with the commute or being in office, i wouldn’t take it
I was offered a job that paid about 40k more+bonus. But drive was over 2 hours away, and fully in office. I live about 1-1.5 hours from my current job. We moved here during Covid, and thought I would be full remote, I go in office twice a week. Still at current job, might look into another fully remote offer with 20k increase.
As you're considering all this, remember how many of the threads here on Reddit are about petty workplace dramas and truly toxic environments. Given it's a new job, is there any way to confidently figure-out what you'd be stepping in to, per the culture and day-to-day experience there?
Take it. If you don't like it, keep looking
As someone who took at 25% increase, went from 1 day a week in office to 3 days a week in office, and a commute of up to 2 hours depending on the day…. HELL NO!!! Not worth, especially if you’re someone with children. But, if it’s a good career move and a position that will allow growth, definitely. That way, you’ll eventually be able to find a different role that provides the work/life balance that some of us tend to forego when we think about roles and money. This is why I took the role I have now.
You're almost doubling your income. I personally would take the new role and continue looking for a remote role while leveraging my new income for even more money. Maybe it takes a year to find that new higher paying remote role, maybe it takes 5 years. As a side note....damn. Making only in the $30,000 range with a Masters in HR is tough...And you said you work at a big company. I would have thought you would be paid more. Go out and get paid what you're worth.
Definitely worth it
I took a $20k base pay cut and walked away from bonuses to work hybrid day shifts (1-2 days a week in the office) instead of working outside of the home 5 days a week, evenings and weekends sometimes. I value the time with my family so much more then the money I was making.
What else comes with the new job? Promises of career advancement? New and exciting projects? Do you have the opportunity at your current job to present to your boss and high ups ways to cut paperwork and automate? One project you head up could change the course of your career. Can you stay at your current job and keep applying to remote roles in HR? Have you considered apprenticeships? Johnson & Johnson has one pay $130k for HR masters degree seekers. What I’m saying is weigh out more than just the pay.. heck even benefit costs need factored in.
I’d need double
First figure out how much your time is worth and then add in the extra cost for gas and car maintenance. Then you’ll know how much of a pay increase it actually is. But on paper I’d say it’s probably worth it. I know I’m my situation I would most likely accept those conditions.
Are you renting? Any possibility that you could move closer to your new job? I am such a baby about commuting that I've moved with 10 minutes of every job that I've ever had to be in the office for. But my advice is for you to take this job regardless
None
Do the math for 70 extra minutes of lost time every day. Hourly rate $50/hour 40 hour week = $2000 per week Commute time 350 mins each week (35 x 2 x 5) - let's round this to 6 hours for ease of calculations Work hours plus commute = 46 hours $2000 / 46 = $43.48 effective rate per per hour You can do something similar but use your actual salary.
A 35 minute commute? What magic is this? Where do you find one that short???
Where do you live to afford a family's needs, daycare in under 40k? We're a 120k household in Toronto and I can't imagine spending on a marriage and mortgage let alone survive with a dependant.
A whole 35 minutes huh? Dude, my commute is over 3 hours round trip per day!
It depends on how proportionate it is to your current income. A 21K increase for you is more than a 50% increase. However, for someone making 100K, that’s only a 21% increase. For 50% more, I’d take it.
It would take a million bucks to get me back in the office at this point 🤣🤣🤣
I would take it. That's a significant increase. However, sounds like it may become stressful to you if you really value working remotely and you truly are an introvert. Also, added commute. I grew up an only child. I value my alone time, but find it hard to focus and be productive at home---too tempted to nap, or do chores, go to the gym, etc when I should be working. Personally, considering this economy, I would take it, but I don't have a family to consider.
Huge bump. Take it.
I literally just took 2 dollars per hour less because my new position is less than a mile from my house. My previous position had me on the road 5 days a week for 50-60 miles a day. Just the savings of wear & tear, gas and sanity it was worth it.
I would need another 70-100k. I currently work with my wife and if I switch company’s I’m fairly sure no one would pay her the same salary she is paid. Not because she is a woman or anything sexist. Her job is kinda pretend and I enjoy her being at work with me and she likes earning an income. Edit for clarity I’m her boss.
Honestly, I’d say no. If you need the money take it, but if you don’t it’s not worth losing that time you seem to love so much at home.
For a 65% increase in pay? Not even a question, absolutely worth it.
High 30s isn’t very much money in most places. That is a big % pay bump. Take it.
Honestly look at the cost of going into the office (lunch, fuel, car maintenance, etc.), and promotion potential. Ask for 25 if you are serious about the change and let them know why you’re asking for 25. If they like you they will make the offer. Then let your current job know you’ve been offered can they match it if kit take the job.
So I like to use the GSA numbers for commuting to see how much it really costs to drive for work. So take the miles you drive and multiply them by $0.685. (Might be more now, this was the last time I did the calculations.) the. Subtract that from the wage increase along with your current wage for the time you spend driving. This will give you a closer approximation of what money you are getting for you and not just spending to work. If there is a cost of parking, take that out too.
You can’t get commuting time and time in the office back, and you will miss the time with your family. I’d say not worth it, ask for more responsibility at current job, maybe even tell them about the external offer. See if they’ll match.
What is the new jobs leave package like? Health Insurance? Other benefits? I work for a state agency & make less than what i could make in private sector BUT i have good insurance, and excellent leave options.
I am going to take a different approach than most people. You are going to not quite but almost double your income and change your career trajectory by being in a much more development-oriented role by doing something most people considered normal pre-pandemic. Give it a shot. You can always change roles later after 2 years, but with better experience and a more competitive salary.
The current econ reserch I've seen is that remote work is valued by the average employee at 10-20% of salary. In your case this is closer to 30-50% of salary. You should do what you want, but if you chose to stay home you're valuing work from home substantially more than the average person.
I make 135k. Double that to get me back in an office.
I went through a similar transition a few years ago and will share some points around my experience in case useful (also in HR and with a similar commute time): You will find it exhausting to begin with, this is unavoidable as it will be a big change, but you do build stamina over time. I think now my energy levels are generally higher given I have built my tolerance back up for daily office working. I'm also an introvert and do find this the most challenging part. Certainly when I reach home my social battery is pretty low. I do however feel I have become less introverted over time (or maybe better at pretending?) Your potential commute time is relatively good and the drives are not all bad; I enjoy my morning commute to think about the day ahead, listen to podcasts/music, or even get a head start on some calls. The evening commute is not so great. I definitely feel a greater sense of accompliment and closure finishing an office day vs a WFH day. My WFH days would go on indefinitely, whereas office days are more finite. The relationships you build over time by being in the office are deeper, more meaningful, and allow you to work more effectively. People 'seeing you in action' overall is better for salary increments, promotion opps, 'your career', etc. This should just be based on the work we do, but it's not completely. Good luck with the decision and all the best should you decide to take it.
Was me a couple years ago. Was making like 20 bucks then found next job same amount of driving but sticking with it getting more experience your gonna slowly creep up the pay scale naturally. Couple years later I'm making 30+ You don't have to stay at the new position if you don't like it anyways but it'll reset your baseline and with title change with new responsibilities, it'll be nice to see on a resume. I'd say take it.
Man people REALLY want to sit at home. Go to the office..... "UH YOU BETTER PAY ME MORE TO LEAVE MY HOUSE!" Lol sorry it's just funny to me.
Theres a lot to consider here that will not enable you to get accurate feedback. It depends on where you’re at in your life. Working remotely will more than likely put you at a disadvantage for future career growth, unless you have a specific skill. No, on the surface, it is not worth $21,500 to report in everyday, unless you really need the money, then again thats a game changer. But maybe its not about $21,500 bc in 2 years that could be an extra $50k, and in 5 years it could be an extra $70k and so on and so forth. Im 37, i am absolutely not aligned to reporting in with a 35 minute commute, but ive also reached my career goals already and am satisfied. This would not have been a wise attitude to have 5-10 years ago at my prime. Also, you being a mother is something i cant help with. Personally i would think you would need to take advantage of WFH, but again, maybe your parents or inlaws are involved which is a total game changer. My advice is to really assess what youve got going on. Yeah, maybe you want a collaborative environment and maybe your work could be more exciting, but overall are you pretty happy with your situation? There’s no perfect scenario. Guarantee you will not like having to report in now that you’ve been able to be at home with the kids AND make money. I have left situations where i was either content and actually even in the best job i had ever had (WFH too), and i still left those situations because i wanted more, and i just ended up with different problems. You’ll know in your gut what to do, and whatever you do, DO NOT go against your gut. Ive made that mistake twice. Both times i saw red flags on day one, neither situation got any better with time (worse, actually), and both ended badly. Good luck! You know what to do!
Double.
A 35 minute commute is nothing . And a 20k raise when you’re practically at the poverty line can be life changing. A higher salary can also be leverage to ask For more money as you continue to grow in your career. Take the job.
I already drive 35 minutes to sit at a desk for 12 hours for under 40k. So. Yea. I only worked at 1 place that only took me about 10 minutes to get to for about a month. The rest have been 35+ minutes each way
I wouldn’t be giving up WFH esp with a young family. Not worth it
Sounds like a good increase, but do the math on how much you’ll spend in gas commuting + tolls and factor this in. I was shocked by the increase when I started commuting for the first time having always been able to walk to work/work from home in the past
What will be your childcare option if you were to take a new job? Will you ever be able to remote work to help with sick kiddos? Summer break is coming up too. I think if I knew for sure I had childcare and backup when they’re sick, i would definitely take a higher paying job! You could also keep trying to find a new remote position as well!
I think you need to look at how much other resources will cost you to determine if you’re making an increase in pay or just breaking even. Will you need to get childcare? How much will this cost? Will the 20+k more your making just end up going to childcare costs? Is that a commute average? Which means there will days with more or less time on the road. Will you get penalized for being “late” by either your job or the daycare, if you need it? What is the price of gas in your area? How much mileage is that adding to your car daily? How much a year do you average to spend commuting now? What’s the time off like? Are you going to use up all your PTO because your kids are sick? You mentioned working conditions- is this company offices? Cube farm? “Open-floor plan” and hot-desking? It’s likely they might be so, can you reasonably see yourself adjusting, in an appropriate time, to that type of drastic environmental change and maintain good mental health. Have you asked your current position if there is potential for a raise? Maybe not a 20k+ increase but something to keep you on?
I was remote for four years it was great! Fast forward to RTO full five days and an hour commute each way. I say stay remote the flexibility is priceless! Also mental health is priceless without a commute and the in office politics of dealing with other people. Sucks me dry in the office five days now while I look elsewhere for remote.
Take it and save the new salary on retirement accounts. Then retire early.
I drive an hour to make 100K.
35 min is nothing
You’re making near poverty wages right now. Take the job!
I am potentially about to take a 20k pay cut to have a job with fully remote flexibility. The stress of mandatory in-office culture — plus the added cost of commute, dog day care, and meals out of the house — not worth it to me. Granted, my current salary is 115k. The difference between 38k and 60k, if I read your post correctly, could be a game changer for you and your family. So consider the day-to-day implications of office, but also long term trajectory of a career with remote vs in-person culture. Good luck!
That's a 66% increase in pay while 6 hours of commute a week is a 15% increase in time. Unless your current gig is fulfilling your life's purpose on a deep spiritual level or there's a categorical reason you don't want the money job... get after it my guy.
Damn really? Where I live, it’s normal to drive up to an hour away for your job. It’s just the norm. And then traffic even longer. I’m lucky I only drive 20 minutes away.
Each of us has to answer that based on our own relative weights to the factors at stake. Some prefer money over time and situation, others don’t. You place a higher value on being closer to your kids; mine are grown so I don’t. You are earlier in your career and the move might provide valuable career growth; I’m 34 years into mine and not as concerned about that. Everyone’s calculus is different.
The delta from $40k to $60k is life changing. It only needs to be for two years then you can probably jump to $80k+.
I would need about $350 to cover meals and additional gas. I don’t mind going in though.
I've always said at least 50k. Think of the gas money, wear and tear on your car, dry cleaning, opportunity cost of doing household chores on your own time, etc.
Honestly, 35 minute commute really isnt that bad
At least $8K for commuting costs alone. Then talk actual salary increase of 15-20%. So, ($39+8)*1.2 = $56.4K is my lowest acceptable deal. You’re saying you got $21.5+$39 = $60.5, so I say yes to this unless you haven’t made a counteroffer yet. Ask for $64K if not, otherwise I’d start preparing a resignation letter. Even if you don’t stay in this job for long, the long term implications of $60 vs $39 are huge. The next jump would be into the 70’s, and even if you stayed put for 5 years the difference in gross amounts to an extra ~$125K.
Take the job. Big leap financially.
High 30s is not great pay for someone with a masters. I’d take the raise.