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New job, more time, less money?

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Roselina

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Feb 1, 2020
Messages
1,196
I have been looking for a new job for a while now, since my old one is ok, but I’m not entirely happy - lately rather unhappy. I have a job interview soon. The job is in the same field (where I want to stay and it’s hard to find something at all). I work full time now the new job would be part-time and less paid. So I’d face a notable salary cut (not even half of what I earn now). On the other hand I’d have more time to support my kid in school etc, which I feel would be good and maybe also a bit time to start something on my own. It’s not at all that we could not afford for me to earn less. However, I’m so used to earn my own money and be independent (also concerning my bling buying ;-)) that the idea frightens me. I see a lot of benefits but at the same time the salary is so low compared to my qualifications and age that I have doubts. I’d wait for something more perfect to come along but jobs in my field are usually not payed so well and the ones that are extremely rare. What to do? What to do?... Thanks for listening!
 
I’d take the job you will enjoy more for less money and also get to spend more time with your family. Time is precious and the one resource we never (imo) have enough of. As long as you will be ok financially that’s what I’d choose to do. Good luck. ❤️
 
I agree with Missy. You could always make more money later for bling but the time with your family you'll never get back. It might take some adjusting but it sounds like it'll make you happier and maybe a much needed break from work. I think part time work is much more bearable lol.
 
I can relate. I constantly struggle with money, time, quality of life, self care. Everyone I talk to says, work less spend less and you'll be happier. They are probably right. If you can afford to work less, I say go for it and don't look back. Focus on yourself, your family and enjoy everyday. The bling money might take a bit longer to accrue but that's ok and perhaps the desire will reduce due to quality of life improving.
 
I guess it comes down to what does “can afford to work less” mean - does it mean that you’ll have to just tighten your belts a little for luxuries or does it mean it’ll significantly impact household income? If forced to, could your family manage on your income/savings/investment income in the remote possibility of something happening to your partner’s job? Do you have the option to transition back into full-time / get a slightly more lucrative job or will this adversely impact your career? Will you be able to perhaps transition into a different/related field after this if you wanted and build necessary contacts? Personally I would really value the ability to spend time at home with kids and contribute to the emotional wellbeing of my family, but a 50+% cut is really tough to swallow. So these are some of the things I would think about. If there’s negligible financial impact and the decision isn’t necessarily permanent I’d go for it. Otherwise it would need more thinking.
 
Thank you all so much for your thoughts! I appreciate it very much! There would be no impact on household income. This is indeed a splendid situation, which might leaves you wondering why I hesitate. Maybe it also has to do with a certain status (not money wise but job wise) or the perception that one must progress in a career (also money wise). My work has always be important for me. But then - time is so precious. Especially with the kids.
 
I don't know many details of your situation but when I had young kids at home (and even when I didn't), my husband and I decided together how we could best split up the paid jobs and the work at home for the best benefit of the whole family (including ourselves).

If I'd stayed home with a nanny and housekeeper for my own indulgence, I'd have considered myself "dependent." But when I stayed home or worked part time, I had a little more time for myself but also enriched the rest of the family with that additional time, effort and attention and we ALL enjoyed a more relaxed, fun and easy lifestyle because of it.

But I would NOT have done so if that would have made me "dependent," any more than his not being there to supervise kids and take care of most everything else at home made him "dependent." To me, that would just be disrespect. Where I live anyway, the law backs this up because the standard split of marital assets in a divorce is 50/50, not that more belongs to whoever worked more outside the home or made more money while ignoring the non-financial contributions to the family.

So I'd be sure that's all straight first and that you're not selling yourself short. Maybe you could each have a set allowance to spend with no questions asked. Good luck!

ETA: Whoops, I cross posted with you.
 
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seaurchin said:
I don't know many details of your situation but when I had young kids at home, my husband and I decided together how we could best split up the paid jobs and the work at home for the best benefit of the whole family (including ourselves).

If I'd stayed home with a nanny and housekeeper for my own indulgence, I'd have considered myself "dependent." But when I stayed home or worked part time, I had a little more time for myself but also enriched the rest of the family with that additional time, effort and attention and we ALL enjoyed a more relaxed, fun and easy lifestyle because of it.

But I would NOT have done so if that would have made me "dependent," any more than his not being there to supervise kids and take care of most everything else at home made him "dependent." To me, that would just be disrespect. Where I live anyway, the law backs this up because the standard split of marital assets in a divorce is 50/50, not that more belongs to whoever worked more outside the home or made more money while ignoring the non-financial contributions to the family.

So I'd be sure that's all straight first and that you're not selling yourself short. Maybe you could each have a set allowance to spend with no questions asked. Good luck!

ETA: Whoops, I cross posted with you.
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Thank you. It's the same here. 50/50 in case of divorce. My husband is extremely supportive, so no issues there. It's just that I am used to always have earned my own money and the thought not to have that any more is a bit frightening. As I said it makes me feel to step back career wise. But at the end it's just a thing of perception, right?
 
Roselina said:
Thank you. It's the same here. 50/50 in case of divorce. My husband is extremely supportive, so no issues there. It's just that I am used to always have earned my own money and the thought not to have that any more is a bit frightening. As I said it makes me feel to step back career wise. But at the end it's just a thing of perception, right?
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Yes. What others think shouldn’t matter. You do what’s best for you and your family. Your true friends won’t judge and who cares about people who do. I go by the saying what others think of me is none of my business. IOW only my (and my DH) opinion matters when it comes to our personal business. You do you. And you’ll always come out ahead imo.
 
Roselina said:
Thank you. It's the same here. 50/50 in case of divorce. My husband is extremely supportive, so no issues there. It's just that I am used to always have earned my own money and the thought not to have that any more is a bit frightening. As I said it makes me feel to step back career wise. But at the end it's just a thing of perception, right?
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I agree and there's also the current view and the long view of it. For ex., you probably are more vulnerable now in more than one way if you take a part time job. So you do have to weigh what you'll get from it vs. what you'll be giving up, when all of it can't be known in the present.

But now that my kids are grown and husband and I retired with plenty of money (well, relatively speaking...) and time, looking back a lot of what seemed so important at the time just didn't matter in the long run. But of course that's only because everything did happen to work out fine in the end!
 
One other thing to consider is what the net difference will be in take-home pay (after taxes). Once you factor in taxes, the difference in pay may not seem so big, and could make the decision easier.
 
Another thing to consider is your retirement savings and savings for the children's college education.
 
Roselina said:
I have been looking for a new job for a while now, since my old one is ok, but I’m not entirely happy - lately rather unhappy. I have a job interview soon. The job is in the same field (where I want to stay and it’s hard to find something at all). I work full time now the new job would be part-time and less paid. So I’d face a notable salary cut (not even half of what I earn now). On the other hand I’d have more time to support my kid in school etc, which I feel would be good and maybe also a bit time to start something on my own. It’s not at all that we could not afford for me to earn less. However, I’m so used to earn my own money and be independent (also concerning my bling buying ;-)) that the idea frightens me. I see a lot of benefits but at the same time the salary is so low compared to my qualifications and age that I have doubts. I’d wait for something more perfect to come along but jobs in my field are usually not payed so well and the ones that are extremely rare. What to do? What to do?... Thanks for listening!
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I wish I had advice, but I could’ve written your post, word for word! My situation is very much like yours - current job was never great, but pays well. Now feel like my career has stalled, and considering switching to a more interesting but very part time position. Financially it really won’t make much of a difference in our household income, and being able to spend more time with the kids is a big plus, but the idea of making much less money somehow is still scary.
 
I too can relate.

I am only working a third of my capacity as an independent consultant with just one contract (the regulators restrict no more than 3 as they believe one cannot look after more than 3 clients effectively and I agree).

I have been working from home for just one client since September 2019 with the occasional trips to the client's office and to perform on-site audits of existing and potential suppliers.

Prior to this contract, I was working full time away from home between end of April until end of August 2019, driving a round trip of over 300+ miles each week, staying at a hotel Monday to Thursday.

I would drive up to work early Monday morning, and leave around 12:00, and worked longer hours during the days in between to make the hours.

The hourly rate was good and I was able to afford the pet care and accommodation etc... Weekends were precious time at home with the pets and socialising with friends, and I missed out the social events such as choir practice etc. during the week.

Although I was disappointed for that particular contract to end early by a month, I was not too disappointed not having to make that weekly trip and to work away from home.

Although I am only working part time, the hourly rate is better, and I get to spend time at home with the pets.

My last permanent job in 2017 to 2018 involved driving a round trip of 150+ miles (at least 4h on the road) every day, negotiated to 4 days a week with 1 day working from home when it was getting too much.

When the job started to stress me out due to various reasons, it did not take me long to decide to quit for a better work/life balance. It did not help that the salary was not that good to start with.

I consider myself semi-retired (I am in my mid-50s).

Ideally, I would like another contract similar to my current one. However, I can get by without having to make too many lifestyle sacrifices, and the pets appear to be happier.

It is unlikely I would go back to working full time as a permanent employee, as I enjoy working as an independent consultant without having to deal with the usual corporate BS and red tapes.

Prior to the death of my late partner in 2008, I was working long hours climbing up the corporate fruit tree. After his death, I cut down on my extra hours when I decided to keep his dog as my own, as I wanted to spend more time at home for myself as well as the pets in order to achieve a better work/life balance.

Each to their own and all that. My late partner's death was a life-changing event for certain, as it made me re-evaluate what really mattered in my life, and work was not as important as it used to be.

Good luck with the OP with whatever you decide.

DK :))

Edited to add I have no kids and no partner, just fur kids (a cat and a dog), which makes decision-making process a lot easier than those with a family! :))
 
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My kids are older now, 27, 26, 26, and 15. What I wouldn’t give to have their childhoods back. I was so busy when they were younger. It feels as if that time wasn’t properly cherished. I feel a lot of grief for that time.
 
dk168 said:
I too can relate.

I am only working a third of my capacity as an independent consultant with just one contract (the regulators restrict no more than 3 as they believe one cannot look after more than 3 clients effectively and I agree).

I have been working from home for just one client since September 2019 with the occasional trips to the client's office and to perform on-site audits of existing and potential suppliers.

Prior to this contract, I was working full time away from home between end of April until end of August 2019, driving a round trip of over 300+ miles each week, staying at a hotel Monday to Thursday.

I would drive up to work early Monday morning, and leave around 12:00, and worked longer hours during the days in between to make the hours.

The hourly rate was good and I was able to afford the pet care and accommodation etc... Weekends were precious time at home with the pets and socialising with friends, and I missed out the social events such as choir practice etc. during the week.

Although I was disappointed for that particular contract to end early by a month, I was not too disappointed not having to make that weekly trip and to work away from home.

Although I am only working part time, the hourly rate is better, and I get to spend time at home with the pets.

My last permanent job in 2017 to 2018 involved driving a round trip of 150+ miles (at least 4h on the road) every day, negotiated to 4 days a week with 1 day working from home when it was getting too much.

When the job started to stress me out due to various reasons, it did not take me long to decide to quit for a better work/life balance. It did not help that the salary was not that good to start with.

I consider myself semi-retired (I am in my mid-50s).

Ideally, I would like another contract similar to my current one. However, I can get by without having to make too many lifestyle sacrifices, and the pets appear to be happier.

It is unlikely I would go back to working full time as a permanent employee, as I enjoy working as an independent consultant without having to deal with the usual corporate BS and red tapes.

Prior to the death of my late partner in 2008, I was working long hours climbing up the corporate fruit tree. After his death, I cut down on my extra hours when I decided to keep his dog as my own, as I wanted to spend more time at home for myself as well as the pets in order to achieve a better work/life balance.

Each to their own and all that. My late partner's death was a life-changing event for certain, as it made me re-evaluate what really mattered in my life, and work was not as important as it used to be.

Good luck with the OP with whatever you decide.

DK :))

Edited to add I have no kids and no partner, just fur kids (a cat and a dog), which makes decision-making process a lot easier than those with a family! :))
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Pets are family as well. So you can very well relate. Thank you!
 
As someone who was unemployed from April until the end of October 2020, I would advise not to stress about a job until you have an offer in hand. Letting yourself become emotionally invested before you interview could set you up for unnecessary stress and disappointment later.
 
OP, what is it about your current job you don't like?

If you are staying in the same field, why do you think switching companies will make a new job more satisfying?

Is it the reduction in hours alone that make the new position more appealing?

These are strange times ... and it is hard to predict what may be coming ... would your family be more secure if you remained in your current fulltime position for at least another year? Perhaps allocating one-third salary on your own interests and stockpile the other two-thirds salary?

If your partner lost his employment, could you get by on your part-time salary (if you took the new job) and/or do you have sufficient monies set aside?
 
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I recently made a very similar decision.
I was in a senior management role where I was on call 24/7. I essentially was always working, getting calls through the night. It was dreadful and took a real toll on my wellbeing.
A few months ago I resigned from that role to take an entry level position at a different company. The pay difference is significant and I am the primary earner in my family. Luckily, we have always lived frugally so this was possible.
I think this ranks as one of the best decisions I ever made and I have no regrets, although it felt very scary at the time.
Good luck to you in your decision!
 
I stayed home or worked PT when the kids were in school. I am so glad I did. IMHO kids need their parents home as much as possible when they are growing up and if you can do it, then do it. That morphed into working one full time job and 3 part time jobs to put them through college and give them a nice college experience.
 
Roselina said:
Thank you all so much for your thoughts! I appreciate it very much! There would be no impact on household income. This is indeed a splendid situation, which might leaves you wondering why I hesitate. Maybe it also has to do with a certain status (not money wise but job wise) or the perception that one must progress in a career (also money wise). My work has always be important for me. But then - time is so precious. Especially with the kids.
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Good luck
i say go for it

hindsite is a wonderful thing (or is it a curse)
I wish 3 years ago i had had a look in a crystal bowl
i would have just found any job in our new town

From existing on Gary's pension for the last two years i know i will be able to survive quite well on a minimum wage job - Even with a small bling budget and renovating the money pit

But If i was in a position to be choosy my No.1 priority would be for nice workmates

Unfortunately i read a study once that said minimum wage jobs have a higher proportion of grumpy people because money is so tight they are under so much extra stress

I've never actually worked minimum wage before but any kind of shop work is not well paid,
So ive worked with a lot of bit*hy shi*y people over the years, I'd really like to just work with nice no drama types
 
Mekp said:
I recently made a very similar decision.
I was in a senior management role where I was on call 24/7. I essentially was always working, getting calls through the night. It was dreadful and took a real toll on my wellbeing.
A few months ago I resigned from that role to take an entry level position at a different company. The pay difference is significant and I am the primary earner in my family. Luckily, we have always lived frugally so this was possible.
I think this ranks as one of the best decisions I ever made and I have no regrets, although it felt very scary at the time.
Good luck to you in your decision!
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I'm so happy for you its working out
happiness at work should never be underprioritzed
 
Some things to consider
Would you become more dependent financially on your husband- either now or long term as expenses increase?
Would that impact your relationship/ sense of self & independence?
Would this affect your career long term- in terms of finding full time work later, in terms of pension or other retirement funds, in terms of keeping up w your industry?
 
Instead of looking at it as taking a step back, why not go the Sheryl Sandberg route and think of it as leaning out for a bit? I love the idea of leaning out and in. Leaning out is compassionate and is about prioritizing self care - doing this for you- and your family. I say this if it means more time with them and if this is what you want. And if you can swing this financially, and you have a time and plan to re-enter the workforce full time, its a gift. Take this from someone who spent too many years in search of the next great project. I rarely took time off worried that I'd lose my competitive edge and then, suddenly found myself at home unexpectedly for a few years and it was bar none the best time of my life. Even though I was terrified about the change in income, spending that time at home helped me discover myself again and that, to me, was more valuable than the loss in income. I was very fortunate to be able to do this and then re-enter the workplace and would do it again in a heartbeat as long as I had a plan. Keep your skills up (and it sounds like you will be able to do this) and just make sure you have a way to explain what may be perceived as a gap in your resume. (Its not a gap in my book FWIW.. but someone may ask and if it was the right thing for you at the right time... well, explaining how you approached deciding a "next best move" is a great advantage career wise.)
 
facetgirl said:
Instead of looking at it as taking a step back, why not go the Sheryl Sandberg route and think of it as leaning out for a bit? I love the idea of leaning out and in. Leaning out is compassionate and is about prioritizing self care - doing this for you- and your family. I say this if it means more time with them and if this is what you want. And if you can swing this financially, and you have a time and plan to re-enter the workforce full time, its a gift. Take this from someone who spent too many years in search of the next great project. I rarely took time off worried that I'd lose my competitive edge and then, suddenly found myself at home unexpectedly for a few years and it was bar none the best time of my life. Even though I was terrified about the change in income, spending that time at home helped me discover myself again and that, to me, was more valuable than the loss in income. I was very fortunate to be able to do this and then re-enter the workplace and would do it again in a heartbeat as long as I had a plan. Keep your skills up (and it sounds like you will be able to do this) and just make sure you have a way to explain what may be perceived as a gap in your resume. (Its not a gap in my book FWIW.. but someone may ask and if it was the right thing for you at the right time... well, explaining how you approached deciding a "next best move" is a great advantage career wise.)
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May i just for a moment steel this thread
Regarding a gap of two years
2019
2020
after an almost 30 year continuous work history (minus 1998 for overseas travel in my mid 20s)
We moved cities and Gary retired - he is 19 years older than me
Do you think its ok to say i had some time off to enjoy some time with them then the covid situation delayed my return to the workforce ....?
 
What makes you dislike the current job? What would need to resolve/happen to like the current job better? Like could you go part time at the current job and would that resolve the issues? Are the issues in the current job the result of current circumstances, like covid related problems, or are you just not on the track you want to be on?
 
I haven't had time to read all the replies here this morning, but wanted to chip in with my experience.

I left my extremely well paid job & career when I had my first daughter. It was with a very big gulp from my husband at the time & it REALLY impacted our income - serious belt tightening & cutting back territory, but I really wanted to raise her myself & not have her in fulltime Nursery from 6 months. We swapped our fancy sports cars for old family cars & had zero luxuries, with the exception of 10 days abroad in the heat each summer. We even cut back on food shopping & Mr T would roll his eyes if he ever saw so much as a fancy cheese in the fridge. They were tough times.

I stayed at home for 7 years until our youngest started at Primary School & I wouldn't change a single thing. Although our financial circumstances significantly changed with the hard work & success of my husband & his business, home with the children is where my heart it.

Although I went back to work, I completely changed direction & retrained to work as support staff at my children's school. It's part time, so I do the school drop off, pick up & am here for all holidays. Even though my eldest is now at High School, it still works for me to be rushing around & leaving my husband to work. I have also been here through lockdowns & home schooling, although for this lockdown I am popping into school each day just for an hour, to help care for the children of key workers who are still attending & give the other staff member a break.

Even when my girls are grown up teens, I'm not sure i would ever be interested in going 'back out there' & changing from what I do now. I love my little job & working with kiddies, because it is the most rewarding job I have actually ever had. However, more than that, I love being here for my girls. They are growing SO quickly & I don't want to miss any of it. And they know I am always here & can always be counted on, even if it's just to hug out something that upsets them.

Good luck with your decision. We're all different & you will find your groove & what's right for you.
 
Time and happiness is worth more than money, however I would definitely work out a budget and see if you'll have enough with the pay cut. I'd also recommend trying to live within the new budget and see how you like it. Not to be glass half full, but would there be a chance you wouldn't be like the new job? Having to worry about finances can be very stressful and not worth it in my opinion. Can you negotiate and/or look for higher paying opportunities? Are there adjacent/alternative career opportunities that pay more?
 
Pretty much every time I’ve seen colleagues and friends move to part time roles in the past, regardless of industry, it seemed to amount to 35 hours a week of work instead of 50, vastly reduced pay, no benefits, and razed promotion prospects. I think our job market generally makes it very easy for women to leave full-time work, but very difficult to come back to a career.

Will this new job address what you’re unhappy about in your current?

Is there a clear path to return to full-time, if that is important to you long-term?

Do you believe your field will have more opportunities after Covid ceases to be an imminent danger?
 
Not to be cliché but this is the truth.

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