Would You Tell This Man You’d Like the Easier Job?
Posted by admin in Careers and Money
My friend makingourway (you can tell we're friends because we're on a first-name basis) has a bit of a career dilemma.
He's got the inside track on a job in Chicago, but it would require a move from rural North Carolina, plus he's got a baby coming. Soon. On top of this, his prospective employer has laid out an upper limit as to what he can expect salary-wise. Problem is, makingourway's minimum for what he'd accept isn't too far from the maximum he's been told to expect. The potential employer has told him that to make more than this "upper limit", he'd be expected to produce more, which seems to mean bringing in more new business.
Given the fact that he'd have a major move, a new baby (plus other kids that still would like some attention thanks so much) and a new job where it would take some time to get acclimated, his question is, should he settle for making a little less than he'd envisioned (although it's more than he makes now), or should he push for more money and the pressure that comes with it?
This is an easy one, mostly because it's not my life that will be ruined if I'm wrong. I jest, of course–getting your first salary right at a company can have long-term implications because your later raises will build off that original base.
So, here's my take on what he should do: take the job at a little less pay.
Here's why, in no particular order:
1) Based on earlier posts, I think makingourway wants out of rural NC and Chicago is his kind of town. He's not challenged intellectually right now, and Chicago would most definitely provide that. Satisfaction with the city you live in can be worth 5% right there.
2) He's a family man. Putting too much pressure on himself in a new city with a new baby and other children is setting himself up for anxiety. If he works too much, he'll feel guilty about his family. If he opts to have more family time, he'll worry about making his numbers at work as well as the impression he's giving to a new employer. Taking a job that offers a little less salary but a little more time is the way to go right now.
3) Chicago is brimming with opportunity. If he takes the lesser salary and then feels that he's getting the shaft when he tries to move up in the organization down the road, he can take his services elsewhere and get the money and responsibility he deserves. I don't know what industry he's in, so I can't give this advice with total confidence, but my sense is that this is a guy who's at the top of his game career-wise and will have someone ready to recruit him away if things aren't going as planned with the employer that wants to hire him right now.
There you are. My first Advice column. If you have a dilemma about money, e-mail me at j.mchenry @ indexcreditcards.com and I'll be happy to get your life in order for you.
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Justin,
Thanks for the advice.
Yes, we do want out of rural NC. Not our speed.
The potential employer will pay most if not all of relocation (but not put us up in a house – we have to buy that).
The you don’t have a bogey on your back salary is 5% less than the minimum I’d prefer.
You’re right – it’s more than I’m earning now – hence the desire to move (amongst other reasons).
I think your logic for the lower pay makes sense. However, I another concern came up – what kind of impression does that make with the new employer if I take the smaller amount – will he think I’m not ready / willing to put in 100%?
regards,
makingourway