I have a conundrum

[Jfrag Teh Foul]

I had a job that paid 40k a year and a normal work week schedule, and left it for a job that pays 35k a year. As a result I am off somewhere around 42 paid days a year. As a result, I am taking the same time that my kids are out of school for the Christmas/New Year holiday... and I've been there 6 months.

Time is a commodity. Sell it wisely.

 

[KoolAidKid]

Can't make the decision for you, but I can tell you what choice I made. I expect to very shortly to take a 65% pay cut to become a college prof. Studies show that annual salary is positively correlated with happiness for salaries up to ~$50k, and then the correlation disappears. Make of that what you will, but for me as long as I have enough money to live on comfortably, quality of life wins every time.

 

[patentman]

Originally posted by: senseamp
Hmm. Thanks for the info. I am making very near 6 figures working flexible 40 hours now . Seems like it's not worth it becoming a patent agent unless I also want to get a law degree. What is your opinion of getting a law degree part time by going to evening classes?

Speaking from experience, it sucks, but its doable. If you are single, I'd say go for it. If not, I would seriously consider quitting your job and going full time. You will finish quicker, do better, be happier, and your wife won't want to murder you or sleep with the mailman because you aren't around. If you really enjoy the work, having a EE and a law degree will net you a LOT more money than you are currently making, especially if you are join a large law firm. But then again, you will be in the predicament I am now facing.

 

[Buttsmacker]

I'll tell you what you do: you work your @ss off at that job in Boston for 10-15 years. That's only 50 hrs/wk, which is MUCH better than most attorneys in private firms. You have a minimum stress position (for an attorney) and you save all that money. You mooch off that firm as long as you can for whatever you can get, and you build up quite an impressive savings. Then you avoid the he11 out of getting married to a woman who wants kids, and you retire early.

 

[Corporate Thug]

patentman, judging by your responses in this thread, it really seems like you are very much so favoring the PTO.

 

[skyking]

Originally posted by: KoolAidKid
Can't make the decision for you, but I can tell you what choice I made. I expect to very shortly to take a 65% pay cut to become a college prof. Studies show that annual salary is positively correlated with happiness for salaries up to ~$50k, and then the correlation disappears. Make of that what you will, but for me as long as I have enough money to live on comfortably, quality of life wins every time.

:thumbsup:
I know quite a few affluent miserable people. They go through the motions and buy all the crap, but day to day? I would not want the huge downside.
Note that I used affluent. Rich is rich in experiences, friends, family, true quality of life.

 

[Lithium381]

that offer for the first one is very appealing, but i think i'd go for the 2nd offer, it's got potential for a raise, and at least for me it'd be enough to live comforatably...what would you do with the money anyways?

 

[PHiuR]

I would take the 50hrs/week for at least 1-5 years...save up some money, then decide from there.

 

[AccruedExpenditure]

Ask Alkesh... he's working 2500 billables a year...

 

[patentman]

Originally posted by: Corporate Thug
patentman, judging by your responses in this thread, it really seems like you are very much so favoring the PTO.

You may be right, but I am really stuck as to what to do. I can't decide. I really thought the PTO was going to make this decision easier, but instead they made it much harder. Up until yesterday I had entirely planned on going back the PTO, but it all hinged on salary, and now here I am...