Would you Drive an extra hour+ a day for an $10K a year more

[TruePaige]

I know there was a similar thread a while back, with a smaller distance, and a lot more cash, so this one feels more on edge, and I am curious.

A job is open that adds about 30-40 minutes each way to the commute, but at minimum pays at least 10k more.

Would you take it? Or am I going to feel burnt out from being gone 10 hours for each 8 hour workday, and not be able to be as happy as my current 15 minute commute?

 

[Danman]

How many miles difference is it each way? I would do some math and see how much it's going to cost you per year for gas and wear and tear on your vehicle.

 

[Scarpozzi]

It depends on the future... Would you be more likely to get promoted in the new position?

$10k is a lot, but I'm not sure I'd drive an extra hour. If I were renting, I'd move when my lease expired. If it's only 30 minutes each way...not that big of a deal. If it's an hour each way....I probably wouldn't do it.

 

[KB]

I would gladly pay 10K/year to have an extra hour of free time added to each day.

I would take the job if I could commute the extra 30 minutes by train but not if by car.

 

[BigJ]

That'd be what, approximately 60 miles extra per day?

So that's 300 miles per week, or 15,000 extra miles per year.

The average cost to you driving is what, $0.40 a mile?

So that means you'd expect to put $6,000 into your car as a result of the increased commute, leaving you with $4,000. But that wouldn't be a true $4,000 because that extra $10,000 is taxed. We'll use a 30% tax rate to get a nice even number, so you're left with $7,000 after taxes. Leaving you with a net gain of $1,000.

If those numbers are correct (and please correct me if I'm wrong), then I definitely wouldn't do it.

 

[0roo0roo]

assuming thats round trip you are being paid almost 40 dollars for that hour. depends on taxes etc.

 

[Mashed Potato]

I commute about 25 min in the morning and 30+ minutes coming home. It really isn't that bad. But then again I work from 6-2:30 so I get home reasonably early.

What are the hours? It would depend if you are working until early afternoon or into the evening. The later in the evening you work, the more time you feel you are "losing".

 

[CasioTech]

it depends on how happy you are with what you make now.

also, if you make 20k an extra 10k is a huge difference, if you make 60k, 10k extra isn't that much considering you have to spend another 10% of life fighting assholes in traffic.

 

[SpunkyJones]

From 15 minutes to 55 minutes? I wouldn't do it, I use to have a 60 to 90 minute commute and I hated driving that long every day, it would just wear me out.

 

[tw1164]

No, I like working close to home.

 

[isekii]

how about a poll ?

yes / no / maybe

 

[Nightfall]

Originally posted by: BigJ
That'd be what, approximately 60 miles extra per day?

So that's 300 miles per week, or 15,000 extra miles per year.

The average cost to you driving is what, $0.40 a mile?

So that means you'd expect to put $6,000 into your car as a result of the increased commute, leaving you with $4,000. But that wouldn't be a true $4,000 because that extra $10,000 is taxed. We'll use a 30% tax rate to get a nice even number, so you're left with $7,000 after taxes. Leaving you with a net gain of $1,000.

If those numbers are correct (and please correct me if I'm wrong), then I definitely wouldn't do it.

Then you have the whole "how much is my time worth" argument. For $1000 and in the car an extra 1 hour per day, 250 working days just to be easy on the math, that means you are getting paid $4. Personally, I wouldn't go for this job just for that.

If possible, I would move.

 

[poopaskoopa]

No, not for 10k.

 

[TruePaige]

Hey everyone, thanks for the feedback!

The mileage difference is about 20 miles, but it's a coastal route so it takes a bit longer.

The hours would be an 8 - 4:00.

Position is overtime eligible.

It would be at least an extra 10k to my overall salary. (25k to 35k), with that being the minimum as a midpoint is 45k, but I don't have a lot of experience (juuuust enough), so I doubt I'll hit on the higher portions. (I know, I know, I don't make 100k, but I'm young, give me time! =p)

Maine has a pretty weak job market these days, and not a lot of big tech sector stuff, so the pay is pretty good for the area..It's times like this I miss Virginia, I could be making a good bit more.

Can't really move (the woman of the house lives 2 minutes from work , and our apartment is cheap rent-wise).

EDIT: Ack, another edit, just to say these are state jobs so the benefits are pretty good, I get a generous amount of sick time (3 weeks) / vacation time (3 weeks).

 

[Capt Caveman]

Are you happy at your current place? Any ability to move-up there?

I would only do it if it created career growth opportunity b/c you'll probably hate the commute in short-time.

But being in Maine, I'm guessing you're used to having to travel to get to places.

 

[rh71]

Going from 15 minutes to 45 minutes commute every day, each way is quite a jump. That's the equivalent of me going from one suburban town to another vs. going into NYC. HELL NO. I hate going that far even on weekends. The money would have to be significantly better - depends how much more you can benefit in your life with that $10k.

 

[JohnCU]

how the hell do you survive on 25k?

 

[TruePaige]

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman
Are you happy at your current place? Any ability to move-up there?

I would only do it if it created career growth opportunity b/c you'll probably hate the commute in short-time.

But being in Maine, I'm guessing you're used to having to travel to get to places.

I'm pretty happy, a bit worried about funding cuts, so it's a little less stable. Ironically I am given a company vehicle because I travel to every county in the state for my current job. Not much vertical growth opportunity here right now. Budget cuts again / smallish department (5 of us for the whole state).

Yeah, I think it might be okay in the summer, but the winter is going to stink.

Maybe I should take a shot at it? I don't really live in a state where the traffic would be a problem, which seems like what most of you dislike.

 

[TruePaige]

Originally posted by: JohnCU
how the hell do you survive on 25k?

*shrugs* I just do. 0.o

Maine = Poor Pay Rates & High Taxes.

 

[Descartes]

Unless this new job gives you some additional experience that could further bump your salary a year or two down the road, I definitely wouldn't take it.

 

[TruePaige]

Originally posted by: Descartes
Unless this new job gives you some additional experience that could further bump your salary a year or two down the road, I definitely wouldn't take it.

Hmm, would probably look good on my resume to be Information Systems Coordinator.


Oh, and to anyone wondering why I'd go from VA to ME, remember..

Love > Money. =D

 

[kranky]

I would have analyzed it just as BigJ did, which indicates the net gain would be pretty tiny even after adjusting for the actual mileage versus his estimate. I figure about $2500-3500 net gain to you after deducting 40c/mile plus taxes.

But you would be starting at the bottom of that pay range which gives you opportunity to earn more. It's a state job - probably good job security. What about a pension? Overtime opportunity is also a factor.

While I would not like a long commute, it makes a huge difference whether you are driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic, compared to no traffic. If there isn't any traffic, it's a lot more doable.

I would personally lean towards taking the job just for future earning potential.

 

[takeru]

i am actually in a similar situation. i commute by subway about 50-70min a day right now. but what if the difference was say... 30k more, and driving for 90-100min a day instead?

 

[Slew Foot]

I wouldnt do it, but then 10K isnt a 40% pay raise for me.

 

[TruePaige]

Originally posted by: kranky
I would have analyzed it just as BigJ did, which indicates the net gain would be pretty tiny even after adjusting for the actual mileage versus his estimate. I figure about $2500-3500 net gain to you after deducting 40c/mile plus taxes.

But you would be starting at the bottom of that pay range which gives you opportunity to earn more. It's a state job - probably good job security. What about a pension? Overtime opportunity is also a factor.

While I would not like a long commute, it makes a huge difference whether you are driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic, compared to no traffic. If there isn't any traffic, it's a lot more doable.

I would personally lean towards taking the job just for future earning potential.

Oh we have a great retirement program. Immediately vested, matching up to 6%, after 3 years they do an additional 4% of your pay to your retirement fund for free. Overtime is time and a half, double time on weekends.

It's pretty much 0 traffic conditions.