Should I Take A Job With A Lower Salary Because It Falls More In Line With My Career Goals?

Right now I make more money than I ever have in my professional. I work for a major university. I have been offered another job at a more prestigious university but the pay would be about $7,000 less per year than what I make now. The overall benefits are similar. Both offer tuition remission for me and my children. Both have good health benefits that cost about the same. The differences are that I take public transportation to my current job, but in the new one I would have to drive–pay for gas and parking. The job I am in now has no room for advancement, and the hours are pretty much set. My work now is within the realm of my profession (editing) but not what I enjoy doing most (writing). The new job would offer a lot of flexibility. I could work from home sometimes or travel during nonpeak traffic times. It is also a writing job with tons of autonomy. I would make my own agenda. There is a possibility for growth since the institute at the campus is growing. What do you think?

4 comments to Should I Take A Job With A Lower Salary Because It Falls More In Line With My Career Goals?

  • RetroChi

    You must weigh the benefits of each and look where you will be with each in 5 or 10 years and go with that feeling….sounds to me like giving up $7000 a year for a job with room for growth (which eventually leads to more money) and more along the lines of your career goals is a small price to pay. Good luck with your decision!

  • pppres

    In the long run, which will benefit you more?
    When considering employment, there are really only 2 things to think about – money and happiness. Which is more important to you? Will making about 10k a year less (figuring in transportation costs) be worth the added freedom? If prestige is important to you, you may want to consider which university is more highly regarded.
    It’s not a decision that anyone can make for you … hopefully you’ll get some ideas and ways of looking at the question that will help you decide what’s best for you and your family. Best of luck!

  • Shutterb

    it sounds to me like you’ve already made a decision but obviously you’ll take a cut in pay which isn’t the $7,000 but more since you’re additing the cost of commuting by car and maybe the odd other things.
    The way I would look at it is simple. What’s more important, a little extra money or a chance to do what makes you happy and offers you an opportunity for ever more success and growth? Personally I think that’s a no brainer but then I’m not motivated by money. However I get the feeling you’re the same too.
    I’d suggest sorting out your new budget and then moving on to what appears to be an exciting new opportunity. I accept that this means a bit of financial hardship but I have a hunch within six months of being settled that will be gone. I remember the first time I had a mortgage, I thought I’d be living like a pauper for decades, but I didn’t, six months later life was “normal” again albeit with a minor new definition of normal. And of course over time things got ever better with promotions and raises along the way every so often. Good Luck!

  • exhauste

    To me it sounds like you’ve made up your mind and the only thing holding you back is the salary. $7000 is a big difference, but sometimes universities can fund you in ways besides salary, and sometimes its just a budget issue. Ask the new university what their salary increase scales are, could you get an increase if any of the budget is freed up, or is it possible to apply for a merit based raise for publishing or for student evaluations within a certain amount of time? Alternatively, could they pay for your travel to conferences and maybe fund a small home office for you? (Side note, if they agree to some “extras” get the terms in writing – I got a little hosed on my first teaching job that way).
    If there’s nothing more they can do to compensate you, honestly talk it over with your family. Is the cost of living lower at the new school (is this money you’d probably never miss because everything else is cheaper)? If the cost of living is the same, how could you easily cut costs to make it work?
    It’s really tempting to not worry about the money and just do it (personally I would) but it’s different when you have a family to take care of (I don’t). If that $7000 is going to make life really difficult for them in the long term then you might have to pass. But, if this is something you all can work out together then take it!! It will make you a happier person in the long term and that’s always good for a family :)

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