Chasing higher salary - switch jobs?

[cschin4]

I guess I'm just an old fogie at 43 but I'm disturbed by how many people would switch jobs just for money. Maybe things are different in the tech field, but I think there is a lot more to a job than a paycheck.


The reason you or anyone else goes to work is to earn money. Companies will kick you out the door faster than you can say resume so there is no reason employees should not seek the maximum income and benefits. You only have so many years to work and "make hay" so you need to maximize your time.
As for the OP, don't worry about your "resume". Changing jobs may indeed help your resume as it demonstrates your ability to change and move on.

[disneysteve]

I guess I'm just an old fogie at 43 but I'm disturbed by how many people would switch jobs just for money. Maybe things are different in the tech field, but I think there is a lot more to a job than a paycheck.


The reason you or anyone else goes to work is to earn money. Companies will kick you out the door faster than you can say resume so there is no reason employees should not seek the maximum income and benefits. You only have so many years to work and "make hay" so you need to maximize your time.

See, that's what I disagree with. I don't think the goal of working is to make the most money you possibly can. I'd much rather have a job that I enjoy, even if it means making less money.

And I'm not just saying that as an idealistic hypothetical. I have done just that in my own career. In 2000, I left a job I had been at for nearly 7 years. The hours were long. I got little respect from my employer and don't feel I was being treated fairly, even though I was well compensated. I took a few months off and then accepted my current position at a sharply lower salary. In fact, I was part-time initially, making about half of what I made at the old job. As the workload picked up, I increased my hours up to full-time. My pay has been flat for a few years now - no cost of living increases, no other raises. But I make an adequate amount, work decent hours, have a good amount of control and flexibility to my schedule and like the job overall. I'm much happier in my life than I was at the old job even though I'm making less now than I made 7 years ago when I left that job.

Would I like to be earning more? Sure. Who wouldn't? But if it means giving up satisfaction and happiness, it just isn't worth it. Life's too short.

[tripods68]

Not all working people find their job fully satisfying and happy at the same time. That's a rare combinations that you'll find from individual. Not too many are the likes of Steve Jobs or Bill Gates for instance. I'd say two-third of workers aren't fully satisfied or happy because either OP not fully compensated, unappreciated by coworkers/bosses, worked long hours, too much time away from family, long commute, etc. In fact, people would rather work for themselves than take orders if they can help it.

Take myself as an example, I worked because I have to pay bills not because I'm happy of working. Being happy or going to work everyday is an individual choice. It's not to say that I don't like my job or unsatisfied or unhappy either. I'm actually satisfied at my job since I personally think I am paid well for what I do and don't do; not because of what my Union thinks I am worth. I worked for my family, benefits, and pension. Do I have the same passion of working with the likes of Steve Jobs or Bill Gates. NO! I don't have the near passion of those guys, holds, or smarts. They worked because they enjoy it and that's what makes them very happy, not because of money. Those are rare characteristics you'll find few and far between. I'm just the opposite, just like an "ant worker" trying to feed the queen. Put in my 8 hours and go home by 4 every day. That's when I'm truly comes alive seeing my kids and wife. That's Happiness.

[cschin4]

steve - I agree with you and see what you are saying. It is not ONLY about salary but salary is very important. I choose to live in a rural area, I choose a flexible work schedule and I also choose to work less than I could so I would have time to raise my 3 kids. I earn enough to accomplish the goals of my life which is having a nice life and enjoyable career and an enjoyable home life and time to pursue my hobbies, etc. I could choose to maximize my income if I were willing to move, to relocate and to work a much higher stress, faster paced job and lifestyle but I like being "small town".
So, I guess I am trying to say is to pursue the job and lifestyle you are looking for. I do not want a fast paced lifestyle and I don't want to spend my life "on the job". My job is to enable me to live my life, not the other way around. But, for the time I put in I also will look for opportunities to maximize my income as well and am not afraid to ask for more money if the time and conditions are right.

[sweeps]

if it means giving up satisfaction and happiness, it just isn't worth it. Life's too short.

How do you know the grass really isn't greener on the other side though? Maybe the job with the higher salary will be more enjoyable. Earnings and job satisfaction are not necessarily inversely correlated.

[disneysteve]

How do you know the grass really isn't greener on the other side though? Maybe the job with the higher salary will be more enjoyable. Earnings and job satisfaction are not necessarily inversely correlated.

True, and that's why you need to evaluate lots of factors, not just the salary.

[docstudent]

I am in a similar situation, I have an option of moving from the West Coast to the East Coast for a new job. I have stability in LA- well I have to find a new job, but it will not be a real problem. The job offer in DC is in the 80G-85G range, however, I can find a job in the same range in the LA basin. I want a change of pace, but I love LA, so I am kinda in the middle.

[Seeker]

I am in a similar situation, I have an option of moving from the West Coast to the East Coast for a new job. I have stability in LA- well I have to find a new job, but it will not be a real problem. The job offer in DC is in the 80G-85G range, however, I can find a job in the same range in the LA basin. I want a change of pace, but I love LA, so I am kinda in the middle.

And that's the exact same thing we all fall into; there is more to life than money. Consider all factors, not just the money.

DC is colder in the winter and humid in the summer.

Cost of living there is about the same as here, but the moving costs are probably going to be huge too.

Traffic DC is probably as bad as traffic LA Downtown. But one good thing in DC is less pollution

Hard decision Docstudent. I'd only move back East if I were retired (never have to drive through snow here ).... but DH doesn't want to live East coast anyway. Still rather nice to actually see the seasons sometimes!

[saveforhouse]

My Own Experience With SF Bay Area Tech Jobs

Hello Everyone,
Very interesting thread and one that I have been thinking about in the back of my mind. I also live in the SF Bay Area like the original poster and have also been contemplating a career move to a similar position for a higher salary. Below are a list of factors that I have personally been thinking through, to add to the already really great discussion:

1. Are you on Linked In? I am on this professional social networking site. While I used to get job offers every week, I am now getting only a few a month. I believe the job market is slowing down here in the Bay Area even though it's still relatively strong. Something to think about in terms of security. If you have been at a company for a while, and have a great reputation, they're less likely to lay you off than if you are the new person. You may potentially have more job security at your current job. I foresee the market getting a little softer over the coming years because of the overall economy.

2. Are you happy? I really struggle to be happy at my job. I have made it 1.5 years and the main thing that keeps me going are the desire to keep my steady income because I'm looking to buy my first house and also the huge amount of stock options I have. If I leave, I don't have enough money to exercise all of the stock options that I have vested which I believe will really be worth something a few years down the road (unless I sacrifice my down payment fund which I'm not willing to do). In short, I'm willing to trade my quality of life in the short run for money. Is this the smart thing to do? I would say not. Life is short and it's very hard to "leave" work when I go home and have the weight of the world on my shoulders.

3. Don't get enticed with "bonuses" or "commissions". I have a huge commission potential but have not seen much of it because of the softening economy. If a larger percent of your comp is based on commissions, you may not actually see a net increase if you don't get the commission.

4. You are young. If you don't have a mortgage and have the ability to be flexible, now is the time! As stated earlier, life is short and it's all about you. Your current employer cannot look out for your interests like you can. At the end of the day, you need to do what is best for you. This is where everything goes out the window and I personally may put my arguments above aside to run for the hills myself!

Best wishes and Good luck! :-)