Would you...



  • I've been doing a certain kind of programming in a certain industry for most of my 25 year career.

    Recently, something happened to my company that is widespread throughout my particular industry; worthy of volumes of WTF-ness, but that's another topic. The industry's and in particular my company's response was to short-change us workers by keeping us hanging as to our disposition. Do we have jobs? Will we get offered jobs but at less money? Will we be tossed in the trash bin? Senior management actually took proactive steps to try to keep any of us from finding other jobs elsewhere.

    Since I'm kind of a go-getter, I managed to come up with a couple of interesting offers. One is for way more money, but in the same wtf situation, just one-company-over. Another is a straight lateral, as a consultant to the same asshole companies at which I'm royally PO'd. The third, is a 20% pay cut (I can afford it), doing exactly what I am doing now (I really enjoy what I do, just not for whom I do it), but in a totally different industry, which BTW happens to have 7 hour days, no overtime and much better benefits.

    My wife is pushing for the jump out of my present industry, damn the money. While I recognize that every barrel has it's bad apple(s), I tend to concur as I'm sick of being under the thumbscrews of short sighted buffoons.

    Would you take the cut?

     



  • First, you need to accept that it's not your fault that the Desktop Search industry you've known for so long has been made irrelevant thanks the SSDS. But since SSDS isn't going anywhere, you might as well jump industries. Can't beat shorter days, so long as you can afford the cut.



  • Benefits and my PTO time are what keeps me at my company more than any other factor and I've often said I would turn down a significant raise if I had to give up the PTO and benefits so as a flip side of the coin response: yes



  • @bstorer said:

    First, you need to accept that it's not your fault that the Desktop Search industry you've known for so long has been made irrelevant thanks the SSDS. But since SSDS isn't going anywhere, you might as well jump industries. Can't beat shorter days, so long as you can afford the cut.

    Actually, it's nothing like Desktop Search or SSDS, but I agree with your last sentence...


  • Personally I'd go for job satisfaction first. The way I see it if I'm going be miserable then compensation doesn't matter all that much. What am I going to do, save my money now and have wild parties on my yacht when I'm 70?



  • Ditto.  Lots of money isn't worth it if the company still treats you like trash.  If you don't mind the 20% cut but all the other benefits suit you then go for it.  Keep in mind it might be possible after a year or so to get raises or promotions.



  • I was in a similar situation, but was a choice of uncertainty with the aquiring company OR another company totaly different diff industry too. I went with diff company, lost a possible 3 month bonus for staying, and am glad every day for it.

    edit: pay was same, bit better benefits in new company, old company offered 3 month salary incentive to stay bonus after 6mo of staying.

    edit 2: actually my days are now a bit shorter, and no more working till 2am (happened once in old job) caz of a surprise client installation.



  •  a 20% paycut along with a 16% workhour cut and no overtime?  Maybe some consulting/contracting on the side could allow you to keep the same pay and workload while reaping the benefits



  • I made that decision 6 years ago. I asked my boss for a reduced workload. Working 80% now (i.e. got a free friday) and, of course, made 20% less money. I can afford it. And the increase in life satisfaction is immeasurable. Changed employer 3 times since, was able to keep the 80% employment rate. Am currently back to the employer I had 6 years ago, albeit with another company.

    It turns out that having an official workload of 80% means working 80% -- instead of the 120% that "normal" employees usually do...



  • @Yoooder said:

     a 20% paycut along with a 16% workhour cut and no overtime?  Maybe some consulting/contracting on the side could allow you to keep the same pay and workload while reaping the benefits

    Actually, it's more like reducing a typical 11 work-hour day to 7. Huge difference!

    On the interview, the new company knew what I'm currently making, so they tried to sell me on the benefits and quality of life. They specifically mentioned that you can do consulting on the side to pick up some extra cash (my present employer/industry feels that you owe them 7/24 availability and thus no on-the-side work).

    The more I think about it, the more I am convinced that switching is the right thing to do...



  • @snoofle said:

    my present employer/industry feels that you owe them 7/24 availability and thus no on-the-side work
     

    If there's one thing I've learned, it's that having a job which doesn't "let go" when the clock strikes hometime leads to an unhealthy mind. A job which allows and encourages you to pursue life outside the company is an awesome thing. 



  • @snoofle said:

    Actually, it's more like reducing a typical 11 work-hour day to 7. Huge difference!

    On the interview, the new company knew what I'm currently making, so they tried to sell me on the benefits and quality of life. They specifically mentioned that you can do consulting on the side to pick up some extra cash (my present employer/industry feels that you owe them 7/24 availability and thus no on-the-side work).

    The more I think about it, the more I am convinced that switching is the right thing to do...

     

    Seems very reasonable to me. Consulting can give you lots of extra money when you really need it (and sacrifice most of your free time).I have this possibilty too in my job, and I wouldn't want to miss it.



  • I think that asking for internet advice is usually caused by wishing to have your own opinion confirmed. Not that there's anything wrong with it, and I'll be the first to tell you to go for job satisfaction any day - especially if you can afford it.



  • I want to join the chorus of "take the pay cut job"

    I guess you could say I've done that, but this is my first job and I didn't have to switch.  Just the wages are a bit low, benefits are nice, and I get to go home when I feel like it.  



  • Last time I changed jobs, I turned down a job paying 20% more in favour of one paying effectivly the same as I was already on.  I think it was a good choice, as I love where I am now. After turning down the better paying job, the CFO sent me a nasty e-mail about my wasting their time, so I think I dodged a bullet there anyway.

    This isn't exactly the same as your situation, although I was earning what I considered to be a pretty low salary for a programmer. If you can actually afford the 20% cut, then go for it.



  • I'd take the paycut for less hours, no overtime, and better benefits.

    Time and health are always > cash. 


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