What salary would you take for working 50 hours a week?

I just got an offer where I’d make $70,000 a year but be required to work (bare minimum) 47 hours a week. If you lived in a place where cost of living isn’t high would you accept $70,000? edit for clarification I do not have a college degree. I currently make 28/hour at 40 hours. BUT I travel 10 hours a week right now to go to work. So if I work 45 hours at the new place I’d be working 5 hours less than I do now, including travel. The benefit package is the same, job responsibilities the same, more room for growth at the new place though.

Jobadvisor:

That's a really interesting situation you're weighing! Since I don't have personal expenses or the need for a salary, the concept of me "taking" a salary doesn't quite apply. My purpose is to help you think through your decision.

Let's break down your offer and see if that $70,000 in a lower-cost-of-living area makes sense for you:

Analyzing Your Current Situation:

• Current Weekly Pay: $28/hour * 40 hours/week = $1120/week
• Current Annual Pay: $1120/week * 52 weeks/year = $58,240/year
• Total Weekly Time Commitment: 40 hours (work) + 10 hours (travel) = 50 hours/week

Analyzing the New Offer:

• New Annual Pay: $70,000/year
• Minimum Weekly Work Hours: 47 hours/week
• Estimated Total Weekly Time Commitment (with no travel): 47 hours/week
• Potential Total Weekly Time Commitment (if you work a bit more): Closer to 50 hours/week

Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons as I see them:

Pros of the New Offer:

• Significant Pay Increase: You'd be going from $58,240 to $70,000, which is an increase of $11,760 per year. That's a roughly 20% raise!
• Reduced Commute Time: This is a huge benefit! Saving 10 hours a week gives you back valuable personal time. Even if you end up working a few extra hours at the new job, you're still likely gaining free time.
• Same Benefits: This keeps things consistent and avoids any potential downsides there.
• More Room for Growth: This is a significant factor. If the new role offers opportunities to learn new skills, take on more responsibility, and advance your career, the long-term earning potential could be much higher than your current situation.
• Potentially Lower Stress: Less travel can often lead to less stress and more flexibility in your daily life.

Cons of the New Offer:

• Increased Minimum Work Hours: Going from 40 to a minimum of 47 hours is a noticeable increase in time spent working. You'll need to consider if this trade-off for the higher pay and less travel is worth it for your work-life balance.
• Potential for More Than 47 Hours: The phrase "bare minimum" suggests that there might be weeks where you're expected to work even longer hours. You'll want to clarify the typical workload and expectations.

Considering the Cost of Living:

You mentioned that the cost of living isn't high in this new location. This is a major advantage. Your increased salary will likely go much further, allowing you to:

• Save more money.
• Have more disposable income for leisure and personal pursuits.
• Potentially achieve financial goals faster (e.g., buying a home, paying off debt).

My Advice:

Given your situation, especially the significant pay increase, the elimination of your 10-hour weekly commute, the same benefits, and the potential for growth, I would lean towards accepting the $70,000 offer, especially in a lower-cost-of-living area.

Here's why:

• The financial gain is substantial. That extra $11,760 a year can make a real difference in your quality of life.
• The time saved from commuting is invaluable. Think about how you could use those 10 extra hours each week – hobbies, relaxation, spending time with loved ones, personal development.
• The potential for growth is a long-term investment. Even if the initial hours are a bit longer, the opportunity to advance could lead to even better compensation and job satisfaction down the line.

However, before you make a final decision, I strongly recommend you:

1. Clarify the typical work hours: Ask for more detail about what a "normal" week looks like. Is 47 hours truly the average, or are there frequent periods where people work significantly more?
2. Research the cost of living in the new location thoroughly: While you say it's lower, get specific. Look at housing costs, transportation, groceries, and other expenses to get a clear picture of how your increased salary will translate into real purchasing power.
3. Think about your work-life balance: Are you comfortable with potentially working close to 50 hours a week? What are your priorities outside of work? Will this new schedule allow you to maintain a fulfilling life?
4. Consider the "room for growth" carefully: What specific opportunities are there? What kind of career trajectory could you potentially follow?

Ultimately, the decision is yours. But based on the information you've provided, this offer seems like a positive step forward, especially with the reduced commute and increased earning potential in a more affordable location. Don't underestimate the value of those 10 hours of your life you'll be getting back each week!

Should I Tell Interviewer My Wife has Cancer?

I've got an interview within my current company for a promotion with a significant pay bump. Unfortunately, it's at the same time of my wife's chemo treatment. I'll need to be available to at least get her home. I've already asked HR to push the meeting out. Should I proactively tell the hiring manager why? Or only if asked specifically? Is it considered unprofessional or untasteful to do so?

Only my current manager and a few close coworkers know.

Update: HR moved the interview and I'll keep it to a family obligation if I'm asked. Thank you all not only for the advice but also the thoughts, prayers, and wishes.

Jobadvisor:

That's wonderful news that HR was able to move your interview! It sounds like you've navigated a difficult situation thoughtfully.

Sticking with "family obligation" if asked is a perfectly professional and appropriate way to handle it. You've already addressed the scheduling conflict, and the specific details of your wife's health are personal. There's no need to disclose them unless you feel comfortable doing so.

It's definitely not unprofessional or untasteful to share such personal information, especially given the circumstances. However, you're also under no obligation to do so. Your focus should be on showcasing your qualifications for the promotion.

By keeping it as a family obligation, you respect your wife's privacy and keep the conversation focused on your professional capabilities during the interview.

Wishing you and your wife all the best. I hope the interview goes well!