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Got a job offer in the public sector today.

Posted on 1/19/16 at 11:01 pm
Posted by iamAG
Member since Aug 2015
3517 posts
Posted on 1/19/16 at 11:01 pm
Wanted to have a better work life balance. The only problem is the position would be a 20k a year pay cut. I understood a pay cut would happen, but I told myself anything more than 10k amd I would turn it down. The decision should be easy but I'm actually thinking about it. The 16 paid holidays,vacation, and sick are hard to ignore. I could live the same lifestyle I am currently living. It would be a little tighter obviously, but doable. How much is time home really worth? Hard decisions any advice will be appreciated.
This post was edited on 1/19/16 at 11:03 pm
Posted by iamAG
Member since Aug 2015
3517 posts
Posted on 1/19/16 at 11:03 pm to
Sorry about the terrible grammar in the op.
Posted by lynxcat
Member since Jan 2008
24159 posts
Posted on 1/19/16 at 11:04 pm to
Counter offer. Albeit, I don't know how much public jobs can flex.

The work ethic of corporate America sometimes frustrates me so I can not begin to imagine working in the public sector.
Posted by iamAG
Member since Aug 2015
3517 posts
Posted on 1/19/16 at 11:10 pm to
They offered me top pay of the level the job was listed as. I'm not sure if they can up levels. Does anyone know the answer? I guess it's worth a try either way.
This post was edited on 1/19/16 at 11:32 pm
Posted by yellowhammer2098
New Orleans, LA
Member since Mar 2013
3850 posts
Posted on 1/19/16 at 11:33 pm to
I'd say it would depend on your life situation. If you've got a wife and kids that you want to spend more time with, the pay cut may be worth it.

If you're single but planning on having wife/kids in the future, may want to tough it out now so it is easier for you to take that pay cut in the future.
Posted by castorinho
13623 posts
Member since Nov 2010
82033 posts
Posted on 1/20/16 at 5:17 am to
Factor in job security. Seems like you have to really really try to get fired for most public jobs.
Posted by wfallstiger
Wichita Falls, Texas
Member since Jun 2006
11458 posts
Posted on 1/20/16 at 7:07 am to
Have spent time in both worlds and at the end of the day people are people and your work ethic will determine your sense of satisfaction.

Time versus what money can purchase....is a matter of which of the two you prefer....one can have both and maybe time in the public sector, after being in the private may ultimately bring you to that point...having both as it could crystallize your eventual landing place

Good luck
Posted by yellowfin
Coastal Bar
Member since May 2006
97649 posts
Posted on 1/20/16 at 8:03 am to
What percentage is that?

20k cut from 160k no big deal
20k cut from 60k will significantly change your lifestyle
Posted by The Spleen
Member since Dec 2010
38865 posts
Posted on 1/20/16 at 8:06 am to
quote:

How much is time home really worth?



With kids, it's near the top of importance to me. You can't get those years back. I could be making a lot more money than I am now, but being home everyday soon after the kids get home from school is invaluable to me.

Everyone is different though. I've never had much interest in climbing the corporate ladder.
Posted by slaphappy
Kansas City
Member since Nov 2005
2340 posts
Posted on 1/20/16 at 9:51 am to
I worked in the public sector while my kids were young. I never missed a ball game, play, parent-teacher conference and had lots of family time. We took one long family vacation each year. Actually, the leave policies are ridiculous. When I left the public sector, I was earning 8 weeks vacation and 8 weeks sick leave.
Posted by TheChosenOne
Member since Dec 2005
18521 posts
Posted on 1/20/16 at 10:20 am to
quote:

With kids, it's near the top of importance to me. You can't get those years back. I could be making a lot more money than I am now, but being home everyday soon after the kids get home from school is invaluable to me.


My dad was always working late or traveling when I was a kid and he made a killing. So much so that he retired at 48 years old. At that time my sister was out of the house and I left a year later for college. To this day whenever I talk about my job, he says he would trade all of his money and would work until he was 70 if it meant that he was able to be around more when we were younger. It's pretty sad.
Posted by seawolf06
NH
Member since Oct 2007
8159 posts
Posted on 1/20/16 at 11:03 am to
Have you also considered any retirement benefits in the $20k cut?
Posted by StringedInstruments
Member since Oct 2013
18418 posts
Posted on 1/20/16 at 11:27 am to
I worked as a teacher for a while. Time off is 100% worth it. I didn't even like teaching but I'm considering going back because you can't beat having that much time for yourself and for your family.

But not having money sucks. If your spouse works, it's definitely manageable. Frugality becomes your friend.
Posted by WPBTiger
Parts Unknown
Member since Nov 2011
31084 posts
Posted on 1/20/16 at 12:12 pm to
Are the retirement benefits better? Might be better in the long run.
Posted by 9BREES9
Thibodaux
Member since Jan 2009
1374 posts
Posted on 1/20/16 at 7:50 pm to
In Higher Ed and I wouldn't trade the time off. Wife and I are in our mid 20's and we're both working on our Masters. We want kids but not at least for another 3-4 years. All the holidays and vacation time are great.
Posted by BayouSizzle
New Orleans
Member since Jan 2016
316 posts
Posted on 1/20/16 at 8:20 pm to
Of all the limited resources in life, there is none more limited / precious than time.

Do not take it for granted.

Unfortunately, we humans built a society that is hooked on $ and an economic system that often overlooks the value of time.

Good luck - tough trade off.
Posted by foshizzle
Washington DC metro
Member since Mar 2008
40599 posts
Posted on 1/20/16 at 8:54 pm to
quote:

They offered me top pay of the level the job was listed as. I'm not sure if they can up levels.


Try to get the lower band of the next higher level if you can. It'll be easier to get increases later.
Posted by matthew25
Member since Jun 2012
9425 posts
Posted on 1/20/16 at 9:43 pm to
Will you now have a pension v. 401k?

Generally, benefits in the private sector are 30%. In the public sector, benefits are 35%.
Posted by barry
Location, Location, Location
Member since Aug 2006
50347 posts
Posted on 1/20/16 at 9:50 pm to
Personally I shoot myself if I had to work with public sector people. The main perks are job security and time off, guess what type of people you will attract?
Posted by 81Tiger
LSU Alumnus
Member since Sep 2009
6629 posts
Posted on 1/21/16 at 2:19 pm to
quote:

8 weeks vacation and 8 weeks sick leave





Q. Why don't you ever see "public sector" employees looking out office windows in the morning?


A. That's what afternoons are for.
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