Would you take a huge pay-cut to work closer to home?

Swinstie73

Hi all,

First post here as got a bit of a hypothetical question re changing jobs!

Currently in a well paid job (admin) which I have strongly disliked for various reasons for the last couple of years (been with company 10 years, in this job for almost 7). Anyway, job is not actually under threat but there is talk of being put into a clerical 'pool', not sure when or where but could be relocated somewhere else.

Commute is just under 60 miles a day so the petrol is being eaten up badly. Have just seen a job advertised which is literally 10 mins from home BUT it pays £9K less than my current post. Now, assuming I applied and even got an interview, would you consider taking a huge pay-cut for the sake of being nearer home and my sanity - did I say I massively dislike my job? It is very well paid for what I do, but is no longer challenging me and I am becoming lazy to say the least.

NB - have got a joint mortgage and small debt which will be paid off next month due to my house sale (of non-martial home).

ETA - Have only been doing the 60 mile commute since last Aug - lived closer to work but moved house.

Js_Other_Half

By the time you pay less fuel, tax and ni i suspect you would have covered at least half of the difference.

Shark

60 mile commute and a job you dislike...seriously life is too short.

getmore4less

Context

9k off a 20k job is a lot harder than 9k off a 50k job.

Anyway you have 32% in taxes so £9k down to £6120

60m* 5* 46 13800py 50mpg £6gallon £1656 say £2k with service items.

£4120 thats about £16pd

Whats your comute time worth

gingerdad

Yes I would and have done. Twice in my career I've taken cuts once due to commuting cut was about 30% and once to change industry again with about 30% cut and in both cases within a couple of years I was back or above where I'd cut from.

So now I have a 20 minute commute on a good day or a bad day and work in one of the most beautiful counties in England.

So if you can afford to do it go for it don't use the short term cut as an excuse not too if necessary you might need to cut you cloth to suite.

MoneySavingUser

As people have said after tax and fuel costs and travel time the difference is a lot less - apply for the new job and see what happens

Swinstie73

Thanks for all the replies!

Commute time is around an hour a day added on, which isn't too bad as it's motorway door to door, it's just the miles that are getting to me. I'm going to do a pros and cons list, but at the end of the day there is nothing to lose if I apply. Chances of me competing with quite a number of other candidates and getting it are quite slim but can only give it a go.

Just didn't want to get interview, get offered job (if I'm very lucky) then have to decide whether I can afford to take it. Have taken a job cut before but was only a couple of grand and have worked up to a great salary where I am. Not being happy at work is swinging it for me though. Wish me luck.

P.S. Being on MSE has made me quite frugal now, I think I'd be able to live on less (and be happier)

ian103

we took a decision to relocate and totally change our lifestyle, income down by 50% but we have zero comute (we both had a 1hr commute to and from work) and live lovely part of the country. in our opinion it was all down to quality of life and in the six months since we moved we haven't regretted it so far.

somethingcorporate

I'd do it in a heartbeat.

DCFC79

Id go for the job like a shot,

Swinstie73

Well I've printed off the application form and going to fill it out over the weekend! Have just moved desks today (away from a problem colleague) and tbh still disliking job so I guess it's other factors that are making me unhappy after all.

The salary for this new job is decent, I'm going to apply and see what happens! Interviews are in two weeks time, assuming I get one, so fingers crossed!!

P.S. Thanks for the re-assurances, after all there is more to life than a high salary!