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Original poster

To turn down a 3x salary job?

409 replies

Fressia123 · 03/12/2020 11:33

I'm really really torn. Earlier in the year I got offered a job that pays £60k. I couldn't take it as it required relocation. They just got back to me to say they're happy to offer same role, different location but within commuting distance (1 hour drive). My current job pays £21k. I love what I'm building with it but I seriously doubt it will ever get beyond £30k. So it's between loving my company/job and the £££s. I'm absolutely torn.

OP posts:
MyMajesty · 03/12/2020 12:25

You must have wanted to change jobs, before you applied for it.

Everyone feels "Do I really want to do this?" when they're changing jobs - even when they know they definitely do want to.

Others who are better informed about this, from a previous thread of yours, are saying go for it - so it sounds like you should. Smile

BIWI · 03/12/2020 12:25

But you might love the new job too!

I'd take it. Just make sure you're completely aware of the responsibilities/demands on your time, and also that the commute is genuinely an hour.

Even if you don't love it, it's a stepping stone into your next role, and a further salary increase.

Aquicknamechange2019 · 03/12/2020 12:25

I would do it. I have worked with Amazon on the business side and it's a great company with lots of opportunity for development. IIRC, it's your language skills they want isn't it, as opposed to a warehouse role? The world is your oyster there. The experience alone would be worth the move and you can always move "back" if you really hate it.

Headfellofftheangel · 03/12/2020 12:26

When I did a similar jump, with a huge leap in responsibility, I told myself it was for two years and after that I could move.

You could absolutely then take everything you learn from Amazon, which will be a lot, and decide to deploy it with them, with a competitor, to start your own business.

You may or may not like them, but if you're early in your career it'd be like doing an MBA working for them for a couple of years.

Racoonworld · 03/12/2020 12:27

For me it would depend on your circumstances. Are you single, do you have children, do you have a high income partner? If your partner is already on a high income I actually might not take it, you already have enough money and the extra commute and stress of a higher job would impact on family life. If you are single or your partner is on a low/middle salary then I would definitely take it as the extra quality of life for you and your family would be huge. You say your current job wont ever really go above £30k, that is such a low salary when you get older, you will never really have much chance to save for retirement or buy a nice house.

thepeopleversuswork · 03/12/2020 12:27

Take it. No question.
That kind of a salary increase could be life changing. And if you hate it, you can leave for a job you prefer on a similar salary.
Much harder to lever up the pay from a starting point of £20k.

PhineasRedux · 03/12/2020 12:28

Take it x 1,000.

Generally, people who say money isn't everything are reasonably well off.

I have not been well off since Lockdown, and I am now regretting all the well paid, stable jobs I have turned down in the past.

Twatalert · 03/12/2020 12:30

I would establish why this position is available again or why it is available still. Is it so specialised they genuinely can't find anyone (doubt it), has the person been promoted so quickly or left and why?

Also, go in and negotiate wfh days before signing.

BIWI · 03/12/2020 12:30

@Racoonworld

For me it would depend on your circumstances. Are you single, do you have children, do you have a high income partner? If your partner is already on a high income I actually might not take it, you already have enough money and the extra commute and stress of a higher job would impact on family life. If you are single or your partner is on a low/middle salary then I would definitely take it as the extra quality of life for you and your family would be huge. You say your current job wont ever really go above £30k, that is such a low salary when you get older, you will never really have much chance to save for retirement or buy a nice house.
Why does it depend on what her partner (if she has one) is earning? This is about the OP's own role/self-esteem/job satisfaction/earning capacity and future pension - i.e. her independence, both emotionally and financially - not relying on a man to support her.

Absolutely any potential impact on any children (if there are any) should be considered, but if that's an issue, then that gets worked out with any partner.

Stircrazyschoolmum · 03/12/2020 12:30

There will be a big tax jump and 2 hours of your life lost to a commute every day. I guess it depends how much you want the money (are you financially comfortable?) and how old your children are. If you end up spending excessive amounts on wraparound childcare, tax and commuting then you need to really love the job to do it. Is there an opportunity to work from home part of it?

Also consider future job security. If they spit you out in 6 months time you will be in a worse position. (Although it looks good to say that your most recent salary was 60k as opposed to 21k)

CaveMum · 03/12/2020 12:32

All I’d say is be a bit careful with Amazon. DH was offered a role with them in January this year as part of their military recruitment programme. He ended up turning it down in favour of a job closer to home, but a friend of his who was on the same intake ended up leaving Amazon after just 6 months as they flogged him to death (senior management role).

Having Amazon on your CV will look great, but they will take their pound of flesh! If you can stick it out for a year or so then move on to another company, where you can command a comparable salary, it’s probably worth it.

Original poster
Fressia123 · 03/12/2020 12:32

It's a completely different industry. At the moment I'm a Key Account Manager but the idea is that I'll become Head/ Director within a year. The job at Amazon is an Ops Manger for one of their distribution centres so very different roles.

OP posts:
RaspberryCoulis · 03/12/2020 12:32

I can't believe this is even a question.

Yes I can see that if it were £2k more then there's a balance to be struck between the familiarity and comfort, and the risk of trying something new and not liking it.

But for 3 times as much? You'd be insane not to take it. Are you generally very risk averse and terrified of change, OP?

Original poster
Fressia123 · 03/12/2020 12:33

@CaveMum I think it's probably the same type of role given what you're saying.

OP posts:
Nancydrawn · 03/12/2020 12:34

But you don't love your company/your job. Last month you felt really undervalued and were given a tiny salary bump for an enormous amount of work. You were sad you had to turn down the Amazon job and felt like there would be no career progression. (I also remember your thread--I'm not past-post snooping.)

Actually, I think you should past-post snoop on yourself--go back and read that thread. I think it will give you useful perspective.

Original poster
Fressia123 · 03/12/2020 12:35

For the first time it's about job satisfaction and not the money. In the not very far future, I'll be building my own team managing and heading a whole division of my company. It's also an industry I absolutely adore (music!) And I know title wise being Director / Head of whatever is going to look awesome too.

OP posts:
MoreJammyDodgersPlease · 03/12/2020 12:36

Have a look on glassdoor, you might get more insight into work conditions in the position and location you are considering.

catsmother20 · 03/12/2020 12:37

@Racoonworld I disagree with your (quite dated) post. Circumstances don't account for career progression, sometimes it is worth taking on additional challenges such as a commute or even a pay cut if it is putting you on a better career path, if the OP wants a career she needs to consider which offers the best opportunity and fulfilment. How depressing someone would limit their career opportunities and ambitions because their partner "brings in enough".

Embracelife · 03/12/2020 12:38

Take it.
Spare money to outsource ansmd pay cleaner housejkeeping food boxes lije hello fresh

Original poster
Fressia123 · 03/12/2020 12:38

Yes and that feeling was because of the lack of clarity / transparency from my CEO. It really made me think I was imagining things. speaking to my new line manager it turns out everything I thought I had understood about where I was going was right, but I needed to learn the ropes of the industry and I got what he meant (my CEO).

OP posts:
ILoveAllRainbowsx · 03/12/2020 12:39

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

helloxhristmas · 03/12/2020 12:39

I have a felling the Amazon bods will shut this down PDQ.

However, from your last post, just do it.

toastfiend · 03/12/2020 12:40

I would take it. A 1hr commute isn't too terrible. I actually used to quite like the time to listen to audio books and decompress before getting home. The other company obviously really want you and there's nothing to say they won't treat you just as well as your present employer. I left a job I really enjoyed for a role with a significant pay jump. The stress is greater, but the respect and flexibility I am given is, too. Overall, it was a great move for me.

Echo others, don't burn your bridges with your current organisation. Then if you want to you may be able to return in the future. But that kind of pay jump doesn't happen for many people and I think it would be daft to waste that opportunity if you are confident that you can do the job well.

Cam77 · 03/12/2020 12:40

SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!

helloxhristmas · 03/12/2020 12:40

@ILoveAllRainbowsx

I'd be careful. A large company is totally different from a small company. I have worked in both. I prefer working in a small company, but you might prefer a large one.

I remember your original thread.

Is the commute by car or train? A one hour commute is long. Do you have children?

A + one hour commute is bod standard if you are in the 'burbs of London.