Taking a job in London - two days a week

[VelmaVenkman]

There's too much going on inside my head so am writing it down. Just been offered a job in a big global company, more money (£12k more plus hefty bonus) but they want me in London twice a week. Door to door it's three hours each way. I could feasibly do it but it means up and out at 6am and not back til 8/9pm. I actually really like my current job (90% WFH) the company is great and it's very flexible which gives me great work/life balance but the CEO is a bit of a nob and the company is much smaller so less protection once he's 'on one'. I didn't actually apply for this new role, was approached directly by the company. For full disclosure, the extra money would be helpful but we're currently financially comfortable. Also not sure whether new company would expect me to fund all my travel, waiting for clarification on that. WWYD???

So you'd be working almost two extra days. 2 x 6 hour commutes . Nah.

For twice a week in London it’s not worth it. I do a 3.5/4 hours commute (each way) to London and I said twice a month. It takes it out of you very quickly. But the positive is that you now know you want a new job and can go out and look for one

How much is the commute and any tax implications?

Do you have children OP as that would def impact my decision?

Could you do the 2 days consecutively and stay overnight?

Also, how firmly do you think it would be enforced? My DH is supposed to be in the office twice a week, but nothing is said if he isn't. He tends to go in if it makes his job easier so sometimes may be more than 2 x and then nothing for a couple of weeks.

Yes. A 7 year old. DH very flexible job too but I like being at home and being able to get things done.

Try and negotiate one day a week or even once a fortnight in London. Especially as the company approached you for the job.

My boss is in a different country and says I need to be there for senior level visibility.

I would try and negotiate two days every second week and stay overnight. But it will eat into your £12k quickly.

Could the 2 days be concurrent and you stay over? Stay late the first day, go in early the second and then leave at a reasonable time on the second?
I can see there is a big cost to this though.

I'd be amazed if they pay for your travel, not least because then everyone else who travels there for the same policy would have a case to have theirs paid too.
So I think not unless they can offer you more money to offset the travel cost and inconvenience. Is that 12k gross? If you pay 40% tax would be £7.2k net, then a big chunk on rail fares....

Wouldn't work for me, no way.

My husband started doing this, with similar distances/timings although he is usually back about 7-7.30 and it quickly became three days a week which is being monitored for all staff. However in his role it is completely unnecessary as no one he works with is based on London. £12k after tax will probably just about cover the train fares, leaving you no better off. DH took his role because it was a HUGE additional salary increase even when fares were taken into account. His plan is to do this for 5 years or so and save loads so that he can get experience at the highest levels and then move into a slightly lower paid local or WFH role. He stays over about once a month if he can find a cheap hotel room which takes the pressure off him a bit and means he can stay at work later and then probably once a month/6 weeks he only goes two days.

How much would it cost you in commuting?

If I did it two days a week non concurrent it would be £160 a day. So over £1.2k a month. Which would make no financial sense. I almost hope they don't offer to pay travel so I can turn it down. That says a lot doesn't it??

6 hour round trip twice a week especially with DC, not in a million years would I take it. You will be burnt out

Thank you, I think I just needed someone to tell me that. If it were once a week, I think I'd snap their hands off but twice a week is just going to tip the balance over to unsustainable.

I’ve told recruiter that I’d need at least £20k pay rise to simply cover the commute cost before now. I think it’s not worth it even if you break even, unless it’s the role of your dreams.

There are also tax implications if they offer to pay travel. Basically you'd be taxed on that as a benefit AFAIK. Check hmrc guidelines on commuting and place of work.
It seems a very long journey to do so regularly but I do know some people who do that sort of thing but typically they'd stay over so commute in Tues, stay over Tues night and back Weds.

It would be very unusual for them to pay for your travel to your own workplace. You’d probably have more luck negotiating a higher salary.

My husband had to do this when he was posted to a different station (police) and it was awful. 12 hour days and a combined 6 hour commute on top nearly killed him, me and our marriage struggled. Granted he was 4-7 days a week depending on shift rotation but still, thats a heck of a commute for a minimal payrise once travel is taken into account.

If they are approaching you unprompted and you don't mind turning it down, you're in the ultimate bargaining position aren't you. See if you can turn it into the job you actually want by negotiation, and if you can't, no skin off your nose.

Also expenses of this kind are taxable unless you're an MP.

I recently turned down a job where they wanted 2 days a week in London - I was happy to do the 2 days but they wouldn't put it in the contract, so it could have been changed to 5 at any point. If you decide to do the 2 days, make sure you are happy with what the contract says.

I’d be upfront with my employer and say that “I’ve been approached by another company, I am not looking to leave as I am really happy here, but they have offered a salary increase of £12k which has made me think about the current salary rate for my role. Is there scope to look at benchmarking my current salary?”