Torn Between Job And Job Opportunity

[francelajoie]

Ok, here is what I do now:

I work for a great CPA firm 3 days a week (9-3).

I babysitt 2 days a week for my sister-in-law (8-1).

Both my jobs are extremely flexible wich is great because all of my family and friends live 500 miles away and I can take long weekends any time I want no question. I have lots of free time to do personal things. I have another side job that takes about 5 to 8 hours a week for extra cash.

Here is my situation:

Our financial situation is not very good at the moment because of something that happened in the last couple years. It's not really bad but it will take time to get back on track.

Here is my possible solution:

I got a job offer. It pays more than double what I make now. It's full time. I lose my flexibility. If I have kids (soon I hope), it'll be full time daycare.

What should I do? I'm torn.

[luvs2eat]

Well, if you don't have kids right now... it's at least about a year away. I'd take the job and save as much $$ as you can! You'd lose your flexibility, like you said, but you'd help your financial situation!

[blueeyedmanda]

I have to agree, maybe the flexibility will go away but if you plan for a family in the future the extra money now will help get the current finances on the right track at the current moment and you may be able to put a small bit back for when your children do arrive. A little extra money now is nice especially with the never ending climb of gas and food prices.

[Nantzie]

I agree. Take the job, pay off some bills, save some money, maybe use some of the money to take a little vacation and enjoy your pre-kids time.

Nancy

[Mango04]

In a way a full time job provides a lot of flexibility, because you get paid time-off and benefits. If you're not required to make a long-term comittment to the full-time option, I would definitely consider it. You can always go back to part-time when you have kids...

[gfgypsyqueen]

Hate to say it, but take the job. If you want children, you will have even less free time once the kids arrive, plus your stress over finances and the cost that go along with kids will only increase. You need the moeny now. Take the job, resolve your finance problems and everything will work out. Many employers are still very flexible and allow 4 days at 10 hrs for a work week, so you could have a 3 day weekend every week.

Plus, daycare can be a last resort, but my kids have always had a blast, made good friends, and learned quite a bit in daycare. It isn't my first choice to work, but our finances mandate that I work full time now.

[Phyllis28]

In addition to an increase in income the additonal benefits such as paid vacation, paid sick leave, health insurance, and/or retirement options (401k or pension) need to be considered.

You might also consider looking into what daycare arrangements are available where you live. Although it was many years ago, part time daycare was harder to find than full time daycare where I live.

You are the only one who can decide if the addtional income and benefits are worth giving up your flexibility. In my opinion you should seriously consider the full time job to put your family in a better financial postion when baby arrives. Working full time now may allow you use the unpaid time allowed by the Family Leave Act.

If working full time at any point is too much, you always have the option to locate for part time work.

[Guest j_mommy]

I wuold take the job! That way you can make sure you're there a year prior to having children b/c then they have to save your job for you while you're out on maternity leave.....if you're there less than a year they don't legally have to!!! Plus you'll be able to save soem moola!!Good luck!!

[kbtoyssni]

I'm thinking take the job, too. You don't have kids yet. When you do decide to start a family you can find a more flexible job, but you'd probably feel better bringing a child into a more financially stable family.

[Kellygirl]

Take the full time job and run with it, make lots of cash who cares about flexibility. In the long run you will be able to collect more money while you are off having the child. Plus once you have kids there is no such thing as flexability for you, your child will dictate that part of your life.

Good luck and do what you think is right!

Kelly

[francelajoie]

Wow....thanks for all your input. I actually decided to go forward with meeting with the manager. I am meeting with him tomorrow afternoon to get a little more info on the job.

I know taking the job is the best thing but I guess letting my sister-in-law (which I babysitt for) and my current boss (which is amazing) down is what I'm really nervous about.

It's time to take care of my family now...not others.

[aikiducky]

Basically I guess it comes down to what you personally think is the most important thing about a job, for some people it's financial security, and for others it's flexibility, or being your own boss, or whatever.

I teach privately, I absolutely love my life, I have plenty of free time, but I never have very much money. Just so you know where I'm coming from.

Personally I wouldn't care about the financial side of it UNLESS you're so tight that you have to worry about not being able to meet your bills. Of course if you are really desperate financially then it makes sense to take the job. Otherwise I would take it if it is interesting and gives you something that your current job doesn't, like opportunities to learn and grow, a more interesting job, that kind of stuff. But as I said, people are very different in this respect. I'm sure for some people the way I live would be way too stressful. For me OTOH not being able to make my own schedule would be really stressful, and worrying about money is much less so.

Pauliina