Which Job Would You Take? More Money vs. Working Remotely

[Skywalker]

Hello, so if you had the choice between two jobs which would you take? The job roles/duties are very similar.

Job A: $18/hr fully remote
Job B: $ 36/hr with a one-hour commute each way (about half country driving and half highway)

So yeah Job B literally pays twice what Job A pays. Is the convenience of working from home worth the trade off?

Just wondering what others would do?

Potential employee is 55 years old, about 10 years to retirement.

 

[Christine]

Hmmm...this is tough. I tend to look at the long-game. Sometimes the jobs where you have to go in may offer even more potential and money later on. I'd also have to look at the work in each job and which I might enjoy.

Does Job B offer *any* ability to work from home or is it every day in office.

That said, if you don't care about either and money is not an issue, I'd elect to work at home.

 

[petrola]

Depends on a few things also. I have kids in school so working from home has allowed me to be able to drive my kids and pick them up from school and sports. And to be there when they get home from school. My husband also works, so it's not a big deal if I work from home for less $$ or don't work at all. But honestly I don't think I'd commute for double my salary. Or even triple. Working from home has too many advantages from my perspective.

 

[sam_gordon]

Hello, so if you had the choice between two jobs which would you take? The job roles/duties are very similar.

Job A: $18/hr fully remote
Job B: $ 36/hr with a one-hour commute each way (about half country driving and half highway)

So yeah Job B literally pays twice what Job A pays. Is the convenience of working from home worth the trade off?

Just wondering what others would do?

Potential employee is 55 years old, about 10 years to retirement.

That one's tough. I mean the difference in money is really negligible. Two hours/day at the difference of $18 is $9/hour of your "time", plus added wear and tear on your car.

I personally like being in an office around others, but I don't know with the information provided if it would be worth it. Is there any chance of advancement in those 10 years at either job (meaning more money)? Anyone to find out what bosses/coworkers would be like?

Based just on cost and commute, I think I'd take job A, but there are other factors that could sway me to B. More vacation time? Better benefits? Better environment?

 

[mom2rtk]

Do you need the money to be able to afford your bills? It's a different calculus when it's "need" money versus "want" money.

 

[Lumpy1106]

Which job do you like better?
From a math standpoint, 2024 reimbursement is $0.67/mile (to calculate the value of gas plus wear and tear on your car). Assuming 90 miles/day, that works out to about $13,000/year. Difference in the salary is about $37,500. So, just using math, take the higher paying job.

But...
If you really hate the work environment, then you are not going to like the job. I personally really value working in an office, but really need the flexibility to deal with kids' activities etc. Does the higher paying job allow for this?

I voted higher paying job with commute, but YMMV (pun intended).

 

[tvguy]

I wouldn't take any job remote or not that paid less than $25 an hour. And these days in California, $25 an hour is fast food wages.

 

[MamaMermaid]

I'd rather work from home for various reasons.

 

[NYCgrrl]

So yeah Job B literally pays twice what Job A pays. Is the convenience of working from home worth the trade off?

Just wondering what others would do?

Potential employee is 55 years old, about 10 years to retirement.

Given the above info it’s a no brainer for me: Job B.
I could put up with much for 10 years assuming I thought collecting SS was a good idea at age 65 (I don’t but you do you).

 

[sam_gordon]

Which job do you like better?
From a math standpoint, 2024 reimbursement is $0.67/mile (to calculate the value of gas plus wear and tear on your car). Assuming 90 miles/day, that works out to about $13,000/year. Difference in the salary is about $37,500. So, just using math, take the higher paying job.

But...
If you really hate the work environment, then you are not going to like the job. I personally really value working in an office, but really need the flexibility to deal with kids' activities etc. Does the higher paying job allow for this?

I voted higher paying job with commute, but YMMV (pun intended).

But, how much is 10 hours/week worth? Thats how much you lose in commuting. Thats the 'x' factor which will be different for everyone.